Do you want to try magic on your African violets? You can transform your plants into “giants” through the use of colchicine. Properly treated and grown African violet leaves develop into plants that have larger leaves and flowers than those of the original plant. Of course, colchicine can also be used on other plants. My … Read more
Where are your house plants spending the summer? Are they still in the house waiting for a breath of fresh air? Or have you set them under a tree—out of sight or mind? Why not make the most of their decorative possibilities by using them on your terrace, porch, or doorstep? Give some thought, too, … Read more
Seven or eight months of the year, the plants called night-blooming cereus hold little or no interest. They are clambering or rangy, sometimes spiny, even unsightly. Then, a miracle. The bud that will become a flower begins to grow until it may be nearly 12″ inches long, with tan sepals covering the egg-shaped bud. Finally, about … Read more
There are types to suit many gardening and flower arranging needs, with sizes ranging from 1-inch S. arenaria to 8-inch S. magnificum, foliage in bronze, red, purple, gray, and green, and growth in symmetrical rosettes or small globes. Early gardeners used these endearing little plants on their rooftops, believing that they kept lightning from striking. … Read more
The elegant Anthurium andreanum, or flamingo flower, has been in cultivation for nearly a hundred years. Still, it never fails to cause a sensation, whether you see it for the first time or have lived with it for years. You just don’t take such striking beauty for granted. Aristocrat Of Anthuriums This aristocrat of anthuriums … Read more
The size of the lights you choose will be regulated by the space you need to light. If it is small, use 48-inch, 40-watt lights in single strips or pairs. Use 6- or 8-foot, 74-watt rapid-start slim lines to light larger areas. These should be equipped with standard utility reflectors. Peggie Schulz, in the under-bench … Read more
Air-conditioning has moved into the greenhouse. With summer heat pushing against the glass outside, spring flourishes in the mild climate within. You can grow asters, snapdragons, stock, carnations, and many foliage plants that languish or get buggy in high temperatures. And you find yourself taking refuge in the cool, humid air—even in mid-August when work … Read more
Many houseplants benefit from a summer spent outdoors. Move them into the open air when the weather is warm in spring or early summer, and bring them indoors well ahead of frost in autumn. They need the same care as other plants in the garden. Provide routine pruning, regular spraying to prevent insect damage, watering … Read more
Since its origin, a studied art form in the 15th century, Ikebana has progressed along avenues so diversified as to make it a strong and virile art demanding the attention of all who come into contact with it. This strong, enduring interest is manifested in the many elaborate exhibitions held annually in Japan’s biggest department … Read more
You can have a garden shelter delivered to your house in the morning and assembled and ready for use the same evening! Prefabricated rustic shelters have been popular for many years, and now there is a trend toward screened aluminum shelters, such as the one pictured here and manufactured by the Grand Sheet Metal Products … Read more