Originating in Mexico and South America, Zinnias are favorites in gardens here and abroad. These annuals are easy to grow and provide summer-long color in the garden. Members of the Daisy family, the zinnia comes in most every color except blue. The twenty-some species include plants that range in height from six inches to over…
"You, Tityrus, stretched in shade, teach forests to echo the beauteous Amaryllis." – from the First Eclogue of Vergil, Ancient Roman Poet ‘Tis the season for growing amaryllis, which means "sparkling". Originating in the Andes Mountains in Chile and Peru, the amaryllis was first discovered in 1828 by a physician from Leipzig on a plant…
Simple and sentimental, Lily of the Valley are admired for their gorgeous bell-shaped blooms and lovely scent. In floral language, Lily of the Valley signifies the return of happiness and indicates purity and humility. Popular not only as plants, the Lily of the Valley image and scent appear on linens, china, silver, in perfume, etc….
“I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.” First stanza of “Daffodils” by William Wordsworth The daffodil is such a simple flower, yet is…
While hydrangeas seem old-fashioned to some, gardeners have renewed their interest in this versatile plant. It has become so popular that “The American Hydrangea Society” in Atlanta, Georgia was founded in 1994. With many varieties of shrubs and climbers, a hydrangea can be found to suit zones 3-9 and becomes a perfect addition to the…
There’s something magical about morning glories and moonflowers. Their beautiful green leaves climb and climb, while their blooms come and go with the rising of the sun or the fall of darkness. Cousins of sweet potatoes, these climbers will extend their tendrils to whatever is available – trellis, fence, or post. They can reach six…
The enchanting Sweet Pea ? what does it bring to mind? The song lyrics, ?Oh, Sweet Pea, c?mon and dance with me . . .?, perhaps the darling baby Sweet Pea with Popeye and Olive Oyl, or even a term of endearment in your own home. What could inspire this token of affection? The lovely…
Your daffodils and tulips will bloom in the Spring, but Spring seems a long way off in the cold months of Winter. To satisfy your desire to bring bulbs to bloom, plant some Paperwhites. With a simple planting medium and a little water, in 4-6 weeks you’ll have clusters of miniature Narcissi greeting you with…
