As one snowflake does not constitute a blizzard, neither does successfully growing a single orchid makes one an orchid authority. Nevertheless, the experiences of one person and his method in blooming an orchid under ordinary window-sill culture, and without the benefit of a greenhouse or any fancy equipment, can lend encouragement to others who have … Read more
Perhaps the one time that indoor plants are most appreciated is in the long gray wintery months that precede spring. Average Indoor Plants Foliage plants, African violets, gloxinias, and begonias are about the extent of what the average indoor gardener has to work with. Summer Months: Growth and Bloom of Plants Actually, with proper light, … Read more
I grow Rex Begonias on my window sills, on stands, tables, and in my breezeway. At one time they were thought to be strictly for the greenhouse hobbyist. Such is not the case anymore! Basic Cultural House Plants Today anyone can have the basic cultural know-how to grow these most luxuriant and beautiful of house … Read more
Zantedeschia aethiopica (zan-teh-DESK-ee-uh ee-thee-OH-pih-kuh), commonly known as White calla lily, is a common florist’s calla around the world. Despite its common name, White calla lily, Zantedeschia Aethiopica is not a true lily. Instead, it’s a clump-forming herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennial that belongs to the genus Zantedeschia and is a member of the Araceae family, also … Read more
Would you like to have a brilliant, dependable flower this winter and next spring in contrast to your usual house plants? Spring Colors of Plants You can have generous spreads of color —yellow, blue, pink, and red—if you plan now to force bulbs such as tulips and daffodils. They’re easier than you think and very … Read more
Thirty years ago, when my garden began, the first perennial planted was a clump of Lemon Lilies, Hemerocallis flava, taken from my grandmother’s childhood home. Some, planted near a pool, delighted me with their fragrance and light lemon color so effective with the various iris, Oriental poppies, lavender, and purple Hesperis or Sweet Rocket. My … Read more
Indoor gardeners who have filled every window with pots of African violets are now extending their interest to trailing plants belonging to the same gesneriad family. Five close relatives of this popular house plant can be grown successfully under the same conditions as African Violets and with an even greater decorative effect. Pendant stems of … Read more
So wide is the variety of seeds and bulbs that can be planted this season that even – the most experienced home gardener is apt to be confused when deciding what to plant. Planting Schedules and Seed Catalogs As we study planting schedules and seed catalogs, we tend to try to grow everything under the … Read more
Night-blooming cereus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum), a commonly grown houseplant in many parts of this country, comes to us from Mexico and Central America. Unlike the cereus species which grow in our southwest, this particular kind, also known as broad-leaf epiphyllum, grows on trees in its native habitat. The American kinds, which may grow to great heights, … Read more
Eight years have passed since we first found out that anyone can grow orchids. It was my wife’s birthday, and I wanted to get her something special, so I stopped at a florist shop in my hometown, Hialeah, Florida, which displayed a big sign: ORCHIDS. The florist was making corsages of what I later learned … Read more