Never heard of it. Most likely, you have, but under its proper name, Lilium speciosum rubrum. When admiring visitors ask me its name, I give them the botanical title, but to me, it is still a pink polka-dot lily. I feel too grateful to this old friend, which has blossomed and multiplied so well in … Read more
The pungent, fruity odor of ripening grapes on the side of an old barn is a sure reminder of Autumn with its bounteous harvest and its changing tints and shades, which enliven the landscape. The clear, sunny days and that curious, encircling purplish haze which often settles down on hilly regions in the afternoon when … Read more
A bit of fresh golden yellow corn for the autumn rock garden or border is provided by cheery cups of Sternbergia lutea. This tiny bulbous plant has long remained an overlooked possibility, even more so than the autumn crocuses and colchicums. Unlike the autumn crocus, which it somewhat resembles, Sternbergia develops its foliage shortly before … Read more
Everyone who plants a garden learns to know and love daffodils early. However, it still comes as a surprise to learn that more than 11,000 varieties were listed in the 1954 edition of the Royal Horticultural Society list. However, the newest list has eliminated the names of 4,000 that no longer exist or are of … Read more
Community lawns mirror a town, reflecting local pride. The lawns around the churches, hospitals, and schools, as those in public squares, traffic circles, along roadsides, are ever on display. The townspeople use these lawns constantly and enjoy the sight of the cool green carpet every day. Visitors, too, use and enjoy these lawns, for they … Read more
Some trees and shrubs are at their best flowering during the summer, and because they are few, they should be known and used. Most of the woody plants make their big show of flowers in the spring, but the following are reliable summer-blooming specimens, each one of which can be featured in almost any garden … Read more
All gardeners like the Overton’s, who have experienced many spring seasons of gardening—those few short, rushed weeks when it seems as though everything has to be done—cherish the longer, unhurried days of autumn. This is the time when you can thoughtfully consider your garden. Decide which plants looked good last summer and which did not, … Read more
The abundance of flowers all through the fall gives rise to the feeling that they must be enjoyed everywhere – in the garden, in bouquets throughout the home, and for personal adornment. For the latter purpose, no blooms are more adaptable and suitable than dahlias and chrysanthemums, and, besides, few are more easily obtained. Three … Read more
It would be a strange situation if a gardener did not value most highly the first little spear of life that starts the spring show. Yet I have so long taken the snowdrops, crocus, and Siberian scillas for granted to be planted abundantly and thereafter left to their devices that I am not sure of … Read more
Taking up little space, but enjoying a front seat in a south window, the South American Oxalis brasiliensis makes a lovely pot plant. Many oxalis tend to recline or droop, but this is a neat-appearing plant with upright leaf stems 4” or 5” inches high. Its trifoliate, shamrocklike leaves are barely an inch wide on … Read more