Sixty years ago, in “The Illustrated Strawberry Culturist,” Andrew S. Fuller chided Americans for doing nothing to improve our native strawberries until after English gardeners had imported American species for an experiment in the early 1800s. Even then, for perhaps a half century more, “our fruit growers were content to import varieties from abroad instead … Read more
If you plan to visit your friends’ gardens in the spring, you must make a date with your garden this fall. Every chore that can be done in the fall relieves you in the springtime when garden work is at its peak. Transplantings from September Every fall, I add a ton of sand and would … Read more
In urban and suburban living today, family and social obligations, civic duties, and other commitments all make heavy demands upon your time. However, those whose hobby is gardening will have much more time because it will be willing time. You, as an individual or as a family, must decide just how much willing time you … Read more
I often wonder why more people, especially those with shade in their yards, don’t grow galax. It is a valuable addition to any wild or shady garden. Desirable Characteristics of Galax Its evergreen leaves make a good ground cover for shrubs. They are round, about the size of a 50-cent piece, and a beautiful glossy … Read more
Since the natural aromatic oils of garden herbs are most bountiful in August, this is the ideal time for your harvest. You will want to choose a clear, sunny morning when the dew is gone, and the noonday sun cannot rob the plants of their oils. For an early start, you must have your tools … Read more
For a real treat this winter, why not freeze your home-grown corn right on the cob? In the first place, I believe that this method produces the finest-flavored frozen corn. The second place is the easiest way to freeze corn. Freezing Method Cutting the kernels of a large quantity of corn direct from the garden … Read more
By planting tubers of Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus), a colorful plant may be added to the shrubbery border, or to brighten a corner of the garden. This sunflower grows 6’ to 8’ feet high. In autumn, it is topped with many clusters of gay, golden-yellow, daisy flowers, 2” to 3” inches across. In my shrubbery … Read more
As American as firecrackers on the Fourth of July is Phlox paniculata, and a garden full of it blooming is as exciting as the soaring skyrockets the furled buds suggest—or as restful as a hammock in the shade. Its colors range from the purest white through pink and rose to intense red, from lavender and … Read more
Good gardening consists of far more than setting plants in the soil. One of the best gardeners of the last three score years said, “It is thoroughness, thoroughness, thoroughness that I preach. The cheapest and best of investments— the gardener’s richest capital.” Reginald Farrer wrote these words, and as he was acknowledged to be one … Read more
If you consider fine food one of life’s pleasures, you are probably aware that there is no substitute for tender, succulent vegetables right from your garden. Not only is the flavor finer when picked before it fully matures, but you can also plant better varieties, often neglected by commercial growers. Their main interest is a … Read more