To have a plant species named after you is not an easy feat. Typically, a plant species is named after the scientist who discovers it in the wilderness or the breeder who hybridizes it. But the Magnolia grandiflora has a unique history on how one of its varieties earned its name as the “Edith Bogue” Magnolia, a history that flourishes in the heart of Montclair to this day.
Edith Bogue was born in 1875 to a prominent New York orthodontist who was one of the founders of the International Association for Dental Research in 1920, Dr. Edward Augustus Bogue. Noted as the inventor of early orthodontic treatment and an internationally famous dentist, Dr. Bogue purchased land in Montclair, New Jersey to serve as a family estate. The land was the old Clarke Farm, located on Valley Road, just south of Watchung Avenue. In the early 1920s, Edith moved to the Watchung address on the property which would become 83 Watchung Avenue.
The home at 83 Watchung Avenue was considered the first of its kind in terms of architectural style in the town. It was built by successful Montclair architect Clifford C. Wendehack in 1922 and has been noted for its blend of English character and Tudor style. The home was featured in the magazine "Architecture", Volume XLVIII, No. 2, in August of 1923 (pgs. 269-272). In this issue, Edith’s residence was called "The house that lives", by the Upper Montclair Women's Club and opened for public viewing in June of 1924.
The magazine article describes the home as being sundrenched and spacious; the first floor was specifically requested to be as open as possible for acoustic purposes, as Edith was a violinist. Solid cypress makes up the exterior trim of the house as well as the interior hardwood floors and staircase of the home. But perhaps most importantly are the uninterrupted views from the dining room and porch out to Edith’s private garden, her pride and joy.
Aside from being an accomplished violinist and occasionally being seen riding her Arabian white horse through town, (she was also a well-known horsewoman!) Edith was an amateur horticulturist. In 1917, she was sent a southern Magnolia tree from a nursery in Florida. Through much care and attention, Edith Bogue managed to grow this sapling in a Zone 6 climate where Magnolia trees would not typically thrive– an accomplishment worth being named after. Over one hundred years later, Edith's Magnolia tree is still said to bloom each year to this day.
The ‘Edith Bogue’ Magnolia has earned its name as a unique cultivar because it flourishes this far north. Being so treasured, thousands of cuttings have been taken from it. The variety is noted for its excellent winter hardiness, dark green leaves, and lemon-scented, white flowers that bloom in early summer. Today, it is claimed that there are only four Edith Bogue Magnolia trees in the town of Montclair: one on the property of Van Vleck Gardens given to Howard Van Vleck as a gift by Edith herself, one at the north end of Yantacaw Brook Park planted several years ago by the Yantacaw Brook Park Conservancy, one on private property overlooking Yantacaw Brook Park, and the original one still located at 83 Watchung Avenue.
By Jess Titterington
Correction: The original article said that there were only two Bogue Magnolias in Montclair: 83 Watchung Ave and Van Vleck Gardens. There is in fact a third Bogue Magnolia at Yantacaw Brook Park and a fourth on private property overlooking Yantacaw Brook Park. Thanks to Janet Shapiro of the Yantacaw Brook Park Conservancy for the correction!
Source List
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