Lammastide, as they used to call the first day of August and still do in places where the old names cling, was once synonymous with heavy rains and serious flooding. Not so last year, for over all the East and almost the whole country, the worst drought on record had held its grip since April. … Read more
Just about this time every year, many gardeners face the sudden yellowing of the leaves on many of their plants—especially azaleas, rhododendrons, and roses. There is usually no indication of insect or disease damage, so the immediate reaction is that something is lacking in the soil, even though a regular fertilization program has been followed. … Read more
When one sees some of the newly improved Shasta daisies, it is obvious why they are increasing in popularity as a favorite white summer flower. The newer varieties bloom from late June until heavy frosts in the fall, and even when they are not in flower, their foliage is most attractive. It is rather difficult … Read more
Blue in the garden spreads a cooling reflection of the sky wherever it appears. But good garden blues are rare. There are many purple flowers or those of a rosy hue, but the narrow spectrum that can honestly be called blue has comparatively few representatives among summer flowers. Two Blue Veronicas Veronicas are predominantly blue … Read more
Question: Will creeping Phlox do well in a shaded location? My elm trees shade the bed where I want to plant some perennials that would do well. Can you suggest something else that would be more satisfactory? KL, Kansas. Answer: Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) is quite versatile and will bloom under somewhat variable conditions. While it does best … Read more