Professional Gardening Tips
Cultivation A deeply-dug well-manured soil in an open sunny position is best, but the ideal condition is when the crop follows a heavily manured one such as early potatoes. Apply a dressing of superphosphate at 55g (2oz) per sq m […]
The leek is a valuable vegetable for winter and spring use and is often grown to replace onions when the last of the stored crop has been eaten. Sow the seeds outdoors in late March or early April on a […]
This critical member of the cabbage family, known botanically as Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera (Cruciferae), originated in Belgium. The popularity of the vegetable is due not only to the fact that picking can be extended over a long period, but […]
From the German common name trollblume, or the Latin trulleus, a basin, referring to the flower shape (Ranunculaceae). Globe-flower. A genus of 25 species of hardy perennials with large buttercup-like blooms and usually with palmately-lobed leaves. They are natives of […]
From the Greek stachus, a spike, alluding to the pointed inflorescences of this plant (Labiatae). A genus of 300 species of herbaceous perennials, annuals, and sub-shrubs, with a few shrubby species widely dispersed worldwide. One tuberous-rooted species, S. affinis, is […]
From the Greek pente, five, and stemon, stamen, about the five stamens (Scrophulariaceae). This genus of over 250 species of hardy and half-hardy herbaceous annuals, perennials, and sub-shrubs is almost exclusively North American. The name is sometimes erroneously spelled Pentstemon. […]
By the autumn many of the summer-flowering plants are all but over and, although there are many plants which will provide a display of flowers in September and October, and even into early November, much can be done to make […]
From the Greek helein, to kill, bora, food; some species are poisonous (Ranunculaceae). Hellebore. Hardy perennials, often retaining their leaves through the winter, with thick fibrous roots. All flower early in the year and the flowers are long lasting. Most […]
The form and size of interest determine the herb garden these plants hold for the individual. It can be a tiny border of commonly used culinary herbs such as mint, parsley, sage, and thyme or an elaborate garden designed to […]
The growing and collecting of cacti has been a popular hobby in this country for many years. Their varied shapes and colors together with the colored spines make them fascinating and their spectacular flowers are an added interest for the […]