The row of azaleas that line the front of my house is ablaze right now. It’s incredible. I don’t know if it’s the way I pruned them, but I have never had such color and intensity of bloom. The pink is so vibrant that I almost have to shield my eyes!
Of course, we all know and love the azalea, but did you know that our enjoyment would have raised a lot of envy in the 1800’s when the azalea was a rare plant?
Take a look at this:
CHAPTER XXII.
AZALEAS; HOW TO CULTIVATE THEM.
Comparatively few of these charming plants are to be seen outside of green-houses and private conservatories, we know not for what reasons, unless it be the erroneous idea that they cannot be successfully grown unless one has the facilities of the florist. (comment - isn’t it amazing that 100 years ago you had to go to a conservatory to view azalea specimens? Incredible what we take for granted today as gardeners. Just go down to your favorite nursery and I’m sure you will see more than what a botanist in 1884 would see in years of studying plants.)
Read the rest of this entry »
You’ve no doubt seen variations of listings of the language of flowers. This one is from the year 1884 and is a wonderful guide to the meaning of flowers. This is a great way to send a really thoughtful gift. Find a packet of seeds of one of the flowers below that match the sentiment you wish to express, then wrap it nicely and enclose a letter explaining the meaning of that flower in 1884.
Read the rest of this entry »
Today’s chapter is a collection of various gardening topics and tips:
CHAPTER XXIX.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.
TREE ROSES.
In planting tree roses received from the nursery or elsewhere, be sure and set them deep; the stem, for six or eight inches above the collar, should be under ground. If wet moss be tied about the stem and head of the tree after it has been planted, and the moss kept wet for a week or two after planting, or until the buds begin to start, it will, in nine cases out of ten, save the tree. The moss maybe removed after the growth begins. If planted in the fall, the body and top should be well wrapped up in straw.
Read the rest of this entry »
Every body loves to learn pruning. It makes us feel good to learn some of the finer points of this art. It’s a powerful feeling to know that we are shaping the future development of a shrub or tree in our garden.
Keep in mind, however, that pruning is a true art that can take years to master.
Today’s reading lets us into the mind of an expert nurseryman:
Read the rest of this entry »