Gardening with native plants is simple gardening. There’s seldom reason to think about winter-killing, severe insect or disease damage, fertilizers, or cultivation. While you probably won’t feel a change to wildflower gardening sufficient reason to throw out the shovel and the hoe, you most certainly will be impressed with the permanence and easy maintenance of … Read more
Many a gardener is confused by the variety, often of dissimilar plants, that are called jasmine or jessamine, in its more poetic form. But there’s one thing they all have in common: a permeating sweet perfume. Some of them, with common names like Madagascar jasmine or Chilean jasmine, a hint of far-off, exotic lands; many … Read more
Come a pleasant morning in late April, and I am reminded that it is time to prepare my dahlia beds to receive the tubers which have previously been divided. By the 10th of May, if the weather permits, it’s planting time in my garden. At this time of year, spring-flowering shrubs and perennials are blooming … Read more
Have you ever thought of planting flowers that will supply a profusion of bloom for winter as well as summer? It’s easy – if you choose the kinds of flowers that can be dried successfully. Of course, not all of them dry well, but a wealth of material that can be just as attractive when … Read more
Even though fall is months away, it’s not too soon to start working for top-quality chrysanthemums to brighten up borders or foundation plantings. Regardless of the number of plants grown or whether the grower is a mum specialist or not, the aim should be for the best flowers possible. Quality blooms are more appealing in … Read more
The English method for growing “plunge-pit” mums combines the advantages of both outdoor growing and greenhouse culture. I have grown prize mums with this system, with certain modifications, for all varieties which bloom in November and December. Chrysanthemums For Exhibition English gardeners who have greenhouses grow chrysanthemums for an exhibition using a 9- to 10- … Read more
What new annual garden flowers will appear in the next few years? Perhaps that seems like a foolish question. Isn’t it a little early to talk of new things today when those for this past year are not even in bloom? But plant breeders are looking far ahead! New Annuals The new annuals for this … Read more
Do you know there are some only a few inches high that rival the giants in beauty? The rhododendrons most of us know are so immense and magnificent that the first glimpse of a dwarf one is different from anything we might have imagined. Even to those familiar with a number of the smaller kinds, … Read more
Your garden, first of all, should be an expression of yourself. It’s a good idea to study the fundamental rules of landscape architecture and to consult authorities for good garden practices, but insert your thoughts, your taste in design, and plant material—even if you learn by the trial-and-error method. A well-planned perennial border will provide … Read more
No flower runs through a more excellent range of true blue than does the gentian. Since its various species provide bloom from early March to winter snows, it seems strange that gentians are not more often seen in gardens. Although mainly mountain and rock garden plants, some gentians may be found for almost any situation … Read more