Maleic hydrazide, better known as chemicals yet developed for modern gardeners. Discovered accidentally by Naugatuck Chemical’s research scientists in 1948, MH has the unusual property of temporarily retarding plant growth without impairing the health of the plant. The degree of retardation is directly proportional to the dosage sprayed on the plants. In this writing, maleic … Read more
I learned early in life how useful a willow tree is to a farmer. At home, my foster parents grew a large grape vineyard. Mother tore up hundreds of soft cotton rags to be used in tying up the pruned grape vines to the wires. That was work on Saturdays for all the children. It … Read more
Plant materials of ilex species have been entering this country through the Section of Plant Introduction, U.S.D.A.’s efforts since 1898. The first of these introductions was a shipment of seeds of I. aquifolium sent from France by W. T. Swingle, plant explorer for the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Those seeds were given the P. … Read more
Eucryphias are desirable for the glory of their late summer bloom and, in cool-winter climates, for the brilliancy of autumn foliage. In 1859, E. glutinosa was introduced into England from Chile. Considered one of the hardiest, this tree may be seen in flower in the Arboretum of Washington, Seattle, where five different eucryphias are grown. … Read more
This charming corner of a city garden in San Francisco, located behind a Victorian house, is evidence of what thoughtful planning can achieve. At this time of year, when leisure is sometimes made imperative by the weather, a garden’s importance, and full meaning come sharply into focus. Your garden and mine can and should be … Read more
Holly selections for ornamental uses are propagated almost entirely from cuttings. This is because the seed is slow to germinate, and young plants often differ in fruit and foliage from the parents. Since rooted slips or cuttings produce young plants with the same characteristics as the parents, vegetative reproduction perpetuates choice varieties. Horticulturists propagate American … Read more
Exceptionally good foliage from spring to fall, beautiful summer flowers, and a dense pyramidal form (the maximum height is 60′ feet, although the tree is usually smaller) make the sorrel or sourwood tree. Oxydendrum arboreum is one of the most serviceable ornamentals hailing from the Southeast. The name sourwood comes from the fact that the … Read more
This is the time of year when those who grow roses, whether many or few, begin to think of the chores that must be done if flowers are to be lovely in June. Success then depends on what is done now as well as on how well the needs and temperaments of the various kinds … Read more
Success with cuttings depends upon many factors, the most important of which are timing, types, hormones, media, propagating cases, and general culture. Importance of Timing Timing, which is probably the most important single factor, is as yet relatively little understood except in purely empirical terms. We know that cuttings of some varieties of common lilac … Read more
Miniature roses have taken the country by storm! True miracles of nature, these tiny roses have become big business for rose growers. One nursery alone—anticipating demands—propagated over two hundred thousand of the small bushes. Called the jewels of the rose world, the miniatures are exquisitely formed replicas of the hybrid tea rose, but on an … Read more