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
New Harmony, Indiana, stages the Antique Show also known as the Golden Raintree festival each June when its “Gate Trees” are in bloom! William Maclure, scientist, philanthropist, and joint founder of the second “perfect society” there on the lower Wabash, fell in love with the golden rain tree on one of his world tours. In … Read more
When the George Landis Arboretum was started in 1951, they had three summers of extreme drought. The plantings, all young and susceptible, have served as a compact laboratory in which to observe the ability of many kinds of trees and shrubs to withstand dryness under field conditions. Practical Methods of Spotting Specimens At the same … Read more
No one could fairly call the shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) beautiful. It is a little on the rough-diamond side, with strong, often ungainly limbs that seem to have a variety of individual ideas on where or how to grow. coupled with a determination to carry them out. If shagbarks were human they would probably wear … Read more
Did you know that you can select apple trees to suit the size of your home grounds in much the same way you would choose a thoroughbred puppy? With dogs, the size at maturity goes according to breed, with fruit trees depending on rootstock. Apple Varieties: Rootstocks Apple varieties are grafted on many different rootstocks … Read more
If you could plant a tree in your yard, what tree would you plant, and where would you plant it? #1 – The Maidenhair Tree – Ginkgo biloba This fall, I (Mrs. Hopkins) must start ginkgo or maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba) growing by my house—a ginkgo tree that will grow tall and straight and dapple … Read more
Shade trees for lawns or border streets are of major consideration to anyone developing a home landscape. With today’s architectural trend the ultimate size and contour of the selected trees assume added importance. Excellent Lawn Trees Thornless Honey Locust The thornless honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos inermis), possessing as it does many qualities admired in the … Read more
Standard-sized fruit trees are out of the question for many home yards because in time they take up too much space, and their tops cannot be reached with home spraying equipment. Dwarf Fruit Trees But dwarf fruit trees are another story. They are scaled at maturity to suburban properties, and their tallest branches are always … Read more