Oconee bells (Shortia galacifolia) are extremely rare in nature and have an exciting history of discovery, loss, and rediscovery. These are but added allurements to the inherent charm of the beautiful plants. Earliest Hint Of Spring The frilled white blossom cups open on stout light green stems. A gleaming crown rises 3” or 4” inches … Read more
Tree Peonies are among the garden aristocrats, ranking with azaleas, magnolias, flowering cherries, and wistarias. During their blooming period in May and June, no plants can surpass them. The comparatively few hardy plants which produce flowers of comparable size are scarcely in the same class as these Oriental shrubs of unique delicacy and charm. Most … Read more
The daylily parade in my midwestern garden began late last year. Spring had been very cold and wet, and Jack Frost had nipped a few precocious buds before the season began. But like many other parades that are slow to start, this one was worth waiting for. Early Blossoms In the May vanguard were the … Read more
For 25 cents, you may purchase a packet containing 200 to 1,000 petunia seeds of the finest named varieties. Properly cared for, germination will be at least 75% percent, and with adequate transplanting and subsequent care, practically all these seedlings may be grown to maturity. Think what it would cost you 10 to buy them … Read more
Every gardener dreams of producing a wonderful new plant. A few get the job done. Luther Burbank, helped only by a discerning eye, created bigger, better, more fruitful, and more beautiful varieties of almost every plant he worked with. Successful Hybridization Take the work on lupines begun by James Kclway at the turn of the … Read more
When a man climbs to the top of a hill, he needs to look back down over the road he has traveled to what height he has reached. Likewise, to realize better the advancements that have been made with daylilies, we should compare the modern varieties with the ones we used to think were so … Read more
If I were making a list of flowers with quaint and appealing common names, I would surely head it with that of the little Woodland Claytonia, “good morning, spring!” Although it has another common name, “spring beauty,” by which it is more widely known, “good morning, spring!” is as appropriate as it is appealing; for … Read more
Plants with many weeks of attractive bloom and requiring little or no car are a boon to the busy gardener. Common Spiderwort is such a plant, coming into bloom in late May or early June and, with some varieties, continuing until August or September. Tradescantia Virginiana “Common Spiderwort” Known botanically as Tradescantia virginiana, this beautiful, … Read more
A seed packet is small. Filled with perennial seeds, you could balance it on your little finger and scarcely feel any weight. Plants will grow from those seeds, bringing immeasurable joy and satisfaction, flowers to cut and share. Perhaps even improved health to the gardener for having been out in the fresh air and sunshine … Read more
Any flower lover who has seen the birdfoot violet (Viola pedata) adding its touches of rich embroidery to the raw subsoil of highway cuts in the Ozarks is tempted to try it in his garden. Many have tried it and some have succeeded. Others have failed. It is well worth the effort. Appealing Viola Family … Read more