Garden Journal, June, 2011
Karen June has been difficult month with some very hot dry periods and some cold periods. Many plants are already struggling and the whole garden seems to want to bloom now…
Plant Profile: Sunflower ‘Ring of Fire’ (Helianthus annus ‘Ring of Fire’)
It is hard to resist sunflowers and this one is a knock out. Its 5” wide flowers have a rich chocolate brown center surrounded with golden yellow petals that blend…
How to Plant Spring Blooming Bulbs
The bulb catalogs start coming by the beginning of summer and there is a good reason why. Spring blooming bulbs should be planted in the fall and you need time…
Plant Profile: Bush Bean ‘Derby’ (Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Derby’)
With round, straight, long pods, ‘Derby’ bush bean is a good choice for the home vegetable garden. The stringless pods are extra tender, flavorful and easy to pick. The seeds…
Name This Plant Game: Summer Blooming Shrubs 2
Chuck This simple game tests your gardening knowledge by identifying five plants shown in photos from a list of possible names. Photos of each plant are accompaned by a clue describing…
How to Grow Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow. It is easy to grow from seed and takes very little room to grow. It grows best while the weather…
Plant Profile: Missouri Primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa aka O. missouriensis )
A native of southern and central US, Missouri primrose is also called Ozark sundrops. It is a herbaceous perennial and member of the willowherb familiy, Onagraceae, that also includes Fushia,…
Factors to Consider when Selecting Annual Sunflowers for the Garden
The past 30 years has brought the humble sunflower (Helianthus annus) from a roadside weed to a garden show-stopper. Just open a seed catalog to realize that there are many…
Plant Profile: Cucumber ‘Fanfare’ (Cucumis sativus ‘Fanfare’)
When you think about growing cucumber you should consider this All America Selection winner of 1994. The slender dark green, 8-9” long fruits are excellent slicers and are produced are…
Name This Plant Game: Summer Blooming Shrubs 1
This simple game tests your gardening knowledge by identifying five plants shown in photos from a list of possible names. Photos of each plant are accompaned by a clue describing…