We are already looking ahead to spring. Former disappointments are forgotten, and they should be, except insofar as they keep us from repeating the same mistakes. Soon, the flower catalogs will be arriving. Although we know very well that we won’t grow all the intriguing things they offer, nor really believe all the glowing descriptions, … Read more
The Asparagaceae family has a lot of famous plants, but many are underappreciated. Such is the case of Aspidistra elatior (ass-pih-DIS-trah eh-LAY-tee-or), best known as the cast iron plant. This perennial foliage plant native to southern Japan and Taiwan is one of approximately 100 known species of aspidistra. Cast iron was a popular plant in … Read more
Mulching Be sure plants are completely dormant and the soil frozen to a depth of at least 2″ inches before applying mulches. Wind and sun do more harm than cold. Screen your evergreens wherever practical, especially your flowering kinds: Camellia Azalea Rhododendron Remember also that good drainage in the soil is the most essential item … Read more
Fall Lawns This is a good time to kill next year’s crop of common chickweed, Poa annua, and crabgrass. First, apply a pre-emergence crabgrass control after October 15. This will kill tiny seedlings of winter annuals like Poa annua and common chickweed (now germinating), and next spring will work equally well on crabgrass. Fall-seeded lawns … Read more
While gardeners have always been rather partial to flower plants, there is certainly a quiet charm about plants whose foliage is their chief attraction. One foliage plant that I particularly enjoy for its bold shape and veining pattern is Nephthytis triphylla or Syngonium podophyllum. Small plants grow relatively slowly. But when they do start to … Read more