The term organic can have many meanings, but we can define it as plant remains for our purpose. Such remains commonly decompose rather quickly, contain considerable amounts of the elements necessary for plant growth, and, if incorporated into the soil after serving their purpose as a mulch, improve the soil structure and add fertility. Benefits … Read more
The plant breeder is truly a creator, for he works, not with such dead chemicals as pigments, but with those infinitesimally small yet living chemicals galled “genes.” Genes: Bearers Of Heredity In Plants Genes are the bearers of heredity in all life, from mankind to the grass itself. It is hard for us to realize … Read more
Mulches, one kind or another, have been used since time immemorial. In some cases, they may have been of value. In others, they may have been of little or no benefit. Many questions arise about the use of mulches and mulching practices. What is a Mulch? Roughly, a mulch may be defined as any protective … Read more
Roses are fragile. Handle roses with care. Bruises will show, so avoid striking the heads against a hard surface. With a sharp knife (not shears) cut the bottom inch from stems, cutting on a slant to expose a large surface. Place the stems in deep warm water (about 100° degrees Fahrenheit) to which a good … Read more
Evaluation time is here. Time to look back on this year’s garden to plan an even better garden next year. In our area, the lack of rain has made it a difficult year. It was not a drought, but we had no soaking rains, only light showers. I seldom plant any vegetable or flower seeds … Read more
The word wahoo, refers to Euonymus atropurpureus. The word comes from the Dakota Indian word wanhu, – arrowwood. It is also known as burning bush and spindle tree. The straight, round, smooth, small branches would make good arrows. A plus for the western Indians who used them. Not A Dioecious Plant It is not a … Read more
When wild geese fly high, there is a haze on the far horizon, and the weather turns, pleasantly cool, then November has arrived. Potting of Small Plants Usually, some small plants in the garden can be potted to make sunny windows brighter for the winter. Small petunias, coleus, marigolds, and even morning glories will frame … Read more
The Crossandra is a small evergreen shrub. When not blooming its dark, glossy green leaves makes some mistaken for a gardenia. A flowering Crossandra will bloom approximately 6 months out of a year. The individual salmon-colored flowers grow from the top of a spike. The blooms arrange themselves into a flat, overlapping flower head. Grown … Read more
Would you like to carry on your plant hybridizing throughout the year? You can if you own a small greenhouse. What’s more, many greenhouse-grown perennials bloom in far less time than those grown in the garden. To the hybridizer, this time is most important. Hybridizing Daylily If you start daylily (hemerocallis) seeds in the greenhouse … Read more
New Harmony, Indiana, stages the Antique Show also known as the Golden Raintree festival each June when its “Gate Trees” are in bloom! William Maclure, scientist, philanthropist, and joint founder of the second “perfect society” there on the lower Wabash, fell in love with the golden rain tree on one of his world tours. In … Read more