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
Our grandmothers grew pots of amaryllis and their grandmothers before them. Sometimes, even the grandfathers did. It is so ancient a custom that one may wonder which was the original pot plant, amaryllis or geranium. But they have not always been common. Amaryllis Rutila The first amaryllis I ever saw was probably Amaryllis rutila. Later, … Read more
Plants with unusual leaves have always held a strange fascination for me and I find they are also greatly admired by others. In the window garden, where plants are seen at close range, leaves that are different have great appeal. For several years, the dieffenbachia, in all its varieties, has been found not only in … Read more
Ferns seem to me to be in the neglected bracket, at least when considered as house plants. These few words, with the pictures, will, I hope, serve to remove them from this class. Ferns Are Adaptable While these plants have no bloom, make no mistake about the color added to any home where a fern … Read more
The iris family includes several fascinating members well worth growing in the greenhouse. Whenever there is room. We like to have some Wedgwood, White Excelsior, and Golden Harvest for cutting. These should be planted now (November) for flowering from midwinter on. The blooms give a delicate touch of color to mixed bouquets and are especially … Read more