Persian Parrotia is one of our gardens’ most interesting woody plants. Brilliant foliage coloration makes this tall shrub or small tree particularly distinctive in the autumn. Parrotia: Witch-Hazel Family Parrotia is a member of the witch-hazel family bearing close resemblance to these winter-blooming shrubs and fothergillas. Like other hardy and interesting plants in this family, … Read more
Everyone looks at a tree differently, particularly when considering its value. The artistic person believes a tree to be one of the Lord’s most magnificent creations. To a child, a tree is a beautiful place to climb and hide. The lumberman is concerned only with how many “boards” he can get out of a tree. … Read more
If one tree were to be selected as having more uses on the home grounds than any other, I am certain hemlock would be nearly a unanimous choice. The hemlocks are evergreens with small, half-inch-long needles usually borne in flat sprays. Most are trees reaching a height of 100′ feet and, like most cone-bearing trees, … Read more
Because December has so much activity for the entire family, the garden may easily be neglected. December is usually the month when the ground will be frozen on the surface for the first time of the season. Normally the weather will moderate, the soil surface will thaw, and some digging can be done. December is … Read more
Chestnuts, Buckeyes (or horse-chestnuts), and most acorns must be planted while still moist. If they are permitted to dry out, they will not grow. Seed Germination Seeds should be gathered in September or early fall from selected trees and placed in plastic bags such as arcs used for the deep freeze. However, the closed bags … Read more
Willows grow almost universally over the humid parts of the temperate zones and, generally speaking, are held in little esteem by the average person. Yet, in their way, they are indispensable in the landscape scheme. They are especially picturesque when spreading gracefully over a body of water. In the earliest spring their bark suddenly brightens, … Read more
Much of the charm of Florida’s winter comes from the parade of exotic flowering trees that burst into bloom from November through March, when most of the country is in the throes of cold and snow. Curiously, only one of these colorful trees is a native of Florida, while the rest have come from other … Read more
The orchid tree (Bauhinia variegata) is a handsome, small flowering tree from India which has made itself at home in equatorial areas throughout the world. Called other picturesque names like mountain ebony, bull-hoof, and Napoleon’s hat, the most commonly used everyday name, orchid tree, alludes to the graceful flowers which resemble orchids. If the species … Read more
To be considered a good ornamental, a tree or shrub must possess several outstanding qualities. These may vary somewhat but, generally, they include beautiful flowers, attractive fruits, good foliage, hardiness where this is essential, ability to withstand attacks by insect pests and plant diseases, and ease of culture. This does not mean that every good … Read more
It is amazing what innumerable forms there are in all trees and other plants, and their study from this point of view is fascinating. The selection of sharp contrast may be used for balancing effects, and balance is a requisite in the landscape picture. This may be applied to smaller features such as a rock … Read more