What do you think when geraniums are mentioned? In frostless or near frostless regions, Florists and gardeners probably visualize the showy pelargonium or one of its ilk. But speak of geraniums to the gardener of the Northwest or England or too many an eastern gardener. He will refer to the hardy geraniums or cranesbills, wildflowers … Read more
For more than 400 years the Japanese have cultivated a kind of iris almost entirely unknown to the average American gardener. Near Tokyo there is the garden Kotaka-en where these unfamiliar beauties have been grown and improved since early in the 17th century. What has kept them from American gardeners? Mostly the myth that they … Read more
The few requirements for primroses are easily met and are found in practically every garden. They do require shade throughout Mid-America, but this is always available on the north side of the house or in the shade of shrubs, evergreens or trees. Primroses not only offer a variety of form, size, color, the habit of … Read more
Fuchsia (fyoo-shuh) is a perennial, trailing woody vine belonging to the genus Fuchsia and family Onagraceae, most commonly known as Willowherb or Evening Primrose family. The genus and color term Fuchsia originated from the first fuchsia plant discovered in the 17th century by Father Charles Plumier, botanist and missionary in the Dominican Republic. Plumier named … Read more
How often have you heard someone say, “Oh, yes, tulips are beautiful, but they don’t stay that way, and I can’t afford to buy new ones every year or two?” It is unnecessary to buy new bulbs every fall to have a fine display each spring. It is true that old bulbs, left in the … Read more
Flowers of peace. Flowers of war. Flowers of history. Flowers of hope! National flowers are rarely deliberately chosen. Instead, they spring from the history, tradition, and living of a people. They are brought into a country by the conqueror, like the tulip of Turkey, and assimilated and nationalized over the centuries. Or they are honored … Read more
It is wise to prepare the pansy bed before the plants arrive so there will be no delay in setting them out. How To Prepare Pansy Bed Applying enough bone meal to make the surface entirely white before spading or tiling is good practice. After setting out the plants, puddle them or give them a … Read more
It seems strange that the beautiful iris of the Pacific Coast is so little used in gardens elsewhere. They are perhaps the most misunderstood beauties of our time, for they seem reluctant in Eastern gardens. They are not rivals of the tall German iris in culture or form, although they can be colorful and striking … Read more
Late spring or early summer is the time for tall bearded iris, the most popular of the many species and hybrids of the iris family. Varied and lovely are the hundreds of named varieties. Siberian iris, too, appears this season. Close clumps of upright, slender foliage, almost concealed with an abundance of dainty bloom in … Read more
The butterfly or spuria iris are unequaled for hardiness, dependable bloom, and usefulness as cut flowers. In moist climates, their foliage may be subject to spotting like the bearded iris, but their tall sword-like leaves are attractive through the greater part of the year in most sections of the country. Butterfly Iris Species Like those … Read more