The weather this year was not very kind to Oriental poppies. Many early varieties had their buds destroyed, and others were so damaged that they bore only imperfect flowers. As a result, in my garden, I had a total of only 1625 blossom days, as against a total of 3295 blossom days two years ago. … Read more
With the heroism and farsighted business acumen of their kind, the Dutch and other European gladiolus hybridizers continued their plant breeding work on as extensive a scale as possible during the long years of World War II. Growers in this country are just now beginning to give these latest creations of the continental plantsmen a … Read more
Earliest April coaxes out the white, yellow, and purple of tulip time’s advance color-bearer—the species tulip Tulipa biflora—with the whole glorious army of species tulips following close behind. For these native or wild tulips, come early and stay late—as we like all our favorite visitors to do. And these are very special favorites for many … Read more
The crisp days of autumn offer an ideal time for planning and planting the garden. While the successes and failures of the season just past are still fresh in mind, the gardener can correct his mistakes in color combinations and placement of plants, at the same time adding new flowers and improving the overall garden … Read more
Amateur gardeners who like to use their cameras can combine both hobbies in a $75,000 prize contest sponsored by the Associated Bulb Growers of Holland. For photographs of spring-flowering bulbs, there will lie a total of 1,002 prizes. The first prize will be a vacation for two people in Europe, with a choice of flight … Read more
“Go West, young man, go West!” was the cry of yesteryear, and an era of progress followed in the wake of turning wagon wheels. I have been saying, “Go North, young Am’ (Amaryllis), go North!” and have delightedly watched the progress of these tropical bulbs in gardens further North, not just over summer but over … Read more
Many gardeners take it for granted that bulbs bloom when it is time, and nothing will cause them to bloom earlier. There are, however, planting practices that will hurry to flower from a few days to three weeks or more. These practices are especially worthwhile for those so tired of a flowerless winter garden that … Read more
On this bleak Valentine’s Day, while 3-foot snow drifts still cover the main borders, a patch of earth at the south wall breathes spring. Crocuses and snowdrops rush into bloom as fast as a retreating snowbank frees them. I’ve written before of the species crocus in love and praise. Nothing can shake my devotion nor … Read more
Ring-around-a-roasting at the foot of a gray birch, twenty dazzling-white spring snowflakes nodding at the turn of a path, a company of bright-eyed kaufmanniana tulips; perching lightly in a rocky crevice, a flock of tiny canary daffodils that seem ready to wing. There’s something about the miniature bulbs that’s more fauna than flora, more fairy … Read more
The first requirement of practically all bulbs is good drainage. Providing this is probably the most important part of planting them. If bulbs seem short-lived for you, check how well the water drains from your soil. If puddles stand around them, bulbs are in trouble. One way to ensure good drainage is to plant on … Read more