On December 23, 1783, General George Washington resigned as commander in chief of the Continental Army. His first meal as a private citizen after the American Revolution was here at London Town. Thirteen years later, Washington informed the nation that he was not going to seek a third term as President of the newly-formed United States. His actions set forth a precedent that we are a nation of laws committed to the peaceful transition of power. What occurred Wednesday at our nation's capital was a travesty of these ideals. An unruly mob interrupting a Constitutionally-mandated function of government is exactly what Washington and his fellow Founders feared. The history we explore here at London Town is a mix of good and ill. We have such great moments in our history that we should be proud of. Moments that are a beacon of hope and inspiration to ourselves and others. But then we have days like Wednesday that should cause us to become more introspective and remind us that our nation is a grand experiment in democracy and self-governance that requires constant tending. Our history shows us that we are better than this. That we can be better than this. Our history also shows us that we have had close calls. It was not certain that the North would win the Civil War. It was not certain that we would enter World War II. It was not certain when our Constitution was created more than 200 years ago that the United States would remain a nation, much less a constitutional republic, today. But we did win the Civil War and started the unfinished business of creating a more perfect union for all. We did enter World War II on behalf of the Allies and helped create a better world for all. And we are, for now at least, still a constitutional republic. Those accomplishments did not occur easily. They did not occur without discussion. They did not occur without controversy. But they did all occur because a majority of this country committed to the rule of law. They committed to our higher ideals of justice and equality. They committed to doing the hard work of ensuring that our democracy survived. We at London Town do not know what exactly will occur next. But we do know that letting Wednesday's events occur without condemnation does not bode well for our nation.

The Dell with a Dawn Redwood tree (Metasequoia gylptostroboides) and the South River London Town's garden is a sanctuary of its own. The beautiful South River wrapping around its edges makes every section of the garden feel serene, but what gives the gardens its true depth of serenity is the fact that it is home to several living collections that teach us about endemism, conservation and evolution. What does endemism mean? "Endemism refers to a species that is restricted to a particular geographic region as a result of factors such as isolation or in response to abiotic conditions." (Source) "Endemic plant species are usually more vulnerable to anthropogenic threats and natural changes and, therefore, hold a higher extinction risk. Ex situ conservation measures must be undertaken to support the conservation of these species". https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32182892/ Dawn Redwood tree (Metasequoia gylptostroboides) by the Visitor Center One easy example of endemic species is: Sequoia sempervirens, coast redwood or California redwood. This species is different than Metasequoia gylptostroboides which is commonly called as Dawn Redwood. London Town is home to four outstanding Dawn Redwood specimens. Dawn Redwoods are endemic to China. Coast redwoods on the other hand are endemic to the costal area of Northern California and Southwestern Oregon. Now Giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) is a whole another 'big' story. They are the oldest and largest living trees on earth and they are endemic to Sierra Nevada range in central California. Endemic plants are unique, rare and to be treasured. They have higher risk of being threatened with extinction because of many factors, isolated geographic locations for one. Botanical gardens are an excellent repository for ex-situ conservation, education and display of these rare endemics. However, only some endemic species can be introduced and survive outside their non-native habitats. "Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwood) (Taxodiaceae), a living fossil endemic to China, may be the most successfully recovered threatened species, with many more individuals and a much wider distribution than fossil records indicate." https://www.jstor.org/stable/3591025?seq=1 Hakone macra grass and Strachrus praecox Two other unique rare gems found at London Town are: Hakone macra and Stachrus praecox. Hakone grass is now common in nursery trade, it is endemic to the hakone region of Japan near Mt. Fuji. Stachyrus praecox is also one such unique plants. "Stachyurus praecox is a deciduous, endemic pioneer shrub, common along forest edges in warm temperate Japan". https://herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/.../ST/Stachyuruspraecox Hope you enjoyed a small glimpse of the rare living collections of a unique garden sanctuary, London Town. There are many more living collections that are awe inspiring.

Rudbeckias' yellows in the pollinator section of the Lilian S. Hall Memorial Garden take center stage in late summer as the cottage garden slows down. Nature is versatile, flamboyant and subtle all at the same time. Everything aside, it is transient. Changing lifecycles, seasons and patterns of growth, diversify landscape colors throughout the year. For us in the eastern Mid-Atlantic, we get to enjoy landscape canvases turn around with varied color palettes in good four full seasons. Give a clean canvas to an artistic gardener and the rest is a colorful story. London Town gardens has had two outstanding artists that have colored the woodland landscapes specifically keeping four seasons in mind and given us ample canvas colors to enjoy. Maples (Acer palmatum) add lime green to the pastel pink canvas of the Azalea glade in mid spring. One of my favorite landscape canvas in the gardens is the Azalea glade in the woodland gardens, which is a steep ravine with Azaleas growing on either side. Tony Dove (Director of Horticulture in the 80's-90's) added diverse array of Azaleas, that light up the canvas of the ravine with pastels and pinks throughout spring. The upper canopy layer at that time turns lime light green with new leaves of Maples. The same Maples then turn flamboyant red in fall and completely turn over the color pallet of the ravine canvas. In deep summer, the greens bounce off with the beige-grey stairs colors and the blue of the river in the background. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) paint the Azalea glade bright red in fall When planting Azaleas, think of summer-fall colors of the canvas you are adding them too. Then you wont have to wait around for only one highlight color plant to change color. Chartreuse green Hakone grass in summer Another landscape artiste at London Town, Cathy Umphrey (Director of Horticulture in early 2000) planted a highly versatile Hakonechola grass in select sections in the woodland gardens. Nooks and corners that otherwise go unnoticed, come alive in summer and fall. Hakone grass is versatile and its leaves turn crisp chartreuse green-white in summer and in fall they change to yellow-orange-beige shades, leaving ample color for an otherwise dull canvas. In one particular section, Cathy brilliantly bounced off the bronze-yellow of the Hakonechola with Red Maple in the backdrop. A landscape canvas to hold your breath for! Hakone grass in fall with Red Maples in the backdrop For sunny areas, try yellows with deep greens in the backdrop. Rudbeckias are the highlight in our ornamental Hall gardens pollinator section. The backdrop is deep green Magnolias and other cottage garden plants that have either slowed down or are picking up right when Rudbeckias are at their best. Next week, let's look at 'Moon gardens'. In landscape canvas art, white at night is brilliant! White mixes excellently in landscapes of either deep shade or fun bright sun. Color combinations in nature itself are exquisite and extremely diverse. But when one can play with these colors and mix them up for seasonal changes, it is the most fun form of coloring. Yellow Knock Out Rose with beautiful blue South River in the backdrop While plants combinations are key, also think of hardscapes around the plants for color choices and natural elements of water. The yellow knock out rose in the ornamental garden was still knocking out the winter winds, as late as last week. With the deep blue of the South river in the backdrop, doesn't that make a colorful landscape canvas?

I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you. This year has been challenging, but you’ve stood with us the entire time. I’m incredibly grateful for your ongoing support. Whether that’s been a donation, being a member, volunteering, visiting London Town, or liking us online at Facebook or Instagram – you have made a difference to all of us. When London Town closed last spring, I wasn’t sure what would happen, but I knew we would survive. Why? Because of the generosity of supporters like you. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for our ReLeaf Fund. And then again after the tornado hit the gardens in September. So many of you have helped us, and we are working hard to honor what you’ve given us. Because, as you know, the gardens and history here don’t care that there has been a pandemic. They still need to be maintained. We have been entrusted with their care so that we can always be ready to share them with you. When London Town reopened, so many of you came out. I’ve never seen anything like it. But I get it! After months cooped up, London Town offers a safe, outdoor space with beautiful gardens, welcoming river views, and fresh air. There is plenty of space here to be physically distanced together. We are here for you. To share the special history of this site, even when it’s difficult and complex. To share the beauty of these gardens, which rejuvenate the mind and body. London Town exists to inspire you. So, thank you. Thank you for being by our side through this challenging time. In return, we promise to be by yours. Next year begins our 50th anniversary of being open to the public. And while we may not be able to do all of the events we had hoped, we are still planning some exciting surprises for 2021. We’re not just looking back to when London Town opened in 1971, but we’re also looking ahead. I hope you’ll continue to join us for the journey forward. Thank you. You are the reason we are open, and I’m grateful to you. I hope to see you on-site soon. Thank you, Rod Rod Cofield Executive Director Historic London Town and Gardens rodcofield@historiclondontown.org P.S. We're not asking for donations today, but if you are interested in supporting London Town's next 50 years, you can learn more about donating here. Thank you.

Nature's fall tapestry: Yellow Amsonia, Salvia purples, Sedum bronze and Yucca yellow-greens. True beauty lies within. Very true when it comes to plant parts as well, especially when you look at the intensely integrated cell systems in the leaves, flower petals and much more. Underside of Oak Leaf Hydrangea leaf showing clear leaf venation patterns. Let's dive into the leaves with a botanist's lens. Leaf veins (lines seen mostly on the back of the leaves to the naked eye) might seem to be intertwined in a haphazard pattern, but it is quite an intense tapestry of veins with different thicknesses. This beautiful interwoven tapestry is responsible for the all the liquid and gas exchange for the whole plant as well as structural support for the leaf itself. "Underlying their vascular diversity, angiosperm leaves share a common structural framework and developmental algorithm. Dicotyledonous plants generally possess a reticulate hierarchy based on vein diameter and branching, which evolved early in angiosperms. Typically, the 'major veins' include one or more first order (1°) veins running from the petiole towards the leaf apex, with second order (2°) veins branching off at intervals, and the third order (3°) veins and up to five additional orders of smaller 'minor veins' forming a reticulate mesh between the 1° and 2° veins.” (Source:https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms1835) Underside of Southern Magnolia leaf showing leaf venation pattern when held against the sunlight. Two leaves to use as easy examples to look at veins, even with a naked eye, are: Magnolia leaves and Oak Leaf Hydrangea leaves. With colors changing for fall, the red-orange anthocyanin pigments in the Oak Leaf Hydrangeas present quite a colorful tapestry of different degrees of veins. But it's best to catch these leaves before they drop. On the other hand, Southern Magnolia evergreen leaves can be observed all year long. When held against bright sunlight, you can see clear venation patterns on the back side. The main veins seem to form a loop pattern attaching to other veins, a key characteristic of Magnoliaceae. Oak Leaf Hydrangeas' leaf underside showing veins up to 4°. Leaf venation is intricate, and so can be flower petal patterns. But as it is aptly said, beauty lies in the eyes of beholder. Even a fall canvas of various plants changing colors can look like a multi color tapestry of nature in a deciduous forest. Nature's tapestry at London Town's Gardens: Dogwood oranges, Ginkgo yellows, Redwood bronze, Spirea chartreuse and Holly emerald greens intertwined together. London Town's Gardens' nature’s tapestry has ample emerald green in it, with the Hollies, Conifers, Southern Magnolias, Illiciums, and several evergreen trees and shrubs intermingled with deciduous shrubs and trees showing fall colors. Come and enjoy nature's tapestry at London Town while currently, the deep green color of evergreens is getting highlighted with fall colors, Camellias pinks and Ginkgo yellows.

Tea Camellia, Camellia sinensis Two’s company and three’s a crowd? Not even when - oddly enough - tea, taxa, and technique are squished together. Well, at least that’s a glimpse of what our past week looked like in the horticulture department. Let’s start with Tea: It is ‘tea time’ in the gardens! One of the most fragrant and delicate Camellia is in bloom! C. sinensis is a tea Camellia, currently blooming in the woodland gardens. Creamy white blossoms fragile enough to last only few weeks are a treat to the olfactory senses. Flowers resemble Stewartia and Schimas. Camellia sinesis (first two photos) and various Camellia blooms Overall, we are having a fabulous bloom time for fall Camellias. With no sign of a cold snap, hitting the buds early on, we have been able to begin looking in depth into uninominal and binomial taxa. What is a taxa? "Plant taxonomy or classification is the science of naming organisms and placing them in a hierarchical structure, each level being given a name (e.g., kingdom, division (phylum), class, order, family, genus, species). Taxonomic units at a given level are termed taxa (singular taxon). Names of higher order taxa (e.g., kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus) are uninominal (i.e., each name is a single word). Names of species are binomial (e.g., Magnolia virginiana), and names of taxa below the rank of species (e.g., subspecies, varieties) are comprised of three or more words (e.g., Panicum virgatum var. cubense)." https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/.../technical/toolsdata/plant/.... Flower morphology in depth using Dr. William Ackerman’s ‘Beyond the Camellia Belt’ book as our best guide. Carefully peeling through each flower petal, looking in depth into the shape, color and patterns, Grace Washbourne (a dedicated garden restoration volunteer) is helping me in restarting Camellia ID this week. Even gloomy looking rainy cold days didn't hamper our efforts at all. Well, how could they, when treasures left behind by Dr. Ackerman are awaiting proper identification and cataloguing of their beauty and tenacity. Cinderella Pumpkin centerpiece or porch decor. Now time for talent or is it really just a matter of simple technique? Making fall centerpieces isn’t as complicated. Flower arranging techniques follow 3 basic design principles: asymmetry, groups of 3’s and blank spaces are key. Also, knowing what plant parts lasts long will help, if not then Oasis will help! (Oasis is type of wet floral foam) Oasis (floral foam) on top of Cinderella Pumpkin used for greens arrangement. Sharing with you today, techniques of fall arrangements to make on a Pumpkin. Add a pre soaked Oasis (not dripping wet) on top of a flat 'Cinderella Pumpkin' with floral wire. Once that's in place, plug in varieties of color and texture. Good examples: small twigs with colored barks, Rosemary or Lavender for fragrance and don't forget to add the reminders of fall- dry grass flower heads or even seed heads of Magnolias. Clip off leaves from Winterberry before using them in an arrangement After all, group of three isn’t a crowd: even tea, taxa and technique together made our week refreshingly fragrant in the horticulture department. Find your own technique and create your own masterpieces and definitely try the design rule or three. No greens on hand? No worries, we will be selling some unique gardens greens bundles in the coming weeks (information coming soon).

Maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba) Senescence is the last stage of plant development. Leaf buds grow into a leaf, mature and during senescence, the last stage occurs where it withers, falls and leaves the plant. Senescence and abscission (natural cutting off of plant part from the plant) together help in falling of leaves, flowers and fruits. Without abscission how would the apple fall down from the tree? Then how would, Newton still discover gravity? Senescence and abscission are timed sequences that, even though they lead to death of a tissue, they are a key process for the plant to live on. Without fruits falling off, how would the seeds wither away? Without leaves withering in a timely manner, the plant would loose crucial building blocks to live on. Life sans senescence and abscission wouldn't be good for plants. Maple 'Sango Kaku' (Coral Bark Maple) Autumn senescence in plants is an important process in deciduous eastern forests. It is initiated by change in photoperiod first than change in temperature. Lower temperatures accelerate the green pigment chlorophyll degradation, but the onset is certainly due to change of day light hours. Senescence is a programmed process in which the plant almost reclaims its building blocks from the leaves, before they wither and fall away. "Leaf senescence is induced as part of plant development but can also be prematurely induced as a result of environmental changes or harvesting. Premature senescence leads to reduced yield and quality of crops and this is likely to be of increasing concern in times of climate change and parallel population growth." - Source Fan shaped Ginkgo tree leaves green pigments slowly diminish and unmask the bright yellow carotenoids. In autumn when the leaves start changing colors - from green to warm colors of matted blotches of orange and yellow, red and yellow or just to pure gold yellow (such as with the Ginkgo), then it is a sign that the plant is salvaging all the possible building blocks before the leaf prematurely dies of a cold snap. Programmed autumn senescence is quite a complex process, in which the green pigments chloroplast reduce in number unmasking the hidden yellow and orange cytokinin and anthocyanin pigments giving the leaves beautiful warm colors. In other words, the leaves don't suddenly turn yellow/orange, they have those pigments in them from the time they are formed, but the green pigment conceals them completely. Black gum tree (Nyssa) oranges in the backdrop are precious along with the feathery golden Amsonia. But the bright plum red Oak leaf Hydrangea, aptly takes center stage! Autumn colors are plenty and warm. London Town gardens are currently displaying the stunning golden yellows of the Ginkgo tree, red-orange hues of Witch Hazels, Oak leaf hydrangeas and many more. Come and enjoy them before the gusty winds blow them away. Amsonia golden yellow color with purple autumn Crocus below it, prefect color combination!

Only 2 Colonial Cocktails events remain... and both are already selling out fast! On the right is Lamb's Wool -- featured in this Thursday's evening event! It's matched up with Hot Buttered Rum. On the left is Rumrousal -- the headliner for the afternoon match on Saturday, November 14th! It's a dynamic duo with Mulled Wine. Which drink is the best? The only way to find out is to come to Colonial Cocktails! Sign up before they sell out at www.historiclondontown.org/events. For the safety of participants and staff, this event will be held outside with appropriate distancing, group sizes, and cleaning in accordance with CDC and local guidance.

Is it a rose? This is Camellia 'Winter's Star' (Ackerman hybrid) "What's in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet." - Juliet. Romeo & Juliet, Act II, Scene II Well, even in the plant world, Juliet was completely right that the aroma of a rose is simply irreplaceable, and a rose by any other name would still smell just as sweet. Over the years, plant breeders have outsmarted nature and recreated the 'rose look' but there isn't a Camellia that comes even close in comparison to the deep rose aroma. They can name it a rose, but then what's in a name? Photos 2 and 3 (bright pink) are Knock Out Roses. Photo 1 is again Camellia 'Winter's Star' Currently blooming at London Town, you will find two plants with the name ‘rose’ in it: Knock-Out Rose and Winter's Rose. Same pastel pink color pallet and soft sweet curvy petals. One look at only the flowers of Winter's Rose and Knock-Out Rose might fool you into thinking that they both are hybrid roses. But if you use a botanist's lens and look closely, you will see subtle differences in the flowers and buds and, if you try to pick the flowers, watch out, one will prick you! Rose belonging to Rosaceae family have evolved defense mechanism systems: prickles! Camellias on the other hand belong to Theaceae family and have no such defense mechanism. The biggest morphological difference is also in the leaves. Roses have opposite leaves and Camellias have alternate leaves. The buds of roses are tapered and hairy, whereas Camellias have oval and smooth buds. Two different plants: one likes shade, and the other will only smile in the sun. On the left is a Camellia bud. On the right is a Rose bud. Camellia 'Winter's Rose' happens to be an excellent dwarf rose, well suited as a ground cover or on a patio. It is cross between C. olifera 'Plain Jane' x C. hiemalis 'Otome'. Bloom time is from mid October - early December, and it is cold hardy to -15°F. Flowers are soft pink and in formal double petal arrangement. Camellia 'Winter Rose' is a stunning Ackerman hybrid, a dwarf beauty of its own. Camellias overall are sometimes called as the Winter's Rose of the South. The resemblance to rose petal arrangements, shapes and colors is uncanny between Camellias and Roses, but using a botanist's lens will show you the difference. Knock Out Rose There isn't a Camellia that smells anything like a rose, and there isn't a true rose without its deep aroma and sharp prickles that can withstand the freeze. Well, what's in a name after all? Hybridizing can create plant wonders, but natures own wonders have no replacement. That said, some of the Dr. Ackerman's Camellia hybrids are genius plant wonders that can withstand extreme cold temperatures and breeders like Dr. Ackerman have made the 'Winter's Rose of the South' enjoyable even as far up north as Zone 7!

Photo of Hammond-Harwood House London Town's Executive Director Rod Cofield will be speaking at Hammond-Harwood House's annual Collector's Day on Sunday, November 15th. He'll be discussing colonial taverns in the Chesapeake along with several other scholars. Lectures will be virtual. Learn more here: https://hammondharwoodhouse.org/event/collectors-day-2020/

Our annual report is ready! Discover all of the exciting things happening at London Town - work on the c.1760 William Brown House, offering virtual resources for schools, updates in the gardens, and so much more. You'll also catch up on our 2019 financials, and learn more about London Town's board president, Lieutenant General Joe Ballard. Get the inside scoop here: www.historiclondontown.org/annualreport2019

The Berryliciousness of Fall Begins! Hearts-a bustin' (Euonymus americanus) Fall berries are a crucial food source for birds. Currently blooming at London Town you will find Hearts-a bustin' (Euonymus americanus), Beautyberry (Callicarpa sp) and Lantana (Lantana sp.) attracting many birds. All these species are also an excellent choice for adding aesthetic appeal to a fall garden bed. Hearts-a bustin' (Euonymus americanus) Hearts-a-bustin' (Euonymus americanus) The common name for Euonymus is Hearts-a-bustin', which aptly suits the bright red ornate fruits. It is also called Strawberry bush because the fruit capsule resembles a warty strawberry. But the best part is when the bright red seeds burst out and hang onto the capsule for a while. To add to the colorful fun, the leaves adorn a pretty orange-red color as fall creeps in. A five start plant for fall appeal and a wonderful addition to the bird pantry in your garden! Lantana (Lantana sp.) Lantana (Lantana sp.) Euonymus does well in part shade, moist locations that has good canopy cover. In contrast, Lantana sp. would be an excellent choice for a dry, very sunny, exposed location. Lantanas are usually sold as annuals in zone 7. But a good sunny location with some wind protection might give this perennial a chance to survive through winters in our zone. They come in beautiful colors and the flowers last throughout summer into fall. Birds enjoy the nectar from the flowers of Lantana, but the berries are also a good food source. Beautyberry (Callicarpa americanus) Beautyberry (Callicarpa sp.) Saved you the best for the last: the berrylicious Beautyberry! Very aptly named common name- Beautyberry, Callicarpa species has one of the most stunning and unusual color or berries. Combine that with chartreuse green color leaves, and it is a beauty to behold. Callicarpa americanus is an important food source for birds. It is also a good perennial for adding texture and interest as a border, backdrop or highlight of a full-part sun garden bed. The bright and beautiful purple berries last even as the leaves fade away for winter. Beautyberry (Callicarpa kwangtungensis) Best practices land management can be done on a small or big scale. Creating a diverse bird habitat is easy with any of the species mentioned today. Come and enjoy these berry perfect plants at London Town while many of them are at their peak beauty. Learn more about visiting here.