If you share with the state of Arizona, with every farmer in the nation, and with me an antipathy for the strangling growth and the prolific brittle, white roots of the morning glory, yet take delight in the pure joy of its morning blossoming, grow it in the house. Confined to the limited reaches of … Read more
Do you want to hear about a plant full of sugar and spice, a plant especially nice for your window garden? It’s the ginger lily, Kaempferia rotunda. Ginger lilies grow from fleshy tubers or roots. These exciting tropicals are members of the Zingiberaceae and are endemic to Tropical Asia and Africa. There are about 50 … Read more
The amaryllis is one plant with built-in flowers that are anxious to mushroom forth and flaunt their dazzling beauty even despite the difficult conditions of most apartments, homes, or offices during the winter. Exotic trumpet-shaped blossoms in vibrant reds, soft pinks, or pure whites scoff at the grayest winter days. This splendid spectacle is followed … Read more
The gentian family contains a charming native flower that is rarely found in the garden, probably because it stubbornly refuses to be happy under cultivation. Botanically, it is Eustoma russellianum. Such common names as prairie-gentian, bluebell-gentian, or prairie-lily are more generally used. Left to its own devices, it grows luxuriantly in certain parts of Nebraska … Read more
Gardeners in such states as Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and one or two of their near neighbors formerly had difficulty in planning their gardens, so they were full of bloom in the late Summer and early Fall months. The fact impressed me during a trip to the East in late Summer a little over … Read more
The abelias, Asiatic and Mexican shrubs of the honeysuckle family, were named in honor of Dr. Clarke Abel, an English botanist and physician. He accompanied Lord Amherst on his embassy to China in 1816 and described many Chinese plants. None of the several species are reliably top-hardy in northeastern parts of the United States. 1844 … Read more
Some years ago, we began planting a hot, dry slope with a southern exposure and poor sandy soil. At that time, we canvassed the nurseries looking for plants that would do well in full sun, withstand hot, dry winds, and be supplied naturally with just enough water to keep them alive during the summer. Books … Read more
Lilies in pots—of course! The idea is not new. Florists have been planting lilies in pots, probably since lilies were discovered. Books have been written about this, formulas given, and procedures devised. I am no horticulturist nor a learned expert, but I do like lilies, and just to make sure you enjoy these lovely flowers … Read more
That period between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 is best for planting, transplanting, or dividing peonies, and the earlier they can be put into the ground the sooner they become accustomed to it and growth begins. Planting Peonies Considerable controversy on peony planting dates was raised some years ago when one grower stipulated, in instructions … Read more
Last January 28, our first windowsill crocus opened three pale blue blossoms of Crocus biflorus argenteus. From the time a week earlier when they first appeared, I’d been watching the development of the fascinating zebra-striped purple and cream buds, but the day of their opening took me completely by surprise. For the night before, in … Read more