“Why does it look like a hibiscus,” said an admirer of the tropical-looking bloom. But when she had observed it more closely, she said, “But it’s only an old hollyhock.” That’s the reaction many of us have to this familiar flower. Nimble-fingered people use the beautiful florets for very “dressy” corsages. Flower arrangers float them … Read more
Shrubs flowering outdoors in mid-winter are scarcely the usual thing in our gardens, and this small group holds great value for the colder parts of the country. One of the best winter-blooming subjects is Chinese witch hazel (Hamamelis Mollis). This hardy shrub is outstanding for the brilliant, rich effect of its yellow-petalled reddish-centered flowers, which … Read more
Never underestimate the value of trellises. They provide an excellent way to gain color and greenery in confined areas. They can be practical or pictorial; they will often be both. Spray paint takes the chore out of maintaining them, and there are aluminum types that never need attention at all. Sometimes you want your trellis … Read more
If your planting space is limited and you love small plants, classic charm, and the outdoors, why not try a miniature garden? There is no reason why you can’t have one. To begin with, you require no yard at all – just a patio, porch, or window planter! A miniature garden is an ordinary rock … Read more
There may be snow on the ground outside, but it can be spring inside your home. Even in the dead of winter, the blossoms of apple, cherry, magnolia, and forsythia can brighten your home with their delicate loveliness. At the same time, the heady perfume of jasmine, flowering quince, lilac, and honeysuckle can scent your … Read more
Much has been written in recent months on hardiness. The many facets of the term have been discussed with explanations of each, but I suspect there will continue to be unexpected losses. Perhaps the ability of a tree, like a man, to withstand extremes of heat or cold depends upon general robustness, in addition to … Read more
Many kinds of tree and shrub branches will come into leaf and bloom quickly ahead of the season if special attention is given to their preparation. The best time to cut branches for forcing is on a mild day when the sap is near the bark’s surface. Trim out conflicting branches, pound the stems up … Read more
Vines accommodate garden subjects. They’ll adorn a trellis, arbor, or pergola built especially for them. Or they’ll drape gracefully over an old stump, rock pile, fence, or shed, transforming an eyesore into a thing of beauty. They’ll shield you from the hot sun, screen off an ugly view, wrap leafy shawls around bare tree trunks, and … Read more
Outdoor living reaches ideal fulfillment in a garden of luxuriant greens owned by Mr. and Mrs. William A. Randall of Wayne, Pennsylvania. Cool, refreshing shade tempers the hot summer days; illumination lengthens the evening hours spent out of doors. This pleasant place is peaceful and well-ordered in an unusually well-assembled plant material setting. Planned and planted … Read more
Today, home gardeners are using flowering trees more often than ever. For the most part, gardens are small, and many kinds of flowering trees are suited to confined areas. They provide the needed height, color, and form where there is no room for the more giant shade trees. The kinds shown here can be used … Read more