Impatiens is a tender herbaceous plant belonging to Balsaminaceae or the balsam family. It is a genus native to northern and eastern North America, with over 1000 recognized species. It’s also widely distributed in Africa, Asia, and Europe. The genus name came from the Latin word, referencing how the plant reseeds itself. The seed pods … Read more
The winter windowsill gardener, working to refute the snowy weather outside, does not usually like to cut the sparse blooms from a cherished house plant. The right flowers are not always obtainable, nor does everyone have a greenhouse in which to grow. Yet, it is fairly easy for most of us to grow flowering plants … Read more
Staging a continuous and satisfactory display of bloom in the perennial border poses the same kind of problem to the gardener as the presentation of a “hit” show does to a Broadway producer. The producer’s problem is to open the show with a magnificent display of color and song and then arrange things so that … Read more
Catharanthus roseus, more commonly known as vinca rosea or periwinkle, is an evergreen shrub that produces glossy green leaves and beautiful blooms in shades of pink, white, or purple. Though it’s native to Madagascar, this easy-to-grow plant is a popular choice for gardens worldwide. There are many reasons to love periwinkle, but one of the … Read more
Exacum affine (EKS-uh-kum uh-FEE-nee), more often known as the Persian violet, is a lovely flowering house plant, but it isn’t a genuine violet. Instead, it belongs to the Gentianaceae family and more closely resembles the impatiens of the garden type. It is native to Yemen but has become a common greenhouse plant because of its … Read more
Without annuals, many summer gardens would be dull and colorless. This versatile group of plants supplies us with abundant bloom over a long period, and practically all are easy to grow. But the great majority needs sunshine. Consequently, many gardeners who have shady areas are often at a loss to select annuals that will succeed … Read more
Crossandra (kross-AN-druh) is a tropical, evergreen shrub belonging to the genus Crossandra and the Acanthaceae family, more commonly known as the Acanthus family. The genus Crossandra came from the Greek word “Kross,” meaning fringe or tassels, and the feminine Greek word “andra,” hence the meaning “having a fringed stamen or fringed anthers.” This tropical subshrub … Read more
Annual flowers are like the few bright toss pillows on a beige or gray sofa. They accent. They cheer. They are easily removed or replaced. Mass planting is not the only key to success in landscaping with annuals. Sometimes the attractive planting contains very few annual plants. Even carefully worked out color combinations may disappoint. … Read more
If you think sweet peas are not for you because summers are too hot in your area, here is good news. Heat-resistant, torrid weather varieties are readily available. By mulching them with a 6-inch layer of straw, grass clippings, peat moss, or other material to keep their roots cool and moist, you can cut fragrant … Read more
I would choose Shirley poppies if I could have one small patch of poor soil and only one packet of seeds to plant on it. Other gardeners may be enthusiastic about this delightful July flower, but I haven’t met any so far. “They’re too frail,” seems to be the main cry. I haven’t found them … Read more