The memorial rose (Rosa Wichuraiana), one of the parents of the modern hybrid rambler roses, is the only truly procumbent rose species. This native of Japan, Korea, and eastern China was first introduced into North America about 65 years ago. And even though it has been grown here for over half a century, it is … Read more
When my wife and I moved to our farm in the hills a few years ago, we found a great rock on the lawn near the old stone farmhouse, over 51′ feet around and some 4′ feet high. It must have become “rooted” there during the ice age. Someone in the old days had planted … Read more
The orchid tree (Bauhinia variegata) is a handsome, small flowering tree from India which has made itself at home in equatorial areas throughout the world. Called other picturesque names like mountain ebony, bull-hoof, and Napoleon’s hat, the most commonly used everyday name, orchid tree, alludes to the graceful flowers which resemble orchids. If the species … Read more
Gardens are a little like people. Some have great personalities and charm; the majority make little impressions one way or another. Fortunately, gardens can be changed into what we want them to be. Contemporary Gardening Therefore, let’s consider contemporary gardening in this country constructively yet critically. First, of course, there are the great gardens of … Read more
In all the wide range of garden operations, there is probably none less understood than winter mulching. 9 out of 10 gardeners continue to use rule-of-thumb practices—some of them actually harmful—with no real knowledge concerning what should be done or how to do it. Testing Of Roses In a Chicago Regional Rose Society survey, in … Read more
Plants growing in poorly drained soils are far more subject to winter damage than those growing in well-drained ones. They also tend to grow more readily when the host leaves the ground in spring. Plants growing in well-drained soil have more luxuriant roots that penetrate more deeply. Such plants are more resistant to low-temperature injury … Read more
To be considered a good ornamental, a tree or shrub must possess several outstanding qualities. These may vary somewhat but, generally, they include beautiful flowers, attractive fruits, good foliage, hardiness where this is essential, ability to withstand attacks by insect pests and plant diseases, and ease of culture. This does not mean that every good … Read more
There are a few wildflowers which belong to the plant aristocracy. Lathyrus splendens, Pride-of-California or Campo Pea, is surely deserving of high regard. Why? Just for one thing: it’s a unique black-crimson color. Only the deepest, dark red rose possesses this marvelous, glowing shade. But Pride-of-California dangles masses of this velvety crimson among branches of … Read more
Cloud bush (Grevillea paniculata) is one of the many shrubs native to Australia that are at home in West Coast gardens. Like many shrubs from other countries and like a few natives of the Western states, cloud bushes usually flower in response to moisture. Except during its rest months, which on my hill are June … Read more
Camellias make excellent pot plants, and because of certain unusual cultural requirements, they are well adapted for growing on porches and sunrooms that are or can be closed in during Winter. They have been kept in good condition for many years, even to 50 or more with their root systems confined to the limited space … Read more