Now that we’ve finished planting daffodils, crocus, scillas, camassia, and snowdrops and enjoyed the spring beauty they will bring, we must consider these bulb plantings’ appearance when they bloom over. Their dying foliage is not a pretty sight. Therefore, we should plant seeds of annuals this month to hide the bulb beds next summer. Annuals: … Read more
Have you reached the point where you can’t devote as many hours to your garden as you would like to? Do you have other commitments which consume a major portion of your time? Or must you, for some reason, be away from home for several months? If this is true, then it’s time to start working … Read more
Something about October hires one to the woods. It is the best time to dig native ferns. Although the fronds may be dry one can still tell the kind it is. Native Ferns Grow Under Trees Since the native ferns usually grow under trees a hatchet will cut mats of roots so that the whole … Read more
We have been delighted with the gladiolus species, especially with Gladiolus tristis, which should be planted in November. It is a hardy little fellow that begins growth immediately after planting and which, in our experience, has never been damaged by freezes. Gladiolus Flowers The flowers, which appear in March when we are planting large-flowered garden … Read more
The tawney hues of autumn and the cooler days entice us to spend more time outside. Examine chrysanthemum stakes to make certain branches are securely fastened to withstand damaging winds and rains. Several gardeners attach a covering to stakes driven around the flower bed. This covering protects flowers from hard rains and early frosts and … Read more
Here are the things you need to do gardening in October: Plant tulips before frost sets in. Select early to late blooming varieties for a long span of bloom. Buy only quality bulbs and check for signs of disease before planting. Prevent a build-up of soil-borne diseases by setting the bulbs where tulips have not … Read more
No vegetable excels the squash in its variety of form and color. Among commonly grown forms, they range in size from the little Butternut, Table Queen, and Buttercup to the great Blue Hubbards, which may weigh 60 pounds or more. Of course, that leaves out the Mammoth Chili, which may be even larger. Noteworthy Squash … Read more
Today, more home gardeners find pleasure in growing blueberries in their gardens. Once given the acid soil they need, blueberries are not difficult to grow and offer many rewards in addition to the delicious berries they produce in the summer. These include showy white flowers in the spring, vivid scarlet-red foliage in the autumn, and … Read more
Frost can be expected at almost any time now in the northernmost part of our area. This means, among other things, that preparations should be made to bring house plants under cover if they spent the summer outdoors. It is most desirable to get them into their winter living quarters before it is necessary to … Read more
For several years I have made it a point to do all the traveling possible during the hemerocallis or day-lily season. In addition to enjoying the enchanting blooms, these trips enable me to keep in touch with new developments and to evaluate new introductions which I see growing under varying soil and climate conditions. On … Read more