Leigh's Links -- November 1998

November 30, 1998- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Greenhouses

Utilizing 12,000 square feet of greenhouse space plus cold frames and outdoor garden areas, the EEB living plant collections at the University of Connecticut support fifty classes and labs within the department. Accessions include 2566 plants in 294 families, and the website's 5000 pages describe the collections (plants indexed by family have descriptions, many with images, and links to other information), research, work routines and the facilities. Documentation of IPM methods practiced in the greenhouse is excellent, with substantial data available on the use of products and specific pests. Pages are easily accessed from the Index and include a detailed color-coded vegetation map of Mexico as a complement to the university's outstanding collection of orchids, cacti and succulents. Site by Manuel A. Morales, University of Connecticut, Storrs.(****)LF

November 24, 1998- The United States National Arboretum

Of special interest here are individual Fact Sheets for gold medalists and other fine plant introductions into American horticulture by scientists of the National Arboretum. Via the nursery and florist industries, over the last 70 years the Arboretum has introduced 650 different woody and herbaceous plants to the American public, including two new disease-resistant American elm tree varieties. This is definitely the place for linking to The 1998 "Web Version" of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Issued January 1990, with Hardiness Zone details and cold-hardiness ratings for selected woody plants. Site by narj, The U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, D.C.. (****)LF

November 5, 1998- Hort Digest

The first issue of Hort Digest is at last unveiled, with its November features by Florida botanist Derek Burch, "What's New in the Small Gingers" and "A Gallery of Gingers," along with "Kirstenbosch," by extension scientist Alan Meerow. Several other topics in tropical horticulture this month include two newly discovered mealybug threats in the U.S. and other notes on insects, diseases, tropical plants and events. Produced by Betrock Information Systems, the free online magazine is an outgrowth of Florida's essential tradelist, The Plantfinder,  geared for the professional horticultural industry and serious plant enthusiasts. Site by Loren Fulghum for Betrock Information Systems,Davie, Florida.(****)LF

November 4, 1998- Bacteriology 303 Main Page

This instructor-edited site links to the Lecture Outlines for Bacteriology 303, Study Aids, and an extraordinarily interesting series of Readings and other microbiology sites. "Life at High Temperatures" by Thomas D. Brock, father of thermophilic biology, explores the hot springs of Yellowstone and their microbial flora as well as the higher plants that survive along the channels of boiling waters. "Bacterial Structure" by Tim Paustian explains the structure and function of the bacterial cell. Many articles by Kenneth Todar include a superb selection of topics of interest to the public like "Bacteria of Medical Importance," and "Controlling Bacterial Growth."  Site by Kenneth Todar, Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison.(****)LF

November 3, 1998- Mediterranean Climate Gardening Throughout the World

Built from a horticultural quest for plants to cultivate in the Mediterranean-like climate of the San Francisco Bay Area, this author/Computer Systems Analyst's website is dedicated to gardeners in Mediterranean climate regions of the world. Also produced in cooperation with the Mediterranean Garden Society of Greece, it is the beginning of an informative resource directory for cultivated plants in arid regions, open for site submissions. Beautiful images and valuable concepts of drought tolerant environmental design make this a must-see site by Sean Aloysius O'Hara, Oakland/Berkeley, California.(****)LF

November 2, 1998- NCCPG National Collection of Phlomis

It is not a wonder that the NCCPG (National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens), whose motto is "Conservation through Cultivation" has dedicated a website and a national collection to "Phlomis, The Neglected Genus." These members of the Labiatae find excellent coverage here with photographs, descriptions, and links to other Phlomis/NCCPG pages. The author's new book is also announced, a guide for Phlomis gardeners and horticulturists published for the first time August 1998. Site by Jim Mann Taylor, Gloucestershire, England.(****)LF