Years ago, our family acquired a weekend house in the Tidewater area of Virginia. It was a small, early eighteenth-century brick cottage surrounded by a wilderness of weeds, honeysuckle, tawny daylilies, and an almost-as-big-as-the-house American pillar rose which sheltered groundhog holes under its thorny tangle. Several lilac bushes and patches of iris foliage among the … Read more
These brave little plants often endure the hardships of wind, rain, and late snow to forge their way into the Spring landscape. For most of us, there are but two species of scillas: Scilla sibirica and Scilla campanulata. But more than 80 species have been classified, and 30 or more species and varieties are commercially … Read more
The Winter care and protection of roses concern the condition of the plants, the severity of the weather, and the methods and materials supplied by the gardener. Preparation of the plant for Winter conditions is the first step. As early as August, new fast-growing basal shoots should be topped to check their rapid growth and … Read more
Ixias are great favorites on the Southern Pacific coast, where climatic conditions closely approximate their native home in South Africa. There are about 25 sorts found in the Cape of Good Hope area and possibly more. In California, they have no rivals in popularity among the late Spring-blooming bulbs after the crocuses and freesias have … Read more
Question: Which of the Spring flowering bulbs must be put in early, and which can wait until later? Answer: All the narcissi, species and varieties, and the small bulbs, such as crocus, snowdrops, scillas, chionodoxas, and grape hyacinths must be planted early – in September – or early October to make root development before cold … Read more
Gardenia jasminoides (gar-DEEN-ya jaz-min-OY-deez), sometimes referred to as common gardenia or cape jasmine plant, is native to Southeastern Asia. It ranges from Southern China and Japan to India and Bangladesh. There are two camps of flower enthusiasts: those who prefer low-maintenance plants those who will go the extra mile for high maintenance plants Gardenia jasminoides … Read more
Erigeron is a genus of perennials from the daisy family. People often mistake the colorful Erigeron flowers for true daisies or their close cousins Asters. Click on this article to learn more on growing Fleabane daisy.
Most of us growing Gardenia jasminoides and other varieties look forward to their intoxicating fragrance. The flowers of many Gardenia varieties look like creamy white roses. Plus the Gardenia shrub is a beautiful plant. But, there are times when growing this acid-loving plant we see leaf yellowing. The green leaves show their nutrient deficiency, pests … Read more
Gardenias are beautiful subtropical plants well-known for their exquisite fragrances. Their attractive creamy-white flowers are as delicate as they look. Native to the subtropical regions of Africa, southern Asia, Australasia, and Oceania, Gardenia jasminoides is from the Rubiaceae family. They are recommended for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 to 11. Gardenias are picky … Read more
The Portulaca plant is a low-spreading and low growing succulent plant with beautiful flowers. It produces blooms and small succulent leaves on thin stems that may reach one or two feet long. It makes a great choice for hanging baskets.