Some years ago, my niece visited us in midsummer. When she got home, she expressed disappointment to her grandmother, “I thought Aunt Olga would have lots of flowers. She had hardly any. You have a lot more.” I was puzzled. My borders were full of plants, including rare and unusual ones. Seedframes contained more not … Read more
Three years ago, my wife Mary and I didn’t know the name of one gladiolus from another in our garden. The North American Gladiolus Council was holding a glad show in our city, and as public-spirited citizens, we supported it by entering six of our unnamed glads. As a result, we won three blue ribbons—that … Read more
When unexpected visitors drop by to see your garden, do you ever wish they’d come last week when the phlox were at their height or next when the dahlias would be popping? Careful planning, perhaps even reorganizing your garden, will save you such dispiriting moments. The secret: develop a high point of interest, beginning with … Read more
The radiance of cineraria reaches out from florist windows everywhere at Easter Time (and from our cover this month). But if you know cineraria only as an Easter plant of short duration in your window, you have missed its finest possibilities. This year, try growing your own from seeds. They are among the easiest to … Read more
Among the petunias I tried last year, my first choice goes to Black Knight, a Grandiflora type. The plants were dwarf, sturdy, vigorous, and remarkably consistent in producing an abundance of large blooms. The color is a deep and velvety bluish-purple. Prima Donna Petunia The new Prima Donna petunia is also excellent. It has the … Read more
To all the world, the lily has long been a symbol of beauty, perfection, and goodness. The holy books, the Old and New Covenant, frequently use this symbolism. In his Song of Songs, King Solomon compares the beloved bride to a “lily among thorns.” The prophet Isaiah predicts that “the wilderness shall rejoice and shall … Read more
The Miniature Daffodils are from 2”, the tiniest, to 9” inches high. Most species or hybrids are only a generation removed from the species. And most, like their taller, 15- to 30-inch relatives, come from the higher elevations of the western Mediterranean and so are at home in poor, gritty, or stony soil, tolerate shade … Read more
If you are unfamiliar with them, horned iris are like the tall bearded varieties, but with an important difference. In them, the beards stick out smartly like spurs or horns instead of lying flat. This gives them a provocative look that adds interest to the garden and arrangements. Other than that, they bloom at the … Read more
Bulbs are for everyone who grows plants or who arranges flowers. They’re for beginners who’ll give them a minimum of know-how and care and for experts who take great boundless patience and skill. There’s no end to their usefulness as garden plants and no limit to their value as flowers for the home. In early … Read more
Too little attention has been given to the number of small iris that can be successfully grown in the garden. The tall bearded class has long dominated the iris family, though rightfully so, as it consists of the most magnificent specimens. However, several little irises should be seen more often. Charming and delicate, dwarf iris … Read more