I have been looking with considerable interest at an English gardening magazine with pictures and an article about an English garden that has been maintained continuously for several hundred years. While we Americans do have a few gardens that have been maintained for long periods because of their historical associations, we have very few whose … Read more
Hotkaps will give you a two to four-week head start in spring gardening. Inside the “kap,” temperatures will be 10° to 20° degrees Fahrenheit warmer than outdoors, no insects can enter, and the soil will remain soft and moist. Such ideal growing conditions for early gardening can be provided inexpensively. Standard Hotkaps The standard hotkaps … Read more
The part of Midwest America between the 37th and 42nd latitudes is blessed with many trees suitable for planting around one’s home, whether it be a mansion on a hundred acres or a small house on a city lot. Although our native trees are beautiful, we sometimes think a few are overworked and yearn for … Read more
The mark of an enthusiastic hobbyist is his constant search to learn more about his hobby. This is certainly true of an enthusiastic gardener. Witness the abundance of good gardening literature on the market and the attendance at garden forums and flower shows. Or go by any good nursery and watch the amateur gardeners browse … Read more
Have you taken a good look at drawings of modern rockets? These are miracles of engineering; each piece is there for a purpose, and nothing may be left off, nothing non-functional added. When it is built, this machine, designed with sheer function in mind, has a grim beauty about it. And so with plants, they … Read more
The eucalyptus thrives in Florida and southern or central California, but winter kills in Atlanta, Ga. The strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, can be found in Atlanta but not in Richmond. The evergreen magnolia is grown as far north as Cairo, Ill., Washington, D. C., or Cape May, N. J. The sequoia can be planted in … Read more
Gardens are a little like people. Some have great personalities and charm; the majority make little impressions one way or another. Fortunately, gardens can be changed into what we want them to be. Contemporary Gardening Therefore, let’s consider contemporary gardening in this country constructively yet critically. First, of course, there are the great gardens of … Read more
When Should I Start My Lawn? Late summer or fall is the best time for cool-climate-type lawns, the kind most commonly found across the northern parts of the country. The combination of rain, warm days, and cool nights between August 15 and October 1 speeds germination, and there is little competition then from weeds. In … Read more
No vegetable excels the squash in its variety of form and color. Among commonly grown forms, they range in size from the little Butternut, Table Queen, and Buttercup to the great Blue Hubbards, which may weigh 60 pounds or more. Of course, that leaves out the Mammoth Chili, which may be even larger. Noteworthy Squash … Read more
The species of Ononis (rest-harrows of gardens), which are hardy in northern Michigan are mostly desirable plants, not alone because of their ease of culture, but for their summer-flowering habit and pleasing colors. Most kinds should also be welcomed by gardeners in the United States because of their ability to get along on little moisture. … Read more