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
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