Five years ago friends purchased a piece of property which could be described as an overgrown wildness of neglected trees and shrubs. Fifteen-year-old shrubs that had never been pruned had completely taken charge. Massive evergreens obscured the view from the windows and kept light and air out of the house. Today this property is a […]
Archives for March 2009
More Than a Mere Geranium
If there ever was a division of plants in any family truly mixed up, it most certainly is the pelargonium division of the geranium family. The group is gigantic in numbers, weird in some of the plant and flower formations, and exotic in leaf patterns and texture. When a large collection is viewed in a […]
Landscaping with Lillies Plant Them Now
The urge to garden is strongest in the spring when dormant trees and shrubs awaken from their winter’s rest. If you were among the foresighted last fall, you now would be preparing to reap the reward of having planted a variety of bulbs. Lilies are increasing in popularity very rapidly, and many gardeners are wondering […]
Replenish Soil – Basics for Roses and Landscape Plants
How long do hybrid rose tea plants live? How many times have you been asked this question? It is one that takes much explaining to the beginner, sometimes even more explaining to one who has tried a few hybrid teas for one year and after unsatisfactory results has given them back to nature. We always […]
Being an Intelligent Customer
Buying plants by mail or at a local nursery is one of the great joys of gardening. Here are some suggestions on being an Intelligent customer Old Gardener’s Rule #1: In gardening and growing plants, perhaps more than in anything else, first quality makes for happiness. For every dollar spent on a plant, you spend […]
Better Understanding Virus Diseases in Plants
Of all the agents which cause diseases in plants, animals and humans, viruses are the most intriguing, the most baffling and, unfortunately, the most difficult to combat. Like the winds of a hurricane, you cannot see them but you can see the effects which they produce. Modern understanding of the nature of viruses dates back […]
The Climbing Tomato Queen of the Garden
If you have never grown climbing tomatoes in your garden, you certainly have missed an opportunity to grow one of the largest and best tasting tomatoes known. There are hybrids, of course, that may grow about as large, and look as good, but none have the delicious flavor and meaty goodness of climbing tomatoes. Many […]
Grow Verbenas For Something Different
I have had many flower growers tell me, “Frank, I would like to grow some different kinds of flowers around my home. I am tired of the common things like zinnias, marigolds and four o’clocks that everybody has. I want something different, even though it’s hard to grow, so I can strut my stuff and […]
Tree Pruning Services – Evergreens Need It Too
Don’t ever let anyone tell you that evergreens shouldn’t be pruned – even a tree pruning service. Pines, junipers and other evergreens can, and should, be pruned. The time and procedure to use will, of course, determine the results that you can expect. First, remember that pruning in early spring before the new growth comes […]
Forget Me Not Crushed Eggs and Weeping Willows
Question: Is there any true perennial forget-me-not? When and where should it be planted? AA – Illinois. Answer: Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) is an excellent perennial with a low, prostrate habit of growth, blooming in early spring with tiny blue flowers. In a cool, damp place they will persist for many years. They may be divided […]
