We have all heard of the pot of gold that, according to legend, lies at the end of the rainbow, and haven’t we all wished we might journey to the rainbow’s end and try our luck at finding it? The chances are that none of us ever will, but there is another gift the rainbow … Read more
Reading the long lists of dianthus species in books such as The English Rock Garden by Reginald Farrer or The Garden of Pinks by L. H. Bailey makes one realize how few of the races are available to gardeners in the United States. However, a sufficient number of species and hybrids can be had to … Read more
The old roses of bygone centuries — the gallica, the centifolias, the sweetbriers, and a host of others — are returning to favor with gardeners. Their fragrance, luxuriant foliage, colorful fruits, and distinctive flowers have a nostalgic appeal not found in our highly-bred roses of the 20th century. Their opulent bloom is produced in June, … Read more
August usually represents the lowest point in the pictorial success of perennial borders. Still, it begins in July and runs through to the middle of September, mainly if the weather has been unfavorable. Anyone who has established a collection of perennials knows what the ideal border should be. It should start the spring with low-growing … Read more
Gladiolus (glad-ee-OH-lus), also known as “glads,” is a perennial cormous flowering plant belonging to the genus Gladiolus and family Iridaceae, commonly known as the Iris family. The genus name Gladiolus comes from the Latin word “gladius,” which means sword. Therefore, the name literally translates as the little sword. It also references the plant’s sword-like shape … Read more
1. Are the newer varieties with unusual colors more challenging to grow than the older ones? The newer varieties of Oriental poppies, including those of unusual colors, are, in general, more vigorous and more accessible to grow than most of the older introductions. However, probably none is as challenging and fool-proof as the old-time, orange-colored … Read more
I cannot recall any other genus of plants, except primula, that begins to match the iris in size and shape of flowers, range of colors, and adaptability to various garden uses. The bearded iris group is the most widely-grown, including tall, intermediate, and dwarf kinds. The less common oncocyclus and regalia groups are not well … Read more
My husband had been perfectly happy raising iris for his own pleasure for 10 years when a friend suggested that he enter the annual iris show. He didn’t take to the idea at all. He hadn’t even let me cut iris for the house unless a rain or wind storm had laid them flat, so … Read more
The modern bearded iris produces a bigger show of beauty in the St. Louis area for less effort and money than any other flower I know. While we would all like our gardens to be lavish with bloom from early spring to late fall, this dream is becoming more difficult each year in this area. … Read more
One thing a hybridizer must be is flexible. About thirty years ago, when starting my delphinium breeding, my idea was to follow the English method of selecting individual seedlings, which would then be propagated by cuttings and sold as named varieties. However, I had to revise my thinking as this method seemed to apply only … Read more