Gardeners are wonderful people and, as such, deserve all the help they can get in raising beautiful vegetables and fruit. Yet I know gardeners who will not take advantage of modern science because they feel that Nature’s way is best. I do not quarrel with them, but since Nature is undependable, sometimes working with us … Read more
One of the strangest flowers of our native woodlands is the waxy white Indian pipe, Monotropa uniflora, which can be found in blossom from late June through August. It is not rare in any part of the Northern United States; on the other hand, it is not commonly seen because of its inconspicuous habit of … Read more
Nearly every plant we know is steeped in history, legend, and fable. Some are more fascinating, even more amusing than others, but all have a place in the plant kingdom. We might think of plants in three divisions: first, those which have a healing quality of medicinal value; second, those which are attractive and have … Read more
The Channel Islands, nestling in the Bay of Normandy off the French coast at the mouth of the English Channel, although not big enough to appear on any but a large-scale map, are known throughout the world for many things. Famous Jersey And Guernsey Breeds Their breeds of Jersey and Guernsey cattle are justly famous. … Read more
Early summer is the ideal time to start perennials from seed, and it is an excellent way to increase your store of hardy plants. For the most part, many perennials are easy to raise and require no more care than most annuals. Then, too, in mixed packets of seeds, one often finds new colors and … Read more
It is regrettably unfortunate that I have never crossed the Atlantic; therefore, I am not competent to estimate the popularity of scarlet-flowered pelargoniums in the U. S. A. and Canada. However, those visiting the Old Country during this festival of Britain this year will find these plants contributing largely to our floral displays. Still known … Read more
Too many backyard gardeners do not realize the frequent necessity for continued applications of fertilizer. They are content with adding fertility in the early spring before or at planting time but do not realize that increased yields are often hard on most crops by using a starter or nutrient solution. A starter solution is advantageously … Read more
Delphiniums can easily be grown from seeds that can be sown practically any time of the year, according to the climatic conditions, equipment available, or desired flowering time. Under California conditions, for early spring flowers, sow from June to September; for midsummer blooms, December to January; and for Fall blooms, February to April. Early Seed … Read more
Lime may supply the key to success for some of the plants in your garden. My first experience with the magic which can be performed by the addition of lime to the soil came when I transformed a bed of sweet sultans from sickly plants to vigorous specimens with blossoms of exhibition quality. In common … Read more
Every year, from spring until fall, our garden is visited by rose lovers from all parts of the country. They come singly, and they come in groups, small groups, and large groups. Some stay only a few minutes, some stay for hours, and some stay for days. And all of them, I think, ask questions. … Read more