Midwinter is a favorable time to repot house plants. But do not move the plants to larger pots unless their roots are so crowded that they really need more room. Often it is possible to merely top-dress the plants. To do this, scrape away as much as possible of the surface soil without injuring the … Read more
A quick search on the web will help beginning West Coast gardeners with a good supply of information on what to do and when and how to do it. Plus there are many gardening books which tell the newcomer to the Coast how to grow the plants found at their local nursery. Although the gardening … Read more
This month the fragrance of tea olives, the Christmas rose of China and the lovely small tree Chimonanthus praecox (Meratia praecox), fills the air with delightful aromas. Camellias, with their fine forms and colors, lighten up the borders, dotted with the berries of nandina and hawthorn. How the birds love to feast on the berried … Read more
We are already looking ahead to spring. Former disappointments are forgotten, and they should be, except insofar as they keep us from repeating the same mistakes. Soon, the flower catalogs will be arriving. Although we know very well that we won’t grow all the intriguing things they offer, nor really believe all the glowing descriptions, … Read more
Gifts for Gardeners Garden tools, gloves, fertilizer, and plant and bulb gift cards are but a few of the unusual gifts that will be appreciated by gardeners. Prune Fruit Trees Peaches and nectarines should be pruned severely this month. Apricots, apples, and pears require only the removal of dead wood, crossed branches, and water sprouts. … Read more
Holly The Christmas season highlights holly. Although hollies do not grow too successfully in the Midwest, more and more plants are appearing in the gardens of skillful gardeners. Ilex opaca, American holly, is about the only species worth much in the area represented by a line drawn from Springfield, Illinois, to Columbus, Ohio. Spraying the … Read more
Camellias Varieties that bloom at midseason may be selected and planted as the first flowers open and the full crop enjoyed in the garden. Some of the best of the midseason camellias include such old favorites as Alba Plena, Pink Perfection, and Ville de Nantes. Late-flowering varieties may be planted now for the full benefit … Read more
Mulching Be sure plants are completely dormant and the soil frozen to a depth of at least 2″ inches before applying mulches. Wind and sun do more harm than cold. Screen your evergreens wherever practical, especially your flowering kinds: Camellia Azalea Rhododendron Remember also that good drainage in the soil is the most essential item … Read more
It is a common saying among experienced gardeners that many plants are at their best just before frost cuts them down. This we know is due, at least in part, to the very helpful influence of the cooler nights. In the greenhouse, we have this condition continued indefinitely without danger of frost. This, and the … Read more
Few operations connected with gardening are more misunderstood than that of providing protection for winter. Someone has remarked that attempts at winter protection injure more plants than they benefit. This is somewhat exaggerated, but not so much as might be supposed. The basic reason winter protection often fails to protect, or results in injury, is … Read more