Cherry blossoms are among the best subjects suitable for landscaping. They are very dependable every year and they bring a refreshing feeling of happiness when one sees them in their full glory. There are many types available. About a dozen are most common, and there are plenty more if you care to look and search them out. Good drainage is essential for their survival. … Read More »

This warm weather we are experiencing is advancing the calendar of blossoms for spring. Many plants are showing growth and blooms now. Magnolias, the star magnolia group is in full flush of bloom, but the other larger flowered sorts, are now blooming as well. M. ‘Milky Way’, Apollo, Athene, Atlas, are just a few of the newer ones. There are many hybrid … Read More »

In several instances, a new owner, etc. will come to possess a new orchard which has older trees on it, and sometimes those trees have not been pruned for some time. Here are some helpful tips as to what to do. First see what kind of variety of fruit tree you have and then notice how it bears the fruits on the branches. I’d … Read More »

The investment of planting a fruit tree is as old almost as gardening itself. You plant a young sapling and years later reap the rewards of tree ripened luscious fruits, and gain a great sense of satisfaction, not to mention the incomparable taste of tree ripened fruits! The care of a young tree is pretty similar to the care of any newly planted plant in the garden. … Read More »

The species camellias are the jewels of the camellia species. Here you will find fragrance, elegance in growth habit, foliage, and flower. Many of these lesser known camellia species are excellent garden subjects. Many have exceedingly fine texture, and some are even pendulous, others have colorful tinted new foliage. Blooms are often profuse, an asset when the particular species is also fragrant. Culture … Read More »

Chaenomeles, the flowering quinces are easy care shrubs of nearly indestructible nature. They provide the garden with cheerful blooms in late winter, and dot the plant after the initial blooming from summer to fall. Ornamental roundish fruits follow if they blossoms are pollinated and they turn yellow when ripe in late fall. They are inedible unless cooked and are also fragrant when ripe. These … Read More »

The winter season is blessed with the dormancy of plants. During this cold time, deciduous species of many plants can be dug from the fields, transported and planted in your garden at much reduced cost, and often wider selection of varieties (especially in fruit trees and roses). Here are a few tips on planting if you have purchased bare root plants for the garden. … Read More »

The maples are a very large group. This post will bring to the gardener’s attention some with bark characteristics that provide year round interest for the garden, in addition to the regular seasonal changes provided by the foliage at the various seasons. Acer capillipes is one of the stripe bark or snake bark maples. This species has larger goose foot shaped leaves in medium green and turn … Read More »

The old fashioned Freesia species and hybrids add wonderfully to the garden with their ease of care and very fragrant blossoms. In addition to this, they increase rapidly and are almost maintenance free. They can be grown in containers or in the ground. A sunny spot is appreciated and good drainage, summer drying off is not necessary, but will help to rest the bulbs. … Read More »

Fall is a very busy time in the gardening calendar. Many things can be planted now. Trees and shrubs benefit the most, but perennials and many bulbs also appreciate planting at this time. Cool season vegetables can continue to be planted now up until hard frosts or heavy rains arrive. Many garden chores can also be done now. Cleaning up … Read More »