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
Neem is a beneficial substance in gardening. Products made using neem oil, or neem solids can be very useful as a natural pesticide, a soil amendment, and even neem cake fertilizer. Where Do Neem Products Come From? Neem oil and neem cakes are products that come from the neem tree, which is native to southeastern … Read more
Tulips If you bought tulip bulbs early in the season and placed them on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator (not the freezing compartment), they are ready to plant now. Two to three weeks of chilling helps to give larger, longer-stemmed flowers. There is still time to buy tulip bulbs and refrigerate them properly before … Read more
Get Ready for Winter By November first, either we’ve had “it,” or we are waiting for “it.” “It,” of course, is the first hard freeze. One fact we do know – we never escape November without a freeze. If delayed, it is usually harder than if it comes early. Now is an excellent time to … Read more
Azaleas and Camellias Plants of these evergreens are well budded now, so make sure they get enough water during this normally dry month. It is also an excellent time to plant azaleas, mainly because the weather is cool for strenuous work. You can move azaleas anytime, provided they are kept watered until re-established. Camellias are … Read more
Lawns Keep mowing as long as the grass keeps growing. If you haven’t yet spread fertilizer, there is still time to do so. A well-fertilized lawn will stay green all winter. Run the leaf mulcher through the fallen leaves two or three times to ensure they are finely chopped and thinly spread; otherwise, rake them … Read more
Autumn color Sometimes, trees in the Southwest lack fall color, but this is only true where no provision is made in the garden for plants with bright autumn hues. Sweet gum, Liquidambar styraciflua, is a blaze of color every year. Leaves turn a mottled red-yellow, and orange color that puts a maple to shame. Ginkgo, … Read more