A wealth of horticultural information makes the rounds in Round Robin letters every year. Even though begonia fans live in areas from coast to coast, in a variety of climates, certain cultural problems are Common to all. These notes, gleaned from Robin’s correspondence, are rich in helpful hints for all who grow begonias. Watering Problem … Read more
The first week of July brings to my rock garden a color combination that is hard to beat. Even the riot of spring bulbs, primroses, violas, daphne, pulmonaria, and other early flowers does not surpass the display of four easily grown July-blooming perennials. Erigeron Speciosus And Geranium Sanguineum One of these four perennials is the … Read more
It’s high time for gardeners who still think of chrysanthemums as fall flowers to become acquainted with the newer varieties, which extend the season from as early as July until killing frosts. The early English chrysanthemums will bloom early enough not to be damaged by fall rains and wind. They bring to your garden the … Read more
Getting off to a good start with tuberous-rooted begonias should present no problem to home gardeners and, in fact, even to beginners. Sometimes the tubers are slow in sprouting, but once the buds break, growth is rapid. Secure firm tubers from a reliable dealer and try several types to get acquainted with the wide variety … Read more
As a gladiolus enthusiast, I firmly believe there is no other flower with a better claim to a place in your backyard. Glads come in a greater variety of colors, sizes, and shapes than any other flower I have seen, and they are easy to grow in nearly any climate. The flower spikes are among … Read more
The ancient man left no record of when he first yearned for those plants, vegetables, and flowers that did not grow around him. However, during the first century of the Christian era, some conservatory or hothouse was in use. Some authors mentioned mere frames, while others wrote of substantial structures, or “specular,” erected for winter … Read more
Perhaps few flowers are more beautiful or give more pleasure than a well-grown gloxinia in bloom. Yet many who are fond of these tender plants seem to have difficulty in raising them from seed. After considerable experimentation, I have worked out a plan which gives me quick results and may be helpful to others. Raising … Read more
Glass from Sweden, Wedgwood from England, perfume from Paris, and plants from Tibet somehow have more glamor than similar objects from our land. Nevertheless, just as we’ve recognized in recent years that American designers and craftsmen can fashion the finest wares, we have become increasingly conscious of the grace and beauty that plants from our … Read more
Unfortunately, some unimaginative horticulturists coined the common name “blue spirea” for this excellent small shrub. In so doing, he unwittingly did the plant a disservice, and the name immediately identified it with the ubiquitous Spiraea x Vanhouttei, which is, perhaps, the most common shrub to be found in the garden and landscape plantings of America. Blue … Read more
Have you taken a good look at drawings of modern rockets? These are miracles of engineering; each piece is there for a purpose, and nothing may be left off, nothing non-functional added. When it is built, this machine, designed with sheer function in mind, has a grim beauty about it. And so with plants, they … Read more