Author Archive
The History Of Grape Culture
The classic example of long life in grape culture is the famous grape vine in Hampton Court, England, known to be hundreds of years old, with a trunk six feet three inches in circumference and one branch 150 feet long. In that northern climate it is protected by a glass grapery, but because of skillful pruning and care it is still producing large bunches of luscious white grapes. ... Read More
Different Varieties And Uses Of Onions
Have you ever come home from work dog-tired on a cool evening and smelled fried potatoes and onions? In my book, they belong alongside freshly baked bread as a “welcome-homer.” ... Read More
Tips On Successfully Planting
Probably no feature on the average American home grounds is more abused by being over-planted than the so called \”foundation planting.\” There is one reason, and only one, for such a planting: to soften the architectural features of the building by using plant material at strategic locations and thus help blend the house into its natural surroundings. ... Read More
The Symbol Of Happiness
Christmas trees for indoor and outdoor decoration during the Yule season remains an important tradition in America. While some artificial trees and other decorations have taken their place, the living evergreen tree or conifer is still the most important. ... Read More
A Living Christmas Tree
More and more home owners are buying a choice shrub for use as the Yuletide tree and then planting it in the garden following the holidays. This must be a part of the growing \”green revolution\” that is sweeping the planet. This is a good way to teach conservation to the children. explaining the process by which a tree grows and the time needed to produce one the size of a Christmas tree, and by encouraging children to help select and plant, one may foster their early appreciation for the conservation of trees and plants. ... Read More
Choosing The Right Spot To Grow A Living Christmas Tree
Many gardeners like to plant living Christmas trees in their yards. From the standpoint of good landscape design these trees are too often misplaced. Frequently, they are placed in the exact center of the front lawn on each side of the front sidewalk. ... Read More
Plant Requirements And Soil
When growing plants such as azaleas the soil needs to be kept in a much more acid state. Different parts of the country can have a much more difficult time than others in maintaing acid soil and acid loving plants. ... Read More
Propagating Plants And Soil Preparations
Cuttings don\’t need and can\’t use food while they are making roots, so rooting mediums contain no soil or fertilizer. Coarse, sharp builder\’s sand is the best-known type. It should be washed clean or, even better, sterilized by pouring boiling water through it before use. The coarse particles allow air to reach the stem ends and new roots; it does not hold too much water, but does conduct bottom heat; and it does not get soggy or decompose. ... Read More
Landscape Vines Prefer Proper Planting Time
If possible, perennial vines should be planted when they are not in a period of vigorous growth. In warm areas this means late fall, winter, or earliest spring; but if you can plant during the short time that the vine is dormant or semi-dormant (usually during December or January), so much the better. Spring planting is usually recommended for areas where soil freezes deep in winter. Plant as early as a hole can be dug and the ground can be prepared. ... Read More
Achimenes – Planted In The Side As Well As The Top
Decorative, watertight hanging containers are similarly safer if the plants set inside remain in their pots. But standard types of wire or redwood hanging baskets are designed for good culture. They are lined with moss – sheet moss from the florist or peeled off tree trunks in the woods, or long-fibered sphagnum moss – and filled with soil. Some plants, like achimenes, can be planted in the side as well as the top, for a more full and round display. ... Read More
