Easy to eradicate now, even when among ornamentals The summer brings many joys with its myriad of colorful, fragrant plants, but it also gives rise to some undesirable plants that are unwelcome in all gardens and against which constant warfare is waged. Just a few sprigs of poison oak or poison ivy may be enough … Read more
In days gone by, thyme was used as a strewing herb—a medicinal measure against pestilence—as well as providing a more perfumed atmosphere for crowds enclosed in poorly-ventilated buildings; the Greek word “thymus” means to fumigate. Today, the oil of thyme is still an ingredient in many prescribed medicines. Thyme honey was, and still is, a … Read more
When nurseries introduced varieties of Japanese taxus, commonly called Japanese yew, it was considered an evergreen beautiful in form and with rich foliage but also hardy and completely pest free. Within a few years, however, a mealybug began to attack them. This pest is easily eliminated by spraying with a nicotine sulfate solution containing dissolved … Read more
Landscaping is not an exact science and therefore is interesting. It may be formal or informal so long as it reflects your personality and meets your needs. In creating a picture with living plants, make a study of the types you will use to enhance the beauty of your property. Versatile Holly For this study, … Read more
The tree peony, the aristocrat of the garden, has dignity, becoming a plant of ancient lineage and royal patronage. In its native land, China, where it has been known as the king of flowers from time immemorial, it has been the subject of painting and poetry for more than 1500 years. The rulers of China … Read more
Along the Tamiami Trail at the southern tip of Florida are expanses of pickerelweed with myriads of black swallowtail butterflies hovering over the blue flowers. Similar blue flowers in swamp areas in the north raise their club-like spikes above the water. Pontederia Cordata The species best known is Pontederia cordata which grows from Nova Scotia … Read more
So much has been written about the White, Engelmann, and Colorado blue spruces that most people take them for granted and tend to search for something different. Yet, we need only go to the most common spruces, the Norway (Picea abies), for some of the most uncommon forms. One authority names 37 varieties of Norway … Read more
Yews are one of the best evergreens for modern landscaping. Known botanically as Taxus, they range from the dwarfed varieties to those which grow 2′ to 5′ feet high, and some even attain 50′ feet. There are columnar and spreading varieties. In suburban plantings, yew may be used informally, provided loose varieties are chosen and … Read more
Something dramatically new in terrace gardening will soon find its way onto American patios from Italy, where large pots—what might be called water planters—containing waterlilies or lotus is a new and exciting innovation. The popularity of water planters in this country will be spurred by the growing use of patios and terraces in all sections … Read more
An annual that will produce delicious cranberry or currant jelly in the North from spring seeding should interest every home gardener. Using Roselle Roselle (Hibiscus sabdiriffa) can be used as a source of juice which, when mixed with commercial pectin, produces a brilliant violet-red jelly with a flavor that is a delightful blend of cranberry, … Read more