Let’s turn our hobby of gardening into a pursuit of gift-giving. Here in our window garden, there in our outdoor garden, the materials are at hand. Many plants can get started from slips or cuttings, by divisions or offsets, by air-layering, and even by seeds. And plants are always given a warm welcome for birthdays … Read more
Many kinds of cacti and succulents can be grown in the home. My own collection, relatively small because it is confined to limited available space, is constantly growing. Almost any soil will suffice if you have space for only a few plants. As long as plants are not overwatered, they will be pleased in a … Read more
Glowing African violets have provided a pleasant adventure in indoor gardening for the past few years. However, while I still enjoy working with them, they are now relegated to second place since I discovered 2 years ago the potential glamor encased in a flattened bulb – that of the gloxinia. For sheer joy, no flower … Read more
If you live in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas or in one of the few places in the country where the climate is sunny and moderate all year round, you are among the fortunate who can grow and enjoy poinsettias in the garden. Protected from the severe wind and given adequate water and … Read more
One of the joys of Christmas comes from the decorations we put up in our homes to celebrate this happy season. Most of all, plants, whether alive or dried, offer fascinating possibilities. Especially interesting variations may be had by combining Christmas accessories with house plants and cut plant material from gardens, woods and fields, and … Read more
Gardeners do not need paints to make a picture. With a palette of living plants, they can paint a memorable composition, drawing from a wealth of material that is both old and new. With a small expenditure of time, effort, and money, many kinds of fascinating houseplants can be used to compose this masterpiece. Begonia … Read more
Alternanthera This colorful, little Alternanthera is a lovely flower with narrow lanceolate leaves. It makes a very effective edging plant. Its leaves, variegated with crimson, pink, green, brown, orange, and carmine, in some respects, resemble our brilliant Autumn leaves. Perhaps it is often seen as an edging or ribbon border or for carpet bedding in … Read more
The recent advent of the seemingly-intense indoor lighting with fluorescent bulbs has naturally caused many indoor gardeners to wonder if plants could be grown under this light. According to extensive experiments conducted in such widely separated places as Holland and Harvard University, scientists have also been interested in this possibility. In general, the findings of … Read more
When I started growing African violets a few years ago, I realized that I could have hundreds of blooms in many colors throughout the year. Before I knew it, my collection began to increase as I added new varieties to what has become a fascinating and absorbing hobby. In the beginning, I had my troubles, … Read more
What can be more heartwarming when winter comes than a greenhouse full of blooming plants? For that reason, more and more homeowners are acquiring greenhouses for the pleasure and relaxation they afford during this time of year. Growing plants in the greenhouse, no matter what kind, can be great fun. However, the more enthusiastic may … Read more