Several years ago, our hyacinth shrubs (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) had a bountiful crop of seeds in the fall. So we decided to try growing some of these lovely plants from seed. Eventually, xanthoceras grow as high as 15′ feet. The 1″ inch flowers are white with a yellow or red blotch at the petal’s base. These … Read more
This charming winter-blooming plant was introduced into England in about 1820, where it was first grown as a tender garden plant. Later, improved forms of the Chinese primrose were developed as greenhouse plants, which are used entirely here. There is much variation in both color and form. Pure white or shades of pink, blue, or … Read more
Trollius, members of the buttercup family and called globe-flowers are some of the finest border plants. They have attractive glossy foliage, and the long-stemmed yellow or orange blossoms make excellent cut flowers. A well-grown group of Trollius in full bloom is a breathtaking sight. Where Trollius Grows Trollius grows naturally in sticky situations but does … Read more
We did not know what to call it because the word “greenhouse” sounded so commercially spectacular, and it is, after all, just a part of our living space. Then one day, an Italian friend referred to it as la casa di flori, and “house of flowers” it has been ever since. We bought it for … Read more
About 5,500 acres of California’s most fertile soil is being cultivated at present to produce flower seeds not only for American gardeners but for a good part of the world, too. It is estimated that California grows nearly 90% of all the flower seeds used in the world today. Probably no other business in existence … Read more
Sometimes favorite garden subjects of the olden days almost disappear from modern gardens, and many of the newer plants of true value are often too seldom seen. Collinsia bicolor is one of the former. Old Time Plant Collinsia In the spring garden, Collinsia may attain a height of 20” inches in ordinary soil, blooming freely … Read more
Unlike the old shoe that is worn down at the heel and cast aside, the amaryllis bulb that has been forced into bloom around Christmas or during January and early February can be utilized for further beauty in the garden. Digging for Bulbs Amaryllis growers start digging in October. The bulbs are dried for a … Read more
Of the many flowers in my garden, the most beautiful, in my opinion, is the hollyhock. Before you throw up your hands in horror and exclaim, “That old weed?” let me hasten to explain that I am speaking of the new double hollyhock. Actually, they aren’t so new. They just seem that way because they … Read more
To enjoy a longer blooming season from his colorful, velvety tuberous begonias, a South Dakota gardener gives his tubers a boost by starting them indoors. By the time frost danger is past and it is safe to set them outdoors, the begonias have grown well. It is not unusual for some of them to be … Read more
I will not take up all the 1958 annuals, partly because you can see many of them yourself on these pages and partly because I have yet to test all of them. But be assured that any annual from a leading horticulturist is good to excellent. And be assured that with them, your next year’s … Read more