Black-Eyed Susan, the country Cinderella of the fields, has exchanged her rough and rustic gown for raiments gay enough for a Spanish fiesta. The lowly daisy of the meadows, with yellow petals and a dusky center, has taken on a bold, striking, and wide-awake look to become the gloriosa daisy of today— and all because … Read more
The alliums lend a note of aristocracy to any flower garden. The largest genera of the lily family, they possess great diversity. Allium Albopilosum “Star of Persia” For instance, there is Allium albopilosum, which I call the Star of Persia because it originated in that far land and is a loose, open ball of some … Read more
About 10 years ago, I started with a half dozen varieties of lilies simply because I liked them. Fortunately, and by accident, that half dozen were in the trouble-proof class, and I met no difficulties until I was well grounded in lily culture. My original six varieties have grown until now. I have about 20,000 … Read more
In July of this year, the International Lily Conference, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society of England, met in London. Well-known botanists, plant breeders, and lily enthusiasts from around the world gathered to discuss the progress and development of this wonderful group of garden plants. They indeed had much to talk about since the first … Read more
Among the spring-flowering bulbs, daffodils continue to be popular with homeowners. With hybridizers constantly at work, new daffodil varieties are constantly being added to an already long list. Fortunately, many of these modern kinds, noted for their good substance, good balance, superior texture, sunproof ability, and vigorous habit, may be purchased at moderate prices by … Read more
Oriental poppies are some of the most magnificent flowers you can grow in your garden. They are available in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, making them a perfect addition to any landscape. In this article, we will explore the beauty of Oriental poppies and provide some tips on how to grow and care … Read more
A greenhouse is like a jewel case. It houses, protects, and on occasion, displays its choice of items. Both its size and design, like the jewel box, are determined according to the use and pleasure of the owner. Perhaps the resemblance is most obvious in the small greenhouse, for there, as in the tiny case, … Read more
Every summer, when my Speciosum lilies peel back their rough-textured petals, I wonder anew why enchanting a blossom should have such an unimaginative name and why its two variations should be labeled simply white and red. And I marvel, too, that this startlingly beautiful lily should grow so contentedly in my garden year after year, … Read more
Much that I anticipated several years ago in an article on the future of lily hybridizing has since taken place. The article was based partly on my observations of events in the gladiolus world as early as World War I and was inspired by what I had seen at a recent North American Lily Society … Read more
Most of us are familiar with the showy large-flowered tulips that decorate our gardens and public parks in the spring. Yet I wonder how many are acquainted with the delightful wild species from which these garden varieties were developed? These species of tulips, and their many varieties, flower from four to six weeks earlier than … Read more