The mysteries of the Orient sometimes wend their way into our everyday lives. Such is the case with the culture of Japanese iris. Here is a plant with striking beauty—a real garden “stopper,” yet so many gardeners have shied away from growing it with the excuses: “too difficult to grow . . . only for … Read more
Japanese gardens have strongly influenced the design of many American gardens. Within recent years, this trend has made rapid gains on the West Coast and is gradually moving eastward. The degree of influence varies considerably. The Authenticity Question There are perfect replicas of Japanese gardens where every detail is authentic. Usually, these gardens are designed, … Read more
You are perfectly entitled to answer my question by saying that you hold a deed for the ground that includes your garden, and you may tell me that it is fenced in or that it is your backyard, wherever you live. As a good citizen, you know that you are legally protected in the ownership … Read more
Of the long list of climbing and pillar roses available, practically all of them are a success somewhere. However, as we move northward into the colder areas, the list of successful varieties continuously becomes smaller. Recommendations For Successful Winter Survival After many years of testing almost innumerable kinds of climbing and pillar roses, and for … Read more
Knowing the mental capacity of your opponent is a big asset in any contest, and we can amply testify to its importance when your opponent happens to be a colony of rats! Like others who store raw vegetables and other garden produce in cellars, we’ve had many knock-down, drag-out brawls with rats. But thanks to … Read more
No doubt every rose hobbyist, like I used to do, covets the possession of roses in bloom all year round. But anyone with a small greenhouse or who plans to build one will find it relatively easy to obtain. It’s unnecessary to procure special greenhouse stock, for your garden rose plants will fill the bill … Read more
There is such a vast difference in the beauty and habits of various camellias that the home gardener who has “got the bug” should have some help before collecting them. The camellia is an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves, which, during the winter months, bears single, semi-double, or fully double flowers in white, pink, … Read more
Autumn is the best time to plant lilacs in all except the coldest sections of the country. You may plant them in spring, but you must be sure to do so only in the earliest weeks of spring before the leaves have started to unfurl. If the plants have leafed out, there is less chance … Read more
Where: Location Planting When deciding where to plant a camellia, several leading factors must be considered. These should be determined before considering what might be termed local or personal problems. Matter of Color One factor is the matter of color. Generally, varieties bearing red flowers will tolerate more sun than those with white, pastel, or … Read more
My husband started the whole thing. One winter day, when the wind was whirling snow in sheets outside a greenhouse we were visiting, he was allowed to pick a ripe, juicy orange from a small tree inside. He was so captivated that it wasn’t long before our window garden acquired a Ponderosa lemon and a … Read more