Since its origin, a studied art form in the 15th century, Ikebana has progressed along avenues so diversified as to make it a strong and virile art demanding the attention of all who come into contact with it. This strong, enduring interest is manifested in the many elaborate exhibitions held annually in Japan’s biggest department … Read more
Consider the plight of a gardener without a garden. Many of them—at least a dozen in my town—long to plunge their hands into the soil but, alas, no soil! They may be living temporarily in rented houses. Perhaps their land is unworkable; they may be recovering from an illness and so are unable to dig … Read more
How nice it would be to simply turn on a sprinkler and let the drops fall, with no concern for water shortages and water bills! But most of us cannot take water for granted and must find ways to apply it to plants and flowers as efficiently as possible. Getting the most for your dollar’s … Read more
Spring is an important time in the garden. It lays the foundation for the coming gardening season and keeps things organized. Below are 9 tips to help you get started with your gardening season. Stretching Guideline 1. A guideline made by stretching a length of cord between stakes will help you plant straight, neat rows … Read more
Sandy soil certainly has its advantages. You can start spring planting earlier than most people, for the soil becomes workable much sooner. And even during a wet spring, the water doesn’t stand in pools, rotting the seeds and choking the air from the roots of your plants. It isn’t wasted in the runoff, either, but … Read more
Someone recently lamented: “I’m tired of ‘tired blood,’” referring, of course, to the well-known commercial directed at anemic humans. I’ll go one step further: “I’m tired of plants suffering from ‘tired blood.’ Sounds crazy? I’m not, and neither is my statement. Plants can suffer from a condition closely paralleling human anemia. In their case, it … Read more
To beat the Christmas rush, start your gifts in April. Plant herbs and everlastings now; they will be ready to deliver long before the madding holiday scramble. Every good cook appreciates herbs. So do gardeners—they take little room and require minimum bother. What Plants To Try For Your First Herb Garden If this is your … Read more
With April begins the high pitch of planting fever. Sore hands, wet feet, bruises, and an occasional scratch from a thorn or a twig are all part of the game. Mean weather takes its toll, too, on our tempers and strength, so a little planning is needed for handling plants that arrive early. Advice in … Read more
Practically anything that can be grown in our area can be planted in May. A notable exception is the spring flowering bulbs, which are planted in fall. But even tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils can be planted in May if potted bulbs that had been kept in cold storage over winter are available. What Greenhouses And … Read more
During the course of a fairly long garden life, I have often heard gardeners express surprise. When some of their own native plants are transferred to their gardens, they stubbornly refuse to respond to any kindness. Rhododendron Albiflorum While visiting America recently, I learned that Rhododendron albiflorum, from British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, is … Read more