Garden Journal: August 2011
Karen As summer winds down the hot humid days of August have slowly ebbed and we have been blessed with some dryer air and cooler temperatures. Some rain has fallen but…
Plant Profile: Ornamental Millet ‘Purple Majesty’ (Pennisetum glaucum ‘Purple Majesty’)
‘Purple Majesty’ is a regal plant that does well in the border, containers, and vase. Standing 4 to 5’ tall, it has a commanding presence in the garden forming a…
What is an Heirloom Vegetable?
Heirloom vegetables have become increasingly popular lately and more and more people are interested in growing them. Unfortunately, there is disagreement about what it takes to be a true heirloom…
Plant Profile: Beet ‘Ruby Queen’ (Beta vulgaris ‘Ruby Queen’)
Developed over 50 years ago, ‘Ruby Queen’ can be considered an heirloom variety. It was an All American Selection winner in 1957 and is still available today and earning praise…
How to Maximize the Fragrance of the Roses in Your Rose Garden
Most of us select our roses on the basis of color, form, size, number of petals, and disease resistance, rarely on fragrance. Yet most gardeners enjoy the scent of their…
Plant Profile: Snapdragon ‘Twinny Peach’ Hybrid (Antirrhinum majus ‘Twinny Peach’ hybrid)
‘Twinny Peach’ snapdragon is a very unusual snapdragon. It’s flowers don’t resemble the traditional ones in form or color. First, there is no jaw to the flower; instead the flowers…
Growing Amaryllis so that they Rebloom
One of my favorite Christmas gifts is an amaryllis bulb that I can plant and grow with the anticipation of having a huge gorgeous flower sometime in the spring. Sometimes…
Plant Profile: Okra ‘Cajun Delight’ Hybrid. (Abelmoschus esculentus ‘Cajun Delight’ Hybrid)
Okra likes warm days and nights so it is traditionally associated with the South. It actually thrives in the heat and humidity there, pumping out pods even in the hottest…
How to Grow Eggplant
Eggplants are frost tender, heat-loving plants and sprout slowly from seeds so purchased plants are the most practical way to grow them. If you live in a frost free area…
Plant Profile: Pink ‘Firewitch’ (Dianthus gratianopolitanus) ‘Firewitch’
‘Firewitch’ is a good example of the adage that good things come in small packages. Of all the pinks in my garden this one is the most attractive throughout the…