The climate of the northern states and adjoining parts of Canada is characterized by marked seasonal changes. The annual rainfall varies greatly, from 10 inches or less in parts of the Rocky Mountain states and western prairies to 50 inches or more in the eastern states. Temperature changes can be sudden and severe. Winter temperatures as low as–50° F (–46° C) are not uncommon in the north and summer temperatures of 100° F (38° C) occur. In spite of these climatic conditions, many garden flowers thrive and some, like the garden peony, do better than in any other part of...

Every gardner wants to grow healthy, attractive plants. To do this requires some basic understanding of how plants grow, their nutrient requirements, and cultural practices that will ensure success. In this chapter we will explore a number of subjects pertaining to plant culture: types of soil, soil as a source of plant nutrients, fertilizing the soil, site selection and soil preparation, starting plants indoors, vegetative propagation, transplanting, weed control, rodent and deer control, insect and disease control, training plants, and winter protection.

Knowing the type of soil on your property, is essential for selecting the best plants for your garden....

With thousands of species and named cultivars to choose from, it is a challenging task to select appropriate plants to beautify your yard. Most plants prefer full sunlight but some are shade tolerant and others actually prefer shade. Plants also differ in their moisture requirements. A few require acid soil.

The following lists suggest plants that can be used for different purposes and for special growing conditions. The lists are not all inclusive; other species might serve your needs equally well. Before selecting a plant, learn all you can about it. Read the descriptions and look at the photographs in...

Brief family descriptions are given to aid the reader in learning to recognize some of the characteristics that place a plant in a certain family. A list of the genera included in this book is given after each family.

A family of about 250 genera of dicotyledonous herbs or shrubs, native in the tropics; leaves opposite, simple, mostly entire; flowers perfect, mostly in spikes, racemes, or clustered, often with prominent, brightly colored bracts; calyx 4-to 5-parted; corolla regular or slightly irregular, tubular, with 5-lobed, or 2-lipped limbs; stamens 2 or 4, in pairs; fruit a 2-celled capsule.

A small family...

The entries are alphabetically arranged by genus, followed by the family name. Descriptions are brief and contain only that information that would be useful in recognizing the plant. Culture and use are described under the species description. Only those species that are commonly planted and that are commercially available are described. Important botanical varieties are included. Cultivar descriptions are brief and not all cultivars are included. Family descriptions are given in the hopes that the reader will learn to recognize the family characteristics. Important genera are listed after each family.

The scientific names used are those found inHortus Third....