Growing Lilacs With Great Pleasure

flowering lilac tree

Over the last 30 years, I have been growing lilacs. No other plant has given me greater pleasure. Since we are convenient to the private collection of Miss Vivian Evans, who has over 300 varieties of lilacs, and to our local Ewing Park, with more than 200 varieties, it has taken a real effort to … Read more

A Greenhouse Made To Order

great looking home greenhouse

When the Trekells bought their suburban home, they made certain that the lot was large enough to accommodate a small greenhouse, which could be attached to the house. Then they planned and dreamed about it for 13 years. Trekells Greenhouse The greenhouse is aluminum framed in four sections, 11 x 14 meeting overall. Its arrangement … Read more

Sargent Crabapple The Ornamental Crab

Ornamental Crab

At this season, when displays of brightly colored fruits attract more attention than flowers among trees and shrubs, the ornamental crabapples command particular admiration.  One of the most distinctive of these is the Sargent crabapple, the only truly shrubby member of this group ordinarily grown in this country.  It develops a densely-branched framework rarely over … Read more

Trade Bricks For Flowers

laying brick pavers

This is the tale of a new garden fostered by an old garden. Both lie within St. Luke’s Chapel, close to Greenwich Village.  A two-year apprenticeship in the old garden behind the chapel Vicarage made possible a measure of success in the new one.  New Garden in New York The site for the new garden … Read more

Lilacs-old And New Varieties

blooms of the fragrant lilac tree

One of the most cherished spring-flowering shrubs is the lilac. With its appealing fragrance and abundance of bloom, it continues to be a favorite everywhere it grows.  Moreover, the new hybrids, with their larger flowers and exciting colors, are high on the popular list of flowering shrubs. When making selections, the home gardener is confronted … Read more

Lilacs-old And New Varieties

vase of blooming Peonies

When we talk about modern peonies, we do not do so to discredit the older varieties. Such favorites as Mons. Jules Elie, Festiva Maxima, Reine Hortense, and many others still have a place in most gardens. Great Advancements With Peony Since about 1900, Growers and specialists have made great advancements with the peony. The biggest … Read more

How I Start New Rose Plants From Cuttings

Rose Cuttings

I’m giving my method of starting rose cuttings in answer to the inquiry I read in a magazine. I’ve used this method for many years with success.  How I Start Rose Cuttings In late October or early November, I fix a little bed under some shrub where it will be protected from winter winds and … Read more

Foliar Feeding: A Secret to Thriving Roses and Plants

Foliar Feeding

Summary: The article explores foliar feeding’s benefits for roses and other plants, emphasizing its potential to produce larger blossoms, vibrant foliage, and improved winter hardiness. It delves into the process, integration with pest control, and the role of potassium nitrate and other nutrients. Key Takeaways The Benefits of Foliar Feeding Larger, more richly-colored blossoms, dark … Read more

Healthy Habits: Keep Your Roses Looking Their Best

Healthy Roses

Growing and maintaining roses during the growing season can be a manageable task.  Following a planned procedure, only a few minutes each week are needed to keep a rose garden of moderate size in good condition. Feed While Still Dormant Established roses, plants in the garden for one summer or more, should receive their most … Read more

How To Simplify Control Of Poison Ivy?

Poison Ivy

Control of poison ivy is often a real problem for the suburbanite. However, it need not be tolerated since improved herbicides have become available.  Eradication by hand pulling is exasperating, dangerous, and seldom effective.  Most chemicals designed for killing brush are effective against poison ivy, but desirable plants nearby may be injured by the volatile … Read more