What could be lovelier than waking on a sunny May morning to the fresh fragrance of a dewy lilac just outside your window? The charm and sweetness of its multiple blooms and its ability to withstand severe cold and neglect are reasons for the lilac’s popularity in this and most other countries. Hardy Lilacs As … Read more
Its airy grace and exotic, eye-catching blooms of vivid crimson and bright chrome yellow make the glory-lily (Gloriosa Rothschildiana), the perfect accent for the patio, garden, or greenhouse. Although important to the florist, who uses the long-lasting blooms for arrangements and corsages, the glory lily can also be grown by the home gardener, indoors as … Read more
In a word, “NO!” Vinegar kills plants’ leaves, especially when applied on a hot, sunny day, but it will not kill the roots of mature plants. Suppose you can catch weeds when they have just sprouted and are under a couple of weeks old. In that case, you might be able to kill them, roots … Read more
Have you discovered the grace and charm that certain ornamental grasses can bring to your garden? They’re quick, easy, and exciting to grow. There are both annual and perennial types. Some are majestic giants for backgrounds, screens, hedges, and exclamation points (not to mention the vain beauties that love to sit beside a tranquil stream … Read more
This is the story of how I planned and planted the grounds of my new home. Since my gardening is a personal activity, the story behind the development of the new place is, of necessity, somewhat autobiographical. The New Home My two specialties in gardening have been lilies and herbs in my garden in New … Read more
Summary: Discover the unique characteristics and growth habits of the Leatherwood shrub (Dirca palustris), an American native plant that blooms early in spring, with tips on how to care for and incorporate it into your garden landscape. Leatherwood is one of the earliest shrubs to bloom in spring. They are distinguished by their complete lack … Read more
Trees are essential to life on earth, and most of the time, we should protect and cultivate them. However, there are times when it’s necessary to get rid of trees. Examples include: invasive trees that grow unchecked and interfere with native trees and plants damaged or diseased trees that have become unsightly or dangerous trees … Read more
Survey the weed situation from every angle—calmly, carefully, without prejudice if possible—but there is simply no getting around it. Weeds are still weeds! They are unwanted plants that appear in every garden regularly. Some Weeds Have Virtues They are not till bad. Dandelions and lamb’s quarters provide early greens or a spring tonic for the table. … Read more
With due respect to those who have a so-called “green thumb,” I feel that most of their success comes from knowledge and experience in proper planting and care. Here, therefore, are a few tips that will help bring success with your spring planting of trees and shrubs. Bare Root Planting If you can plant immediately, … Read more
The beautiful Josephine, consort of Napoleon Bonaparte, was an ardent gardener. Her gardens at Malmaison, her country home near Paris, became famous. She was eager to try out new seeds and plants from other lands, and the flowers she grew there became the vogue all over Europe. The Sweetest Fragrant Mignonette Flower Among flowers that … Read more