Daylilies have become general favorites. The plants give pleasure from when the first green spears emerge through the ground in the spring until fall. They make a restful, green background for other plants when not in bloom. Few gardeners can resist their good nature and polite behavior. They give so much and ask so little. … Read more
In April and early May, the littlest irises are the loveliest. Their size is in keeping with the spirit of a season of new-hatched chicks, baby rabbits, and even the small fleecy clouds of April. Their charm is enormous, and their array of colors is second only to the tulips. Last spring, in my northern … Read more
I once knew a little old lady with the most successful and beautiful garden in town. Her tulips were supreme, her annuals sparkling, and her mums attracted visitors from nearby towns. But one summer day, when I stopped by to see her, I found her gazing with a puzzled frown at her garden plot. In … Read more
The candle plant may be new to you, too. It always puzzles visitors at our local show. Botanically it is Plectranthus oertendahlii—but don’t let that scare you—it is as easy to grow as a radish. The dainty blossom spikes have tiny snapdragon-like flowers of the palest lavender. These are held gracefully above the silver-veined green … Read more
We hear a lot about bedding plants, particularly from English gardeners and tourists back from looking at English gardens, but what are bedding plants, anyway? Certainly not, as you might think from the results some people seem to get, plants grown in the spot where the family dog insists on sleeping. Nor is bedstraw, a … Read more
With its flowers flowing down the face of a dry stone wall, the poppy mallow or Callirhoe is truly the garden counterpart of the Grecian water nymph whose name it bears. Callirhoe, which means beautiful-flowing, was the daughter of Achelous, the mythological god of rivers, and the name of the plant, like the name of … Read more
With so many people displaying their green thumb talents these days, flower shows with prizes for amateur plant lovers are booming, too. The shows range from those sponsored by neighborhood or statewide garden clubs and urban horticultural societies to larger exhibitions at state and county fairs. Whether you are a newcomer or a veteran at … Read more
So you can’t grow orchids without a greenhouse? Well, here’s the news for you. Some orchids are happy to house guests. Cypripedium maudiae magnificum makes an excellent starter plant, and success with it will lead you to conquer new worlds. You won’t think the color combination of media startling, but you’ll find it pretty enough. … Read more
Outside of Holland’s Keukenhof Gardens, one of the best displays of tulips, daffodils, and other flowering spring plants is at the 125-acre Sterling Forest Gardens near Tuxedo, N. Y. More than a million blooms here may be seen in a setting that includes 30 square miles of lakes and natural forests. Only 40 miles from … Read more
According to reports from test gardens and breeders across the country, chrysanthemums are better than ever this year. In addition, test varieties show marked improvements in hybridization, in keeping with the natural trend for better color and form. However, expert selection is equally as important. Although the color and form may be satisfactory, the flowers … Read more