The Values Of The Common Milkweed
“Its hidden silk has spun.” These few words, taken from Helen Hunt Jackson’s poem “September,” artfully introduce the lovely Asclepias syriaca or milkweed. Visualizing Asclepias syriaca, you probably think of
Perennials
The Purple Meadow Rue
Early in the growing season, while the plants are not yet in flower, the purple meadow rue (Thalictrum dasycarpum) may be mistaken for the wild Columbine. The two plants often
How To Grow And Care For The Star Of Bethlehem
The star of Bethlehem, Ornithogalum, includes many species, none native to this country. Hence, they are known to readers only in the cultivated state. The genus belongs to one of
Which Wildflowers Are Best For Your Garden?
Several years ago, when I checked one of the country’s best nursery catalogs, I found over 50 species and varieties of our native wildflowers listed as common garden flowers. Other
How To Grow And Care For Loosestrifes
We have chosen the loosestrife, which belongs to the primrose family, as our wildflower of the month. Our common loose-strife, Lysimachia quadrifolia, is a slender, symmetrical flower one to 2’
Garden Interest For Now And Next Year: Planning Ahead?
Hybrid tea roses may be pruned lightly this month and weak growth removed. All roses should be given a complete fertilizer for the gorgeous autumn bloom display. Daylilies that have
How To Grow Perennials On A Budget
August is the time to meet your needs in the perennial border for next year. Seed sown now will develop into blooming-sized plants by the next season in most cases,
Pleasing Poppies: Wildings To Tame Or Leave Be?
August is usually our hottest, the driest month. We assume it will be so this year. Our most important job is to continue our maintenance programs of watering, weeding, and
Prepare Now For Next Year’s Beauty: Garden Tips?
August may well be dubbed “Lily month” in the garden since the heaviest blooming period of some of the new garden aristocrats comes during this month. On the other hand,
Is July The Time to Start Perennials?
Early summer is the ideal time to start perennials from seed, and it is an excellent way to increase your store of hardy plants. For the most part, many perennials