How many have had a gorgeous delphinium bloom take first prize, and maybe “Best Spike in the Show,” and have prided themselves that they had a beautiful plant only to have that plant Winter-kill or pass out from some other delphinium ill? Such disappointments are keenly felt, more so because they are unnecessary. For example, … Read more
You wouldn’t expect such tropical-looking foliage from an inexpensive seed packet labeled “castor bean.” But this budget-wise plant can’t be beaten for quick foundation plantings to banish the bare look of new plots. Castor Bean Plant It’s as quick-growing as Jack’s beanstalk and transforms an empty garden corner with magic akin to that of Cinderella’s … Read more
Each summer for over a dozen years, I have grown one or more seldom-seen annuals in my central Missouri farm garden. These adventures with seeds have been little work and real fun for my family and me. Mirabilis Uniflora Last summer, the double four o’clock, referred to in the trade as Mirabilis uniflora, was a … Read more
You certainly can be someone other than an expert in genetics. However, the experience will teach you many practical things about combining the characteristics of two different parents. Two white glads, for instance, do not give all white seedlings. Neither will two ruffled parents give all ruffles, nor two tall parents give all high offspring. … Read more
Gardens can be full of surprises. A plant that sulked along for months suddenly feels at home and covers itself with glory. Bulbs poke through the soil far from where the gardener is sure he planted them. Such are the joys of the unexpected. Proliferations In The Garden Not the least of garden surprises are … Read more
A new race of hybrid amaryllis has come upon the American scene. Named for its originator, it is called the Buller strain, after the late Arthur C. Buller (1874-1959) of South Africa. Story Of Amaryllis Hybrids The flowers, distinguished for large size and beautiful colors, received their first public viewing this spring in April at … Read more
The lush Polyanthus primroses from West Coast breeders had been so impressive in the garden that two years ago, I decided to try them in my greenhouse for late winter bloom. My choice was the blue shades—huge blossoms toned a rich blue, stitched with gold around the edges and gold in the center too. Starting … Read more
There are yellow lilies, but so far they leave much to be desired. There is Lilium umbellatum, Golden Fleece, and some of the Golden Chalice hybrids of umbellatum-dauricum. But these are upright-facing lilies, and many flower growers do not especially care for this type of lily. They are healthy, vigorous, and easy to grow, and … Read more
As you relax in your garden with a frosty drink, your imagination may be planning for beautiful months ahead on these hot July days. How will your borders look next spring? What to plant? Where? What would make a lovelier spring picture than blue and white pansies at the feet of golden daffodils or a … Read more
Early-day lilies stub their toes on the heels of lagging daffodils, and late ones stay around to rub elbows with fall asters and early mums. In between, they hobnob with peonies, iris, Oriental poppies, and summer phlox. What other perennial varieties bloom over such a long period? In addition, they’re quite free from insect pests … Read more