Interview with
Betsy Clebsch
Timber Press: The New Book of Salvias is an expanded edition of your 1997 book, A Book of Salvias. Why did you feel that now was a good time to update the book?
Betsy Clebsch: By the time the first book was printed I was already growing probably 20 to 30 salvias that had not been described in that book. Several people at Timber and elsewhere suggested that I do a revision and when I made the decision then we started growing more rare species of salvias whenever we could find them.
TP: What kind of response did you get from your first book, and how, if at all, did it influence the creation of your new book?
BC: There was great interest and positive responses to the first book, including reviews. Because I was accumulating so much additional information it seemed only logical that it should be organized in usable form. Also, I had established rapport with James Compton, a botanist in England who was willing to work with me. He is eminently qualified and it has been a privilege to have his help and expertise.
TP: In your book, you explain that you were first led to grow salvias because of their "handsome evergreen foliage and striking flowers," as well as their suitability for your garden at the time. What is it about salvias that has fueled your continued interest? Is there something about salvias that you feel particularly complements you? Put another way, do you feel you chose salvias, or did salvias choose you?
BC: Salvias are known all over the world for their healing properties due to the chemicals in their make-up. One strong appeal for studying them is because peoples of many different cultures have found these qualities in their local salvias and have incorporated them in their daily or community life. Salvare, to heal, is known by every culture where salvias grow in the wild. And they are to be found on every continent excepting Australia!
Another reason for this long study is that my climate is well suited to grow a large number of different species. The climate south of this garden (Santa Cruz and south) is eminently suited to grow the tender species from Mexico — some of those species are winter flowering after a long period of warm and bright weather. Geographically I have enjoyed a site suited to the project.
TP: You've been on a number of plant explorations. Please tell us about one that was particularly noteworthy for you.
BC: I have been very fortunate in being able to see a number of species growing in their native habitats. It is quite a thrill to be able to do this because it tells you so much about soil, exposure, as well as growing companions. All the things you need to know for success. Actually, when we fail at growing some species this too becomes good information.
TP: In The New Book of Salvias, you say that there were a sizeable number of salvias flourishing in your garden that you omitted from your original book, because not enough was known about them yet. Do you continue to experiment with new species?
BC: It is becoming more and more difficult to bring seed and plants into the United States. People who enjoy and grow salvias in other parts of the world are most willing to share but because of regulations of different kinds we find it very hard to "try out" new salvias.
TP: What are your goals for the future regarding your cultivation and study of salvias? Please tell us what you hope to learn and/or do with regard to salvias in the next five years or so.
BC: At the present I am thinking about the present! There already are many invitations to give talks due to The New Book of Salvias and I have returned to thinking about and working in my own garden. It is a great pleasure to be able to do so and I can go on with my study of berberis while enjoying the company of many wonderful drought tolerant plants as well as salvias.
