Have you ever received a gift of cuttings, leaves—or some hard-to-get plant, long on your want list, only to lose them in the rooting stage? It may be a painful experience. Over the years, I have developed a set of rules that spell success in saving cuttings and newly potted plants. Granted, an individual fails … Read more
When it comes to Rhododendrons, amateur gardeners are eager to learn various techniques for growing these plants. Methods of increase are cuttings, air layering, grafting, layering, and raising plants from seed. Except for grafting, these methods can work for the home gardener who wants to increase his stock of choice kinds. For the specialist, the … Read more
Plant enthusiasts love having a range of flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year. This is perhaps why Schlumbergera (shlum-BER-ger-uh), the so-called holiday cacti, especially the Christmas cactus, are so popular. Christmas cactus care is easy. This succulent begins blooming between late November and early December, providing colorful flowers into early Spring. It’s often … Read more
True Geraniums will bloom indoors in the winter if given enough sunlight. Unlike most plants, geraniums have no dormant season when they are not supposed to bloom. A dozen different geraniums will provide a window sill of fun throughout winter days when snow and ice and salting down the walks is the rule of the … Read more