Cotoneasters For The Border

Of all the many shrubs which are suitable for planting in your garden, the Cotoneaster is one of the nicest you can choose. Several choice varieties are: C. Hupehensis, C. Multiflora, C. Racemifloravar. Songarica, and C. Salicifoliavar. Floccosa.

These varieties are very easy to grow, and are sufficiently hardy to grow in almost any climate. They are colorful, and they are among the most useful of shrubs for ornamental planting. They have smooth bright green leaves, almost waxy in apperance. All kinds thrive best if planted in an open sunny place, with well-drained soiL

One of the nicest varieties, and one with which I have had unusual success in my garden, is Catoneaster Multiflora. It has showy clusters of flowers in the spring, and bright red berries during the summer Birds love to eat these berries, and if you would like to attract more birds to your garden, the Multiflora is especially desirable.

It is generally believed that the Multiflora is not very free fruiting, but my plants, though only three years old, were so heavily loaded with berries last summer that the branches hung nearly to the ground.

The seeds of the Cotoneaster shrubs should be frost treated before planting in order for them to germinate. If they do not germinate the first summer, do not become discouraged, because if they are left undisturbed in their bed, they will come up the following year, and will reward your patience with gorgeous berries. And without a doubt, hungry birds of every description will dwell in your garden for quite some time. In some varieties of Cotoneaster, the foli age will have beautiful colors in the fall.

Methods Of Growing Perennials

Biennials and perennials. In late campanulas, sweet-william, delphinium, pansies, violas and any other fall sown perennials should be removed from their winter quarters to their flowering place in the garden. After transplanting, water them thoroughly. Have the soil well prepared by .deep digging and be sure to add manure or humus.

First Acquaintance With A Cactus Plant

My first acquaintance with a cactus at close range was several years ago when my wife was confined to a hospital bed. Somebody sent her a cactus and the darn thing bloomed! Ever since we have both been bugs on the subject, for once stuck by a cactus you stay stuck!

In What Seasons Are Beavertail Cactus Grown?

The beavertail cactus is a low growing "shrub" with pear-shaped pads for leaves. The pads are somewhat wrinkled transversely but have no true spines. The little hairy tufts, which are (lotted all over the pads, are called glochids. Botanically Opuntia basilaris, it has fluffy pink flowers and is native to Arizona, California and Utah.

Transplanting Seedlings - Should We?

We continue to transplant seedlings as they require, and if they become too crowded in flats transplant them to pots.

Continue sowing of annuals in the greenhouse and frame, and put in the first sowings of marigolds, zinnias and cosmos about the middle of April. They grow quickly so do not be tempted to put them in before then.

Characteristics Of A Plumbago Capensis Plant

Plumbago capensis use to be a rare plant not often, but now it is a common plant found in the landscape, but surely one of the loveliest blue flowers that grow. It can be kept indoors, pot grown, during winter, or covered up in the soil outside. Anywhere it is grown the azure flowers in clusters all over the stems are beautifully refined and dainty. The white variety is also good.

Cactus Bands Tell Their Age

The sunset cactus, alias pincushion cactus, is one of more than 200 very small cacti belonging to the genus mamunillaria which are often collectively referred to as fishhook cacti. This one is Mammillaria microcarpa and is about 3 inches high; its flowers are about an inch across and arc pale pink, occurring in the spring and then again in August and as this plant has 19 bands it is 19 years old. Botanically it is known as Echinocereus rigidissimus.