In December 1945, I wrote an article for Plants and Gardens, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden serial, entitled “Poinsettia: Mystery Flower.” Now, seven years later, I am glad to have the opportunity to correct any false impressions I may have given in that article and add further information. First, before going into the nature of the … Read more
One of the many pleasures of the Christmas season is the exchange of flowering and other kinds of Christmas gift plants. Whether you give or buy a poinsettia, an azalea, cyclamen, or other plants from the florist, you will probably have several questions concerning its care. The average home maintains a daytime temperature of 70° … Read more
A Christmas tree may be a fir, spruce, pine, or other evergreens that are common in any particular region. Trees that are most commonly used as Christmas trees throughout the country are spruces or firs. These two make up the bulk shipped to practically all parts of the United States The balsam fir, Abies balsamea, … Read more
Gourds for Christmas? Most certainly, gourds for Christmas! Gourds: Most Ornamental and Versatile Plant They are one of the most ornamental and versatile additions to the “greens” we cherish as such an important part of the holiday time. They can be fresh, colorful ones of this season’s crop; or beautifully shaped, dried, and polished ones. … Read more
If you live in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas or in one of the few places in the country where the climate is sunny and moderate all year round, you are among the fortunate who can grow and enjoy poinsettias in the garden. Protected from the severe wind and given adequate water and … Read more
The beliefs and customs are as inextricably linked with Christmas as those which center around the mistletoe. Though many of us know that mistletoe is a plant, few are aware that it is parasitic—one which grows on and at the expense of another plant. The word mistletoe comes from the Greek meaning “tree thief”, as … Read more
One of the joys of Christmas comes from the decorations we put up in our homes to celebrate this happy season. Most of all, plants, whether alive or dried, offer fascinating possibilities. Especially interesting variations may be had by combining Christmas accessories with house plants and cut plant material from gardens, woods and fields, and … Read more