Long lost rose brought back to cultivation

<p>This fall, the National Parks Conservancy and the Garden Conservancy's efforts will turn to restoring Alcatraz's rose garden. Heritage rose expert Gregg Lowery of Vintage Gardens Nursery in Sebastopol is advising and has suggested roses that likely would have been popular during the years when notorious outlaws like Al Capone were in residence.</p><p>A few old heritage roses have been rescusitated, like a Russeliana (1823), and the early hybrid tea 'General MacArthur' (1905) named for the father of Douglas MacArthur, who commanded the bay installations more than a century ago.</p><p>Lowery also is bringing back to The Rock a crimson old rose that actually was discovered in the warden's garden, dubbed 'Alcatraz,' and brought back into cultivation. It turned out to be 'Bardou Job,' a rose historically significant to the Welsh that had not been seen in Wales in years and was thought to be lost.</p><p>The Welsh were so thrilled to discover it still alive, they brought it back to their homeland with much celebration and the declaration that it had "escaped from Alcatraz."</p><p>-- Meg McConahey</p><h3>INFORMATION</h3> <p>To get there: Ferries depart every half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. from Pier 33 along the Embarcadero in San Francisco. Tickets cost $21.75 for adults and juniors; $13.75 children 5-11; $20.25 seniors 62 and older. (415) 981-7625. Reservations in summer must be made well in advance.</p><p>Visitors: At the island visitors center and outside the Warden's House, pick up a free "Gardens of Alcatraz" brochure with a garden viewing map and info list of the plants brought in from around the world to The Rock. The gardens themselves aren't open to the public. But a private tour with a docent or ranger can be arranged by calling at least 10 days in advance. (415) 561-3062.</p><p>To volunteer in the Alcatraz Gardens: Volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis, and people can sign up for just one day if they like. Volunteers receive free passage to the island. Visit www.parksconservancy.org or call (415) 561-3013.</p><p>To make donations to the Alcatraz Historic Gardens Project: Call the Garden Conservancy at (415) 561-7895; www.gardenconservancy.org.</p><h3>LESSONS FROM THE ROCK</h3> <p>Plants that survived years of neglect on Alcatraz and are now thriving with renewed attention prove proper plant selection can yield a satisfying landscape even under the most challenging conditions. Among the suitable survivors for foggy, rocky, coastal gardens and low-water use:</p><p>Aeonium: These succulents native to Morocco and the Canary Islands need very little water or soil preparation and grow in large rosettes. Aeonium arboreum is dramatically edged in red.</p><p>Centranthus ruber: This perennial seems to grow wild all over the Bay Area with little to no fussing at all. It can thrive in crummy soil, in outcroppings and is beautiful when the red is interplayed with mauve. And it has a long bloom.</p><p>Limonium: Although not historically found on Alcatraz, it has been introduced with much success as a good plant for The Rock's unique condition. Drought tolerant, it has bold leaves and an architectural bearing in a garden.</p><p>Crocosmia: Planted in a group these summer bloomers put on a good show and come in red, yellow and orange. Some of the Alcatraz bulbs have been popping up annually for more than 60 years.</p><p>Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker): Native to Africa, these tall, sturdy and striking plants survive well in coastal environments. Many have also survived years of neglect in abandoned gardens on the North Coast. They have thick, almost succulent leaf blades and cylindrical flower spikes. Digging Dog Nursery in Albion has a large selection (www.diggingdog.com).</p>