Vol 83, Issue No. 4 (Autumn 2025)
CONTENTS
The View from the President
Seeds Glorious Seeds by Susan Schnare
Part Three: Merrill Jensen – Connections: How the Genus Primula Linked Three People Across the Years by Merrill Jensen
2025 APS National Show
Keynote Presentation Review by Ginger Hudson 2026 Election News
Quarterly Editor Replacement
2025 Membership List
Aromatic Primula Chart
Board Minutes August 3, 2025
Officers of the Chapters
THE VIEW FROM AN EX-PRESIDENT
Patricia Hartman
Crazy weather patterns seem to be the new norm in my area, and most likely many of our members are experiencing changing weather patterns in local areas. I know 2025 for many has brought late frosts, rain, and unusual heat. Late winter here in Southeast Alaska was looking promising for the APS National Show. I had high hopes of having my gardens whipped into shape and several garden beds remade into lower-maintenance areas (no weeding or minimal weeding). Those beds could not be completed until late July/early August. Gravel pathways with weed barriers underneath were finished along with a seating area. The Primula florindae have been flowering, and I’m looking forward to beverage time while savoring the fragrance of their blossoms (Aromatic Primula Chart pg. 28). Overgrown evergreens have been shaped and cut back, bringing a pleasant surprise of new seedlings and adolescent primroses. I envision hostas and primulas thriving in enriched soil for this fall and the upcoming seasons. The path has been lined with concrete blocks that will hold square 5-6” pots for my auricula starts. This will allow me to easily lift the containers to the greenhouse for TLC in the winter or another rainy season lasting several months, like we have had this year (see photo pg. 13.)
Over the years, I have dealt with various ways to rid or lower the occupancy rate of the slugs in my garden beds. In May, during 3 the APS National show, several vendors could be visited for art treasures, plants, books, and garden supplies. One of our vendors was Sluggetter.com, a local who produces his product with a 3D printer. I have tried the beer in the lid slug bait, which works but had to be discontinued in my yard. Previous resident mouse, shrew, insect controller, Frankie, my cat, decided it was kitty treats. I’m now using these slug traps after discovering that all our months of endless rain has caused the slugs to increase in exponential numbers. The traps are baited with beer or can also be used with slug bait. I’m currently using cheap beer and emptying the traps every few days and moving the location of the traps. As you can see from the photos on pg. 13, you end up with slug stew and your plants will have a chance not to be devoured during the growing season.
Having the slug problem under control has allowed me to think of seed harvesting for the upcoming seed exchange in mid-December/ January. Organza bags (see pg. 14) have been placed on several different P. florindae, P. alpicola, and other seed-setting primroses. Of course, I always remember what color they are when I first place the organza on the flowers and seed heads, but this year I have added a label inside the bag to help remind me of what they were, along with taking pictures of the flowers. Last year, on the APS Facebook page, members were invited to submit their pictures and names of the seeds they had sent in for the seed exchange. This year, the APS will be doing the same as last year, encouraging members to send in pictures and help other members know what to expect from their choices. If you are looking for more information on seed collecting, cleaning or growing, the back issues of the APS Quarterly have excellent articles. Start by looking in the fall editions and reading through this edition for more information. I know previous years, ideas on using old credit cards for sorting, fine mesh sifters, even how to blow on the chaff (to winnow) and not lose the seeds have been covered. I find winnowing to be an art form or contest on its own, so any help and advice I can get is helpful.
On a final note, please check your membership and make sure you are current and are receiving your issues and emails from us. You should receive an email when the new edition of Primroses is available online and should have an issue in your mailbox within a few weeks of that notice. Please update us through the website of any changes or questions.