Dwarf and miniature geraniums surpassed all others in the increase of varieties during the past decade. Many are so similar it is difficult to tell them apart. Care For Dwarf Geraniums Whether dwarf geraniums are grown on a window ledge or an outdoor border, remember all geraniums need abundant sunshine to bloom freely. In southern … Read more
Many Oriental plants are favorites in American gardens, but one more should be added. It is the exquisite Japanese Imperial Morning Glory, Ipomoea Nil. This regal morning glory is no ordinary morning glory. It resembles our Heavenly Blue in shape, of course, but has marvelous size— flowers are often 6” to 8” inches in diameter. … Read more
One of the stout-hearted lilies found in Korea thriving among grasses and low-growing shrubs was Lilium amabile. Bulbs were first available in 1905. Amabile means pleasing or lovely. The single thing not pleasing is the somewhat offensive odor of the flowers, which is not too apparent in the garden but practically disqualifies this species from … Read more
Lilies are a summer highlight in the South. You find them in the stately gardens of Natchez and New Orleans, Weatherford, Texas, and even southern Florida. Their wide adaptability is illustrated by the varied locations in which the annual shows of the North American Lily Society are held. This year, the show was at Longwood … Read more
No longer do we in the Lower South envy our northern neighbors for masses of narcissus that grow larger each year. Now, as the result of much experimentation and observation, we can put on a good show of our own. The show starts in late December with the fragrant Paper White narcissus in the coastal … Read more
Flowers from seed sown each fall brighten southern gardens and provide cut flowers during the winter and well into spring before the weather gets really hot. Fall-Sown Flowers For Southern Gardens Although all of these fall-sown flowers are not true annuals, they are mostly grown as annuals in the Midsouth, Lower South, and Tropical South. … Read more
After growing, hybridizing, and loving amaryllis for many years, I say that they are the queen of house plants. The brilliant colors of some varieties excite me, the pastels are quite simply beautiful, the striped and bordered blossoms hold geometric fascination, and the pure white blossoms seem to be a little bit of Heaven. This … Read more
Flowers in Alaska? Yes, indeed! Flowers abound here. Even the drab tundra of interior Alaska sports many varieties of wildflowers that bloom briefly during the summer months. These include Labrador-tea (Ledum groenlandicum), tundra-rose (Potentilla fruticosa), and various saxifrages, to mention only a few. Driving along the highway in June and July, one sees a colorful … Read more
Frequently, a gardener asks, “How shall I care for my chrysanthemums so they will live through the winter ?” If plants are old, spindly, and diseased, why save them? It is better to start with fresh, healthy nursery plants bought from specialists whose business is raising and selling the finest varieties. To be worth saving, … Read more
Our first Baby Cyclamen bulb was obtained unusually. At a country fair in Connecticut, a fellow exhibitor had three plants on display. They were in full bloom with about 30 flowers on each. At first, he would not part with one for love or money, but finally, my brother persuaded him to trade one for … Read more