From the Greek mimo, ape; the flowers were thought to look like a mask or monkey’s face (Scrophulariaceae). Monkeyflower, monkey musk, musk. A genus of hardy annual, half-hardy perennial, and hardy perennial plants grown for their showy flowers. They are […]
Growing Guide for Delphiniums
From the Greek word for “dolphin,” a flower bud with some resemblance to that sea creature (Ranunculaceae). Larkspur. The genus comprises annual, biennial, and herbaceous perennial plants, mostly hardy and showy, suitable for border cultivation, with some dwarf species well-suited for […]
Planting tips for perennial flowers
Sooner or later, every gardener falls in love with a few select perennials. Perennials are flowering plants that live many years, but die back during their dormant season which is usually winter. When planted under the right conditions, perennials grow […]
Controlling Animal Pests in the Flower Garden
Although insect pests and plant diseases are generally easy to control in the flower garden, animal pests are not. For one, much of our wildlife is protected by law and can’t be indiscriminately eliminated. You may have variable success with […]
How to grow Aquilegia
The flower form resembles an eagle’s claw, hence the probable origin of this name from aquila the Latin for eagle (Ranunculaceae). Columbine. Hardy herbaceous perennials for the herbaceous border and rock garden. The flowers and leaves are very dainty. Unfortunately, […]
Water drainage requirements for your garden
The soil must have adequate drainage; otherwise, air may be excluded, and the more beneficial micro-organisms may be destroyed. Soils which have poor drainage are often sour and acid. It will be necessary to improve this acidity by applications of […]
What is a Seed and a Seed Bed
Seed Seeds are produced by plants following the fertilization of the flower, as a means of reproducing the plant. Each seed is a plant embryo, which consists of a minute shoot and root and a store of food. The food […]
Freezing Tomatoes – Heirloom Tomato
Preparation: Tomatoes can be frozen whole, sliced, diced or halved. If you prefer to freeze our tomatoes without their skins, dip them in boiling water for about a minute until the skins split, then carefully peel them away from the […]
Bog Garden Design and Plants
No water garden is complete without a bog garden as some of the most beautiful and interesting plants thrive in such situations. Many ponds and lakes have a natural perennially damp surround which requires no more attention before introducing plants […]
Planting Clematis
Every gardener is familiar with the extraordinary effectiveness of vines in a proper setting, but most of us become discouraged after bad luck. The daintier vines have a habit of developing some unknown illness and dying back unexpectedly, while those […]