He’s just like a doctor, says George M. Codding. “That’s the best way I can describe what a tree expert is.” “His job, is mainly preventive medicine—to keep your trees as healthy and beautiful as possible. He takes care of shade and evergreen trees after they are planted. He does no landscaping or planting himself.” … Read more
The Crab Apple is one of the best small ornamental trees for planting on the home grounds. It is suggested here as only one example of crab apples grown throughout the entire country wherever apples prove hardy. Although many a majestic elm may have admirers, the flowering crabs seldom grow over 30’ feet tall, making … Read more
Much of the excitement in Pacific Coast gardening comes from experimenting with plants native to western states and those from other countries with similar climates. Many natives have adopted themselves to zones and exposures quite unlike those in which they are found. Fallugia Paradoxa “Apache Plume” One of these shrubs is Fallugia paradoxa, more commonly … Read more
Seven of the fifteen known garrya species are native to the Pacific Coast. Evergreen Garrya elliptica, Coast silk-tassel, is the one that has been in the trade the longest and is still the species commonly planted in gardens and parks. It grows wild on the slopes of coastal ranges from the Rogue River in Oregon … Read more
The convexed-leaved variety of the Japanese holly is one of the best low evergreens for ornamental planting. In fact, over vast areas of the northern United States, it can be considered the best substitute for the less hardy boxwood. The leaves are about the size of boxwood leaves but slightly curved convexly, hence its name. … Read more
Those familiar with the out-of-doors in the eastern and central United States know the native witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), the last shrub to bloom in the fall. But they may be entirely unfamiliar with another excellent native witch-hazel—the first shrub of the year to bloom—the vernal witch-hazel (Hamamelis vernalis). Native in the Lower Mississippi Valley, this … Read more
What could be lovelier than waking on a sunny May morning to the fresh fragrance of a dewy lilac just outside your window? The charm and sweetness of its multiple blooms and its ability to withstand severe cold and neglect are reasons for the lilac’s popularity in this and most other countries. Hardy Lilacs As … Read more
In a word, “NO!” Vinegar kills plants’ leaves, especially when applied on a hot, sunny day, but it will not kill the roots of mature plants. Suppose you can catch weeds when they have just sprouted and are under a couple of weeks old. In that case, you might be able to kill them, roots … Read more
Have you discovered the grace and charm that certain ornamental grasses can bring to your garden? They’re quick, easy, and exciting to grow. There are both annual and perennial types. Some are majestic giants for backgrounds, screens, hedges, and exclamation points (not to mention the vain beauties that love to sit beside a tranquil stream … Read more
This is the story of how I planned and planted the grounds of my new home. Since my gardening is a personal activity, the story behind the development of the new place is, of necessity, somewhat autobiographical. The New Home My two specialties in gardening have been lilies and herbs in my garden in New … Read more