Would you like to grow a miniature rose in your window garden this winter? A delightful replica of a regular rose bush with perfectly formed, fragrant flowers? Of course, you would! Who wouldn’t? But wait! How do you rate yourself as a gardener? Does philodendron thrive for you? If you can answer “yes,” then proceed … Read more
Few rose lovers realize how versatile shrub roses can be. The value and use of the popular bedding type roses are well known, but other members of the rose family deserve more consideration for decorative garden purposes. Shrub Roses The species, the old roses, and a few moderns are titled “Shrub Roses.” Indeed they are … Read more
At the same time, hybridizers have been making tuberous begonias more adaptable to your garden, and they have brought new colors and shapes to the flowers. Such classic forms as that are mimicked by these spectacular begonias are the following: rose poppy carnation camellia gardenia daffodil At the 1939 World’s Fair in San Francisco, huge … Read more
If you want roses the easy way, grow climbers. A few plants on fences, arbors, or trellises will turn the small garden into a colorful getaway. Large gardens produce a breathtaking effect, where great masses can be used. For some reason, many gardeners seem to overlook the possibility of growing climbing roses. Perhaps it is … Read more
The next time someone gives you a rose, don’t throw it away after the petals have fallen. Stick it in the ground in a shaded spot, cover it with a glass jar and keep it watered. It may reward you with a plant. Propagating roses from cuttings is not at all problematic. It’s a fascinating … Read more
Odd, seldom-seen annual flowers are always a thrill to grow from seed, even if only a few plants come from a packet. In a dozen years of adventuring with annuals, I have found that several unusual, rarely-grown flowers are beauties, well suited to our drought-ridden, Midwestern gardens. Try dividing your packets of seeds, as I … Read more
When considering the large and fabulous group of azaleas, one is sure to find it difficult to select a favorite or even settle on one kind for a special garden planting. Many azaleas have a brilliance and profusion of bloom, virtually unequaled among other genera of flowering shrubs. And additional combinations of characters—each attractive and … Read more
There is a close relationship between how well a rose bush grows and how well planted. You can’t just “stick” a rose in the ground and expect it to flourish. In the first place, the rose is a shrub – a woody plant that is different in structure and growth characteristics from an annual or … Read more
Rose Gardens require large amounts of water. Even in areas where rainfall is considered plentiful, occasional watering will usually be beneficial. A regular irrigation program is necessary to produce good roses in areas with a dry growing season or periodic droughts. The best method of applying water is in a small stream from a hose; … Read more
I became a rose gardener by talking too much. I declared within earshot of a lifelong rose grower and hybridizer that roses were difficult, picky, and hard to care for, and I wasn’t going to plant any in my yard. My rose-growing friend mildly remarked that I was misinformed and wagered that if I would … Read more