Trees

Witch-hazels are among the most typical undercover shrubs of eastern forests. Great diversification in the places where they grow wild offers a good index to their usefulness in landscape plantings.  The natural range of common witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) blankets the Appalachian Mountain system from the Province of Quebec to Georgia.  From the Atlantic Coast, it … Read more

The year 1950 was a good time to tell the story of our great crack willow trees. They began in the spring of 1850 when Grandpa was the pilot, the captain of the crew, on a raft of white pine that floated down the Susquehanna River. His 11-year-old nephew went along. Cuttings were taken from … Read more

Trees have a character like people. Some of them are lovable; others a trifle crotchety. Birch Tree A gray birch, for example, is like a rough, aggressive little fellow born on the other side of the tracks who thrives under tough conditions.  It is the first kind of tree to take possession of burnt-out land, … Read more

Fatshedera, sometimes called tree ivy, is a plant of hybrid origin, resulting from a cross between Fatsia japonica, a small native Japanese tree, and our familiar English ivy, Hedera helix.  A handsome upright ivy, which lends itself graciously to home decoration, is available in many greenhouses and florists’ shops throughout the country.  Offered for the … Read more

You might have come across the Bald Cypress, a deciduous conifer that can adapt to various environments.  These trees have a unique root system, are resistant to drought, and boast durable wood, making them a valuable addition to any landscape. Key Takeaways The Bald Cypress: A Deciduous Conifer Adaptable to various environments The Bald Cypress … Read more

There are a number of interesting and useful edible fruits that are not commonly grown in gardens.  Although they have little or no commercial value, they are unusual for their flavors and culinary uses.  Most have no serious insect or disease troubles, and some can tolerate lower winter temperatures and drier conditions than our common … Read more

Many trees and shrubs will be planted all over the country this fall, for this is one of the best seasons for transplanting in almost every part of the United States.  When leaves begin to drop in autumn and plants start into their long winter dormant period, woody plants are easily transplanted.  Deciduous plants should … Read more

Maclura pomifera, Osage orange, to the early Western settlers, was the perfect fencing material. The wood was durable and exceptionally hard, and the branches were covered with strong axillary spines similar to barbed wire fencing.  They made an ideal natural fence when grown in rows, preferably in a zigzag fashion, and kept pruned. Thomas Nuttall … Read more