Agave (a-GAH-vee) is a perennial succulent that’s native to Mexico. It’s found in arid regions in the Caribbean and the Americas. The genus Agave, of the family Asparagaceae, contains over 200 species. Most of these species have a wide range of economical importance. Agave americana is one of the most popular species, commonly known as: … Read more
Yews have more than proven their value in American gardens during the past century. It is doubtful if any other conifers are so generally useful in such a wide range of situations. Since the two species native to North America – Canada yew and western yew (Taxus canadensis and Taxus brevifolia, respectively) are not particularly … Read more
When it comes to flowers, none can more adequately fill this need than tall bearded iris. Only a few clumps of Iris in the landscape design strategically placed are required to put on a “show” in a small garden in late May and early June. It is not without reason that tall bearded iris have … Read more
In selecting plants for decorative winter effects, do not limit your list to evergreens. Several deciduous trees and shrubs are outstanding for their beauty in winter. One of these, Tatarian dogwood, Cornus alba, has bright red or purplish branches which stand out with great effectiveness in the winter sunshine. This shrub dogwood is a member … Read more
Stone walls are among the most striking and picturesque features of the Irish landscape. Yet, their charm is only incidental since their purpose is utilitarian. These walls vary in age from the ancient ones of abbeys and tower castles to recent ones marking boundaries of small farms. And from county to county, they vary in … Read more
“Let’s give a thought to design when we plant the small fruits in our gardens. Let’s plant for pleasure and appearance as well as for fruit.” J. Harold Clarke Many a row of strawberries or other berries and many a grapevine have been planted without thought of garden design, just set in what seems the … Read more
Have you ever gone on vacation and run into someone who seemed to fit in perfectly, only to realize they’re not really from around here? That seems to be a very common problem for Plumeria (ploo-MEER-ee-a), a genus of 11 species and hundreds of cultivars found worldwide. Plumerias are native to the Caribbean and South to Central … Read more
Question: Will creeping Phlox do well in a shaded location? My elm trees shade the bed where I want to plant some perennials that would do well. Can you suggest something else that would be more satisfactory? KL, Kansas. Answer: Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) is quite versatile and will bloom under somewhat variable conditions. While it does best … Read more
The well-designed garden is here to stay. The garden or landscape planned for easy maintenance allows you to get the most from the garden with the least effort. This allows the “lazy homeowner” who wants to spend their time in the garden but cannot have a good garden without undue effort. Of course, we would … Read more
In our country’s pioneer days, over 175 years ago, there existed immense areas of forest where farms and cities are now found. The first thing the early settlers did was to begin clearing the land of timber so it could be cultivated and farmed. As the ground was cleared, it became necessary to build fences … Read more