Focus on Flowers

The botanical name for feverfew is Chrysanthemum parthenium because according to Plutarch a worker fell during the construction of the Greek parthenon, and his life was saved by this plant’s medicinal properties. The common name of feverfew is because it is used to reduce fevers. 

In 1995, the patents’ length of time was extended, so that now breeders can collect royalties on a plant for 20 years.

Today, I am quoting from Vita Sackville West who is discussing planting a border with flowers ranging in color from pale mauve through rich purple. 

Spring is a wonderful season for gardeners. The weather is pleasant outdoors and visiting nurseries is such fun, but as well as popping into the ground plants that will give immediate gratification, also try to plant some fall bloomers. 

We have all been guilty of shoving flowers into any type of vase when we are in a hurry. However, we all know as well that just a little bit of effort on our part will make even a few flowers look really special.

Scientists are concerned that the use of toxic pesticides and the decreasing amount of wild habitat may be affecting flower pollination. They studied wild pansies growing in fields across Europe that are generally pollinated by bees but can also use their own pollen to self-fertilize, using its own genes to produce new seeds, which is more limited than sexual reproduction that mixes DNA. 

All of May, cranesbill geranium 'Bevan' is covered in pink flowers, and the rest of the year, he has lovely fresh-looking green leaves.

A quote by Vita Sackville West about ground covers.

Dandelions light up our lawns each spring with bright yellow flowers.

Before the invention of photography, illustrations of uncommon plants were crucial. Women were thought to be especially well suited for drawing specimens accurately. They were seen as patient, careful, and willing to work for little pay.

During the Middle Ages in Britain, the monasteries were the places with the space and the knowledge to garden.

Most gardeners I know find it convenient to buy this easy-care annual for their pots and shade beds each spring, and delight in growing such undemanding annuals.

The Cherry tree that Houseman wrote about in his poem is commonly known as bird cherry, which alas do not grow well for us in zone 6. A white tree that is a lovely substitute, however, is the white dogwood.

At this time of the year many flower lovers buy pots of Easter lilies at the grocery store to have in their homes during the Easter season

Clay soil is heavy and hard to dig compared to sandy soil, but it is also more moisture and nutrient retentive.

No plant, it seems to those of us plagued with deer, can be called really deer proof.

Regular pruning benefits all woody plants, such as shrubs, trees, and vines. Pruning keeps them vigorous and healthy, as well as improving their shape.

Cutting back plants, even small ones, helps to stimulate growth. But don't cut off all of the leaves!

There are so many lovely varieties of clematis available today. Even a single bloom floating is a bowl looks perfect.

In late winter, after months without garden flowers, we are eager to see flowers in our homes. However, there is a wonderful feeling we get when we force branches of early spring-blooming trees and shrubs.

All of the poems I will read today are about roses and all are from times long past.

The flowers associated with St. Valentine were, in Roman times, the yellow crocus and the tricolor viola that both bloom in the early spring in our gardens today. But there are also other saints associated with February...

In 1993, Christopher Lloyd hired Fergus Garrett as his head gardener and together they turned the traditional 80-year-old rose garden into an exotic tropical area. Christo was amused by the consequent criticism from traditionalists.

Great Dixter's Christopher Lloyd created his famous term "succession planting" to describe continuous bloom month after month, beginning in March and ending in October.

One of Britain's most celebrated gardens, Great Dixter is a magnificent place where one can learn and be inspired. A trip there should be on every gardener's bucket list.