The Nerine is an unusual and lovely bulb plant with a coral red lily-like bulb. It is a near relation to the Guernsey lily of the amaryllis family. It is easy to grow and free from insect pests or fungus diseases. Corolla and stamens are an unusual shade of coral red – neither red nor … Read more
Lilies are very adaptable and will do well in the hothouse or pot. They are often grown in a commercial greenhouse before they’re delivered to the store to be bought. Pots also make for excellent homes for lilies of many types. But which option is best for you? No one can answer that question without … Read more
When growing tall bearded iris season is over in June, it marks the end of iris bloom for the average gardener for another year. So often, people have remarked to me, “Iris is very beautiful, but I don’t like that they have such a short blooming season!” New pathways to adventure in iris-growing are now … Read more
Peonies are a sedative to the tired mind and weary body. To produce them requires no engraved parchments designating degrees in entomology, plant pathology, political chaos, or any other department of science, as the noble peony bathes few hugs or ailments. Only elementary knowledge is necessary, such as being competent to distinguish a hoe from … Read more
Springtime is flower time, and of all the flowers that bloom in spring, those that burst forth from bulbs are the most colorful and prolific bloom. Indeed, by planting an assortment of bulbs, corms, and tubers selected with an eye to flowering sequence, you can enjoy a continuous procession of bright blooms for 14 to … Read more
Fall means time for all far-sighted gardeners to plant hardy bulbs for spring beauty. The cheery tulip is a year-in and year-out favorite. There is a place in every garden for some of these colorful flowers, so plant your Tulip Time picture now. Of course, you’ll want strong, healthy bulbs for sturdy flowers. Before they … Read more
Daffodils will bring joy to the senses and uplift the spirit every spring, no matter how planted. But they can give increased pleasure if you take time to consider color combinations, patterns of arrangement, and periods of bloom in the fall, in addition to following the fundamentals of good planting. My daffodils are naturalized on … Read more
Remarkable things are happening in the world of chrysanthemums? Until recently, the growth of giant chrysanthemums was something only for the expert. Greenhouses were required, or at least frames where the plants could be sheltered from the frosts and shaded with black cloth to bring them into bloom early. Now, with the introduction of early-blooming, … Read more
My experience with tree peonies began in complete ignorance of the subject. Fascinated by pictures in a catalog, I purchased seed, and I’ve been growing tree peonies ever since. Although the literature contains glowing terms describing the flowers, words alone cannot properly describe their beauty. You have to see tree peonies to appreciate them fully. … Read more
Auriculas are old and familiar plants in Europe. In America, however, they have not been widely grown until very recently. When I first became interested in growing auriculas, nearly 30 years ago, it is doubtful if many, or indeed any, could be found in gardens in southern Maine. Now, they are grown and admired here … Read more