We have been delighted with the gladiolus species, especially with Gladiolus tristis, which should be planted in November. It is a hardy little fellow that begins growth immediately after planting and which, in our experience, has never been damaged by freezes. Gladiolus Flowers The flowers, which appear in March when we are planting large-flowered garden … Read more
So wide is the variety of seeds and bulbs that can be planted this season that even – the most experienced home gardener is apt to be confused when deciding what to plant. Planting Schedules and Seed Catalogs As we study planting schedules and seed catalogs, we tend to try to grow everything under the … Read more
Now that you find outdoor gardening cool and uncomfortable, you can doubly appreciate your own backyard greenhouse. It’s a good place to take refuge on windy days, and even rain does not put an end to your gardening pleasure. For A Cool Winter Greenhouse’s Spring Bloom For the cool (45° to 50° degrees Fahrenheit night) … Read more
The tawney hues of autumn and the cooler days entice us to spend more time outside. Examine chrysanthemum stakes to make certain branches are securely fastened to withstand damaging winds and rains. Several gardeners attach a covering to stakes driven around the flower bed. This covering protects flowers from hard rains and early frosts and … Read more
Here are the things you need to do gardening in October: Plant tulips before frost sets in. Select early to late blooming varieties for a long span of bloom. Buy only quality bulbs and check for signs of disease before planting. Prevent a build-up of soil-borne diseases by setting the bulbs where tulips have not … Read more
And so it is autumn; the fruitful soil has yielded another harvest, and barns are full. Fields have a clean-swept took-over hill, and dale nature indulges in one last magnificent pageant. So intense are the fall colors that at night the pure yellows give off a golden glow. In the garden, gaps appear in the … Read more
We must realize that many of the perennial plants we grow in our gardens need special protection to live from year to year. Some bulbs, corms, and tubers need to be dug and placed in storage for winter because they do not survive the temperatures out of doors. Those needing such treatment include gladiolus, cannas, … Read more
This is an interesting month for gardeners everywhere but particularly so for gardeners here. October is one of the best planting months of the entire year. Careful soil preparation is essential for all bulb plantings, especially for bulbs that bloom for several years before being replanted. Loosen the soil deeply and incorporate liberal amounts of … Read more
October’s beauty is so brief… and if spring gardens are to be beautiful, much work must be done now. It is moving time this month or next for plants that are placed wrong. Look at the garden with a critical eye. Are clumps of daylilies too close to walks? Do shrubs need moving? Are there … Read more
Although many of us paid dearly for fall planting this past year, fall is still one of the best times, if not the best, to plant in many areas. Unless there is a bad wind problem or a very early winter, fall-planted plants have a chance to get started next spring and maybe even this … Read more