,by the same author3 ,,all ,,about ,,begonias ,,all ,,about ,,vines ,,and ,,hanging ,,plants ,,bernice ,,brilmayer ,,all ,,about ,,miniature ,,plants ,,and ,,gardens ,,indoors ,,and ,,out ,sketches and ,landscape ,designs by ,fritz ,schaefer ,additional ,art ,work by ,kathleen ,bourke ,,doubleday ,,company1 ,,inc41 ,,garden ,,city1 ,,new ,,york #aifc ,for my family1 again and again4 ,the future is coming closer4 ,library of ,congress ,catalog ,card ,number #fc-ahbbe ,copyright #aifc by ,doubleday ,company1 ,inc4 ,all ,rights ,reserved ,printed in the ,united ,states of ,america ,first ,edition ,,contents ,,author',s ,,note #i ,,acknowledgments #ac ,chapter #a ,,miniature ,,window ,,gardens #ag ,chapter #b ,,miniature ,,gardens ,,with ,,artificial ,,light #bc ,chapter #c ,,miniature ,,gardens ,,in ,,containers #ch ,chapter #d ,,miniature ,,gardens ,,in ,,glass #ec ,chapter #e ,,miniature ,,greenhouse ,,gardens #fa ,chapter #f ,,miniature ,,house ,,and ,,greenhouse ,,plants #gd ,chapter #g ,,miniature ,,roses1 ,,indoors ,,and ,,out #acg ,chapter #h ,,miniature ,,sink ,,gardens #aej ,chapter #i ,,miniature ,,plants1 ,,bonsai-,,style #aei ,chapter #aj ,,miniature ,,gardens ,,in ,,the ,,landscape #agg ,chapter #aa ,,miniature ,,rock ,,and ,,wall ,,gardens #ahc ,chapter #ab ,,miniature ,,pools ,,and ,,water ,,plants #aii ,chapter #ac ,,miniature ,,woodland ,,gardens ,,and ,,plants #baa ,chapter #ad ,,miniature ,,trees ,,and ,,shrubs #bbf ,chapter #ae ,,miniature ,,perennials ,,and ,,rock ,,plants #bea ,chapter #af ,,miniature ,,annuals #bgg ,chapter #ag ,,miniature ,,garden ,,bulbs #bhh ,,epilogue #bii ,,bibliography #cjj ,,where ,,to ,,buy ,,miniature ,,plants ,,and ,,supplies #cja ,,index #cjg ,list of ,illustrations ,,color ,by the author except as noted ,,between ,,pages ,formal garden in a wash-boiler lid #cb-cc ,tiny tropical garden with pool #fd-fe ,achimenes1 a beautiful gesneriad #if-ig ,twenty-three varieties of miniature and dwarf geraniums #abh-abi ,streptocarpus1 ,weismoor hybrid #afj-afa ,rose and miniature rose #aib-aic ,garden in the landscape #bbd-bbe ,rock garden effectively composed #bef-beg ,,black ,,and ,,white ,by the author except as noted ,miniature geraniums in uniform rows #bj ,mexican motif with cacti in window box #ba ,child's cactus garden over radiator #ba ,small plants in a lighted bookcase #be ,an indoor 8jungle garden0 #bf ,light-case planted with various small plants #bh ,light shelves with begonias #bi ,kenilworth ivy in gnome strawberry jar #dj ,pawnbroker's planter with ivy #da ,pruning a dish garden #dc ,apple-tree root with pocket for plants #de ,miniature plants in fish bowls #ed 7,industrial ,photographic ,specialists7 ,converting a cider jug into a terrarium #ef-eg ,commercially produced terrarium 7,russ ,stone7 #fe ,author's succulent garden #fh ,rampant greenhouse #fi ,unusual propagation box #hg ,sprouted stem cuttings of dwarf geraniums #hh #8,spaulding1' bushy dwarf begonia #ih ,group of dwarf begonias #ii ,caladium humboldti #ajh ,miniature climber1 ,cissus striata #aab ,ivy meagheri #aai ,helxine soleiroli #aba ,leuconeura massangeana #abc ,oxalis hedysaroides rubra 7,merry ,gardens7 #abe ,three dwarf geraniums 7,merry ,gardens7 #abg ,dwarf geranium1 #8,robin ,hood' 7,merry ,gardens7 #abg ,creeping ,pilea depressa #acj ,hardy ,saxifraga sarmentosa #acc ,sinningia pusilla1 miniature of miniatures #ace ,a miniature rose grows #adf-adg ,miniature garden of dwarf evergreens #aeb ,rock garden in a wash-boiler lid #aeg ,variety of bonsai trees #afb ,bonsai in citrus #afc ,white poppies in a tiny garden #agh ,raised flower bed #ahf ,saxifraga seedlings #ahh ,trimmed lemon thyme and ivy #aid ,constructing a no-cost pool #bjd-bje ,wild garden in ,new ,york ,city #bac ,bloodroot #bad ,juniper with pansies #bde ,planted cold frame #beg ,author in her #jj4jj greenhouse #bgi ,,drawings ,dream greenhouse 7,kathleen ,bourke7 #ff ,a fancy to build on 7,kathleen ,bourke7 #fg ,foliage details of five popular miniature trees and shrubs 7,fritz ,schaefer7 #bcg ,construction diagram for low-cost greenhouse 7,hal ,gearhardt7 #bhj ,,author',s ,,note ,naturally1 the children's welfare was the compelling reason for moving our family out of ,new ,york and into ,connecticut4 ,but we can't deny that we also had visions of more expansive gardening4 ,so we set out to find an old 7meaning dilapidated--not antique71 spacious1 window-rich house with acres of neglected land where we could indulge our yen for flower borders with delphiniums by the dozens1 sweeping green expanses of lawn1 even obese bullfrogs on lily pads in a modest lake4 ,these nave notions were quickly canceled by the orbital prices of ,connecticut real estate4 ,in order to achieve our principal purpose1 we had to make concessions to the second4 ,the house we settled for is small2 its windows are few and runty2 and it has less than an acre of cultivatable land4 ,it is one hundred feet at its widest1 nearly six hundred feet long1 and less than a hundred feet level in any one expanse4 ,in other words1 we got split-level land instead of a split-level house4 ,but it is charming4 ,neighbors with great expanses of gardens and lawns actually envy us for our 8natural setting40 ,actually1 my favorite landscape architect1 who happens to be my husband1 ,bob1 would be lost if given a perfectly flat piece of land of equal length and width4 ,he would have no contours to follow and would probably go fishing4 ,as it is1 both of us have plenty of challenges and the fun of running up and down ridges in our plantings4 ,the acreage is ample for two persons who have little more than so-called 8spare0 time4 ,from this quick summation of facts1 it is obvious why we gave up our grandiose ideas of immense perennial beds1 a half-acre vegetable plot1 naturalized bulbs by the thousands4 ,instead1 we've learned how to tuck little gardens into odd corners2 to compensate for limited space with intimate miniature perfection2 to hunt for and find the small plants that are in sympathy and in scale with our small house and landscape4 ,cramped growing quarters indoors have even led us to collect miniature house plants4 ,and when1 some sweet day1 we have our own personal greenhouse on the place1 it's bound to be in scale with the rest of it4 ,fortunately1 we are by no means a minority4 ,more small homes than large are being built today1 and on more small lots4 ,gardeners are intensifying their demands for small plants of all sorts2 and hybridists and suppliers are working nobly at filling the need4 ,we now have four-inch #8,wee ,willie' sweet ,william1 tiny ,twinkle ,phlox1 other dwarf annuals and perennials4 ,some nurseries are beginning to feature dwarf trees and shrubs4 ,florists and greenhouses are giving us minuscule house plants such as ,sinningia pusilla and orchids with one-inch flowers4 ,the charm and intimacy of the miniature is replacing the magnificence 7and oppressive maintenance7 of the massive4 ,there you have the beginning of this book and the reason why it contains many quite new projects4 ,they would be illustrated as 8before and after10 except that the 8after0 is yet to be written4 ,regardless of how long miniature gardening has been practiced1 we feel the greatest developments are yet to come4 ,small houses and small plots of land force us to this conclusion4 ,admittedly many of our personal opinions are based on experience and observations in ,northeastern gardens4 ,however1 whenever possible we have included reliable information for other climates4 ,you will1 of course1 make your own interpretations and adaptations4 ,this a reader must always do1 no matter where an author lives and gardens4 ,and there is always your county agent to consult or your local garden-supply florist with whom to discuss your particular situation4 ,always an added pleasure4 ,,plants ,,included ,as the author1 ,i have used two criteria for including or omitting plants at the time of writing4 ,i am concerned with those that are readily available from florists1 nurseries1 and the suppliers listed in the ,appendix2 and those that in my opinion are suitable for miniature gardens4 ,except for the specific art of bonsai1 ,i have not included plants that are unnaturally dwarfed by pruning or other means4 ,i have omitted plants that look like miniatures when they are young1 grow slowly1 but eventually get out of miniature proportions if given time4 ,i have not attempted to differentiate between miniatures and dwarfs1 nor have ,i set up restrictive dimensions4 ,sizes vary with types of plants4 ,a miniature orchid may be three inches high1 a miniature shrub three feet or more4 ,,plant ,,names ,this book has been written by an amateur gardener for other amateurs2 and ,i have made it as readable and enjoyable as ,i could4 ,but in the interests of clarity and accuracy1 ,latin botanical names are used in preference to the vernacular4 ,this is the only way to be sure plants are correctly identified4 ,popular names are confusing4 ,kenilworth ivy1 grape ivy1 and ,english ivy certainly sound as if they were related in some way2 but when you use botanical names 7,cymbalaria muralis1 ,cissus striata1 and ,hedera helix1 you know they are not4 ,by using the botanical names you are more likely to find the ivy you want in a reference book or catalogue4 ,for most plants1 ,hortus ,second has been used as the authority for identification and spelling of names2 but in the interests of readability1 the double ii ending has been reduced to a single i4 ,for a number of plants that have become available since ,hortus was last revised 7#aida71 ,i have referred to ,exotica ,,ii1 by ,a4 ,b4 ,graf4 ,unless a plant name is complete 7genus plus species--plus variety1 if any71 it is neither capitalized nor italicized4 7,the caladium is a favorite foliage plant47 ,complete botanical names are italicized1 but only the generic name has an initial capital letter1 even when the specific name has been derived from the proper name of some person or place4 7,the diminutive ,caladium humboldti needs humidity47 ,when you see a plant name in italics1 you will know that this is a recognized botanical species or one of its varieties1 and not a man-made hybrid4 ,the names of recognized hybrids1 seedlings1 and mutations of either or both are not italicized1 but are capitalized and enclosed in single quotation marks 7caladium #8,little ,rascal'74 ,common or popular names are set in regular type with initial capital letters only for proper nouns1 when they appear in text4 ,in separate listings each word is capitalized4 ,,botanical ,,terms ,in order to make a gardening book completely accurate and understandable1 it is almost mandatory to use some so-called 8scientific0 terms which should really be as much a part of a gardener's vocabulary as 8annual0 or 8evergreen40 ,the following words are used in their technical sense3 ,genus 7plural1 genera7--,a group of plants related to each other by botanical characteristics4 ,the name of the genus is like a human family's surname1 ,smith1 but it is written first instead of last4 ,oncidium is a genus of orchids4 ,species 7plural1 species7--,a plant that differs from others within a genus1 usually occurring in a natural state and capable of reproducing itself in identical form4 ,the name of a species is like a person's first name1 ,alice1 but is written last4 ,oncidium pusillum is one of several species in a genus of orchids4 ,hybrid--,generally the result of fertilizing the flowers of one plant with the pollen of another2 the resulting seedlings are hybrids4 ,mutation or sport--,a variation in any part of a plant that remains constant when that part is severed and propagated4 ,the word variety1 however--although it has a strict botanical application--has been used more loosely and may often be defined here simply as 8variation40 ,,acknowledgments ,i wonder if anyone ever wrote a book without being indebted to many persons for some sort of help or inspiration4 ,certainly1 ,i couldn't do it4 ,subtract the encouragement and time-consuming assistance of my family1 friends1 and horticultural acquaintances1 and this would be less a book4 ,i am deeply grateful to3 ,fritz ,schaefer for landscape designs and drawings of rare delicacy1 and for letting me benefit by his wide horticultural training and talents2 to ,kari ,berggrav for her enthusiastic contributions to the manuscript and for all sorts of help with plants and photographs2 to ,mrs4 ,john ,lee and to ,f4 ,h4 ,michaud of ,alpenglow ,gardens for their help and the use of their artistic photographs2 to ,adolph ,adukas of the ,julius ,roehrs ,company for his talented arrangements of dish gardens2 to ,kathleen ,bourke for her fanciful drawings and to ,elvin ,mc,donald of ,mc,donald and ,bourke for his assistance and advice2 to ,flower and ,garden for allowing me to adapt material that had appeared in that magazine2 to ,mary ,ellen ,ross of ,merry ,gardens for her assistance and the photographs of miniature plants she allowed me to use2 and to all the friends and tolerant gardeners who allowed me to put my camera tripod in the midst of their plants--,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,h4 ,lincoln ,foster1 ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,alex ,o',hare1 ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,norman ,cherry1 and our neighbors1 ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,henry ,fuller4 ,to ,ernesta ,ballard and ,peggie ,schulz1 well-known garden writers1 and ,mrs4 ,n4 ,e4 ,dilliard of ,tropical ,gardens1 my gratitude for your assistance4 ,i thank my mother1 ,alice ,gaines1 and her keen eye for catching my witless errors4 ,,all ,,about ,,miniature ,,plants ,,and ,,gardens1 ,,indoors ,,and ,,out ,,chapter #a ,,miniature ,,window ,,gardens ,in a living room so small that two dogs asleep before the fire must be roused to let you pass through1 monstrous cut-leaf monstera would be out of place--literally and most certainly no asset4 ,in our house1 to be truthful1 anything larger than a three-inch pot begins to get out of proportion4 ,when we were buying the place1 we called it 8quaint0 and 8cozy40 ,but when we moved in our favorite house plants1 it was just too crowded for words4 ,this was the origin of our intense interest in miniature house plants4 ,but limited space is by no means the only reason why these little fellows are such cheerful and desirable indoor decorators4 ,first1 of course1 there's the charm of the diminutive--the same lure that leads some people to collect figurines or doll's furniture4 ,but plants are alive and growing2 you can pore over each leaf and flower as it matures to small-scale perfection4 ,because miniature plants occupy little space1 you can grow more of them1 and in greater variety4 ,three dwarf geraniums will bloom their heads off where a single large one might be crowded4 ,modern1 narrow window sills are adequately spacious for a dozen or so two-inch pots of colorful cacti4 ,one cattleya orchid can be replaced by several equally exotic1 and much more personable1 dwarf 8botanical0 orchids in delightful variety4 ,where full-sized narcissus and 8daffy's0 that have been forced often seem to be just that1 8forced10 miniatures fit in1 add gaiety and color1 along with naturalness4 ,most important1 miniature plants and gardens are thoroughly in tune with today's decorating trends4 ,they're in scale with small rooms and low ceilings1 in harmony with the spirit of suburban homes1 mobile enough to facilitate change and rearrangement1 even functional because they're more carefree4 ,and they certainly go along as we leave last year's stark1 bare1 uncluttered look behind and move toward the warmer1 more personal dcor that once more allows us to display snapshots of the children on the mantel4 ,miniature plants are often less costly than large specimens1 and require less care4 ,they grow slowly1 require fertilizing and repotting less frequently1 don't outgrow bounds1 and seldom need to be renewed or replaced4 ,when ,i first started to collect miniature house plants1 ,i had no idea how many were available1 or in what delightful and wide varieties4 ,there are miniatures in almost all of our best-known plant families1 and there are some groups that have almost nothing but miniatures to offer4 ,there are small-scale trailers1 climbers1 creepers2 leaf rosettes or bushlets2 tropical plants and mountain-dwellers2 those with striking foliage1 spectacular foliage1 or both4 ,once you discover the wealth of ,lilliputian plants you can grow in your home1 ,i warn you1 your will power had better be strong1 else you never will stop following this fascinating hobby of raising the little fellows4 ,it will run away with you before you know it4 ,,window ,,gardens ,the window is the place most naturally suited for a living garden4 ,it is nearest to the fresh out of doors and brings the plants closer to the environment where they are at home4 ,by creating a transition1 the plants in turn seem to bring the outdoors inside4 ,a window is often1 also1 the only place where indoor plants can get the daylight and sunlight they need to keep in good condition4 ,but a real window garden is not a motley assortment of plants in pots1 haphazardly arranged 7or not arranged at all7 or lined up in precise1 military rows4 ,it is an artistic composition1 a grouping of plants with some sound design in mind--an arrangement of plants and their containers for pretty and refreshing effect4 ,the more natural the plants look1 the less obvious or contrived the lines of the design1 the more decorative the result4 ,this principle is1 of course1 integral to all kinds of gardens1 indoors and out2 but it is particularly vital in a window where our eyes stray a dozen times a day4 ,with miniature plants ,i find it easier to achieve good composition--much easier than with large ones4 ,there are more elements with which to work2 there is more opportunity to rearrange1 a wider choice of colors1 textures1 and forms--the possibility of blending or playing them against each other4 ,i recall a small window in an old country house1 deeply recessed by the width of the thick stone wall4 ,three or four large or medium-sized plants might have stood on the two-foot-deep sill4 ,but there were a dozen or so dwarfs and miniatures all blended and accented by two small baskets of miniature ivies4 ,the display was so lovingly arranged and cared for1 the effect was more of a garden than an obvious decoration4 7,in a rich selection such as this one1 there is a natural danger of 8too-muchness40 ,don't crowd these plants4 ,just the addition of one extra pot can spoil the effect of a perfect garden4 ,miniatures are not meant to be massed4 ,when crammed close together they can look like a weedy1 unmown lawn4 ,give each plant enough space to set off its modest charm1 then you'll find each one doubly charming in its space47 ,and so an assortment of small potted plants can be arranged as effectively in a window as perennials can be in a flower border4 ,there should be a careful selection and placing of colors for both contrast and harmony2 the interplay of foliage forms and textures2 the blending of plants into one design with eye-catching accents where accent is needed4 ,for a container1 use a shallow galvanized metal tray made to fit the window sill and painted a matching white4 ,it should hold about an inch of water with a layer of pebbles thick enough to keep the pots above the water4 ,the evaporating moisture humidifies the air4 ,use miniature plants of several families but all needing approximately the same amount of light and sun4 ,for color1 there are the flowers of begonias and impatiens2 for foliage contrast1 peperomias2 for accent1 taller plants2 with ,ficus pumila ascending the window frame and small-leaved creepers dangling over the edge to soften harsh lines and blend the garden into the room4 ,there is equal charm in a collection of miniature plants of the same general type and of nearly the same size4 ,neat rows of cacti and other succulents in small pots look gay and colorful lined up on the sill and on glass shelves in the window above it--glass1 of course1 to permit all possible sun to reach the plants4 ,between the pots1 at irregular intervals1 set a collection of crystal wine glasses or figurines4 ,or line up impudent miniature geraniums as in the photograph4 ,here1 the pleasure comes1 not from the artistic composition1 but rather in the uniformity of the rows of small-scale pots and plants4 ,illustration3 ,miniature geraniums arranged in uniform rows ,for an indoor version of the outdoor window box1 use a box made to fit on the sill1 gaily painted and decorated in the ,mexican spirit of the cacti growing in it4 ,it should be deep enough 7about four inches7 for healthy root growth4 ,the cacti are not potted1 but planted in the sandy soil in the box4 ,these indoor window boxes can be of all sizes and shapes--large enough to cover the sill of a big window plus the radiator under it2 triangular1 to fit in corner windows2 suitable for the top of a child's play table in a sunny bedroom or playroom4 ,all of these gardens are planned for windows with full sun1 or nearly so4 ,with less sun the choice of plants changes4 ,for example1 miniature gesneriads 7,african violets1 streptocarpus1 episcias7 might be combined with ferns and other foliage plants2 a selection of the widely varying types of peperomias would be effective where sun is very scarce indeed4 ,illustration3 ,mexican motif with cacti in a homemade window box ,illustration3 ,child's cactus garden over a radiator--fine for a playroom ,,window ,,greenhouse ,available light1 or sunlight1 is the first consideration in selecting plants for a window area1 or in selecting the window for the plants you have or want4 ,light can be brighter 7it even comes from overhead7 inside a greenhouse that extends out from the window4 ,you can buy these in all combinations of measurements1 ready-made and assembled1 or ready to be assembled4 ,or you can make them1 or have them made1 from the materials sold in most hardware stores for those who build their own screens and storm windows4 ,the greenhouse fits flush to the outside of the window frame and is sealed with a calking-gun after it has been screwed firmly in place4 ,it may rest on the outside of the sill1 or be supported by metal or wooden brackets on the underside4 ,the top lifts open for ventilation1 and the opening is covered with a screen4 ,glass shelves permit light to penetrate fully4 ,a tray at the bottom holds moist vermiculite to humidify the air4 ,the window sash can be removed or not1 as you wish4 ,you can install an inexpensive1 thermostat-controlled heater for extra warmth in winter4 ,if the light is right1 and if humidity can be kept high enough1 an installation such as this can contain not only all sorts of window-garden plants1 but also many of those recommended for the greenhouse in ,chapter #f4 ,a window greenhouse filled with growing1 blooming plants is an attractive outdoor decoration on almost any house4 ,its effect indoors is always cheerful and refreshing4 ,and it is especially suited for miniatures4 ,numerous small plants make a better decorative effect than a few large ones4 7,for suitable plants1 please refer to list at end of ,chapter #f47 ,,chapter #b ,,miniature ,,gardens ,,with ,,artificial ,,light ,the three tiny rooms of the ,greenwich ,village apartment possess a total of two narrow1 old-fashioned windows2 yet in its darkest corners bloom some of the most gorgeous gesneriads ,i've ever seen4 ,in similar fourth-floor quarters on ,new ,york's dreary #dast ,street1 miniature orchids and other tropicals make a flamboyant jungle4 ,in an attic in ,levittown1 a cellar in ,bayside1 a heated garage in ,westchester1 plants make it look like ,july in ,january1 living their life cycles over and over again without ever seeing the sun4 ,the life they must have for existence is supplied by electricity4 ,time was1 when windows were the only place in the house where plants could be grown4 ,but since government scientists first grew corn to maturity under artificial light at ,beltsville1 ,maryland 7back when ,i had more interest in boys and dating than in gardening71 that picture has certainly changed4 ,now1 all sorts of plants can flourish in the most unlikely places4 ,home decorators can use plants ornamentally wherever they look best1 and create the conditions in which they grow best4 ,the hobbyist who can't afford a greenhouse can have a most satisfactory and inexpensive substitute in unused places in the house4 ,and a greenhouse owner can double his growing space without adding another section of glass4 ,naturally enough1 scientific research in this field has been aimed at helping florists1 farmers1 and others to whom plants are a business2 but amateurs have benefited1 too4 ,the principle of photoperiodism--that some plants set buds and flower only when nights are long1 some others only when nights are short--led to delaying the flowering of commercial chrysanthemums by interrupting the long night with a period of light4 ,amateurs have used the same principle to force tuberous begonias to flower in winter by lengthening the day with several hours of artificial light4 ,the discovery and isolation of a light-sensitive enzyme1 photochrome1 has been applied to cyclic lighting--a less costly method of regulating flowering by flashing lights on and off at intervals4 ,probing the mysteries of photochrome has also given orchid fanciers a better understanding of their plants' blooming habits and has even made it possible1 with some species1 to have flowers twice or three times a year1 rather than just once4 ,if ,i may be permitted a slight prejudice1 it's these amateur benefits that make me happiest4 ,i love plants2 and ,i think millions of other people do4 ,from the windows of my commuting train ,i see ,new ,york tenement tenants wistfully watering morning glories that pathetically climb fire-escape trellises4 ,more prosperous ,manhattanites spend small fortunes on florists' plants to bring the breath of green life into their sterile apartments2 and their disappointment1 if the plants die1 is pitiable4 ,suburbanites have a yen to make a hobby of collecting plants4 ,and now they can4 ,i know1 because ,i did4 ,in our roomy1 old-fashioned cellar in ,bayside we had triple-decker shelves fitted with fluorescent lights where we grew everything from begonias 7finally1 a collection of more than #cej varieties7 to annuals for the gardens out of doors4 ,that was some years ago4 ,the information about lighting was sparse1 inconclusive1 and often confusing4 ,our light intensity was inadequate1 and there were other deficiencies which we would correct were we setting up that cellar greenhouse today4 ,but our successes were fascinating1 our failures a challenge4 ,and the hours we spent working with those plants in the cellar often were our only moments of refreshment and relaxation4 ,the hobbyist1 with his dividends of fun1 is not the only one who benefits from this new concept of light and plants4 ,there is the home home-decorator1 the woman of the house1 who finds in plants the sort of ornament the entire family enjoys4 ,she'd like the graceful lines of a vine tumbling down from the mantel1 jewel-like flowering plants on the shelf of a corner cupboard1 a garden of green atop the room divider between the living and dining areas4 ,frustratingly1 she discovers that where the plants are most effective1 too often they won't grow and flourish4 ,it is usually because there is insufficient light for their life processes4 ,but now1 she can set up a light on the mantel1 install fluorescent tubes beneath cupboard shelves1 or let ceiling lights flood the plants above the room dividers4 ,such lighting has a double effect1 it enables the plants to flourish1 and it gives a dramatic accent to the dcor of the house4 ,illustration3 ,interesting combination of bookcase and lights for ,african violets and begonias of several varieties ,artificial lighting is a help even for the casual grower--one who has only a few plants1 whether by happenstance1 for the fun of it1 or simply because 8a house is not a home0 without a plant or two4 ,table1 desk1 and floor lamps can be used to supplement the natural light from windows4 ,too often windows are shielded by trees or the house next door1 or perhaps it is winter and there isn't enough light to keep most plants in a thriving condition4 ,just turning on a lamp so that the rays fall on a plant can lengthen the hours of light enough to bring out bloom that might otherwise be impossible4 ,illustration3 ,tropical plants with controlled light1 heat1 and moisture make a 8jungle garden0 ,miniature plants and gardens are1 of course1 shining prospects for growth under artificial light4 ,they take so little space1 and since there is a limit to the height1 width1 and depth a single installation will illuminate1 you can make the most use of it if you are growing the little fellows4 ,here's how the 8jungle garden0 came to be our source of continual refreshment and pleasure4 ,our living and dining rooms1 both rather small1 are separated partially by deep shelves4 ,the previous owners of the place1 devout music-lovers1 used the shelves for their hi-fi set and stacks of phonograph records4 ,our record player--pardon me1 our stereophonic hi-fidelity music box--has its own cabinet1 and that left a gap in the divider between the two rooms4 ,we naturally thought of plants1 particularly the tender tropical miniatures ,i collect4 ,since we still hope to do extensive remodeling1 the garden was not built permanently into the shelves1 but was constructed as a separate case4 ,we are fortunate in having a generous friend who loves to work with fine wood1 and can make cabinets with the precision of the real professional4 ,the case he turned out is a beauty4 ,it measures eighteen inches by twenty-four inches inside4 ,the top rests on strong metal rods at the corners4 ,window glass slides horizontally in the grooves cut in the top and bottom1 enabling us to open or close the case as need be4 ,the inside of the top is painted white1 thus reflecting the light from the lamps downward on the plants4 ,we use both fluorescent and incandescent lights which are mounted on the underside of the top4 ,the bottom of the cabinet is lined with the heaviest plastic we could find4 ,at first the case was used as an indoor greenhouse for many potted plants that need protective warmth and humidity4 ,several inches of vermiculite in the plastic lining were kept moist constantly1 with the sides being opened or closed for ventilation4 ,later1 we filled the bottom with rich potting soil and put the plants' roots right in it--climbers1 creepers1 tiny bush-shapes and trees4 ,this turned out to be more of a 8jungle0 than we expected4 ,some notably delicate residents seeded themselves and started families4 ,a dainty cissus strung itself langorously from one end to the other4 ,the creeping fig nearly strangled the frail1 whiskery bertolonia4 ,but the planting was a source of delightful surprises--a bud here1 a flower there1 increasing colonies of some delicacies we hadn't been able to grow at all1 before4 ,several years ago a bookcase which ,i set up in my office as a garden was the object of considerable attention--how much ,i never realized until ,i dismantled it and gave away the plants4 ,then1 ,i was bombarded with questions--and even some complaints that ,i had taken away this spot of greenery4 ,from the night watchman up to the president of the company1 people missed those plants4 ,some even thought ,i must have been fired4 ,there is a little house in ,levittown1 one which ,i always enjoyed visiting4 ,the second floor has two finished rooms1 one of which then was the office-den of the hard-working ,elvin ,mc,donald of ,flower and ,garden4 7,he has since moved to ,kansas ,city47 ,his tiered plant table with fluorescent lights was there for a functional reason1 but it had a decorative value as well4 ,in other homes ,i've seen plants growing by hundreds under lights in unused bedrooms1 single specimens displayed in shadow boxes with circular fluorescent tubes1 decorative gardens thriving in all sorts of dark corners4 ,with artificial lighting taking care of the space problem1 just about anyone can grow plants4 ,illustration3 ,the author's ,new ,york office light-case planted with gesneriads1 begonias1 and other plants ,however1 before your enthusiasm flies too high1 consider this sobering caution4 ,like anything else1 artificial lighting works best only when it is properly planned and executed4 ,light must have the quality1 intensity1 and timing that plants need4 ,specific1 accurate1 up-to-date information is not always easy to find4 ,despite many fascinating discoveries and developments1 this is still a relatively new horticultural principle1 and there is still much more to be learned4 ,before he begins1 the newcomer should locate the very latest and most reliable information2 and the experienced grower should keep posted on the constantly changing rules4 ,it has been my pleasant discovery that the big power-and-light companies1 ever alert to develop new outlets for their product1 are keenly aware of the possibilities of artificial-light plant propagation4 ,many of them are setting up departments to help horticulturalists4 ,if you are puzzled1 try your light company for information4 ,it may take a few phone calls and letters1 but eventually ,i know you will find some likeable chap wanting to help you4 ,illustration3 ,light shelves of medium height with begonias of many sizes and varieties 7note miniatures down front center7 ,although it is not necessary to become a botanist1 ,i feel it is urgent to have a clear conception of how plants grow1 and particularly how they use light4 ,while we can't all be electrical engineers1 it is also helpful to have some basic facts about electric lights and how they relate to plant growth4 ,but if it were possible1 ,i think ,i'd consider writing the facts ,i have with invisible ink4 ,who knows but what today's list of rules will be obsolete1 and outmoded by new discoveries1 before this book can be published8 ,botanical ,principles ,for normal growth and flowering1 plants must have light of the proper sort1 intensity1 and duration4 ,thus the leaves can perform their function of making starch1 then sugar--the mysterious process called photosynthesis4 ,besides normal growth1 plants require an extra supply of sugar and starch for producing flowers4 ,true1 plants need light1 but they also need dark to convert food into energy and growth4 ,and this means complete dark4 ,it has been shown that if light falls on so much as a single leaf1 the entire plant continues to operate as if it were day4 ,for normal growth and flowers1 plants require a certain balance of the red and blue rays of the spectrum4 ,in general terms1 blue rays are especially effective in developing leaves1 stems1 and other vegetative growth1 and often in greater proportions for seedlings as compared with mature plants4 ,in general1 the red rays keep plant growth sturdy1 regulate the development of buds and flowers1 affect the germination of seeds and the rooting of cuttings4 ,for normal growth and flowers1 different sorts of plants need light of different intensities--depending usually on available light in their natural habitat4 ,again in a general sense1 light of more intensity is needed for flowering as contrasted with the needs for healthy foliage4 ,but light intensity requirements vary with various types of plants4 ,for normal growth1 and flowers1 some plants need dark periods of greater duration4 ,this is the principle called photoperiodism4 ,by now a good many plants have been classified as to this requirement1 but there are many others whose needs are yet to be determined4 ,chrysanthemums1 poinsettias1 and ,christmas cactus1 for example1 will set buds and flowers only when there are more hours of dark and fewer hours of light4 ,these are called long-night plants4 ,tuberous begonias1 and other summer-flowering types1 come into flower when nights are of short duration1 and are called short-night plants4 ,those plants that don't seem to care one way or another are called day-neutral4 ,for the sake of consistency you might even call them night-neutral4 ,it is also thought that there is some relation between the duration of light and dark periods and temperature4 ,thus it can be seen how much research is yet to be done4 ,a challenge of course1 but that is what makes our scientists great4 ,electrical ,principles ,artificial light is not the same as daylight--it doesn't have to be4 ,it needs only to supply the right kind of light 7blue and red rays7 of suitable duration and intensity4 ,because it is constant1 and consistent1 the intensity 7as measured in foot-candles7 does not have to equal the brightness of a sunny day at high noon4 ,daylight waxes and wanes from dawn to dark every day1 and may be very dim on cloudy and rainy days4 ,artificial light1 coming from generators1 is not dimmed by clouds or other external conditions4 ,duration is controlled by a light switch1 or a time clock4 ,incandescent bulbs are an adequate source of red rays for plants1 but give little blue4 ,they get burning hot1 are comparatively expensive1 and actually are inefficient to operate4 ,incandescents are also a source of far-red rays that delay flowering on long-night plants and operate in reverse for short-night plants4 ,according to ,u4 ,s4 ,department of ,agriculture scientists1 incandescent light used as a supplement to fluorescent light 8improves the growth habits of many kinds of plants1 but is seemingly not required by others40 ,until the introduction of the new ,gro-,lux tubes in #aifa1 fluorescent lamps have given light with more blue than red1 and in varying proportions according to the types of lamps4 ,fluorescent tubes do not get burning hot1 and they are comparatively inexpensive to operate1 and also efficient4 ,in using the older types1 those created especially for illumination1 it is important to come as close as possible to the proper balance of the red and blue rays needed by plants4 ,for some plants it has been sufficient to use only fluorescent tubes4 ,for some of the other types many growers use #aj per cent of the wattage in incandescent bulbs4 ,but the new ,gro-,lux fluorescent tubes1 developed by ,sylvania ,electric ,products1 ,inc41 are especially for plants and not for illumination4 ,they give a lavender-looking light made up of red and blue rays which are carefully balanced to suit plant needs4 ,growers who have used them report a spectacular improvement in plant appearance1 in plant health1 in faster rooting of cuttings1 and in increased flowering4 ,if demand warrants it1 no doubt other electrical manufacturers will introduce their own brands of fluorescent tubes for plants4 ,obviously1 in growing plants under artificial light there are so many variable elements it is impossible--and extremely unwise--to set down hard-and-fast rules4 ,the types of plants to be grown1 whether the installation is primarily decorative or functional1 and the possibility of continuing research outdating your work1 all should be taken into consideration when any installation is set up and put into operation4 ,,construction ,,and ,,installation ,again1 ,i must write in general terms4 ,i have neither the knowledge nor the experience to explain the intricacies of wiring1 ballasts1 circuits1 and the like4 ,this technical information is available from your electrical supplier and from equipment manufacturers1 and often is on the cartons in which the parts are packed4 ,our installation was so outrageously large we had to hunt up a friendly contractor for help4 ,he was a sympathetic man who loved plants and was fascinated by the idea of growing them under lights4 ,also1 he was a cautious person1 mindful of the fact that our electrical system was about twenty-five years old4 ,and that stamped it as being an antique 7as your light-and-power men will tell you74 ,since our basement floor was likely to be damp at times1 heavy waterproof cables with special plugs and outlets were used1 and grounded to prevent shocks1 etc4 ,be careful about your electrical system1 especially if you are going to go into anything as elaborate as our first enthusiasms4 ,don't build a firetrap for yourself4 ,it's hard on the plants1 not to mention the old homestead4 ,whether your plants are to be grown in a garden1 or in pots on benches1 on shelves1 or in a greenhouse-like case1 the lineal proportions will be determined pretty much by the space that is available in your house1 basement1 greenhouse1 or perhaps1 as was in my case1 your office4 ,in small decorative planters twenty-five-watt fluorescent tubes 7two feet long7 are used most frequently4 ,however1 it is important to use enough of them1 lined up closely to each other1 to give a light of sufficient intensity4 ,in fluorescent tubes the light is most intense in the middle and tapers off sharply at the ends4 ,since short tubes have more end--and less middle--they give off less light4 ,the 8shorties0 are less efficient1 as your plants will tell you4 ,illustration3 ,miniature roses1 begonias1 a birdbath1 and ground cover made this charming little formal garden4 ,the distance between the tubes and your plants also affects intensity4 ,the closer they are1 the stronger the light4 ,if possible1 hang your fixtures on chains so that they can be raised or lowered4 ,adjust them to accommodate the taller plants and then raise your 8little fellers0 on upended pots1 bricks1 or boards so they will not be cheated of their share of light4 ,please remember1 the greater the distance between light and plant1 the more tubes you will need4 ,distance determines the number of tubes6 ,for greater intensity1 and efficiency1 forty-watt tubes 7four feet long71 or even larger1 are usually recommended4 ,if these are to be hung from the top of a case or cabinet1 the simple strip fixtures are sufficient4 ,if there is to be no 8ceiling0 directly above the lights1 or if it is a decorative arrangement where glare might hurt the eyes of those who see it1 use the industrial fixtures with shield-like reflectors4 7,in planning your light-garden1 please don't forget that the fixtures are a few inches longer than the actual tubes47 ,if the case which you may be planning can be enclosed1 at least on three sides1 it will be easier to maintain the needed humidity4 ,if the enclosing sides are opaque1 they--and the 8ceiling0 above the lights--should be treated so the light rays are bounced back and the plants receive the extra benefit4 ,in our cabinets we usually applied several coats of flat white paint on the inner surfaces4 ,but once1 under the blandishments of the aluminum industry1 ,i lined a cabinet with their foil4 ,it was plain foil1 not the crinkled sort1 so ,i did my own crinkling4 ,then ,i smoothed it out and fastened it in place with a staple gun4 ,plain foil1 like high-gloss white enamel1 seems to reflect the light every place except where it should be1 on the plants4 ,in one of the installations we had at our place on ,long ,island ,i found it impossible to put in enough fluorescent tubes for the plants we wished to grow4 ,since they were day-neutral varieties1 we made up for the lack of intensity by increasing the length of time the lights were used4 ,up to a point1 increasing the light-hours will help to compensate for the lack of intensity--just to a point1 however1 and then the old law of diminishing returns takes over4 ,plants must not be under light so long that they fail to get their necessary periods of darkness4 ,it is as essential as sleep is to a human being--perhaps more so4 ,,operation ,in planning a light installation try to squeeze out a few extra dollars for an automatic timer4 ,it will help to guarantee success for the operation4 ,you'll have a certain peace of mind if you tend to be absent-minded4 ,no more will you fret through a ,p4,t4,a4 meeting1 a movie1 or a concert wondering if you turned off the lights on your plants4 ,the timer will have done it for you4 ,if you happen to have an enclosed case--one tight enough to conserve the humidity--you can very easily go away on a short trip 7a day or two at most7 and feel confident your pets will not suffer4 ,if you have postponed buying a timer--actually1 they are not expensive--and have to leave your plants for a day or so1 it is better to turn off the lights completely4 ,they'll suffer less than if the lights are going full blast4 ,but for peace of mind1 particularly that of the plants1 we've always used automatic timers4 ,at one time we had three of them4 ,when ,i was ordering one from a mail-order company1 my husband was buying me one as a birthday gift4 ,and at the very same time the electrical contractor who redid out light system donated one in the interests of our begonias4 ,we had them popping on and off at all hours of the day and night4 ,we even hooked a percolator into one for the morning coffee4 ,as ,i look back over our experiments of a few years ago1 ,i find there are more plants which are day-neutral 7night-neutral if you prefer7 than plants which are short-night or long-night4 ,for these day-neutrals1 fourteen to sixteen hours of fluorescent light 7of sufficient intensity7 every day1 all year round1 will keep them happy and thriving4 ,they won't know the difference between winter and summer1 spring and autumn1 ,florida or ,long ,island4 ,that has been our experience1 but now ,i find opinions vary on whether hours of light should be lengthened or shortened in spring and autumn for these seasonal changes4 7,there is still plenty of room for experimentation4 ,for instance1 the light requirements for many plants are still to be worked out--even for closely related plants within various types47 ,some growers1 those who specialize in plants for which they know the light requirements1 turn on the lights at dawn and turn them off at nightfall4 ,this is a year-around schedule4 ,others who have plants of assorted types1 or of undetermined light requirements1 maintain a constant fourteen-hour growing day4 ,and they are often surprised by even second1 or third1 bursts of bloom4 ,a nice surprise1 if you ask me4 ,,intensity ,here again we find the needs of plants vary and fluorescent-light setups vary accordingly4 ,if possible1 measure the light in your growing area4 ,the readings of a photographic light meter--the same instrument you employ in your photography--can be translated into foot-candles4 ,or you can get a meter that registers foot-candles4 ,for advice1 consult your camera dealer1 or check with your local power-and-light company4 ,here in ,redding we find the ,connecticut ,power and ,light ,company vitally interested in artificial-light plant propagation4 ,again 8in general10 house plants that require 8full sun0 when grown in a window need #abjj to #aejj foot-candles of artificial light1 and for fourteen hours a day4 ,foliage plants will get by with #ejj to #fjj foot-candles4 ,at about #ajjj to #abjj foot-candles many plants1 and ,i'm thinking of begonias and gesneriads in particular1 will be robust and floriferous4 ,should you find it difficult to figure light intensity as suggested above1 you might follow the formula worked out by an old friend on ,long ,island1 ,elaine ,cherry 7,mrs4 ,norman ,cherry1 the wife of one of our engineering friends74 ,her formula is easy to follow4 8,a single forty-watt tube will serve a space approximately four feet long by six inches wide40 ,small plants that need intense light can be set up close to the tubes4 ,here is a tip--ever notice how your television picture is dim but brightens appreciably when you take a dust rag to the surface of the glass8 ,the same is true of your light fixtures4 ,wipe them off now and then4 ,clean tubes give more light than dusty ones1 and new tubes give more light than old ones4 ,when a tube darkens at the ends1 that means it has seen better days and should be replaced4 ,according to ,mrs4 ,cherry1 it is a good policy to replace tubes after five thousand hours of service and not wait for the dwindling light to curtail the rays your plants need4 ,while you are at it1 it's smart to insert new starters4 ,,types ,,of ,,tubes ,until the introduction of the ,gro-,lux lamps1 we had to choose types designed primarily for illumination4 ,and there were as many choices and combinations as there were tube types4 ,in a private and somewhat limited survey1 ,i've found that when only one type of tube was used1 cool white was to be preferred4 ,in combinations of equal or two-to-one proportions1 some growers use daylight and natural tubes2 others prefer daylight and de-luxe warm white4 ,and there are those who go for cool white and de-luxe warm white4 ,those who supplement their lights with #aj per cent incandescent light seem to favor all daylight fluorescent tubes4 ,the object of all these different combinations is to get the most favorable balance of red and blue rays4 ,if you are a hobbyist who grows plants for the love of them1 and not necessarily for their value in interior decoration1 the new ,gro-,lux tubes are less complex and less troublesome4 ,you don't have to be a light expert to get results and have fun with your light-garden4 ,,care ,,of ,,plants ,temperature1 humidity1 soil1 fertilizing1 potting--almost without exception1 plants growing under artificial light need the same care as window-garden plants4 ,but since the light is an artificial substitute for natural sun and light1 watch for signs that the plants are not entirely satisfied with it4 ,when they stretch out1 get long and lanky1 or the foliage has a weak1 wan color1 set the plant up closer to the tubes1 or over toward the center where the light is strongest4 ,you might do well to make room by shifting some of the plants that have been in the center4 ,sometimes when a plant has too much light it will become stunted4 ,until a more exact rule book is written1 you will have to use your own good common sense4 ,here is the big worry many growers have2 the failure of their pets to flower4 ,more often than not that means insufficient light1 insufficient red light1 or perhaps both4 ,as of this date it is probably ten years since we first started toying with plants under artificial lights4 ,i say 8toying0 because it was just that--purely for fun4 ,we kept no records4 ,when frost was in the air we dug up flowers and brought them indoors4 ,my husband even brought in eleven goldfish which he feared would be glaced in an outdoor pool4 ,we put everything under lights with the fish in terrariums4 ,eventually he spent thirty dollars for a pool in an untidy corner of the living room4 ,thirty dollars1 not counting the electric bill1 ,i felt was a little expensive for a dollar's worth of goldfish4 ,i sold twenty dollars worth of photographs of that pool and then included one of them in my book ,all ,about ,vines and ,hanging ,plants4 ,eventually he allowed me1 very grudgingly1 to place episcias around the pool4 ,mites moved in on them4 ,he sprayed for the mites and killed all of the fish4 ,he replaced the fish with eleven others4 ,thus the cycle continued4 ,all the time we had those indoor plantings our neighbors kept asking us what plants were good for lights and what lights were good for plants4 ,frankly1 we couldn't answer4 ,ten years ago that book hadn't been written4 ,we tried just about everything less than five feet tall4 ,we had wonderful results with ,african violets1 begonias1 orchids1 and gesneriads4 ,we even had a morning glory which singed itself on a steam pipe4 ,all of them loved the kilowatts4 7,in ,chapter #f ,i have indicated certain plants which are suitable for propagation under artificial lights47 ,,chapter #c ,,miniature ,,gardens ,,in ,,containers ,,decorative ,,containers1 ,,dish ,,gardens1 ,,and ,,model ,,landscapes ,house plants are usually considered more or less lasting indoor decorations4 ,but they can also be used the same as cut flowers for temporary and changeable displays1 and then1 like cut flowers1 can be discarded when they begin to fade4 ,they cost less and last much longer than bouquets1 but because they're temporary decorations1 they cause less worry and require less care than the permanent inhabitants of window sills or artificially lighted gardens4 ,that sounds rather heartless1 ,i know4 ,but it's a defense ,i've built up--and a perfectly logical one--against the wails of those who take beautiful florists' plants1 place them on dark mantels1 or in other thoroughly unsuitable growing areas1 neglect them wholeheartedly1 and then 8can't make them grow40 ,how many people do you know who buy lovely ,christmas begonias1 poinsettias1 or cyclamen for the holidays and expect them to bloom the following season8 ,honestly1 ,i can't see any reason why plants must be immortal1 why they can't refresh and beautify the home as long as they remain healthy and attractive1 and not one minute longer1 and then be discarded4 ,i do object to stringy1 leafless stems of expiring philodendron1 dried-up dish gardens1 or any plant or combination of plants that has become undecorative because it is dying4 ,actually1 some florists' plants1 such as greenhouse primulas and calceolarias1 are annuals that come into full bloom only once1 and having had their big moment are supposed to die peacefully afterward4 ,do ,i treat my plants in the house so very cruelly8 ,well1 no 444 not exactly4 ,my budget includes no allotment for florists' fripperies4 ,i have a different system1 and ,i have a constant supply of healthy plants to use for indoor decoration4 ,my plants spend most of their lives in growing quarters where cultural conditions are good--in bright windows1 in the window greenhouse1 or on our small sun porch4 ,they are brought in for a few days 7never more than a week71 then quickly returned to their more healthy1 healthful homes4 ,having done their duty1 they go back to grow and prosper4 ,i do this with single potted plants1 placed in attractive containers1 with dish gardens1 model landscapes1 and combinations of plants4 ,they are beautiful and charming as table centerpieces1 mantel ornaments1 displays for the coffee table1 shadow box1 or bookcase shelf4 ,,plant-,,and-,,container ,,compositions ,in the past few years my preoccupation with miniature plants has led to some pleasurable rummaging and shopping for containers in which to place them to make compositions for a bedside or telephone table1 for the narrow window sill above the kitchen sink1 and for the small bric-a-brac shelf in the foyer4 ,as any flower-arrangement artist knows1 small-scale compositions are often more intricate and more difficult than full-scale affairs--every detail is subject to separate scrutiny4 ,however1 patience1 good taste1 and an artistic flair will unite a plant and a container with an affinity that looks casual1 even accidental1 but actually is cunningly contrived4 ,container and plant become one picture--neither outshining the other--the container setting off the plant1 and not sacrificing its own importance4 ,people who are intrigued with these miniature compositions usually collect containers in wide variety4 ,some of them are even made for the express purpose of holding plants--from wood1 bronze1 copper1 all sorts of chinaware1 glass1 and ceramics4 ,but the containers that give the most fun are those made for entirely different purposes4 ,i've seen tiny bird cages1 little woven baskets1 glass lamp shades1 odd-ball ash trays1 punch cups1 unusual tea or coffee cups1 soup tureens1 and even an ancient ,buick hub cap which a little girl 8borrowed0 from her father's collection of automobile antiquities4 ,some gourds are just the right size and shape1 and with a nice wartiness1 to lend enchantment for growing plants4 ,our cat keeps us well supplied with the tins in which his food is sold--spray them with paint and they are ideal for many plants4 ,some cocktail or champagne crystal looks precious with miniature vines drooping over the side4 ,illustration3 ,strawberry jar resembling gnome1 planted with ,kenilworth ivy ,once for our ,p4,t4,a4 fair ,i collected a dozen or so unmatched liquor glasses1 put a half-inch of soil in the bottoms1 and planted tiny ,sinningia pusilla4 ,they sold immediately1 with people wanting more4 ,a plant sale at such an affair is a rather convincing test of popularity1 and whether you have created a good arrangement4 ,another favorite ,i have discovered for unusual containers is ,cymbalaria muralis1 the nostalgic ,kenilworth ivy4 ,i planted some in a small strawberry jar4 ,look at the jar from the right angle and it resembles a round-cheeked dwarf with a sparse green wig4 ,i wish ,i could remember where ,i bought that jar--so many friends have wanted one4 ,the 8pawnbroker's0 planter cost five cents in a local junk shop4 ,i also planted it with ivy4 ,inexpensive hanging containers and wall brackets for miniatures are available in a wide variety at five-and-dime stores4 ,but hanging baskets are not so easy to handle1 as they must be suspended from wire or screwed to the wall4 ,i've seen a doll's hat used delightfully1 and also some nice little woven baskets4 ,or try anything of metal or ceramic if it has a lip to hold a wire or chain--or a two-handled consomm bowl2 or a soup ladle with its handle fastened to the wall4 ,you can easily punch holes in most plastic containers--and without cracking--by using a red-hot awl or old-fashioned ice pick4 ,illustration3 ,pawnbroker's planter set with ivy ,occasionally ,i have seen props or accessories used in these miniature plant-and-container compositions that were successful1 but only occasionally were they in perfect scale and harmony4 ,more frequently1 the silk1 wood1 or ceramic butterfly1 bee1 or bird is an unnatural and disturbing intrusion4 ,be careful when you water plants in decorative containers4 ,if possible keep the plant in its original pot so it can be lifted from the container and taken to the sink1 where excess water will drain away4 ,otherwise1 hold off on your watering until you are positive the plant won't wait any longer2 then stop before the soil gets soggy and wet4 ,excess water1 trapped by a container1 can cause roots to rot1 in fact will promote rot in most cases4 ,be daring1 be creative1 be artistic when planning container projects and arrangements4 ,if a fat little fern looks right for a teacup1 let the cup be squat and fat2 or let it be fluted gracefully and flared up to the delicate frond-fans4 ,if a miniature orchid looks like a gem without a case1 set it on pebbles in a clear crystal bowl2 or perhaps invert a dome-shaped watch glass over it4 ,if a succulent makes you think of a tough little gnome1 for goodness sake don't plant it in one of those grotesqueries which is the hump of a camel's back or a cavity along the spinal column of a ceramic cat4 7,remember how ridiculous a ,venus stomach clock looks47 ,use a little imagination4 ,perhaps you have something at hand--a droll bucket1 a miniature fishing creel1 a butter tub4 ,interesting containers make interesting compositions if you use good taste and imagination4 ,try to achieve the quality and feeling that the plant and container were 8made for each other40 ,,dish ,,gardens ,a dish garden is the combination of a group of living plants and the container holding them4 ,it should be designed and planted with artistry and originality1 but without artificiality4 ,each dish garden should look distinctive--certainly without any resemblance to the ones which florists seem to make by formula4 ,it should be neither crowded with too many plants1 nor cluttered with accessories or small ornaments4 ,it should be eye-catching but not brazen1 harmonious but not dull1 unusual in some manner and yet comfortably natural4 ,like cut-flower compositions1 dish gardens are arranged so that plant and container together complete an artistic design4 ,and like any artistic design1 these gardens follow 7or have a good reason for not following7 certain basic principles3 ,plants and container blend into one pleasing picture4 ,elements of the design interlock1 overlap1 or otherwise hang together4 ,the number of elements is limited by restraint and good taste4 ,all parts of the design are in pleasing relative proportion4 ,there is one focal point1 or center of interest4 ,illustration3 ,pruning a dish garden to keep elements in size and proportion ,if the design has formal balance1 the focal point is in the center1 with elements of equal weight at the sides4 ,for informal balance1 the focal point is off-center1 with heavier elements to balance it4 ,a design becomes fluid1 rhythmic1 with the dynamic use of line1 and with pleasing contrast of colors1 textures1 and structural forms4 99 99 99 99 99 ,of first importance1 of course1 is the container4 ,it should be of proper size1 shape1 texture1 color1 and mood for the plants that will fill it4 ,rustic pottery is suitable for desert cacti and other succulents2 glazed white1 or lightly tinted1 pottery for dainty flowering plants2 copper1 pewter1 wooden bowls for an arrangement of heavy1 masculine-looking foliage plants4 ,containers can be of any shape--round1 square1 rectangle1 triangle1 ellipse1 irregular4 ,if possible they should be at least three inches deep so there is space in which to pack the roots of your plants4 ,and they should not make themselves conspicuous with bold ornament1 texture1 or color4 ,plain design and subdued colors bring out the beauty of the plants4 ,very few artificial accessories look well in a dish garden2 but natural garden or landscape features such as interesting rocks or bits of old wood are often quite successful4 ,before you begin to plant a dish garden1 set the plants 7in their pots7 in the container1 and then shift them around until they begin to look right4 ,this will give you a rough idea of how an arrangement will turn out4 ,for formal balance1 set the tallest or most striking plant in the center1 with some low ones nestled around its base4 ,for informal balance1 set the accent plant in one corner of a rectangle and let a large expanse of unadorned sand1 gravel1 or ground cover spread out toward the diagonal corner4 ,turn a sharply curved leaf or branch so it falls against a straight up-and-down plant4 ,play rough foliage against smooth2 feathery against solid2 bright colors against dull2 pattern against plain leaf4 ,try lifting out one plant to see if the effect is cleaner4 ,to blend plants with the container1 let a creeping or hanging plant fall down over the edges4 ,these beforehand experiments will help you avoid having to shift plants later1 during the actual planting4 ,although not strictly dish gardens1 there are some attractive variations that can be composed without benefit of soil1 or of a dish to hold it4 ,in the pockets of a small piece of smooth1 silky old root1 or driftwood1 tuck osmunda fiber 7orchid-potting material7 for the roots of epiphytic 7air growing7 plants--most are bromeliads4 ,terrestrial 7soil growing7 plants1 such as the miniature begonia1 are best in sphagnum moss4 ,or try tiny orchids2 some will creep slowly over the surface of the wood4 ,fasten the plants firmly in place with inconspicuous fine florists' wire4 ,this will hold the plants until their roots penetrate the fiber and attach themselves to the soft wood4 ,if you supply liquid fertilizer at regular intervals1 the plants will grow normally4 ,water by dunking plants and log in a pan or the sink4 ,feed by adding soluble fertilizer to the water4 ,plants will often grow from cavities and crevices in rocks4 ,if the rock is 8limy10 stick to lime-tolerant plants4 ,tufa1 if you can find it1 is especially malleable for gardens like these4 ,it is soft and porous1 easily cut and shaped1 and with ready-made cavities to hold roots and small amounts of soil or moss4 ,it is perfectly acceptable to acid-loving plants4 ,conch shells1 and another large shell of a similar type which we used to find on the beach--the sort kiddies hold to their ears when playing the game of 8listening-to-the-sea0--offer interesting possibilities4 ,pack the cavity with moist sphagnum moss and plant with several smallish plants4 ,water with extreme care1 and fertilize only slightly4 ,almost any moisture-compatible foliage plant that is available will live and grow this way for months4 ,illustration3 ,root from an apple tree1 with a pocket for osmunda and a bromeliad ,,model ,,landscapes ,although these indoor gardens also follow the rules of good design1 the result is a different effect4 ,montague ,free once called them 8an idealization in miniature of an outdoor scene40 ,they are not arranged to give an artistic impression1 but to re-create some part of the out-of-doors on a small scale4 ,their charm lies in their diminutiveness1 intricate detail and1 often1 in their whimsy4 ,the elements are3 container2 tiny plants 7for the purist1 all must be living7 to represent trees1 shrubs1 grass1 and flowers2 and props ,or accessories such as miniature pools1 fences1 and other landscape or architectural features4 ,i suppose rocks would be called accessories1 too4 ,each garden should have a theme1 and all elements should be in harmony with the theme and help to carry it out4 ,for example1 it's difficult to combine buoyant hybrid pansies with shy wild flowers4 ,a contemporary garden is best in a container with clean lines1 but an old-fashioned garden is fine in a platter with high fluted edges4 ,a desert scene calls for a container that's bare and stark4 ,a white plastic trellis doesn't belong in a woodland scene4 ,and please1 no green bath towels for grass4 ,visualize your garden first--sketch the plan on paper4 ,if you can draw it to scale1 it will help in the selection of container1 plants1 and props4 ,it is crucial that each element should be in proper proportion to all others4 ,one element not in scale can ruin the entire effect4 ,in some gardens a plant or small group of plants will be the object of interest2 in others it may be a particularly charming and important feature such as a rustic bridge or a shrine4 ,in gardens of moderate size or less1 one feature is usually sufficient1 and not more than two in larger ones4 ,select your main feature first1 place it1 and make sure all other elements are in scale4 ,for example1 a fence should not be more than one and a half inches high under a tree of six inches4 ,the variety of plants1 props1 and containers from which you can select can be as wide as your enthusiasm and ingenuity want to make it4 ,here are a few suggestions4 ,tree ,upright plant with a single stem-trunk1 foliage at the top1 usually taller than it is wide4 ,if the tree is to be the object of interest1 look for plants with character rather than symmetry--bent1 twisted1 gnarled trunk2 interesting1 lopsided shape2 especially lacy foliage2 tipsy tendency to lean4 ,there are a number of useful house and greenhouse plants1 and more to be found in the woods and fields4 ,for deciduous trees1 it is often permissible to use twiggy branches stuck in the soil4 ,i find leafless pieces of mountain laurel very effective4 ,shrubs ,upright plants of bushy habit and branching4 ,you'll find many suitable house plants and some in the wild4 ,hedge ,tiny-leaved1 bushy plants that can be set close together and clipped to shape4 ,the tiniest boxwoods will also do if they are carefully thinned and each extra leaf is removed separately4 ,flowering and ,foliage ,plants ,miniature house plants are best for these indoor gardens1 although you can achieve temporary success with some annuals like alyssum4 ,climbing and ,trailing ,plants ,these are needed for training over walls1 but even more necessary for planting at the container's edge so they will fall over and softly blend the garden and the container4 ,ground ,cover ,a cover for bare spots in the garden--get sheet moss from the woods4 ,or plant grass seed and keep it mowed with sharp scissors4 ,use your own ingenuity4 ,you may very likely come up with something more appropriate4 ,urns ,use thimbles1 thumb-pots1 miniature vases4 ,pools ,these can be built with ,sakrete or plaster of ,paris4 ,or sink a sardine can--painted blue-green--an ash tray1 soap dish1 or plastic cheese container4 ,paths ,a path should always be going somewhere1 preferably to the point of interest4 ,make paths with sand1 fine gravel1 small pebbles1 perlite4 ,if your garden is a formal one1 make cement sidewalks with ,sakrete4 7,please1 we have no financial interest in ,sakrete--don't even know who makes it--but have always found it a most useful material around our gardens for patching1 fixing1 and repairing47 ,bridges1 ,fences1 and ,gates ,here is another chance for your personal ingenuity--and the more ingenuity you use the greater will be your pride when the job is done4 ,use matchsticks1 toothpicks1 balsa wood 7it is available in hobby shops1 but you can very likely snitch a few pieces from some model airplane the kiddies are making74 ,in my office ,i get coffee from the corner drugstore1 each container having a stirring stick4 ,i save those sticks4 ,it is wonderful what one can do with them--picket fences and the like4 ,a little whittling is all that is necessary4 ,rocks ,please1 don't use chunks of broken concrete4 ,hunt around for smooth1 interesting specimens1 eroded and rounded stones of the correct size4 ,if you happen to come upon one with a lichen1 you have a real prize4 99 99 99 99 99 ,there are as many themes for these gardens in miniature as there are outdoor scenes--cultivated or natural--in the world4 ,the only necessity is1 once you have decided on a plan1 stay with it4 ,see that every plant and prop you use is in harmony4 ,see that every plant has the same cultural requirements--especially if your garden is to be a lasting thing4 ,here are some general ideas3 ,formal ,garden ,this is probably the easiest to execute1 chiefly because it is based on perfectly mathematical balance4 ,the plan is basically geometric--a rectangle with a birdbath in the exact center2 walks straight and precise2 pairs or quadruplets of plants that are identical in size and shape2 hedges that are neatly trimmed4 ,how about trying something different8--an ,old ,world herb garden2 perhaps a scene from ,colonial ,williamsburg2 or something from the ,elizabethan age4 ,informal ,garden ,re-create your own garden1 or something you hope to have around your house and grounds4 ,it will help you to visualize it in advance4 ,get a container the shape and proportions of your lot--do a planting with the lawn you want1 build up patios and terraces4 ,build a model of your house and duplicate the plantings you want on a miniature scale4 ,this sort of garden will give you a real thrill4 ,old-fashioned ,garden ,i wonder if you ever had a wonderful grandfather and grandmother--,i wonder if they had a trim house with a picket fence--white of course4 ,if you did1 how about trying to duplicate it4 ,if you didn't1 do a little dreaming4 ,dream about what you would like to see--picket fence1 billows of bloom from flower beds1 climbing things on the walls and fences4 ,please1 let yourself go and improvise la dream4 ,next to your own home1 ,i can think of nothing more satisfying than trying to duplicate an old-fashioned garden in the manner of that wonderful past generation4 ,use your imagination4 ,you'll be happy that you did4 ,contemporary ,garden ,the central figure could be a miniature vase1 to represent an urn1 at the edge of a square or rectangular pool4 ,small boxes can be made like redwood planters4 ,to be purely functional1 use gravel or paving instead of grass4 ,plant sparsely and with an eye for modern design4 ,oriental ,garden ,here is a garden that can fool you with its simplicity4 ,it calls for fewer plants1 more minutely perfect props1 figurines1 stones1 and moss4 ,it may be built around a pool with a ,japanese bridge4 ,outwardly1 it looks so easy and simple1 but it isn't4 ,just get one feature out of proportion and you will be unhappy4 ,remember1 the ,oriental artist is a person of great perfection1 one with thousands of years of artistry behind him4 ,before attempting an ,oriental garden1 better get some good photographs or drawings4 ,it will help you achieve a good picture and you will have a lasting satisfaction4 ,good luck4 ,tropical ,garden ,this one should be lush with tropical creepers and climbing tropical trees1 as pictured in the color section of this book4 ,the container is a bowl from an overhead light fixture--the sort that used to hang above the dining-room table4 7,it cost ten cents in a junk shop47 ,the back is a masonry wall1 made of pebbles and ,sakrete1 as is the irregular pool4 ,paint your pool blue-green4 ,since your plants will very likely require acid soil1 separate the construction material from the soil by strong plastic4 ,desert ,garden ,little but cacti and kindred succulents can grow here1 and sparsely at that4 ,sedum multiceps1 little ,joshua tree1 has a picturesque tree-like character4 ,use a suitable soil mixture completely covered with a layer of desert sand1 or very fine gravel4 ,build a dune perhaps4 ,or make an oasis with a few palms around a pool--an irregularly shaped pool like one might see in a mirage4 ,how about a few strands of grass--maybe not quite in tune with the setting but it might be considered as bamboo4 ,a little faking is permissible4 ,rock ,garden ,this usually calls for building up a rocky slope supported by hardware cloth in the rear and lined with moss to keep the soil from falling through4 ,follow good rock-gardening rules--rocks of the same kind but of varying shapes1 with their layers1 or strata1 running horizontal4 ,at the base of the slope you might contrive a small pool overflowing into a plastic-limed stream4 ,make a rustic gate and bridges with evergreen twigs wired and glued together4 ,woodland ,garden ,naturalistic arrangements of woodsy plants1 rocks1 moss1 fallen logs4 ,seedling evergreens are fine4 ,artificial props are out4 ,meadow ,garden ,a gate might open through a split-rail fence to a winding1 foot-trodden path through a field of waving grass and flowers4 ,at the back leafy trees line the edge of the imagined cow pasture4 ,,planting ,,and ,,care ,most containers for dish gardens and model landscapes are watertight4 ,that is wonderful for any furniture on which they might be placed1 but not so good for the plants4 ,there is that eternal danger of overwatering4 ,roots rot when they stand in mud or water4 ,in tight-bottomed containers it is wise to start with a thick drainage layer--pieces of broken flower pots1 pebbles1 brick1 coarse sand1 or even small pieces of charcoal4 ,that gives the excess water a place to go4 ,cover this bottom layer with burlap or moss to keep the soil from sifting down4 ,the soil mixture should be suitable for the type of plant which is going to live in it--acid or alkaline1 sandy or humus-rich--and should be moist--not muddy--at planting time4 ,one at a time take your plants from their individual pots1 set them in place1 and make the soil firm enough to support them4 ,add dangling-edgers and ground cover last4 ,mist the finished garden with a fine spray of water1 thus washing off any dirt and refreshing the foliage4 ,set the garden in a shaded1 protected spot until the plants have recovered from transplanting shock4 ,watering these gardens can be tricky4 ,the soil may feel dry on the surface and yet be boggy underneath4 ,find a small bare spot where you can insert the handle of a spoon or a fork4 ,dig down to the bottom to make sure that water is really needed4 ,and water with the greatest of care--enough to moisten the soil1 but not enough to leave water standing in the bottom4 ,no puddles1 please4 ,now supposing your hand has slipped--the hand holding the watering-pot--and you have overdone it4 ,if the planting will allow1 put the container on its side for a half-hour or so4 ,but1 please be careful--actually1 ,i shudder to give you this piece of advice4 ,i'm afraid you might find your creation out of its container and a muddy mess in the kitchen sink4 ,all right1 here is something else you can do2 dig a hole in a bare spot--a small hole the size of a pencil and in the deepest part of your garden4 ,suck up the extra moisture with a pipette until the hole is dry4 ,what1 no pipette in your garden kit1 then try a medicine dropper4 ,no medicine dropper either--try a soda straw1 but you had better be nimble or you will get a taste of dish garden4 ,they don't taste as good as they look4 ,if your garden is only a temporary decoration1 you have given it your all and that is all the care it needs4 ,but ,i feel you are going to love it so much you'll want to keep it growing as long as possible4 ,that changes the rules considerably4 ,place it1 not on the coffee table1 but in a window where it will get the light and sun the plants need1 and where the temperature and humidity are to their liking4 7,specific recommendations and plant preferences will be given in ,chapters #f and #af47 ,hardy outdoor plants should be kept as cool as possible4 ,you might set them in a cool room1 or on an unheated porch1 at night and bring them in only for the day4 ,fertilizing is usually not necessary1 except when roots are severely crowded or you are trying to force a plant to bloom4 ,keep the garden immaculately clean and neat4 ,remove faded flowers and tired leaves4 ,trim those plants that have a tendency to grow too large or straggly4 ,it might be smart to remove any that refuse to stay within proper size4 ,train your climbers and creepers as you want them to grow4 ,keep your pools filled with clean fresh water4 ,mist foliage daily to keep it fresh and dust-free4 ,the dish gardens and model landscapes you plant this way are easy to care for1 but those ones from a florist may present some problems4 ,now let's be fair to florists--their gardens and landscapes are turned out on a commercial basis in order that they may make money4 7,outside of a few fancy floral outfits1 none of them gets rich1 particularly when one considers the long hard hours they spend on the job47 ,in the interest of economy they often combine plants of complete cultural incompatibility--dry-growing succulents with moisture-loving aroids2 ,african violets that need sun for flowering with ferns that scorch in it4 ,too often these dish gardens are crammed with too many plants for the amount of soil2 and the roots have been bruised and broken in handling4 ,the florist knows that two-thirds of the customers who buy his product are going to abuse it anyhow4 ,so he takes a 8what-the-dickens0 attitude4 ,make it pretty for the moment1 for tomorrow it is going to die anyhow4 ,one more word in praise of my many florist friends--just let the man with the green paper1 the ribbons1 and the carnations sense that you love plants1 understand them1 and care for them1 and he will go to bat for you4 ,he will help you in every possible way4 ,i've never known it to fail4 ,actually1 they are a soft-hearted profession4 ,all right1 so you have a typical florist-shop dish garden4 ,uncle ,charlie bought it for you as an anniversary present because it looked cute in the shop window1 and he couldn't think of anything else4 ,for all he knows that green stuff is spinach4 ,as soon as ,uncle ,charlie has gone home1 start remodeling the garden4 ,check over the plants and remove any that don't agree with the majority of the other plants on light1 moisture1 and soil consistency4 ,pot up the good ones that you want to keep and thin out the others4 ,remember1 those plants are going to do a lot of growing and must not be crowded4 ,use your ingenuity and common sense4 ,dig in the soil with that silver-spoon handle and see how much moisture is needed4 ,set the garden where light and humidity are right for the plants4 ,you will have made yourself a new garden4 ,care for it as though it were your original creation4 ,and when your next anniversary comes around1 and ,uncle ,charlie comes around with another present--most likely a ,chinese silent-butler--he will look at the dish garden and praise you for having a green thumb4 7,in the plant list in ,chapter #f you will find plants that are suitable for decorative containers1 dish gardens1 and model landscapes4 ,in ,chapter #af1 which is devoted to miniature annuals1 you will find additional possibilities47 ,,chapter #d ,,miniature ,,gardens ,,in ,,glass ,from a terraced garden in a huge brandy snifter1 or perhaps in a fish bowl1 to a single orchid under an upturned tumbler1 there are many kinds of glassed-in gardens to be planted and enjoyed--terrariums if you like4 ,this includes the old-fashioned partridgeberry bowl1 bottle gardens1 and today's version of the classic ,wardian case4 ,in any glass container a terrarium is literally a miniature greenhouse in which the temperature and humidity can be controlled4 ,dish gardens and model landscapes can be a great pleasure1 so these terrariums add the additional joy of permanence and variety4 ,most plantings will live and thrive for twice or thrice as long1 and you can grow many delicate plants that wouldn't last a day in the dry1 drafty air outside4 ,,terrariums ,most terrariums are small-scale replicas of woodland scenes with native plants1 pools1 streams1 and rocky cliffs4 ,these are charming and refreshing2 and if there is good light1 small outdoor plants will live through the winter into spring4 ,but there are other possibilities--tiny tropical plants that love steamy warmth2 miniature begonias1 aroids1 and marantas that are compatible under glass--in fact1 that compatibility includes two-inch orchids and other dazzling epiphytes that need extra protection and humidity indoors4 ,depending on your plants1 your container1 and your whims or desires1 a terrarium can be a ,lilliputian reproduction of a landscape1 an artistic composition1 or perhaps merely a single perfect plant enhanced by a crystal setting4 ,since proportions and sizes are more strictly limited as compared with gardens which are minus glass walls1 the selection of your container should come first4 ,,containers ,ready-made1 practical1 and not undecorative are the fish bowls and tanks of all sizes4 ,the flat-sided and octagonal bowls are inexpensive1 though not always of good glass4 ,very large1 round bowls and brandy snifters of all sizes are slightly more costly1 but of much better quality4 ,rectangular fish tanks are in good proportion for miniature landscapes1 easy to plant1 and roomy4 ,or perhaps you have an heirloom bell jar2 a glass candy dish or bowl2 an apothecary jar2 a bottle laid on its side 7rather tedious to plant4 ,you have to reach through the neck of the bottle with long tweezers and iced-tea spoons1 but a good job is very rewarding74 ,you can still buy the traditional round1 pear-shaped1 and 8,ming urn0 covered jars for partridgeberries4 ,if your container has no glass cover1 cut one from window glass4 ,buff down the sharp edges4 ,terrarium glass is best clear1 not tinted4 ,illustration3 ,inexpensive fish bowls planted with ferns and other miniatures ,in the do-it-yourself department you can make bell jars out of cider jugs with the burning-string procedure4 ,soak a piece of string with lighter fluid or gasoline1 wrap it around the jug where you want it cut1 light the string1 and when the flames are gone1 dunk the jug in cold water4 ,the first few attempts may not work--,i had three tries before ,i got a nice clean break4 ,but for fifteen cents' worth of cider jugs ,i got a nice container4 ,if the edges come out rough and jagged1 buff them with an emery cloth or a file4 ,but1 please be careful1 don't get splinters of glass in your fingers4 ,for a miniature-garden-minded child1 simply build up a container with window glass and a flat or box4 ,cut the sides and ends to match the dimensions of the flat or box2 then bind the corners with adhesive or masking tape4 ,fold tape around the top edge and the cover4 ,that will prevent cut fingers4 ,we made one for our children4 ,just to add interest1 we included a turtle and a salamander4 ,they liked their new home so well they dug into the moist soil and hibernated all winter4 ,these tailor-made terrariums can be constructed to fit whatever space is available--long and narrow for a window sill1 short and squat for a table top4 ,history's largest and most elaborate terrarium probably was the ,wardian case1 invented 7or discovered7 over a hundred years ago4 ,it is1 of course1 too monstrous for today's interior dcor4 ,but the principle can be applied in designing an indoor greenhouse that is decorative and in good taste--something to fit near a bright window1 or to be fitted with fluorescent light if it is to be in a dark corner4 ,it is surprising how a little extra light will often make a deeply shaded spot habitable for plants4 ,in these cases1 of course1 the plants usually remain in their individual pots4 ,a tray with water and pebbles1 or sand1 humidifies the air4 ,today's adaptation of the ,wardian case can be of almost any size or shape4 ,one company manufactures a glass-enclosed box about two feet wide1 four feet long1 and three feet deep1 with detachable furniture legs4 ,i have seen a large coffee table1 designed to sit before a picture window no doubt1 fitted with plate-glass sides and accommodating a dozen or so medium-sized plants4 ,i've seen several homemade cases as decorative as culturally practical1 and sadly ,i must admit1 ,i have seen some that were neither4 ,i seem to have said before1 in plantings of this sort let your plants be the stars4 ,illustration3 ,converting a cider jug into a terrarium3 a4 ,tie string at desired level and soak with lighter fluid b4 ,light string and immerse jar in cold water when extinguished ,illustration3 c4 ,lift off top of jug ,illustration3 d4 ,terrariums in use ,,aquatic ,,gardens ,any watertight1 glass-sided container can also be used for a fascinating water garden with fish and plants and many types of colorful decorations4 ,to me1 the most pleasing are those re-creations of natural underwater scenes with coral reefs1 rocks1 and the fantastic aquatic plants sold at aquarium supply stores4 ,quite honestly ,i'm bothered by the suited underwater diver who brandishes a spear and spouts bubbles at intervals4 ,i'm bothered by the obviously artificial remnants of a wrecked ship1 or the opened treasure chest spilling out coins and jewels4 ,it is artificial to the point of being phony4 ,the planting and care of these underwater gardens has become an intricate science and art and requires knowledge of the delicate balance of plant and animal life1 the proper supply of oxygen1 and other technical matters beyond my ken4 ,about all ,i know is1 ,i love a beautifully executed aquatic garden4 ,if you have a yen for one of these gardens1 find an expert who knows his subject and ask his advice4 ,if you can't find an expert1 there are many excellent books on the subject4 ,,plants ,,and ,,accessories ,rocks1 twigs1 bits of decaying wood1 and other naturally indigenous materials are suitable for gardens in glass4 ,tufa rock is always good1 whether the plants sink their roots into it or not4 ,if you happen to live near an old ironworks1 you'll find fascinating pieces of slag in many sizes and colors4 ,but many of the figurines offered for sale in stores--bridges1 benches1 and the like--are questionable1 even doubtful1 in a setting with native plants4 ,if they are to fit at all1 they must be artistic1 believable1 and in exquisite harmony with everything else in the woodland scene4 ,if you want to try it1 set them in place1 look at them from all angles1 and think it over carefully4 ,decide whether they 8belong0 or are merely cute4 ,cuteness is something that lasts for a moment--beauty is something that is forever4 ,just as with dish gardens1 model landscapes1 and other gardens where plants live and grow together1 terrarium plants should be chosen first for their cultural compatibility4 ,in fact1 the principle is even more vital here because terrarium gardens are usually meant to be lasting4 ,think for a moment--you wouldn't tuck a dry-growing peperomia in the soil beside a moisture-loving fern1 or a cool-growing wild flower beside a tropical selaginella4 ,they just aren't meant to live with each other4 ,next1 size up your plants as to height--larger and bolder plants for the background or for accent1 creepers for blending4 ,in between should come the many flowering and foliage plants that make your garden a thing of beauty4 ,many of these plants can be bought at florists' shops or variety stores4 ,others are available by mail1 including the wildlings4 ,the woods are always a source1 but conservationists urge all of us not to destroy plants carelessly or move them out of their native haunts to unfavorable locations4 ,i find that the plants available from mail-order specialists are reasonably priced and are always good sturdy stock4 ,more on this in ,chapter #ac4 ,,planting ,,and ,,care ,whether your glassed-in garden is an artistic arrangement of plants or an actual garden1 give your design a tryout by placing the plants on a temporary basis4 ,put them in place and appraise the arrangement4 ,don't rush4 ,you'll save time by not having to do it over later4 ,in the case of containers rounded on the bottom1 line them with thin sheets of moss4 ,turn the green side out4 ,next add an adequate layer of pebbles or sand1 for drainage4 ,a sprinkling of broken charcoal is particularly desirable4 ,the close humid air may cause soil to grow 8sour0 without it4 ,soil may be acid or not1 heavy or light1 sandy or humus-rich4 ,it all depends on the type of plant to grow in it1 and it will be moist when you use it4 ,please1 make the soil deep enough to give the plants root-room4 ,if you want to make it interesting1 build it up gently into slopes or natural mounds4 ,flat land is dull1 not nearly so interesting4 ,as you put in the plants1 add the stones1 pebbles1 paths1 or pools--whatever you have in your design4 ,may ,i warn you--don't dirty the inside of the glass4 ,once dirty1 it is almost impossible to clean up later4 ,plant sparsely4 ,remember1 your plants are going to grow4 ,the finishing touch will be the addition of 8sod0 or moss on the bare areas4 ,most of the suggestions for dish gardens and model landscapes in earlier chapters apply here4 ,finally1 polish the glass and spray the plants with a fine mist to clean off any soil that may be on leaves and stems4 ,water very gently4 ,according to tradition1 partridgeberry bowls are arranged differently4 ,the base of the bowl is lined with moss1 and covered with drainage layers1 charcoal1 and then soil4 ,then the berried plants and any others to be combined with them are placed1 one layer at a time1 with their faces against the glass4 ,their roots are toward the center and covered with soil4 ,finish the top layer facing up2 sprinkle any loose berries on top2 mist the foliage gently2 cover with glass1 and deck out with a big bow of ,christmas ribbon4 ,for a few days after planting1 set a terrarium where the light is not bright4 ,after that1 it needs light or sunlight according to the requirements of the plants4 ,if they grow lank1 limp1 and leggy1 they are usually stretching out for more light4 ,window-sill plants may lean toward the window--remedy3 simply turn the terrarium around1 and alternate it every few days so that both sides get an equal share of light4 ,temperature also depends on the plants4 ,hardy outdoor natives are best at #fj degrees or less1 even if they are moved to a cool spot at night4 ,tropical plants1 and many others1 are happy at the usual living-room temperatures4 ,watering can be tricky1 but not if you are careful and rational4 ,obviously1 if the top of your container is covered tightly1 not much moisture can escape4 ,it will condense inside the glass and drop back into the garden4 ,water will be needed less frequently4 ,but don't be too happy about this4 ,if there is excess moisture1 if too much collects on the glass1 if the soil is always soggy1 mildew and root-rot may result4 ,lift off the top for a while and let the inside dry out a little4 ,keep the soil on the dry side if the cover fits too tightly4 ,here is another warning--soil should never become completely dry4 7,i am afraid ,i have you walking on a tightrope47 ,again1 take that handle of a spoon or fork and dig down through a bare spot so you can see how wet the soil is at the bottom4 ,if water is needed1 add it very gently4 ,remember1 the small plants must not be deluged and dislodged2 use just enough water to moisten the soil1 not soak it4 ,sorry1 but it is impossible to write down any definite schedule for watering4 ,frequency and quantity depend on the size of the terrarium and the size of the plants1 on the outside temperature1 and on other environmental factors4 ,even the weather and the season of the year are important4 ,but1 ,i'll bet you need watering much less frequently than you think4 ,you may feel you should fertilize the plants so they will grow more vigorously4 ,here is a word of warning on that score--few woodland plants appreciate chemical fertilizers 7the powders you buy at the hardware store or in the horticultural supply shops74 ,if you want to feed your plants1 the best thing to use is a weak solution of manure water4 ,i am always bundling up manure in gunny sacks1 soaking it in a watering pot1 and then using the water on my plants4 ,glass-covered terrariums usually keep themselves clean inside1 because dust just can't get into them4 ,you may need to remove fading flowers and leaves4 ,if you have any plants1 particularly creepers1 that threaten to take over and smother the others1 get a sharp pair of embroidery or manicure scissors and begin pruning4 ,aliens such as earthworms and slugs are out4 ,put on your sharpest-pointed heels and step on them4 ,,chapter #e ,,miniature ,,greenhouse ,,gardens ,as far as ,i am concerned1 the first part of this chapter is a dream4 ,it is such a precious dream ,i shouldn't even publish it until it comes true4 ,i am afraid ,i must confess that parts of it have already been published in ,flower and ,garden4 ,i was so carried away with the idea ,i rushed it into print1 just so ,i could tell the world about a dream4 ,it is a dream ,i hope you will dream with me4 ,the magazine has given me permission to repeat the article ,i wrote for them4 ,the whole thing started when ,i began to get bored with prissy rows of pots in my own greenhouse4 ,it is a forty-by-twenty-foot house and really isn't ours4 7,it belongs to a neighbor who used to use it for the chickens4 ,the chickens didn't like being dispossessed1 but they adapted themselves to the horse barn1 where they are much happier47 ,my dream picked up emphasis when ,i tried a few 8potless gardens0 with plant roots unconfined and running freely in the soil4 ,i immediately saw how much happier the plants were and how much more naturally they throve4 ,i am a working girl4 ,i have but a few years to go on my retirement plan1 and then ,i can retire4 ,hence1 ,i dream about my own personal greenhouse4 ,my dream greenhouse4 ,i picture it as an extension of our recreation room so ,i can look out through the large window to the glassed-in garden a dozen times a day1 every day of the year4 ,there will be a convenient door for the many times ,i'll be lured away from my typewriter4 ,any moment ,i wish1 ,i can step into my garden to watch a bud unfold1 tuck a wandering tendril back around a support1 breathe in the fresh1 moist fragrance only a greenhouse has4 ,my garden will be tropical4 ,i love it that way4 ,you1 my reader1 may wish a desert planted with fabulous cacti1 or perhaps a cooler garden for alpine and hardier plants4 ,but ,i love the exotics2 and ,i will plant each one where it will grow according to its natural whims4 ,please1 no more neat rows of pots on benches4 ,my creepers will be planted where they can clamber over the soil and an occasional rock or rotted log4 ,climbers will have some picturesque support on which to climb4 ,epiphytes will have trees to perch on2 and the danglers1 baskets to hang from4 ,there will be variations of light1 from full sun to patches of dappled or deep shade4 ,if ,i can manage it1 somehow ,i'd like to have variations in temperature in the different parts of my dream greenhouse4 ,some plants like the vigor of a cool corner2 others revel in tropical warmth4 ,then there is the matter of moisture4 ,for dry-growing plants there would be rock gardens and raised beds2 for moisture-lovers there would be sunken1 humus-rich bogs4 ,but you can't have a greenhouse1 dream or otherwise1 without having utilities1 heating plant1 water pipes1 and potting places4 ,those ,i would conceal under the shade of flowering vines4 ,i think ,i should allow myself the luxury of a stool--perhaps even a rocking chair--where ,i can sit down to pot or propagate my plants4 ,of course1 there would be a pool in my greenhouse garden1 with a water lily to flower in it4 ,around the edge would be arranged rocks to make a home for friendly frogs1 salamanders1 and turtles4 ,i would teach them to be so friendly ,i could take them to safe quarters when ,i had to spray or fumigate4 ,restful ferns would frame that pool4 ,a fountain would make the musical sound of splashing water4 ,perhaps the overflow would run into a tiny1 winding stream4 ,i'll have to ask ,fred1 our plumber1 about that4 ,i don't know much about birds1 but ,i'd like to have a canary housed in a cage4 ,he'd be there only when the vents were open4 ,otherwise he'd be free to fly4 ,i might even have a parakeet for his company4 ,i'd have a radio to play softly--only classical1 gentle music4 ,nothing with brass--mostly violins and soft ones at that4 ,no telephone--never4 ,i'd have a bench for my guests--wrought iron very likely1 since ,i think it would fit the dcor1 but the sort that is comfortable4 ,somehow1 ,i'm going to have to figure out a way of labeling my plants so the labels will not show4 ,perhaps1 we can do it electronically4 ,as ,i have said1 ,i would have a rocking chair1 an old and battered one4 ,and the grandchildren--this being a dream ,i can have grandchildren 7our own youngsters are still young74 ,there would be a curiosity corner for them where they could touch the mimosa and see it fold1 watch a pitcher plant catch a fly1 pick fluffy bolls of cotton1 or dig a small peanut crop4 ,my garden will be full of surprises4 ,any day of the year a visitor will find something new--a miniature orchid flowering on the branch of the bromeliad tree2 iridescent ,selaginella uncinata stalking on stilt-roots under a dwarf banana2 carved columns1 old urns1 pieces of ceramic art ,i expect to pick up in my travels4 ,here1 perhaps an old tree trunk sunk naturally in the soil2 there1 a log half buried as it would be in the woods2 and then some stepping stones1 two or three at the most to entice guests to look down on a mound of oxalis in full flower2 overhead1 a moss-lined basket of flamboyant epiphyllum in spring4 ,my planting1 of course1 will be carefully planned1 but the plan will not be obvious4 ,the shaggy fishtail palm1 ,caryota urens1 would be placed in the perfect spot4 ,the ,mexican tree fern would look as if it had lived there always4 ,the bromeliad tree would seem to have lived and died in my indoor jungle1 and the plants rooted in its branches would look as if they had planted themselves1 as they do in the tropics4 ,luscious-leaved philodendrons would climb and cover any obvious walls4 ,vines would be trained to soften sharp corners and provide some shade4 ,in irregular beds ,i'd plant a natural arrangement of upright flowering and foliage plants--begonias1 fuchsias1 oleander1 all kinds of aroids1 a dwarf citrus or two4 ,a walk might be edged with the tiny1 delicious ,corsican mint1 ,mantha requieni4 ,in a warm1 partly shaded area ,i'd go crazy with gesneriads--flaming episcias covering the ground1 tube-flowered aeschynanthus spilling down from above1 fiery-flowered columneas in all their glory4 ,and yes1 ,i'd have ,african violets--not in pots1 but in baskets1 in strawberry jars1 or sunk in the soil4 ,if 7when87 ,i have my greenhouse1 there are some plants ,i wouldn't be without4 ,among vines--silver-leaved ,cissus striata with its swinging curtain of stringy aerial roots2 ,clerodendrum thomosoniae1 its blue-green leaves smothered in red-hearted white flowers in spring2 ,passiflora coccinea1 the red passion flower1 for glamour4 ,i'd hang baskets of the new soft-hued fuchsia hybrids1 and my favorite floriferous begonia1 #8,shippy's ,garland4' ,for fragrance1 ,i'd plant a jasmine1 ,stephanotis floribunda1 and ,osmanthus fragrans1 the precious olive4 ,for early spring refreshment1 ,i'd force miniature and dwarf daffodils1 bringing in pots of them from the cold frame and sinking them in the soil4 ,i'd want the silky-soft foliage and royal-purple flowers of ,tibouchina semidecandra1 the glory bush2 but ,i'd pinch and prune it1 to keep it fairly low4 ,i'd want a large basket floating airy fronds1 one of the davallias1 or rabbit's-foot ferns1 and a smaller basket for the variegated ,abutilon megapotamicum1 because ,i love its gold-splashed leaves strung neatly along wiry stems1 and its dangling red-and-yellow lantern flowers4 ,just one more thing to complete my dream4 ,near the door of my dream-greenhouse garden1 ,i'd have a special box for my guests1 a box filled with small plants from which they could choose a parting gift4 7,i know if this greenhouse works out as ,i picture it1 ,i shall have guests4 ,i shall be happy to see them come1 and a bit wistful when they leave4 ,i will feel better if they take a small token of my gardening with them as they go47 ,frankly1 this idea of a dream greenhouse came upon me quite casually4 ,much as we love our home here in ,redding1 ,connecticut1 we discovered a place which we felt we would like even better--a manor sort of place with stables1 pools1 formal gardens1 a very charming old house1 and seemingly endless rock walls4 ,my husband and ,i fell in love with it--he1 ,i think1 because of a quarter-mile of trout streams1 ,i1 because it had a most charming greenhouse1 the one ,i have been dreaming about4 ,at this writing the entire project is still very much in the future1 but we have hopes4 ,to be reluctantly honest1 my greenhouse garden is not a brand-new idea4 ,mammoth conservatories are often planted as gardens1 and so are the 8plant rooms0 now built into the more luxurious contemporary homes4 ,both are often show places1 with plants brought in for display at the peak of their flowering beauty and1 as they begin to fade1 returned to spend the rest of the year in more utilitarian growing quarters4 ,my garden would be a year-round project1 the plants allowed to live through their natural cycles of active growth and rest without disturbance4 ,we follow this procedure out of doors when we plant annuals over the spring-flowering bulbs2 why not indoors1 too8 ,illustration3 ,tropical garden in early stages with room for creeping ground cover and growing trees4 ,and1 of course1 there must be many hobby greenhouses already planted as gardens4 ,i saw one near ,boston1 a fairly large one set into the side of a steep hill4 ,it was a perfect piece of a desert1 with the soil made suitably sandy and the curious cacti and other succulents growing as naturally as though they had never left home4 ,mrs4 ,ernesta ,ballard has a small tropical greenhouse so realistically planted you feel as if you are in an exotic jungle the minute you step inside the door4 ,but both of these places lack one important asset--room for the rocking chair and the radio with its soft music1 things ,i hope ,i won't have to be without4 ,illustration3 ,a miniature garden in a glass-covered terrarium ,this complete greenhouse garden may not appeal to you1 or it may not be practical or possible4 ,in that case1 ,i urge you to try a smaller naturalistic planting of some sort1 if only to get that 8garden feeling0 and see how happy it makes your plants4 ,as a substitute for that ,boston desert garden1 ,i filled a small section of one of our greenhouse benches with a suitable soil mixture and planted it with small cacti and other colorful succulents1 with here and there an interesting rock or two4 ,these plants never flowered so freely when confined in pots1 never showed off to such advantage4 ,but ,i made one big mistake4 ,i failed to make allowance for the more lusty growth1 and planted the garden much too thickly4 ,in just a few months the garden looked not the least like a sparse and frugal desert1 but more like a menagerie of scrambling1 hoydenish pets4 ,illustration3 ,dream greenhouse1 delightful and enchanting ,another garden that is not quite so wild and reckless is planted around a small pool under a greenhouse bench4 ,the pool is actually a large plastic basin that must be emptied and cleaned with fastidious regularity4 ,it would be better1 of course1 dug out and cement-lined1 with a drainage pipe at the bottom4 ,the plants are tropical1 because they are in the warmth near the heating pipes2 shade-loving1 because a bench 7even though it is slatted and admits some light7 is above them4 ,this is an excellent place for ferns1 upright or climbing foliage plants1 soft ground covers like selaginella4 ,if ,i were to install fluorescent lights1 ,i could add a number of flowering varieties4 ,illustration3 ,a fancy to build on in the ,oriental manner ,illustration3 ,the author's succulent garden ,a soil-filled bench is the site of my husband's pet project1 a grove of miniature fruit trees4 ,there always seem to be flowers or fruits on the small orange1 lemon1 kumquat1 and pomegranate trees4 ,but again1 we erred4 ,we did not realize how vigorously these trees would respond to having their roots free in soil4 ,the dwarf banana and ever-bearing fig now threaten to exceed dwarf proportions at any moment1 even to go through the roof4 ,illustration3 ,rampant greenhouse with citrus trees1 banana tree1 and birch trunk covered with bromeliads ,a naturalistic planting that occupies a minimum of bench space is a bromeliad tree fitted with a sturdy stand to hold it upright4 7,the stand we are using actually is a ,christmas-tree stand47 ,for the tree itself1 we selected the top of a birch tree which blew over in the woods behind our garage4 ,the tropical green contrasts nicely with the white bark of the birch1 otherwise our selection wasn't too wise4 ,birch wood is soft and doesn't last too long1 hence we have been propping and wiring branches to keep them in place4 ,cracks1 crotches1 and pockets created for the purpose are packed with osmunda fiber tightly wrapped around the base of all kinds of brilliant bromeliads1 some few orchids1 a staghorn fern1 and other epiphytic plants4 ,the plants need not even be rooted if the osmunda is packed tightly around the base2 if they're wired in place so tightly that the spray from the hose can't loosen them1 they'll soon be at home on the tree4 ,their roots will grow through the osmunda and they will attach themselves to the tree4 ,of course1 the osmunda must be kept moist until the roots form4 ,once rooted they are fed by dusting the outside of the sphagnum with soluble fertilizer and watering it in4 ,as a finishing touch1 we threw strands of ,spanish moss over the branches4 ,the misty-gray moss thrives1 and even flowers4 ,as further proof that many plants prefer freedom to being confined in pots1 try planting just one creeper--an episcia1 for example--in the center of a spot filled with suitable soil4 ,see how soon it will garland the top with lush foliage1 how freely it flowers4 ,many plants recommended for hanging baskets are really creepers and are better off when treated this way4 ,,planting ,,and ,,care ,large or small1 a greenhouse garden1 like any other1 should be designed carefully and never planted until you have the plan firmly in mind4 ,each plant should be given room in relation to all the others1 and not merely at planting time but with maturity time in mind4 ,allow plenty of space for spreaders to spread and creepers to creep2 and make sure every climber has its support4 ,and1 of course1 plants in close proximity should have compatible cultural preferences in soil1 moisture1 light1 and the like4 ,light and ,sunlight ,it shouldn't be difficult1 in a complete greenhouse garden1 to arrange for areas of full sunlight1 partial or dappled sun1 and shade1 and to do it in a natural manner4 ,tall plants will get the sun first and for the longest time2 but you could also build a slope1 a sand dune1 or a rock garden that would face the sun and get the most of it4 ,partial-sun plants could be placed where they are only lightly shaded by other plants or1 if necessary1 by shadings on the sections of glass above them4 ,shade-loving plants can grow under small trees and bushes4 ,almost any greenhouse1 in any area1 should have shading applied to the glass in early summer4 ,several shading compounds are available1 in white or green1 and are mixed and applied with either a wide brush or a sprayer4 ,these compounds are constituted so that they slowly weather away during the summer and leave the glass clear by autumn4 ,but if you happen to have plants that need all of the winter sun possible1 it is wise also to clean the glass4 ,temperature ,greenhouses are generally classed as cool 7#dj-fj degrees71 moderate 7#ej-gj degrees71 or warm 7#fj-hj degrees74 ,this refers to the minimum night temperatures at which the thermostat is set to regulate the furnace or heater4 ,in warm climates where an air-conditioner is used1 it follows the same scale4 ,greenhouse plants are usually classified similarly4 ,but if other cultural conditions are favorable1 many plants will tolerate a much wider range4 ,in order to grow the widest variety of plants1 ,i set my greenhouse thermostat at #fj degrees in winter4 ,this is a little warm for some cool-growing items such as geraniums1 and causes outdoor garden plants 7annuals1 perennials1 and vegetables started from seed7 to grow slightly leggy and lank4 ,but they recuperate in a hurry when they are moved outside4 ,this temperature is slightly cool for subtropical plants2 some gesneriads merely hold their own through the winter1 neither growing nor flowering2 some extremely tender begonias are forced into dormancy1 from which they awaken in warm spring weather4 ,humidity and ,ventilation ,with such a motley assortment of plants1 ,i try to keep relative humidity at #ge per cent or higher4 ,the minute the gauge dips below that mark1 we wet down the walks and benches4 ,of course1 this happens only on bright1 sunny days4 ,during dark1 gloomy weather we water and mist as little as possible4 ,constant circulation of fresh air is extremely important all year long4 ,our doors and vents are wide open in summer4 ,on quiet winter days we may open doors or vents just a crack for a short time4 ,automatic ventilation is a marvelous convenience in late winter and early spring when the sun suddenly seems to get very hot and threatens to scorch everything under the glass4 ,soil ,whether a greenhouse garden is a small flat1 part of a bench1 or a large ground bed1 soil should be prepared carefully to suit the kind of plant that will grow in it4 ,you'll find 8recipes0 of all kinds in any authoritative greenhouse garden book4 ,prepared soil mixtures should be at least a foot deep for beds in which you plan to grow plants of moderate size4 ,for fruit trees and other larger plants1 make it even deeper4 ,fertilizing ,the fertilizing schedule which works so well for my house plants1 seems to do equally well for my greenhouse plants4 ,i shall stay with it until ,i find something better4 ,but it does seem possible that a large greenhouse garden1 with large areas of carefully prepared and nutritious soil1 would probably need feeding slightly less frequently than plants in pots4 ,i shall have to try this1 when my dream greenhouse comes true4 ,watering ,one of the 8musts0 in my dream greenhouse will be both hot and cold water1 and a provision for mixing them as they flow into the hose4 ,thus1 watering will be like a gentle summer rain4 ,i'll have an extra-fine nozzle to break the stream into a delicate mist4 ,warmed water in a fine spray surely should not injure tender foliage in any way4 ,and think what fun it would be to water a garden this way1 enjoying the slightly musty fragrance of a warm summer night when soil is moistened by rain--and all of this in ,january when the snow is piled deep in drifts and banks outside the house4 ,grooming ,these are the little everyday pleasures of gardening in a greenhouse--snipping back a wandering branch1 chiding a creeper and pulling it back from crawling over a neighbor1 picking off a faded flower1 supporting a branch heavily laden with flowers or fruit4 ,it is real fun1 and makes the difference between an overgrown mass and a carefully tended garden in which each plant appears at its best and in harmony with the others4 ,cleanliness--the removal of all organic matter before it rots1 the rinsing away of dust and dirt--is the best protective measure against infiltration of insects and disease4 ,insects and ,disease ,when my retirement time comes1 ,i may have to make a choice4 ,which do ,i want most--the convenience of fumigation with greenhouse 8bombs10 or the presence of pet frogs1 ladybugs1 friendly insects1 chameleons1 and the like among my greenery8 ,i am sure ,i will choose the latter1 because ,i will have plenty of time to tend my greenhouse garden2 and it's not too much trouble to 8spot spray0 any plant that shows signs of problems4 ,anyway1 it's risky to use strong fumigants in a greenhouse that is attached to a dwelling1 unless it is tightly closed in and has no cracks or fissures for leakage4 ,and who could be sure of that4 ,anyhow1 if ,i killed all the insects1 what would the frogs find to eat4 ,,greenhouse ,,propagating ,actually1 ,i have two propagating cases in our large greenhouse4 ,one is completely enclosed in plastic to keep the humid air even more humid4 ,it has three or four inches of perlite on top of an electric coil to give it gentle bottom heat4 ,the cuttings are inserted in rows so they are easier to manage and remove when their time comes4 ,here ,i root all cuttings from delicate plants and those with large leaves that need high humidity to keep from wilting and drying while roots are forming4 ,my little plastic boxes of difficult seeds are also set there1 where they will keep warm and protected4 ,the second propagating box is wide open--merely an extra-large flat filled with sharp sand4 ,here ,i root the more rugged1 or succulent1 plants1 such as cacti1 geraniums1 semperflorens begonias1 and anything that may rot if kept too moist4 ,indeed1 the sand may dry out occasionally1 but they don't seem to mind4 ,both cases are shaded by some old bamboo blinds4 7,all of the window-garden plants listed in ,chapter #f do very well in greenhouses4 ,see also the forced bulbs in ,chapter #ac47 ,,chapter #f ,,miniature ,,house ,,and ,,greenhouse ,,plants ,my gardening friends certainly vary as to ability1 inclination1 talent1 and aptitude4 ,at one extreme there is ,aunt ,minnie1 whose green thumb injects magic into every pot and for whom every plant grows to buxom1 blooming perfection4 ,at the other end of the scale there is the poor soul who tries so hard but can't keep a plant alive no matter what she does4 ,why do some plant-lovers never fail1 while others never seem to win8 ,there are a number of reasons1 including a difference in growing conditions1 variations in the types of plants1 and even the amount of practical experience or common sense ,aunt ,minnie is blessed with4 ,the truth is that there is no single1 incontrovertible secret to success1 but rather a combination of many factors of equal1 or nearly equal1 importance4 ,the best soil in the world won't make plants flower unless temperature and sunlight are right4 ,the frequency with which you water plants should be affected by indoor temperature1 humidity1 and pot size4 ,and don't think it is ,aunt ,minnie's favorite brand of fertilizer alone that keep her plants in good health4 ,in our house1 and in countless others1 it is not possible to make growing conditions as perfect as a plant might wish2 but we try to come as close as we can1 and find most plants are willing and able to make concessions4 ,one more thing we do4 ,we learn all about each plant's natural home--desert1 steamy jungle1 ,mexican mountainside--so we'll know what combination of conditions it likes best4 ,,care ,,of ,,house ,,and ,,greenhouse ,,plants ,light and ,sunlight ,plants need daylight to make energy2 they can't grow without it1 or its equivalent in artificial light4 ,they need some sunlight to set buds1 and can't flower without it or a substitute4 ,intensity and duration of light should vary according to each plant's preferences4 ,no plant of ours is left to waste its life away on the fireplace mantel1 where the light is too dim to read the printing on a book of matches4 ,granted1 we might set it there for a day or so as a decoration1 but we would return it to its bright window sill before it began to stretch out weakly in search of light4 ,these are the signs of insufficient light--weak1 lopsided growth2 leaves that feel limp and look pale2 new leaves1 if any1 growing progressively smaller and smaller2 long leaf stems and long internodes4 ,our window greenhouse1 which faces south1 is reserved for flowering plants that need all the light and sun we can give them1 particularly in winter4 ,this is ,connecticut1 remember2 the winter sun seldom gets very hot or stays bright very long4 ,and there are days on end when the sun simply does not show its face4 ,california's 8shade plants0--begonias and fuchsias1 for example--require full sun during a ,northern winter4 ,for plants that are not quite so greedy for sunshine1 we have the east-facing playroom picture window1 which is lightly shaded by a high-branched deciduous tree in summer4 ,for foliage plants1 and a few others that will thrive on little or no sun1 there are several other windows around the house where there is plentiful daylight1 but the sun is seldom seen4 ,your situation may be entirely different--perhaps a glassed-in porch that's brighter than our window sills ever will be2 or a contemporary-style glassed-in entry that lets sun stream in all winter long4 ,keep in mind that various plants have varying needs for light and sunlight2 and the only sun that benefits a plant is that which falls directly on it4 ,a south window may actually be shady in summer1 and this is truer the farther south you go4 ,temperature ,some plants grow their healthiest when the thermometer reads #ej to #ee degrees at night and #e to #aj degrees higher during the day2 some tender tropical migrs suffer a chill when the mercury dips under #fj degrees at night4 ,but the greatest number will tolerate a fairly wide range1 and are quite content with whatever the house has to offer4 ,this again assumes that other conditions1 such as humidity1 are kept up to the plants' requirements4 ,temperature tolerances are directly affected by the humidity in the air4 ,many plants will accept a temperature that is higher than average if the air is moist4 ,some will accept a temperature that is below average if the air is not too moist4 ,in air that's too hot and dry1 leaf edges will often turn brown and crisp2 when it is too cool1 a plant may stop growing temporarily2 when it is both too cool and too moist1 there may be danger of rot4 ,don't trust the thermostat that governs your house heating system to tell you whether the temperature is right for a plant2 measure it on the very spot where the plant is growing4 ,humidity ,this is often a more crucial factor than temperature1 and one that is more troublesome to change4 ,relative humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air as compared with the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at a given temperature4 ,it is expressed in percentage figures4 ,most plants find it difficult to breathe in dry air2 they need some moisture around1 on1 and in their leaves4 7,people are better off when they have it1 too47 ,alone1 or teamed up with unsuitable temperature1 low humidity can cause leaves to wither1 buds to drop before they open1 and even an invasion of mites or some other pest4 ,a humidity gauge is not nearly so familiar a household item as a thermometer1 but it is equally useful1 usually better looking1 and not much more costly4 ,and it can come up with some eye-opening information4 ,the humidity gauge will tell you very quickly1 for example1 when an air-conditioning system is missing its recommended mark of #ej per cent relative humidity4 ,it will stop you from overwatering in muggy weather4 ,it will show you that humidity can be dangerously low in the window where your plants are growing1 even though it is perfectly acceptable three feet away4 7,perhaps there is a radiator beneath the window47 ,what you do to increase humidity depends on how low it is1 and on what type of plant you are growing4 ,at our house we have three systems for the humidity problem--the lazy1 the halfway1 and the necessary nuisance4 ,the lazy way works fine for dry-air-type plants such as most cacti and other succulents4 ,we simply grow them where the hot blasts from the radiator are strongest4 ,they don't wither1 and when on sunny days we water them1 we also mist them with a fine water spray4 7,for an easy misting device1 we have an old ,windex bottle with a spraying attachment in the cap4 ,it does a fine job4 ,of course1 there are other commercial products with built-in sprayers4 ,perhaps you have one in your kitchen47 ,to go 8halfway10 you set up some simple humidifying device4 ,the containers which you fill with water and hang behind the radiators are effective to some extent4 ,but don't forget to keep them filled4 ,pans of water on top of the radiator also help4 ,a steam kettle1 such as you use when the kiddies have a chest cold1 can be used for a few hours4 ,but remember1 that steam is hot1 so be careful not to get it too close to your plants4 ,just keep it in the general vicinity2 please1 not too close6 ,here is something else we often use--put some gravel1 sand1 perlite1 or vermiculite in a plate or platter1 pour in some water1 and put your flower pot in it4 ,the water will evaporate and moisten the air around your plant4 ,if you have a number of plants1 get a metal or plastic tray4 ,if you have a decorative garden1 you might want to have a tray made to order1 to fit your space4 ,paint it a pleasing color4 ,i have seen such trays decorated with decals1 but personally1 ,i'd rather rely on my plants for the necessary decoration4 ,in having a tray made--we've had several made by our tinsmith--the larger the tray1 the better4 ,the 8nuisance0 system is usually necessary only for very delicate tropical plants that flourish in highly humid jungles and rain forests4 ,they will need the platter1 or tray of moist sand1 plus some enclosure to hold in the moist air4 ,for a single small plant1 this can be an inverted bell jar1 or a tent made from a polyethylene bag 7the sort vegetables are often packed in7 and propped over the jar and plant4 ,a larger bag can be used to protect several plants4 ,you can even use kitchen-type plastics such as ,saran ,wrap4 ,a collection of tropicals almost calls for an indoor greenhouse1 like the oldtime ,wardian case4 ,in our window greenhouse we can close the inside sash and1 with the aid of pans of water1 keep the humidity just about where we want it4 ,on cold nights the electric-coil heater isn't always adequate1 so we open the sash to get the benefit of the heat of the room4 ,the plants that need this extra humidification are definitely in the minority2 most are content with simple measures1 or none at all4 ,soil ,when ,i first became interested in a wide variety of indoor plants1 ,i prepared soil mixtures with the care and precision ,i had used in making the formulas for our children4 ,it involved trips to the woods for leaf mold1 sifting and mixing ingredients1 and sterilizing the ordinary soil which we used in order to kill the seeds that are found in almost all soils4 ,in our ,long ,island home we had an extra stove in the basement which we used for canning and other secondary purposes4 ,i'd fill the oven with old baking pans and other receptacles which contained my potting soil1 and light the burner4 ,frankly1 it 8reeked0 and the reek was all over the house4 ,it was as though we were burning feathers in the fireplace4 ,now that ,i am less energetic1 and somewhat wiser1 ,i buy prepared soil4 ,i find that for a reasonable number of plants the prepared soil is not costly and saves a lot of time and preparation4 ,of course1 if you are a professional you may have your own ideas about soil1 and your own formulas for a mixture4 ,i'll admit ,i do a little mixing on my own1 but that is because ,i grow many different kinds of plants in pots1 and each has individual preferences4 ,most cacti and succulents need something sandy that doesn't hold moisture too long1 as is natural in their desert homes4 ,tropical plants need a light1 porous medium that is rich in moisture-holding humus1 like decayed leaves on the jungle floor4 ,some plants get nourishment only from acid soil1 some need alkaline soil1 some like soil nearly neutral4 ,i've found ,michigan peat moss a good starting base regardless of requirements of individual plants4 ,i like to dish it right out of the bag4 ,when done1 ,i always pull the plastic inner liner together to keep it moist4 ,in extra dry weather ,i often wet a sponge and put it on top of the mixture4 ,potting is a pleasure1 because ,michigan peat feels so soft1 silky1 and clean4 ,at repotting time ,i discover well-developed1 healthy root systems4 ,for plants that require better-than-average drainage--mostly succulents--,i mix peat moss with builders' sand4 7,want to know where ,i got my last batch of builders' sand8--from a contractor who was building a house down the road4 ,he and his wife happen to be begonia lovers and he was charmed to know about my book ,all ,about ,begonias47 ,the formula for the mixture is two-thirds soil and one-third sand4 ,for even greater aeration1 ,i may throw in a moderate ration of crushed charcoal4 ,on the other hand1 some of my plants insist that their soil always be moist4 ,for them ,i add coarse vermiculite1 perlite1 or ,pelonex1 and in a similar ratio4 ,these soil conditioners have the ability to hold moisture without making the soil muddy or soggy4 ,there is another item on my potting-soil shelf--a jar of horticultural lime4 ,this is for plants that dislike acidity4 ,i either add it to the potting soil--a scant teaspoon per three-inch pot--or mix it with water1 to be applied later4 ,with or without these added ingredients1 ,i feel that a good potting soil has sufficient nutrients for almost any plant for several months2 so ,i seldom mix in fertilizer of any kind4 ,potting ,when and how to repot a plant should be the least of a gardener's problems4 ,here is a case where hovering1 pampering1 and fussing usually does more harm than good4 ,plants are often better repotted maana than today4 ,i know many of my plants have benefited from the fact that ,i have been too busy to repot them whenever the impulse came over me4 ,i hate to think how many ,i have killed with kindness in my less active years4 ,remember my ,aunt ,minnie8 ,she embarked on a big repotting spree every spring1 but not very often in between4 ,some of her most handsome specimens have lived in coffee tins and large juice cans for years4 ,instinctively she knows when a plant should be repotted4 ,don't ask me how she knows it4 ,and when that time comes1 she goes about it in a firm1 no-nonsense manner1 firmly but tenderly4 ,there is one sure way to tell whether a plant needs a new pot4 ,turn the old pot upside down1 tap the contents loose1 and examine the soil ball4 ,if it is completely covered with a network of roots1 get busy with a larger pot4 ,if not1 don't repot1 just slip it back where it was before and give it a loving pat4 ,if you happen to have a seedling you have great hopes of raising to a beautiful maturity1 it will have to be repotted more often4 ,the kind of pot is a matter of personal choice4 ,plastics are lighter in weight1 easier to clean1 and capable of keeping soil moist for a longer period of time4 ,this makes them suitable for moisture-loving plants1 or for gardeners who have a tendency to forget the watering pot4 ,clay pots are porous1 and because they let air seep into plants1 they dry out faster4 ,this makes them best for dry-growing plants1 and for overwaterers 7like me74 ,actually1 the size of the pot is more important than the type4 ,it takes an expert to know how to water a plant when it is overpotted4 ,you are not doing your plant a favor by housing it in a pot several sizes too large2 in fact1 you may even be signing its death certificate4 ,as a rule1 the new pot should be only one size larger than the previous one1 thus leaving just enough room around the roots for some fresh soil4 ,pack the new soil firmly with your finger tips1 a pencil1 or a slim piece of wood4 ,be sure there are no empty air-pockets4 ,water it thoroughly and set it in a light1 but not sunny1 spot1 for about a week4 ,this will give it time to recover from any transplanting 8shock40 ,this discussion about overpotting applies to plants in general1 but it is even more important with miniatures4 ,smaller pots will keep them down to natural1 miniature size4 ,fertilizing ,many people who have fewer plants than ,i--and more time--tend to make a fetish of fertilizing4 ,i am afraid my methods are haphazard1 and not to be recommended4 ,anyway1 ,i will tell you what ,i do4 ,follow it if you like1 but quite possibly you may have a better method which you prefer4 ,i keep two kinds of house-plant fertilizer on hand--a reliable brand of soluble commercial chemical plant food 7it dissolves in water and has the note 8trace elements added0 on the label7 and an organic food4 ,this organic food is either manure water or fish emulsion4 ,the fish emulsion comes bottled and is diluted with water4 ,as an amusing sidelight1 our tomcat goes slightly out of his mind when around a potted plant that has had fish emulsion for its dinner4 ,the cat just can't find the source of that aroma4 ,manure water1 on the other hand1 has no such fascination4 ,it is easy to prepare4 ,simply wrap a portion of well-rotted manure in a section of cheesecloth or burlap1 and steep it in the watering pot long enough to produce a 8tea0 fluid4 ,better do this out of doors1 in the garage1 or in the tool shed4 ,it is usually 8olfactorily offensive40 ,once a month ,i make a solution of the chemical fertilizer1 at half the strength recommended on the label of the package1 and feed plants as ,i water them4 ,two weeks later1 and once a week after that if they need it1 ,i feed with the organic solution4 ,this1 ,i think1 constitutes a 8balanced diet0 for most types of plants4 ,like overpotting1 overfertilizing can lead to lost plants4 ,it is my observation that an underfed plant usually doesn't die quickly4 ,it simply slows down until you have time to feed it4 ,it is particularly important not to fertilize plants that have been repotted recently1 plants that are unhealthy or are plagued by insects or disease1 plants that are resting right after flowering1 plants that are dormant or semidormant1 as some of them are at certain times of the year4 ,do fertilize plants that are in active growth1 setting buds1 or in full bloom1 plants that are aglow with good health1 plants whose roots have filled1 or nearly filled1 their pots4 ,watering ,my children1 who are learning to care for plants rather early1 have been grounded in one fundamental fact--feel the soil in the pot to see if the plant needs water4 ,if the soil is dry1 fetch the watering pot 7succulents can be an exception74 ,i have been told my kiddies have had arguments at school about watering the plants which cluster on the sunny window sills4 ,the usual procedure in our ,redding school is to assign the care of the plants to a different child each day4 ,he1 or she1 floods everything with water and then retires to his1 or her1 desk with the feeling of having done his1 or her1 good deed for the day4 ,plants1 alas1 are not like goldfish4 ,they don't care for swimming4 ,this brings up a question ,i am frequently asked about house plants3 8,how often should they be watered80 ,even an ,,ibm calculator with a thousand cards feeding through its maw couldn't come up with a better answer than this simple statement3 8,water them when they need it40 ,at the risk of repeating myself1 ,i will sum up my thoughts on this problem1 and then go on to other subjects4 ,test the soil with your fingers1 if it is dry1 you can most likely water with impunity4 ,if moist1 more water is inviting root rot4 ,when you water1 make sure the entire soil ball is so saturated that excess water runs out the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot4 ,miniature plants are likely to require more frequent watering1 because their pots are small and they are small4 ,frequency of watering3 ,here we get into an awful lot of tangibles1 and some intangibles4 ,there are such things to consider as the type of plant and its moisture needs1 size of the plant and its pot1 what sort of soil is in the pot1 is the plant root-bound or not1 is it in active growth or dormant1 what is the weather like out of doors--is it warm or blustery1 clear and sunny1 dark and humid1 or just another day4 ,remember1 on hot dry days the moisture is going to slip away into the atmosphere4 ,on cloudy days it will hang around longer2 humidity will take care of that4 ,if you feel your plant needs water and you are afraid of flooding it1 you might try another device4 ,put some moist peat in a larger pot--or you can use vermiculite or perlite--and set the plant and its pot inside this larger pot4 ,right now you may be wondering about hanging baskets and those plants that are wrapped in osmunda and mounted on slabs of wood4 ,give them a good dunking in the kitchen sink but let the excess water drain off before you hang them again1 out of deference to your carpeting and furniture4 ,actually1 the plants don't care whether they spot your furnishings or not4 ,if all of this is confusing1 may ,i sum it up in a phrase3 8,just use your common sense0 7horse sense may be a better term74 ,i know ,i have written a few books about plants and gardening1 and countless magazine articles1 but here is a very candid confession4 ,until a very few years ago ,i knew practically nothing about the subject4 ,what ,i know ,i learned by reading books and magazine articles1 and 8doing40 ,i know ,i killed a few plants out of ignorance1 but ,i killed more with kindness4 ,every time a plant withered and died ,i felt badly4 ,but ,i considered it a lesson in what to do1 or not to do4 ,i tried to find the cause for the demise4 ,today ,i have the satisfaction of having raised thousands of plants to beautiful bloomhood1 and largely because of the sacrifice of some obscure begonia1 or petunia1 a few years back4 ,i have been acclaimed as having a 8green thumb40 ,actually ,i do not have a green thumb4 ,no one has4 ,i thoroughly dislike the term4 ,i dislike the implication that a person has a ,god-given quality which makes plants grow4 ,making plants grow and prosper is largely the mastering of a few rules1 and the use of a lot of common sense4 ,i'll grant you1 much of your common sense comes the 8hard way40 ,but it is fun4 ,i bow most respectfully to those plants which ,i killed with ignorance and kindness4 ,grooming ,this is the 8beauty-parlor0 treatment for your plants4 ,fading flowers and dying leaves are as unattractive on a plant as those unruly ringlets in a woman's coiffure4 ,in fact1 they are even worse4 ,they take strength from a plant and are unsanitary4 ,remove them as regularly as you can4 ,you'll be adding to the welfare of your plant4 ,if the plant is of a type that needs to be pruned or pinched to keep it comely and compact1 perform the operation before the branches get that gangly1 middle-aged spread4 ,pinching out the new growing tips1 either with sharp fingernails or sharper scissors1 usually produces two new branches4 ,if you pinch out the tips of these1 you will most likely get four new branches and your plant will become pleasingly plump4 ,the exception is the plant that blooms from the ends of new growth4 ,stop your pinching before the bud-setting season4 ,not many miniatures need staking to keep them upright4 ,if stake you must1 do it as inconspicuously as possible and tie the stems neatly in their natural growing manner4 ,train miniature creepers in the direction you want them to grow1 and miniature climbers up their supports4 ,rinse foliage with a fine spray 7use that discarded ,windex bottle ,i described earlier7 as often as you can to wash away dust and dirt4 ,please1 may ,i throw in a plea right here--recently ,i saw a commercial product which some people use to make their plants more green4 ,it is a spray for foliage4 ,for the moment it makes plants look green with its sheen4 ,but it also clogs the pores on the plant and its leaves4 ,for the moment it is beautiful2 for permanency it is harmful4 ,decide1 do you want your plant to live for the moment only8 ,insects and ,disease ,not long ago1 when visiting a friend1 ,i was taken out to her sun room to see her plants4 ,she was proud1 but ,i was shocked4 ,what ,i saw was the most amazingly bug-ridden collection of fuchsias and geraniums ,i have seen in many a moon1 plus a few poor distorted other flowers which were trying to survive4 ,my poor hostess1 honestly1 ,i think she had no idea of her problems and the future of her plants4 ,in fact1 they had little future4 ,i thought over that problem for a spell1 and then told her the facts of life4 ,fortunately1 she was able to save much of her greenery4 ,that poor gardener was on one end of the spectrum4 ,on the other end are the overanxious ones who treat their plants with so many sprays and dusts that the leaves never get a chance to breathe pure air4 ,fortunately1 in between there are the sane1 sensible growers who are able to cope with the insects and diseases which beset house plants4 ,as for myself1 ,i have been at both extremes4 ,i now find prevention is the best protection4 ,that is an old saw1 but the best one ,i know4 ,i keep plants and pots clean1 remove dead flowers and foliage before they decay1 and use germ-free potting soil4 ,people often give me plants4 ,i accept them most politely1 and gratefully2 but ,i am cautious about mingling them with my other residents of the greenhouse and window garden4 ,i keep them in a quarantine section for a few weeks4 ,no use asking for trouble1 and ,i trust my friends understand4 ,for immediate and reliable treatment1 ,i rely on an 8all-purpose0 house-plant spray or a dip4 ,as long as ,i am careful to keep it up1 ,i seem to have no great problems4 ,when ,i get careless1 as humans are wont to do1 ,i regret it4 ,it is very convenient to rely on the new aerosol bombs--those that are specifically marked for house plants1 and not those for household insects4 ,there are several reliable brands1 each listing on the label what they are to be used for4 ,if there happens to be an added fungicide1 so much to the good4 ,that will cover just about everything4 ,a few words of caution about the use of aerosol bombs4 ,follow the instructions on the label to the letter4 ,hold the bomb at least eighteen inches away from your plant1 maybe more4 ,some of those fluids come out of the can at a very low temperature and have the same effect as a blowtorch on foliage4 ,try to make sure the spray hits all parts of the plant4 ,remember1 leaves also have an underside4 ,don't let bugs use that underside as a hide-out4 ,there was a word of caution on each aerosol container ,i have seen3 8,do not throw into an open flame when empty40 ,my husband wondered what would happen if he did4 ,he tossed an empty can into the trash burner and got behind a tree4 ,the explosion sounded like a hand grenade left over from ,world ,war ,,ii and he had to get a new lid for the burner4 ,please take my word for it and don't take that chance4 ,let him be crazy if he likes1 but not you4 ,i don't like to lose readers so early in my book4 ,i know ,i take precautions1 but in spite of everything my plants become infected at times4 ,when that happens it's helpful if you can recognize the symptoms1 diagnose the ailment1 and apply the cure4 ,with your interests in mind1 ,i have put together a list of sorts which includes the most prevalent house-plant insects and diseases1 the telltale signs of their arrival1 and the insecticides and fungicides which will send them to their happier hunting grounds4 ,if ,i have skipped anything1 my apologies4 ,if you are having special problems1 phone your local county agricultural agent4 ,he is a good man to know anyhow4 ,but please1 unless you have something that is out of hand1 don't bedevil the man4 ,he is probably concerned with ticks on sheep1 ringworm1 hog cholera1 breachy cows1 grubworms1 and forty people who want to know why their hollyhocks didn't bloom4 ,,propagating ,,house ,,plants ,it's hard to tell which provides the warmest pleasure1 to give a friend or visitor a rooted1 potted cutting of some plant she has admired1 or to come home with a gift cutting of a new plant you have admired and coveted4 ,there is a thrill also in adding a new plant to your collection by growing seed from a seed house4 ,and ,i always have another thrill when the church or the school asks me to contribute plants for the annual bazaars4 ,fortunately1 ,i usually am able to anticipate these requests far enough in advance to have a supply ready and waiting4 ,,pests ,,and ,,treatment ,symptoms ,treatment ,aphids ,little louse-like ,this is an easy one to 7,nasty plant insects4 get rid of1 but likely lice7 ,green in color in to return if you don't our area4 watch out4 ,use a solution ,clustered on new of ,black ,leaf #dj leaves1 on flowers1 7nicotine sulfate7 in a and around stems combination spray with lindane or pyrethrum and malathion4 ,or you can use any of them alone ,mealybugs ,little white dabs of ,dip an artist's paint 7,don't let them cotton clinging to brush or a cotton-wrapped frighten you7 tender joints1 stems1 toothpick in a solution and the underside of of malathion4 ,remove the leaves pests one by one ,mites ,buds and new leaves ,dip plants in a solution are puckered and of malathion1 ,kelthane1 distorted4 ,the or ,tedion according to underside of the the directions on the leaves may show fine1 label white silky webs ,mildew ,silvery dust ,dust plants with sulfur1 disfigures the or spray with one of the leaves1 most likely new fungicides like in dark1 muggy summer captan1 zineb1 etc4 ,give weather plants more space and increase air circulation ,scale ,hard brown1 or green1 ,dip plant in a solution scales irregularly on of malathion4 ,repeat the underside of according to directions leaves ,slugs ,slimy villains1 like ,use special slug-bait shell-less snails1 containing metaldehyde which hide in soil or according to package under pots by day and directions come out to chew holes in leaves at night ,thrips ,brownish blotches ,dip or spray with under leaves4 malathion all-purpose ,disfigured flowers mixture containing lindane1 pyrethrum ,white ,fly ,minute flies swarm ,spray or dip in in the air about the malathion1 or an plant when disturbed all-purpose mixture ,since ,i fashioned my first crude propagating box--a square cake-tin with a rickety frame covered with kitchen plastic--,i've always had some sort of similar device in operation4 ,they have been of many sizes and shapes1 and have included an aquarium vacated by the children's goldfish1 and a fruit crate from the grocery with cut-to-measure glass sides and top 7,i use masking tape to hold the corners74 ,the one thing common to all of these boxes is the three-inch layer of some moist propagating medium1 ready to receive seeds and cuttings4 ,the latest and most attractive box ,i've used is the ,gro-,master--a ready-made plug-in propagator with an electric coil in the bottom to provide gentle bottom heat4 ,several similar devices are also available4 ,with something like this one can hardly miss germinating even the most difficult house-plant seeds1 or rooting even the most delicate cuttings4 ,the choice of a propagating medium is all yours4 ,i've used vermiculite1 perlite1 and ,pelonex with unqualified success4 ,i tried sharp sand but discovered that it dried out too fast for anything but succulents4 ,peat alone1 or mixed with sand1 tends to pack and rots rather quickly4 ,i tried a blend of equal parts of peat1 vermiculite1 and perlite4 ,it held up rather well1 but ,i seldom bother to mix it4 ,regardless of what you prefer to use1 have the medium moist when you use it1 and water just enough to keep it barely moist during the rooting process4 ,of course1 with many types of plants1 you can root 8slips0 in a glass of water on your kitchen window sill4 ,but in any kind of propagating box1 where the air is kept humid and the delicate plants are protected from drafts and drying-out1 you have a better chance4 ,house ,plants from ,seed ,african violets and other gesneriads1 all types of begonias and geraniums1 and many other indoor plants can be grown quite easily from seed4 ,i like to plant each variety in its own small plastic refrigerator dish with a half-inch or so of soil 7moist1 sterilized soil that is7 in the bottom of the dish4 ,sometimes ,i use plastic ice-cube trays4 ,when planting powder-fine seeds1 ,i usually add a thin layer of moist1 finely-milled sphagnum moss and make it very smooth4 ,dust the tiny seeds over this surface1 but don't cover them with soil4 ,larger seeds should be covered with soil or more moss4 ,next1 cover the container tightly and set it in a warm spot4 ,that is when you will appreciate a propagating box4 ,if the moss and soil begins to dry out1 moisten it by gently running drops of water down the sides of the container4 ,please be gentle and tender4 ,tiny seeds and seedlings should not be disturbed4 ,when the seedlings have developed one or two true leaves of fairly substantial size1 pick them out very gently and transplant them to another 8community0 container1 or to individual thumb pots4 ,keep them humid and protected until they are big enough to need transplanting again4 ,after that1 they should be nearly ready to become adjusted to grown-up growing conditions in a window1 or some other indoor garden4 ,one of the neatest tricks of the year is the ,water #8,n' ,watch indoor garden developed and sold by ,peggie ,schulz1 an attractive plastic planter complete with soil and planted with fourteen types of seeds4 ,you simply follow her instructions1 add water1 and watch the seedlings germinate and grow4 ,gradually you remove the plastic dome when the plants are large enough4 ,at transplanting time1 remove the seedlings to separate pots1 or leave a few to mature in the planter4 ,this device is just about as work-free a method of growing house plants as there is4 ,illustration3 ,propagation box developed by ,peggie ,schulz1 author and garden columnist ,illustration3 ,sprouted stem cuttings of dwarf geraniums ,stem ,cuttings ,this is the most familiar way to propagate house plants1 and the method that works best for most kinds of plants4 ,with the exception of miniature orchids1 stem cuttings can be taken from any house plant mentioned in this book1 and your chances for success are very good if you have a propagating box for them4 ,generally1 stem cuttings are the ends cut from branches that are in healthy1 active growth4 ,each should be more than a mere tip1 and have at least two nodes1 or 8joints40 ,the large1 bottom leaves are stripped off very gently and the cut end of the stem is inserted1 to about half of its length1 in the propagating medium4 ,when you see evidences of new growth1 or when roots have developed1 dig under it with a spoon and remove it for potting4 7,here is the test to determine if roots have developed3 ,pull on the cutting1 very gently of course4 ,if you feel resistance you know it has roots which are holding it down47 ,pot your new plant very carefully in soil that is suitable for it2 and please1 don't add fertilizer to this soil4 ,for stem cuttings1 and most other methods of propagation1 there are now certain hormone rooting preparations4 ,they speed up rooting1 make it more certain1 and help to develop larger and healthier root systems4 ,be sure you get the correct type for softwood cuttings1 or indoor plants4 ,in using these new hormones1 follow the directions on the package carefully4 ,leaf ,cuttings ,it is a well-known fact that ,african violets will reproduce themselves from a single leaf4 ,however1 it is not so well known that there are dozens of other plants that will do the same4 ,for example1 more than once ,i have taken a succulent leaf1 laid it out flat on moist sand1 and had it grow roots and a small new plant4 ,leaves of peperomias1 and many other plants1 can be cut1 with or without a piece of stem1 and will grow bushy new plantlets4 ,some kinds of begonias will send out roots from the end of the stem1 or new plants from the point above where stem and leaf join4 ,except for some succulents1 leaf cuttings are usually inserted with their stem ends in a moist propagating medium1 with their leaves standing nearly upright above4 7,again1 you are safer if you have a propagating box1 even though it be a crude one47 ,when they are well rooted and the new plants are of fair size1 the cuttings are potted with the old leaves intact4 ,the parent leaf is removed only when the new plant is strong enough to grow on its own4 ,of course1 in the case of ,african violets1 where more than one plant is produced at the end of the stem1 the babies must be separated and each put into its own pot4 ,root and ,rhizome ,cuttings ,sections of roots are sometimes cut to propagate house and greenhouse plants1 but the practice is more common with hardy garden plants4 ,but pieces of thickened1 stemlike1 or rootlike rhizomes can be taken from many types of indoor plants4 ,rhizomatous begonias1 and rex begonias of rhizomatous habit1 are familiar examples4 ,each piece of rhizome should have at least two1 but preferably three1 8eyes10 or scars from which leafstems have grown4 ,the piece is placed half in and half out of the moist medium in the propagating box4 ,roots grow from the bottom down into the medium2 stems and leaves shoot up from the eyes on top4 ,layering ,there are two general methods of layering1 and in each case the plant is completely rooted before it is cut away from the parent4 ,in 8air layering0 a thick stem1 or cane1 is slit1 wrapped with moist sphagnum moss1 and enclosed in plastic until roots are produced4 ,this method is usually practiced on large1 overgrown plants such as dieffenbachias1 and truthfully is not necessary1 or practical1 for most miniatures4 ,but ground layering is a safe and sure way to propagate almost any plant with lax stems1 and is particularly useful on temperamental plants such as some miniature ivies1 which are reluctant to strike roots on stem cuttings4 ,it is very simple4 ,just pin down the stem1 not too far from the growing tip1 in the soil beside the mature plant4 ,if you like1 you can put it in a pot of its own and thus be one jump ahead by having the roots where you want them4 ,i usually steal a hairpin out of my 8bun10 but a section of wire bent into a ,u will do4 ,when the stem has rooted1 cut it off on the side next to the parent plant4 ,unless it is already rooted in a pot1 dig it out and plant it4 ,division of ,crowns and ,roots ,one ,african-violet plant may grow several crowns1 or main stems complete with rosettes4 ,since single-crown plants usually are more shapely and bloom more abundantly1 the extra crowns can be cut off and rooted like ordinary stem cuttings4 ,this is one of the more popular methods of dividing an old plant and getting several new ones from it4 ,some plants will eventually make such dense1 bushy growth that they not only look obese and unattractive1 but are prey to all sorts of rot4 ,root division not only gives these plants a new lease on life1 but also provides several new plants4 ,remove the overgrown plant from its pot1 and very gently1 try to split the matted roots and stems into separate sections4 ,do this with your fingers and not a metal instrument4 ,if you work slowly and with care1 several will most likely pull free4 ,if you can't do it with your fingers1 you may have to resort to a clean sharp knife1 in which case cut down past the stems and through the roots1 making several separate sections4 ,discard any damaged leaves4 ,pot up the divisions1 and keep them shaded and protected for a week or so until they recover from the shock4 ,runners1 ,stolons1 and ,offsets ,many plants are continually propagating themselves by producing new plants in clusters around the old ones1 sometimes at the ends of underground stolons or above-ground runners4 ,saxifraga sarmentosa was named 8,strawberry begonia0 because it continually produces new plants on runners1 strawberry-style4 ,episcias and chlorophytums are other examples4 ,any of these offsets make new plants easily4 ,pin them down in soil1 give them time to root1 and then cut them off and insert them in a propagating box4 ,next1 you pot them4 ,sometimes you'll find the roots have already formed and the new plant is ready for potting and you didn't even suspect it4 ,,description ,,of ,,house ,,plants ,some pages back ,i told you that the question asked of me most frequently is 8,how often should ,i water plants80 ,a close runner-up is the question1 8,where can ,i get out-of-the-ordinary plants80 ,believe it or not1 that question is easier to answer4 ,local florists and greenhouse people often have plants tucked away--something exotic and special4 ,most of the people in the industry cherish these plants and are hesitant to part with them to run-of-the-mine customers4 ,but if the person is a genuine plant-lover1 a sale can usually be made1 even though it is a reluctant sale4 ,just demonstrate that you are vitally interested and you will be surprised at what you can buy4 ,try it4 ,i have a number of catalogues from mail-order suppliers in all parts of the country who carry unusual plants1 and in a variety that increases year by year4 ,do you know where ,i came upon their names8--from small advertisements in horticultural magazines4 ,read those small ads4 ,often the advertiser is so small1 and so specialized1 that he can't afford too much space4 ,but he has the treasures you want4 ,mail-order plants are naturally young and small4 ,large plants are too difficult to pack and ship for any distance4 ,plants that are small usually cost less1 and you have an extra dividend in the pleasure of seeing them grow to maturity4 ,you would be amazed at the progress that has been made in packing and shipping in the past few years4 ,plants that ,i have ordered recently have come through the mails in from excellent to perfect condition--even plants from the ,pacific ,northwest4 ,you simply unpack them--carefully1 ,i'll admit--water them if necessary1 and keep them out of hot1 bright sun and draft for a few days until they are acclimated to their new surroundings4 ,should any plant seem weak or mildly injured1 pop it into the propagating box and usually it will be back on its feet again in a few days4 ,if the damage is too serious1 report it to the post office1 the express company1 or the shipper4 ,i have yet to register one of these complaints4 ,i have been general in the preceding pages of this chapter4 ,now ,i will be more specific and offer a list of plants and their growing requirements4 ,all of the following plants can be grown in the greenhouse4 ,but given proper light1 humidity1 and_/or other special care1 they can be grown in the house where you live--even the most delicate types4 ,the information on culture is abbreviated1 but consistent use of the same terms1 ,i feel is justified4 ,the following are used in the sections on care under each plant4 ,full sun ,the sun actually falls on the plant for most of the day4 ,partial sun ,the sun touches the plants for only a few hours in the early morning or late afternoon in summer1 but for longer periods in winter 7tropical areas excepted74 ,little or no sun ,bright daylight is sufficient to keep some plants healthy4 ,temperature ,any figures that are quoted are for daytime4 ,night temperatures can usually drop about five degrees4 7,cool is #dj to #fj degrees2 moderate1 #ej to #gj degrees2 warm1 #fj to #hj degrees47 ,humidity ,this is noted if the plant needs more than average humidity 7#ej per cent74 ,soil ,the plant may prefer a potting mixture that is humusy1 extra-rich in organic matter2 average1 like the potting soil ,i have described on other pages2 sandy1 with an extra ration of sand1 or a similar substitute4 ,or it may be epiphytic and grow in some suitable medium such as osmunda fiber or sphagnum moss4 ,dry ,let the soil dry thoroughly before watering4 ,moist ,water when the soil in the top of the pot feels dry to the touch4 ,wet ,never allow the soil to dry out4 99 99 99 99 99 ,methods of propagation are also summarized and1 if possible1 listed in order of preference4 ,the terms are the same as those used in the sections on propagating house and greenhouse plants4 ,for most plants1 there are short notations on special uses for which they are especially suited1 i4e41 growing under artificial lights1 dish gardens1 model landscapes1 terrariums and other gardens under glass4 ,included also are some small tropical trees and shrubs for the small greenhouse4 ,among the precious miniatures described in ,chapter #ag1 varieties suitable for forcing are so noted4 ,forcing procedures are also covered4 ,abutilon hybridum savitzi ,malvaceae ,flowering ,maple ,delicate tropical shrubs with thin1 soft1 maple-shaped1 dove-gray leaves lavishly splashed with creamy white1 and sometimes white all over4 7,i've never seen it produce the typical dangling lantern flowers47 ,it grows slowly1 keeps plump and bushy1 and is content with a small pot for several years4 ,,care4 ,full sun1 moderate temperature1 and average soil kept constantly moist4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,artificial light1 dish gardens1 model landscapes1 terrariums4 ,achimenes ,gesneriaceae ,a large group of utterly charming plants related to1 and grown like1 ,african violets--except that their scaly rhizomes 7like minuscule pine cones7 are completely dormant in winter4 ,most have velvet-soft leaves and all produce an overwhelming display of tubular flowers flaring wide-open at the end4 ,none grow to great size4 ,a single rhizome would probably be happy in a two-inch pot2 several are usually planted together for a bigger show4 ,the following are among the smallest varieties1 upright unless otherwise noted4 #8,charm'--,luscious pink flowers1 gold in the center4 coccinea coccinea--,trailer with notched1 oval leaves and plentiful flowers of deepest scarlet1 half the size of a dime4 #8,franois ,cardinaux'--,flowers in two tones of blue4 #8,little ,beauty'--,similar to #8,charm1' but in another glowing shade of pink4 #8,masterpiece'--,flowers royal1 reddish purple4 #8,miniata'--,ruffled flowers in changeable violet tones4 #8,misera'--,many small white flowers spotted with drops of wine1 yellow in the throat4 #8,patens ,major'--,orange throat blending into rich plum petals4 #8,peach ,blossom'--,new dwarf with peach-pink flowers4 #8,violacea ,semi-,plena'--,the only semidouble-flowering variety in deep1 glowing purple4 ,,care4 ,partial sun1 warmth1 humusy soil kept moist4 ,in late winter1 or early spring1 pre-root the tiny rhizomes in a light1 porous mixture such as vermiculite and peat1 barely moist and over bottom heat1 or in warmth 7#fe to #gj degrees74 ,when new growth is about two inches high1 pot in light soil enriched with leaf mold or some similiar organic material4 ,pinch out any growing tips or trailers once or twice to encourage branching4 ,in early fall1 after flowering has ended1 let the pot and soil dry out gradually4 ,clean the rhizomes1 and store them in a polyethylene bag filled with dry peat at a temperature of #ej to #fj degrees4 ,check the little fellows occasionally4 ,you may be amazed1 but sometimes they'll send out new sprouts in this dark1 dry storage1 and want to be rooted and begin growth again4 ,,propagation4 ,rhizomes will multiply spontaneously4 ,also use stem cuttings1 leaf cuttings1 seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,artificial light4 ,acorus gramineus variegatus ,araceae ,neat1 sweet little water-lover1 like a miniature grass1 with flat fans of slender1 four-inch leaves striped lengthwise with sparkling white4 ,it spreads eagerly4 ,,care4 ,partial sun1 cool1 average soil kept wet4 ,,propagation4 ,division of creeping roots4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,artificial light1 dish gardens1 terrariums4 ,pretty bog plant for the miniature garden pool4 ,adiantum bellum ,polypodiaceae ,bermuda ,maidenhair ,fern ,elfin version of the maidenhair fern with ruffly leaflets like upside-down wedges1 the points attached to the dark1 wiry six-inch stems4 ,the foliage is surprisingly dense for such a delicate1 airy effect4 ,,care4 ,little or no sun4 ,warmth1 humidity1 humusy soil 7lime if acid71 kept moist1 and wet in winter4 ,the plant seems to rest in summer4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,artificial light1 terrariums4 ,allophyton mexicanum ,scrophulariaceae ,mexican ,foxglove ,perky combination of oval1 dark-green five-inch leaves beneath upstanding stems bearing several long-tubed1 flaring half-inch flowers of pastel lavender blending into white1 violet in the throat4 ,blooms in spurts throughout the year4 ,,care4 ,partial sun1 moderate warmth1 humidity1 average soil kept moist4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,artificial light1 dish gardens4 ,alternanthera ,amaranthaceae ,joseph's ,coat ,enthusiastically branching1 bushy plants with leaves of many colors1 and convolutions1 like small1 contorted coleus4 ,they're often kept dwarfed by regular shearing1 so the white flowers seldom form4 amoena--,bushlet with crisp1 oval leaves haphazardly daubed with bright shades of red and orange4 ,it seldom tops four inches4 bettzickiana--,tongue-shaped leaves blotched with cream1 yellow1 salmon1 and red4 ,this is the one that's used for formal carpet bedding4 ,its green-and-gold variety1 aurea nana1 makes a round three-inch mound4 versicolor--,a gnome with gnarled1 wrinkled leaves4 ,it is basically green but brightened with shocking pink and white4 ,it can grow six inches high1 but stays lower if pinched regularly4 ,,care4 ,full sun 7for best color71 warmth1 average soil kept moist4 ,,propagation4 ,stem cuttings1 division of roots4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,artificial light1 dish gardens1 model landscapes1 terrariums4 ,anthurium scherzerianum ,araceae ,flamingo ,flower ,this is a baby in a family predominantly of giants1 but it won't outgrow a three-inch pot for years4 ,this exotic tropical plant has leaves like varnished green shields and flowers like a golden ,jack preaching from a flamingo-pink pulpit4 ,,care4 ,little or no sun1 warmth1 humidity1 humusy soil kept moist1 or even wet4 ,,propagation4 ,division of suckers and seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,artificial lights4 ,babiana stricta ,iridaceae ,winter-flowering1 ,south ,african bulb for forcing in the greenhouse4 ,grown outdoors only in frost-free climates4 ,clusters of red or lavender fuchsia-like eight-inch stems above fuzzy1 slender leaves indented at the veins4 ,a dwarf variety1 #8,blue ,gem1' has deep-blue blooms4 ,,care4 ,full sun1 moderate warmth1 average soil kept moist4 ,plant in fall for winter flowering4 ,begonia ,begoniaceae ,there are enough miniatures in this big happy family of plants to make a sizable collection1 and enough variations to keep the collector fascinated4 ,botanically1 begonias are divided into three classes--fibrous-rooted1 rhizomatous1 and tuberous-rooted4 ,among the tuberous types1 the best-known are the summer-flowering garden beauties--not available1 as far as ,i know1 in miniature4 ,each of the other classes contains miniatures that divide naturally into two general types of begonias with separate personalities1 habits1 and cultures4 ,you could almost consider each type a completely distinctive group of plants1 only technically related to the others4 ,,semperflorens ,,begonias ,fondly known as 8wax begonias10 and often called 8,america's favorite house plant40 ,these are bustling1 buxom1 freely branching plants with watery stems and crisp1 nearly round leaves gleaming with a high polish4 ,they cover themselves with continual bursts of white1 pink1 or red flowers4 ,the furiously flowering singles are the oldest1 best-known1 and toughest1 often used for edging semishady garden beds4 ,the semidoubles 7crested or thimble type7 have a raspberry-shaped center extending out from a circle of petals4 ,the doubles 7rosebud or camellia-flowered7 are fluttery1 full-petaled spheres4 ,foliage may be clean green1 bronzy1 or mahogany4 #8,adeline' 7#8,improved ,darling'7--,free-blooming soft1 single pink2 green leaves4 #8,andy'--,deeper1 more luminous pink flowers2 green leaves4 #8,little ,gem'--,double1 rosy-pink flowers2 very dark red leaves2 small1 slow-growing4 #8,pied ,piper'--,baby pink1 semidouble flowers1 the crest sometimes touched with gold2 bronzy leaves4 #8,snowdrop'--,smallest ,i've ever seen1 has never topped three inches for me1 just grows bushier and bushier4 ,double white flowers like minute snowballs2 dark-red foliage4 tausendschoen 7#8,thousand ,beauties'7--,a group of green-leaved1 single-flowering dwarfs available in red1 pink1 or white4 ,easily grown from seed4 #8,winkie'--,fully double1 old rose flowers2 masses of dark leaves4 ,,care4 ,partial sun1 moderate warmth1 average soil kept on the dry side4 ,,propagation4 ,stem cuttings 7best taken with a branch1 so the plants will be self-branching71 seeds 7singles71 division of root and crown4 ,,miscellaneous ,,fibrous-,,rooted ,,begonias ,some miniatures are of the angel-wing1 cane-stemmed type2 some are from the hirsute1 hairy-leaved group2 some can't be categorized4 albo-picta--,small angel wing with low1 arched branches2 silver-spotted1 sharp-pointed slender leaves2 clusters of off-white flowers4 bartonea 7#8,winter ,jewel'7--,this one's a flirt1 flaunting its leaves and tiny pink-tinged flowers one wintry day1 collapsing completely the next4 ,it can't bear dry air or chills but will grow up again cheerfully from the roots4 ,the foliage is finely scalloped on the edges1 washed with russet in the center and along the veins1 and completely overlaid with silver sheen4 #8,dainty ,spray'--,impudent dwarf with little angel-wing leaves1 bouquets of face-powder-pink flowers dripping from the drooping stems4 dregei--,maple-leaf begonia with sharply cut1 thumbnail-sized leaves bronzy with purple veins1 white flowers4 ,this is a semituberous type1 the main stem swelling to look like a bulb above the soil at the base4 ,pinching regularly keeps it fairly small4 ,may be dormant in winter4 ,the variety macbethi has smaller leaves completely green1 white flowers4 #8,dwarf ,houghtoni'--,for me1 this stays under six inches high and covers itself with pointed leaves upholstered with sheer1 tawny-pink velvet4 ,the clusters of large white flowers with pink whiskers are almost too heavy for the branches to hold4 #8,medora'--,miniature angel wing with two-inch1 flat silver-spotted leaves and white flowers4 ,also available as #8,green ,medora1' with plain green leaves and watermelon-pink flowers4 richardsiana--,another semituberous maple-leaf type1 the leaves smallest of all and deeply cut almost into lace4 ,flowers are faint pink4 ,illustration3 ,achimenes1 one of the most beautiful gesneriads4 ,,care4 ,partial sun1 moderate warmth1 average soil kept on the dry side4 ,the semituberous types take more moisture during the active growing season4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7for some species71 stem cuttings1 division of root and crown4 ,,rhizomatous ,,begonias ,here's where the hybridists are creating the most intriguing new varieties1 because they have more miniature parent species to work with4 ,the leaf and flower stems grow straight up or out from the rhizome1 a swollen1 scarred rootstock that creeps over the top of the soil1 usually sending down roots as it goes4 ,sprays of trembling flowers stand well above the foliage in late winter or early spring4 aridicaulis--,mounds of tiny1 sharp-pointed1 lettuce-green leaves seldom over three or four inches high4 ,small1 white1 two-petaled flowers like fairy pocketbooks4 boweri--,better known as the 8eyelash begonia0 because of the black stitching around the edge of the lettuce-green leaves1 marked with bristly black hairs4 ,flowers are small1 baby-pink1 and plentiful4 ,this is the seed parent of a whole group of popular namesakes2 star-leaved #8,bow-,arriola1' chocolate-stitched #8,bow ,chance1' dark-complexioned #8,bow-,joe1' bronzy #8,bow-,nigra4' ,all have the eyelash edging and pink flowers1 and are happy plants for the window garden or greenhouse4 hydrocotylifolia--8,miniature pond-lily begonia0 for the terrarium or shallow basket or pot4 ,shiny1 penny-like leaves overcast with bronze1 dark along the veins2 pink flowers on six-inch stems4 #8,maphil' 7#8,cleopatra'7--,most famous boweri offspring1 more dwarf than miniature1 just right for small window gardens and baskets4 ,the starlike leaves are satiny1 irregularly marked chocolate on chartreuse2 the flowers1 rich pink4 mazae--,bronzy1 half-dollar leaves with light veins that meet at the stem end to make a white eye1 wine-red beneath4 ,pale-pink1 red-spotted flowers4 rotundifolia--,very similar to hydrocotylifolia except for the bronzy cast and dark veins4 ,may be the smallest of all4 #8,spaulding'--,extra-bushy dwarf with medium-green leaves shading to dark green1 edged with whiskers1 and oxblood beneath4 ,showers of pink flowers4 #8,virbob'--,reddish star leaves with yellow-green leaves1 bright red beneath4 ,short stems hold the leaves close to the pot4 #8,spaulding1'--an extra-bushy dwarf begonia ,illustration3 ,in the past few years1 ,mrs4 ,h4 ,e4 ,dillard of ,tropical ,paradise ,greenhouse has introduced a number of delightful new dwarfs and miniatures4 ,among them3 #8,baby ,perfection'--,star leaves splotched mahogany on green4 #8,black ,falcon'--,darkest red-brown star leaves1 silvery along the veins1 whiskery along the edge4 #8,chantilly ,lace'--,one of my favorites1 with cupped1 chartreuse leaves stitched with black around the edge4 #8,china ,doll'--,pointed yellow-green leaves striped brown along the veins4 #8,kathy ,diane'--,pointed oval leaves brown splotched with chartreuse4 #8,midget'--,nearly black star leaves silvery green along the veins4 #8,oriental ,music'--,dwarf with pebbly apple-green leaves4 #8,persian ,brocade'--,green star leaves intricately laced with black along the edge4 #8,raspberry ,parfait'--,pointed1 velvety1 olive-green leaves lighter along the veins2 new leaves flushed with bright pink4 ,illustration3 ,group of dwarf begonias3 lower left1 #8,china ,doll'2 upper left1 #8,silver ,jewel'2 upper center1 #8,bow-,chance'2 upper right1 #8,bow-,arriola'2 lower right1 #8,bow-,nigra'2 center1 #8,chantilly ,lace4' ,,care4 ,partial sun1 moderate warmth1 humusy soil kept moist4 ,,propagation4 ,rhizome cuttings1 leaf cuttings 7slow71 seeds 7for some species74 ,,miniature ,,rex ,,begonias ,these begonias are also rhizomatous1 but the brilliant patterns of their leaves put them in a class by themselves4 ,few other foliage plants have such startling combinations of peacock colors4 #8,baby ,rainbow'--,crinkly1 jewel-like leaves with bands of royal purple1 emerald green1 silver1 raspberry1 amethyst4 ,grows and shows off best in glass4 #8,dew ,drop'--,thin1 ivy-shaped leaves completely overlaid with shimmering1 lavender-pink mother-of-pearl4 #8,it'--,branching1 upright rex type with silver-splotched green leaves1 multitudes of large pink flowers4 ,likes some sunlight4 #8,lorraine ,closson1' #8,louise ,closson1' #8,lucille ,closson1' #8,lucy ,closson'--,a group of aristocratic dwarfs with taffeta-textured leaves in varying patterns of black1 purple1 red1 pink1 silvery green4 #8,pansy'--,small1 pointed1 deep-green leaves with sharp zone of lighter metallic green4 #8,peacock'--,jet-black and scarlet leaves on short stems4 ,stays small if fed sparingly4 #8,red ,berry'--,sheer1 shimmering satin leaves of unrelieved claret4 ,,care4 ,little or no sun1 warmth1 humidity1 humusy soil kept moist4 ,many rex begonias may go partially or completely dormant in winter1 dropping some or all of their leaves4 ,simply keep them warm1 with the soil slightly dry1 until signs of new growth appear4 ,,propagation4 ,rhizome cuttings1 leaf cuttings4 ,seeds will produce an unpredictable mixture1 seldom like the parent plant4 ,bertolonia ,melastomaceae ,the slowly spreading stems look like fat little top-of-the-soil rhizomes2 but the foliage is like nothing else on earth4 ,perfect pointed ovals seem fashioned of sheerest silk2 the skeleton of veins is sunken and strikingly marked4 ,such daintiness1 to be endowed with bristly whiskers6 ,wee flowers cluster at the top of short upright stems4 ,none of the bertolonias are very large2 these are the available miniatures4 maculata--,sheer leaves deep green shading to light1 pencilings of silver along the lengthwise veins1 wine red beneath4 pubescens--,many veins pucker the leaves like small-scale seersucker4 ,colors are copper over green1 plum purple down the center4 ,,care4 ,partial sun1 warmth1 humidity1 humusy soil kept moist4 ,,propagation4 ,stem cuttings 7in warmth71 seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,artificial light1 terrariums4 ,boea hygroscopica ,gesneriaceae ,six-inch tropical gesneriad with fresh green1 quilted leaves and clusters of violet-like flowers campanula-blue1 with yellow centers1 on willow stems4 ,,care4 ,partial sun1 moderate warmth1 humidity1 humusy soil kept moist4 ,,propagation4 ,division of crown1 seeds4 ,bouvardia longiflora humboldti ,rubiaceae ,two-foot tropical shrub to perfume the dream greenhouse in fall and winter4 ,the luxuriant1 glossy1 evergreen leaves are a fine foil for the celestial white flowers--trumpets with long1 slim tubes flaring out into perfect four-pointed stars4 ,florists grow the larger-flowered variety1 #8,albatross1' for cutting4 ,,care4 ,full sun1 moderate warmth1 humidity1 humusy soil kept wet except when the plant is resting after bloom4 ,,propagation4 ,stem cuttings of new wood with heel 7in warmth71 root cuttings in early summer4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,greenhouse shrub4 ,buxus microphylla japonica ,buxaceae ,box1 ,boxwood ,slow-growing boxwood with small1 prim1 shiny green leaves filling out the plump shrub shape4 ,it is hardy outdoors1 but nice in pots and frequently found at plant counters in variety stores4 ,,care4 ,full sun1 cool temperatures1 average soil mixture kept moist4 ,,propagation4 ,stem cuttings of half-ripe wood4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,artificial light1 dish gardens1 model landscapes1 terrariums1 indoor bonsai4 ,,cacti ,,and ,,similar ,,succulents ,generally1 ,i prefer to grow a spicy variety of plants4 ,but ,i am certainly in sympathy with the hobbyists who find enough stimulation in this one group to keep them collecting for a lifetime4 ,such a weird assortment of shapes1 from barrels to humping inchworms4 ,such unusual patterns and colors of either leaves or stems that have taken on the shapes and functions of leaves4 ,and such flowers6 ,some like daisies or water lilies1 in incredible neon-bright colors1 sometimes three times the size of the plant4 ,among cacti and similar succulents are some of our smallest plants1 plus plenty more that grow so slowly they're miniature for many years4 ,here are selected samples1 only a small portion of the number available from specialist-growers and other sources4 ,,care4 ,most succulents need full sun1 moderate warmth1 a sandy soil mixture 7not pure sand7 kept on the dry side4 ,they need more water and warmth in summer1 less in winter when they are resting4 ,if soil is very acid1 neutralize with lime4 ,,propagation4 ,stem cuttings1 leaf cuttings1 division of root or crown1 seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,dish gardens1 model landscapes 7with other dry-growing plants71 a few for indoor bonsai4 ,aeonium caespitosum spathulatum ,crassulaceae ,clump-forming succulent with rosettes of leaves like the hen-and-chicks1 silvery green sparsely spotted with darker green4 ,agave victoriae-reginae ,amaryllidaceae ,miniature 8century plant0 with a stiff rosette of thick1 sharp-pointed dull-green leaves with white piping along the edge and streaked with white between4 ,mature size1 six inches4 ,aichryson 7,aeonium7 domesticum variegatum ,crassulaceae ,i'm not quite sure how high and wide this pretty succulent will grow if left to its own devices4 ,mine has stayed in a two-inch pot for more than a year1 and filled itself out with thin1 round green leaves edged with creamy white1 blushing faint pink in warm sun4 ,the leaves huddle in tight1 overlapping rosettes all around the branching stems4 ,aloe ,liliaceae ,symmetrical clusters of thick1 heavy1 sharp-spiny leaves2 fall and winter flowers held aloft like a torch4 ,one of the smaller species is ,a4 brevifolia1 with leaf rosettes about three inches across4 ,a4 variegata can eventually reach a foot high1 but very slowly2 and its white-marbled leaves are striking in the meantime4 ,aptenia cordifolia 7,mesembryanthemum cordifolium7 ,aizoaceae ,creeping1 clustering succulent with thinnish1 round-pointed1 gray-green leaves in pairs along the stems2 brilliant fuchsia-purple daisy-shaped flowers4 ,the variety variegata is embellished with creamy-white leaf edgings4 ,astrophytum ,cactaceae ,star ,cactus ,thick stem-bodies divided neatly into five sections but still attached together1 growing very slowly to four inches across4 ,outlandishly large1 flat1 daisy flowers in summer4 ,try ,a4 myriostigma1 bishop's cap1 or ,a4 asterias1 sand dollar1 both spineless2 or silver-dotted ,a4 ornatum1 with swirling lines and tufts of curved spines4 ,cephalocereus senilis ,cactaceae ,old ,man ,cactus ,a good bet for beginning collectors4 ,this is a columnar cactus covered with a shaggy coat of snow-white hairs1 growing up to forty feet high in the desert1 but approaching that height at a snail's pace indoors4 ,flowers are rosy-pink1 about two inches across4 ,chamaecereus silvestri ,cactaceae ,peanut ,cactus ,gay ground-hugger1 sending out in all directions thick green two-inch joints with soft white spines1 and keeping its miniature proportions except when it's top-heavy with long-tubed orange-scarlet flowers4 ,conophytum ,aizoaceae ,very tiny succulents with clusters of plump bodies that are1 actually1 two leaves joined completely except at the tip4 ,the plant barely reaches one inch high and is content in a three-inch pot for years4 ,ridiculously large and brilliant flowers pop out through small slits in early fall4 ,then the leaves look like little dumplings sitting under a daisy4 ,of the several species available from specialists1 ,c4 ornianum is light green with darker freckles1 lavender-rose flowers2 ,c4 aureum has gold flowers4 ,coryphantha vivipara ,cactaceae ,symmetrical two-inch sphere covered with evenly spaced bumps1 each like a miniature sun with white rays and a spine sticking up from the center4 ,the fringed rosy or carmine flowers pop out on top1 in ,june2 bright-red berries appear in fall4 ,native to1 and hardy in1 ,manitoba1 down to ,texas4 ,in time it will form clustered mounds4 ,crassula ,crassulaceae ,an oddly assorted group of succulents including many roguish miniatures of fascinating form4 ,c4 cooperi has tufts of small1 pointed leaves with black blotches1 little clusters of pale-pink flowers4 ,c4 lycopodioides mimics the club moss of the woodlands1 with slim stems encircled with little needle-like leaves4 #8,morgan's ,pink' is a variety of dense clusters of spear-shaped leaves1 crinkled like gray seersucker1 coral flowers4 ,c4 schmidti makes a three-inch mat of pointed1 pinkish leaves1 with generous glowing pink flowers4 ,echeveria ,crassulaceae ,perfect rosettes of succulent leaves in many lustrous colors1 some silk-velvety or contrastingly trimmed on the edge4 ,clusters of brilliant tubular flowers top short stems4 ,the following grow low1 with four-inch rosettes4 derenbergi--painted lady--,translucent green leaves with silvery sheen1 touched with red at the tip1 yellow-orange flowers4 elegans--,mexican snowball--,light blue-green leaves frosted with white1 pure white on the edge1 coral-pink flowers4 pulvinata--chenille plant--,dusty-green leaves of sheer velvet1 trimmed with brick red on the edge1 scarlet flowers4 ,echinocereus melanocentrus ,cactaceae ,hedgehog ,cactus ,small1 spiny globes with brilliant carmine flowers from the side of the ball4 ,at its three-inch maturity1 the flowers are still larger than the plant4 ,echinopsis ,cactaceae ,easter ,lily ,cactus ,small1 round plants with thick ribs and formidable spines1 the lily-like flowers usually opening in the evening4 ,a popular species is ,e4 kermesiana1 with glowing red flowers4 ,e4 grandiflora is described as only two or three inches across1 with five-inch rose-pink flowers4 ,euphorbia ,euphorbiaceae ,two small relatives of the poinsettia that show little family resemblance4 caput-medusae--,medusa's head--,sneaky1 snaky-looking plant with tangles of twisted1 gray-green branches1 occasionally tipped with small leaves4 splendens bojeri--dwarf crown of thorns--,compared to the sprawly species that grows four feet tall or more1 this is really a midget4 ,mine has kept its six-inch bushy contours for nearly two years4 ,the upright grayish branches are fairly well supplied with roundish1 dark-green leaves2 the scarlet flower-like bracts are plentiful at intervals all summer and fall4 ,faucaria ,aizoaceae ,tiger ,jaws ,low1 crowded succulents with thick1 triangular leaves toothed with spiny hairs1 unmistakably resembling an animal's mouth4 ,in late summer or early fall1 golden daisy-like flowers pop up and make fun of the plant's ferocious appearance4 tigrina--,silvery green leaves flecked with white1 two-inch yellow flowers4 tuberculosa--,darker green leaves with little white knobs4 ,fenestraria ,aizoaceae ,baby ,toes ,clusters of cylindrical leaves1 larger at the top1 like little flat-tipped baseball bats4 ,the nearly colorless tops feature tiny transparent 8windows40 aurantiaca--,three-inch orange daisy flowers more than twice as wide as the clustered leaf-colony4 rhopalophylla--,leaves more blunt1 smaller white flowers4 ,gymnocalycium mihanovichi ,cactaceae ,chin ,cactus ,just one of many available miniature1 globe-shaped cacti with spines on regular shelves1 or 8chins40 ,this one produces chartreuse flowers bigger than its body1 starts to bloom while quite young4 ,haworthia ,liliaceae ,tight pinwheels of thick1 pointed leaves intricately studded with varied patterns of pearly pinheads4 ,the whitish flowers are not a main feature4 fasciata--,zebra-striped succulent often seen in dish gardens4 margaritifera--,slightly larger1 dark green with a more scattered pattern of white dots4 ,kalanchoe ,crassulaceae ,among these congenial succulents are several that grow to considerable size in their native homes1 but keep pleasantly small in pots or dish gardens4 ,the leaves are fleshy1 with indentations along the edge4 ,lantern-shaped flowers appear in winter4 blossfeldiana--,well-branched bush with overlapping1 fresh green leaves1 flowering in winter when days are short and nights are long4 #8,tom ,thumb' is a dwarf variety that smothers itself with scarlet blooms for ,christmas4 ,greenhouses grow it from seeds sown in spring1 and so can you4 marmorata--penwiper plant--,leaves fold in around the stem and are spattered on both sides with purple blotches4 pumila--,leaves like a doll's spoon1 notched on the edge and sugar-frosted2 plum-colored pitcher flowers4 tomentosa--panda plant--,fat leaves covered with white felt1 distinctly marked with chocolate at the teeth on the edge4 7,kitchingia7 uniflora--,miniature creeper or dangler for small hanging baskets1 with round green leaves marching up and down the stem and rosy or red urn-flowers hanging from thin1 short threads4 ,kleinia ,compositae ,curious even among succulents1 each of these oddly shaped or strangely decorated plants has a personality of its own and no need for daisy-like flower heads to make it interesting4 pendula--inchworm plant--,weird1 round1 leafless stems snake up and down over the soil2 flowers brilliant red4 repens--,low and somewhat trailing1 with thick leaves like long canoes1 unbelievable blue4 tomentosa--,cylindrical cocoon-like leaves tapered to sharp points and covered with pure-white down2 gold or orange flowers4 ,lobivia aurea ,cactaceae ,golden ,easter ,lily ,squat1 round1 prickly cactus like a small echinopsis1 except that this one opens its friendly water-lily flowers in the daytime4 ,dozens of different species and varieties are available4 ,mammillaria ,cactaceae ,pincushion ,cactus ,there are many mighty midgets in this group1 and in fascinating variety4 ,they're mostly round1 from squat to columnar1 but all are primly neat4 ,the spines may be soft or not1 but are always arranged in a perfect pattern4 ,the flowers are not overlarge1 but are arranged in a crown and ripen into attractive1 berry-like fruit4 bocasana--powder puff--,soft1 white-woolly globes1 only one and a half inches across when mature2 beige flowers4 elongata--golden lace--,small branching pillar1 nicknamed for its tatted pattern of bright-yellow spines4 hahniana--old lady--,fond name for a small1 white-haired cushion4 ,notocactus ,cactaceae ,ball ,cactus ,plump balls with prettily colored spines and large1 showy flowers in late spring4 apricus--sun cup--,golden-yellow flowers1 ,oxford-gray spines4 graessneri--,butter-yellow spines and flowers4 ottonis--,indian head--,reddish spines4 rutilans--,rosy flowers4 ,opuntia ,cactaceae ,this is a 8crazy1 mixed-up0 group of cacti4 ,they come in so many sizes1 shapes1 and forms that any generalized description is impossible4 ,many optunias are hardy even in ,northern gardens4 mamillata--boxing gloves--,resembles a little tree whose branches turn into cockscombs at the tip4 microdasys--bunny ears--,flat1 long-oval pads with tiny tufts of soft yellow hairs4 ,parodia ,cactaceae ,fat little balls covered with glistening spines and sending out unbelievably large flowers although the plant measures only an inch across the middle4 ,even in old age1 they're never larger than three inches4 aureispina--,tom ,thumb cactus--,gold spines1 orange flowers4 mutabilis--,shining yellow flowers4 ,portulacaria afra variegata ,portulacaceae ,rainbow ,bush ,after planting this little tree-like succulent in a dish garden when it was only three inches tall1 and finding it less than half an inch taller nearly a year later1 ,i was mildly amazed to learn that it is a version of the twelve-foot elephant bush1 or purslane tree1 of desert gardens4 ,it's difficult to imagine the fat red stems and fleshy1 cream-splashed1 red-rimmed leaves ever adorning a plant of such monstrous proportions4 ,rebutia ,cactaceae ,crown ,cactus ,flat1 fat balls with whiskery spines1 spreading out into clusters4 ,each ball1 when mature1 is circled by large1 wide-eyed flowers coming up from the base1 often as large as the four-inch plant4 minuscula--,best-known species1 with fiery red flowers4 senilis--,orange flowers with turned-back petals4 violaciflora--,rose-pink flowers4 ,sedum ,crassulaceae ,tender relations of the hardy garden sedums1 not so numerous but equally varied4 adolphi--,rosettes of fat1 yellow-green leaves1 white flowers4 hintoni--,oval1 grassy-green leaves covered with prickly white hairs1 like clumps of tiny porcupine tails2 white flowers4 lineare--,many branching1 trailing stems covered thickly with needle-shaped leaves4 ,the variety variegatum is a gem1 each leaf more creamy-white than green4 multiceps--little ,joshua tree--,unbelievable bonsai-like plant with trunk1 branches1 and tufts of needly dark-green leaves like the smallest conifer imaginable4 pachyphyllum--jelly beans--,fat1 juicy1 berry-like leaves clustering close to the branching stems2 yellow flowers in spring4 rubrotinctum 7guatemalense7--,christmas cheer--,thick layers of small1 green1 drumstick-shaped leaves turning holiday red in full sun2 yellow flowers4 stahli--coral beads1 ,boston beans--,faintly hairy1 beady1 reddish leaves strung closely together on branching stems2 yellow flowers in summer and fall4 ,titanopsis ,aizoaceae ,stone-mimicking succulents with thickly clustered leaves lavishly spotted with white1 wart-like tubercles1 and short-lived daisy flowers in fall or winter4 calcarea--jewel plant--,lustrous gray-green leaves sparkling with white spots1 gleaming gold flowers4 ,leaf rosette only two inches in any direction4 schwantesi--,even smaller cluster of blue-gray1 liver-spotted leaves1 lemon-yellow flowers4 ,trichodiadema densum ,aizoaceae ,desert ,rose ,picture a bunch of tiny1 smooth green pickles1 each tipped with a triple crown of ridiculously long1 bristly1 white hairs4 ,now1 smother this leaf colony under two-inch red daisy flowers4 ,a really outlandish plant6 ,,succulents ,caladium ,araceae ,elephant ,ears ,bicolor ,varieties4 ,gorgeous arrow-leaved foliage plants for small gardens in the ,south or sheltered areas where summer temperatures are not likely to drop below #fj degrees for long4 ,the patterns1 colors1 and contours of the leaves get fancier every year4 ,many are hybridized for larger and larger size1 but specialists also offer a good selection of dwarfs that will stay under eight inches4 ,among them3 ,illustration3 ,caladium humboldti--one of the most striking members of the family #8,candidum1 ,jr4'--,bushy low version of the standard favorite with green-netted1 white leaves4 humboldti--,a gemlike species for the connoisseur with willowy stems topped by diminutive deep-green leaves splotched with silvery transparent white between the center veins and the edge4 ,needs more humidity than the bicolor hybrids4 #8,little ,rascal'--,leaf more lance-shaped1 wine-red4 #8,miss ,marveen'--,pearly-white tinged and blotched with pink over heavy drab green4 #8,mrs4 ,arno ,nehrling'--,bronzy-green1 red veins4 #8,pink ,radiance'--,small and bushy1 leaves centered and veined with shades of pink1 pink-flecked on the edge4 #8,sea ,gull'--,white at the midvein and frosted all over4 #8,twilight'--,glowing flame-pink leaf finely netted with green4 ,,care4 ,partial sun2 if in a greenhouse shade against burn4 ,temperature3 warm 7#ge degrees74 ,humid4 ,soil3 rich1 acid 7azalea type74 ,keep moist4 ,fertilizer3 feed liquid manure on alternate weeks4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,terrariums1 window boxes1 specimens4 ,calathea 7,maranta7 ,marantaceae ,there's only one available true miniature in this group of richly colored and patterned tropical foliage plants1 but many other species will stay small in a three-inch pot for years4 ,the fact that they're suitable for lush but restrained effects in far ,southern gardens is my other excuse for including them4 ,these plants are maranta-like1 the leaf tufts with markings a peacock could crow about1 silky-velvet or iridescent sheens that outshine the gowns at a coronation ball4 ,they are reluctant to flower but nobody cares4 ,the following is only a sampling of the available riches3 argyraea--,low and compact1 the blotched green leaves overlaid with silver and horizontally level4 insignis--,narrow1 permanently waved leaves perfectly patterned with chartreuse1 wine red underneath4 louisae--,leaves perpendicular and perky1 feather-marked with yellow-green4 micans--,miniature with oval leaves about an inch long 7four inches in the tropics71 lustrous deep green banded with silver at the center1 paler underneath4 picturata vandenheckei--,satiny dark green banded with silver white in center4 ,wine red on the underside4 ,a new form1 #8,wendlinger1' is even more startling4 ,the centers are sterling silver1 edged with deep green4 ,,care4 ,provide warmth1 humidity4 ,soil3 loam1 leaf mold1 and sand4 ,feed heavily for best colors4 ,shade from direct sun4 ,,propagation4 ,divide crowns2 tubers and spring cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,tropical gardens1 pots1 terrariums1 dish gardens4 ,callopsis volkensi ,araceae ,this is a perfectly proportioned miniature 8calla lily0 only four inches high1 the white porcelain flowers centered with a gold1 spear-like spadix1 and substantial but small heart-shaped green leaves quaintly crinkled4 ,it grows from an underground rhizome4 ,it branches freely but compactly and is winter-blooming4 ,,care4 ,shade1 humidity1 humusy soil kept evenly moist4 ,,propagation4 ,rhizomes4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,terrariums1 dish gardens4 ,carex elegantissima 7,morrowi variegata7 ,cyperaceae ,lady-like little grass with airy tufts of slimmest leaves1 bright green with a white stripe along each edge4 ,,care4 ,loamy garden soil1 filtered sun1 wet4 ,intermediate temperature4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,terrariums1 dish gardens4 ,carissa grandiflora nana compacta ,apocynaceae ,natal ,plum ,when is a dwarf not really a dwarf8 ,in the two years or more ,i've had this plant it has grown so slowly ,i have no idea what ultimate height it has in mind1 or when it will reach it4 ,it is still about six inches tall1 with round1 green1 overlapping leaves with the shiniest glassy polish of any leaves ,i have ever seen4 ,off and on during the year it gives sensual delight with richly fragrant china-white flowers1 none of which1 so far1 have been replaced by scarlet plums4 ,this form is blessedly without spines1 always refreshing1 and particularly appropriate for ,oriental planters and miniature indoor gardens4 ,,care4 ,almost any soil1 warmth1 light shade1 moist1 spray leaves4 ,resents repotting4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings1 layers4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,bonsai1 planters4 ,ceropegia ,asclepiadaceae ,among the few hanging or climbing vines of suitable size and form for truly miniature baskets1 or supports--succulent and easy to grow to boot6 ,their effect is always dainty1 never bold2 thin wiry stems may grow long1 but never the leaves2 waxy tube-like flowers inspire close inspection1 but are never showy4 ,here are four of the daintiest species3 barkleyi--umbrella flower--,a climber with pointed wing-shaped leaves feathered with a network of silver2 purple-veined greenish flowers like parasols4 caffrorum--,pairs of green heart-leaves march down the threadlike stems2 greenish flowers intricately marked with plum4 debilis--,green needle-like leaves penciled silver along the center2 green-and-purple flowers4 woodi--rosary vine1 string of hearts1 hearts entangled--,matching pairs of thick silvery valentines every inch or so along the dangling stem1 identically traced with a precisely patterned design4 ,the little pink-lavender flowers are shaped like pixie pipes or urns4 ,,care4 ,soil3 loam1 leaf mold1 sandy and humusy4 ,intermediate temperature1 filtered sun4 ,moist in summer1 on the dry side in winter4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings in spring2 tubers1 seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,hanging baskets4 ,chaenostoma fastigiatum ,scrophulariaceae ,little ,stars ,cheerful little tropical herb which keeps its compact contour by branching freely1 and covers its stems with myriads of half-inch fragrant leaves4 ,all year it twinkles with a sprinkling of starry white flowers1 outdoes itself in the summer months4 ,,care4 ,loamy garden soil1 bright light1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,edgings4 ,chamaedorea elegans bella ,palmaceae ,slow-growing dwarf palm tree1 so slow it can be a granddaddy in a six-inch pot and takes eons to top two feet4 ,the reedy green stems cluster in a rosette and curve gracefully at the ends4 ,leaves are thin1 fresh green1 airily divided4 ,,care4 ,warm1 loamy garden soil1 moist1 shade4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,house plant1 dish gardens4 ,chamaeranthemum ,acanthaceae ,a choice1 exclusive threesome of tender tropical creepers with small supine leaves embroidered with dainty patterns4 gaudichaudi--,forest-green1 long oval leaves of sheer velvet1 silver feathers down the center and out along the veins4 7,stenandrium7 lindeni--,a bolder1 golden feather marks the larger1 perhaps even sheerer1 leaves4 venosum--,symmetrical1 oval leaves more broad than slender1 dark powder-blue with thin leaves of silver on the network of veins4 ,,care4 ,warm1 humid1 loamy garden soil1 filtered sun1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,terrariums1 dish gardens4 ,chlorophytum bicheti ,liliaceae ,spidery little pot plant with tapering1 grassy-looking leaves about six inches long1 arching somewhat stiffly1 with cream-white tidy stripes along the edge and sometimes down the middle4 ,always looks prim and precise4 ,,care4 ,intermediate temperature1 needs fresh air1 loamy soil1 filtered sun1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,division4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,indoor gardens1 artificial light4 ,cissus striata ,vitaceae ,miniature ,grape ,ivy ,this lacy little climber looks less like grape ivy1 more like woodbine1 but it certainly does look and act like a miniature4 ,the reddish stems turn and twist at angles1 trying to touch the tiny tendrils to a support they can curl around4 ,the one-and-a-half-inch leaves are like five fat separate fingers delicately joined in the center1 scalloped or toothed near the rounded tip1 burnished green and lined with wine beneath4 ,illustration3 ,cissus striata--a genuine miniature climber not unlike woodbine ,,care4 ,intermediate temperature1 humid1 loamy garden soil1 filtered sun1 moisture in the pots4 ,,propagation4 ,roots and cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,house plant1 miniature gardens1 artificial light4 ,citrus ,rutaceae ,these are true miniature citrus trees1 varieties that are naturally dwarf1 or grow so slowly they'll flower and fruit in smallish pots indoors4 aurantifolia--lime--,spiny little tree with small leaves1 small tartly acid1 thin-skinned1 green fruit4 ,the ,persian lime is a variety called 8one of the most beautiful of all citrus trees40 limonia #8ponderosa'--ponderosa lemon--,oblong1 glassy1 evergreen leaves2 stiff sharp spines2 large waxy1 fragrant flowers2 heavy 7to two and a half pounds7 pear-shaped 7to five inches long7 lemons at intervals through the year1 beginning when the tree may not be much more than a foot tall4 ,supposedly1 one lemon 8gives enough juice to make a pie40 mitis--calamondin--,bushy little tree1 not prickly1 dense with glassy green leaves2 flowers fragrant1 small and white4 ,may bear fruit all year but usually in winter it produces bright oranges1 about one and a half inches in diameter1 thin-skinned and somewhat flattened on the end4 ,the lime-like flavor of the juice is reportedly pleasant1 but my tree looked so pretty ,i didn't pick the fruit4 ,a calamondin can1 and often will1 fruit in a two-and-a-half-inch pot--a mighty midget4 nobilis deliciosa--tangerine1 mandarin orange--,small1 nearly thornless tree with willowy leaves2 sweet fruit1 with loose skin that peels off like a kid glove and segments that separate freely4 taitensis--otaheite orange--,neat little bush for pots1 with plenty of two-inch1 wavy-edged leaves1 few if any spines1 and fragrant pink-tinged flowers in ,january4 ,by ,christmas1 even if the tree is only eight inches high1 the oranges are ripe4 ,they are the size of a plum1 shaped like a lemon1 tartly flavored like a lime4 ,,care4 ,intermediate temperature1 needs fresh air1 loamy soil1 bright sun1 keep on the dry side4 ,for fruit1 pollinate4 ,humidity1 not too much fertilizer1 not too much water4 ,sudden temperature changes causes leaves to drop4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 grafting1 cuttings 7for pot varieties74 ,,special ,,uses4 ,seedlings for miniature gardens and greenhouses4 ,columnea microphylla ,gesneriaceae ,velvety trailer1 suitable for small hanging baskets1 with soft little mouse-ear leaves4 ,but wow6 the fiery-red flowers never heard of the word miniature4 ,their long slender tubes stand straight up from the dangling stems1 flare out to a wide mouth through which you can look to see the yellow throat inside4 ,,care4 ,warm1 humid1 humusy soil1 filtered sun1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 stem and leaf cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,hanging baskets4 ,cryptanthus ,bromeliaceae ,earth ,stars ,not many bromeliads can rightly be called miniatures1 and grow either in air or in soil to boot4 ,these are low flat rosettes of stiff painted leaves1 often with prickles on the edge and always unusually colored4 ,from the heart1 wee white flowers peep out1 usually in summer4 ,some suppliers offer a grab-bag selection of hybrids1 8no two alike40 ,or you can buy these smaller species if you wish4 acaulis--,thin gray fuzz over rather mottled green leaves4 bahianus--,these leaves are slimmer1 curving at the tip and wavy on the edge1 flushed or margined brick red1 more upright than flat4 beuckeri--,asymmetrical arrangement of ladle-like leaves tapered to a sharp point1 dark green marbled over light4 bivittatus minor 7roseus pictus7--,faintly banded dark-green leaves completely flushed bronzy pink or salmon4 bromelioides tricolor--,slim1 pointed leaves with bands of rich cream and green1 shaded cherry pink along the edge and in the heart4 lacerdae--#8,silver ,star'--,definitely star-shaped and definitely silvery2 the only green is in the two stripes down each side of the center4 ,,care4 ,warm1 humus1 filtered sun1 dry side1 good drainage4 ,,propagation4 ,offsets or cuttings4 ,peel off one or two basal leaves from stem2 pot and root for two to three weeks4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,house plant4 ,cryptbergia meadi ,bromeliaceae ,everything said about the cryptanthus applies here4 ,this is the result of crossing a billbergia with a cryptanthus4 ,the leaves are slim spear-shaped and sharply pointed1 upright in the center and arching out around the side4 ,the basic green is rather drab4 ,made more appealing by a bronzy sheen and faint dark mottlings4 ,cyanotis ,commelinaceae ,succulent creeping or trailing cousins of the inch plants1 with similar botanical characteristics1 but each an individual in its own right3 kewensis--teddy-bear plant--,brown-woolly all over the stem and the tiny pointed-ear leaves4 somaliensis--pussy ears--,the fresh green leaves are bent into boat shape1 clasping tight to the stem and covered with velvety white fuzz4 veldhoutiana 7,tradescantia villosa7 7,tradescantia pexata7 7,tradescantia sillamontana71 and known in the trade as tradescantia #8,white ,velvet' and also #8,white ,gossamer'--,this tiny plant1 more trailing than creeping1 has lettuce-green leaves1 and stems clothed in long silky silvery-white hairs4 ,it has so many names ,i fear it would be lost to view if all of its labels were placed around it4 ,i quote all of them in order to avoid confusion and controversy4 ,but according to the ,institute de ,biologia in ,mexico1 the correct name is ,tradescantia sillamontana4 ,,care4 ,intermediate temperature1 needs fresh air1 loamy soil1 bright light1 dry side4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,miniature tropical gardens1 greenhouses4 ,dionaea muscipula ,droseraceae ,venus ,fly ,trap ,never let anyone tell you this little bug-eater will 8trap flies on your window sill40 ,don't poke at it to see it close its trap4 ,avoid disturbing it2 let it feed itself naturally4 ,and now that the negatives are covered1 do try this braggart elf 7give it conditions in which it can grow71 for the pleasure in its intricately devised mechanism1 one of nature's wonders4 ,basically1 there's a five-inch-wide rosette of wide flat stems1 a two-part leaf at the end of each making a flat burnished bronze oval with a fringe of thick whiskers4 ,when an insect steps onto this dance floor1 the hinges in the center fold the two halves together fast1 and that is the end of the bug4 ,white flowers top the tallish stems in spring4 ,,care4 ,cool1 humid1 sun1 soil rich in humus with sphagnum1 wet4 ,dormant in ,february and ,march before flowering4 ,most vigorous growth in spring and summer4 ,,propagation4 ,by roots or seeds4 ,if seeds are used1 start them under a bell jar4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,terrariums4 ,dracaena godseffiana ,liliaceae ,small tropical foliage shrub1 slow-growing and bushy1 with glassy1 leathery leaves haphazardly splotched with white4 ,the named variety #8,florida ,beauty' is even more dwarf1 takes years to fit a four-inch pot1 and boasts golden-yellow splotches4 ,,care4 ,warm1 loamy garden soil1 filtered sun 7more light for color71 moist to wet4 ,,propagation4 ,pieces of stem with several joints2 tip cuttings2 air layering4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,miniature gardens4 ,drosera rotundifolia ,droseraceae ,sundew ,the whole plant can often hide under a half-dollar--the smallest of all the insect-eaters4 ,flat stems radiate out from a central crown1 expand at the ends1 become flat spoon-shaped blades covered with reddish hairs that are tipped with drops of glue4 ,any insect landing on the surface gets his feet stuck while longer hairs on the edge act like tentacles to entangle him even more4 ,spring flowers top stems that grow straight up in the center4 ,,care4 ,cool1 humid1 humusy soil made acid with peat moss if necessary1 moist but not soggy1 good drainage1 room temperature is adequate with some direct sunlight but not enough to raise temperature in terrarium to a dangerous level4 ,transplanting or shipping may retard growth several weeks2 don't get soil on leaves4 ,may go dormant after flowering4 ,do not try to grow in ordinary room without glass cover or a plastic bag4 ,small amount of plant food 7such as ,vigoro74 ,rain water preferred4 ,,propagation4 ,as in ,dionaea muscipula4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,terrariums4 ,dyckia ,bromeliaceae ,small1 stiff fountains or sprays of spiny-edged leaves1 spikes of orange or yellow flowers like a miniature version of the pineapple in various sizes and shapes4 ,some are not very dwarf4 ,the dwarfs1 to the best of my knowledge1 are3 altissima--,light-green1 tapering leaves armed with brown spines and yellow flowers4 fosteriana--,dense circle of sugary gray leaves with purplish sheen4 rariflora--,slim1 sharp-pointed six-inch leaves with minute silver scales1 spines soft and black4 ,,care4 ,intermediate temperature1 humusy soil1 filtered sun1 dry side4 ,,propagation4 ,easiest from offshoots when suckers are large enough to handle4 ,root in sphagnum peat4 ,seeds1 germinate on tissue napkins in a shallow tray covered with glass4 ,keep in light at #fe to #gj degrees4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,house plant4 ,episcia dianthiflora ,gesneriaceae ,although none of the episcias grow very high1 they do spread out to make wide1 handsome pot or hanging-basket plants4 ,this is the only species that can reasonably be called dwarf4 ,its leaves are the size and shape of my little fingernail1 olive green and softly velvet1 reddish along the center vein1 first forming a tidy rosette4 ,soon the branches start stretching1 rather stiff and woody for an episcia1 with new leaf rosettes forming as the branches grow4 ,the silky tube-flowers are pure white and fringed on the edges4 ,,care4 ,warm1 humid1 humusy soil1 filtered sun1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds and cuttings4 ,exacum affine ,gentianaceae ,this is a compact1 free-flowering plant of the gentian family4 ,the flowers are blue with golden stamens and very fragrant4 ,a herbaceous biennial1 it can be treated in a greenhouse as a perennial4 ,it has bushy green leaves1 ovate and tiny4 ,a dark-lavender form is the variety atrocaeruleum4 ,,care4 ,warm1 humid1 humusy soil1 filtered sun1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds4 ,can be planted any month1 but a ,february planting will produce flowering plants for autumn and winter4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,window gardens and greenhouses4 ,ficus ,moraceae ,creeping ,fig ,here are two delightful foliage creepers that keep their miniature proportions1 although the large-leaved form of the first often covers large walls in the ,south4 pumila minima--,tiny valentine leaves patterned and crinkled with a network of sunken veins1 deep green and refreshing4 radicans variegata--,much larger1 slim pointed leaves basically silvery green1 but marked with creamy white1 starting at the edge and blending off irregularly4 ,like many variegated plants1 it's not very vigorous and thus is suitable for terrariums1 where it will get the humidity it needs4 ,,care4 ,warm1 needs fresh air1 loamy soil1 filtered sun1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,division of the rooting stems4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,terrariums1 hanging baskets1 outdoors in the ,south4 ,fittonia verschaffelti ,acanthaceae ,nerve or ,mosaic ,plant ,flat-creeping tropical plants with jewel-like foliage netted with veins of contrasting color4 ,the oval or rounded paper-thin leaves may be large--up to two inches long--but the plants grow slowly and seldom exceed dwarf proportions1 particularly if there are any slugs within miles4 ,fittonias are one of the critters' favorite foods4 ,you have a choice of three color schemes3 ,the species is dark green with carmine veins2 its variety argyroneura is emerald with silver2 the variety pearcei1 light green with pink4 ,,care4 ,warm1 humid1 loamy soil1 filtered sun1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,stem cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,foliage plants in greenhouses4 ,fortunella ,rutaceae ,kumquat ,smallest1 and hardiest1 of the evergreen citrus trees or shrubs1 with typical glassy1 leathery leaves and flowers at intervals during the year1 sometimes coincidental with the thin-skinned fruit4 ,the species vary in size1 habit1 and fruit1 some taking a lifetime to reach ten feet4 ,but before they achieve that altitude1 they can long pass as dwarfs or miniatures4 ,who wants to wait a lifetime to watch a kumquat outgrow a three-inch pot8 hindsi--,small spiny tree with small 7less than one inch7 pea-shaped fruit4 japonica--marumi kumquat--,small tree1 well branched and shapely1 with perfectly round1 somewhat sweet fruit nearly one and a half inches in diameter4 margarita--nagami kumquat--,most frost-resistant and dwarf4 ,nearly thornless1 with sour-sweet1 egg-shaped fruit4 ,,care4 ,intermediate temperature 7any sudden changes in temperature may cause the leaves to drop71 soil on the dry side 7not too much fertilizer71 bright sun1 pollinate if you wish fruit1 maintain humidity4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 grafting1 cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,potted plants1 seedlings for miniature gardens4 ,fuchsia magellanica ,onagraceae ,this 8hardy0 fuchsia1 when given a chance to develop1 can hardly be called a miniature4 ,it can cover a wall twenty feet high1 ,i have been told4 ,however1 in a climate like that near ,philadelphia1 it is only 8root-hardy0 and even then has to have a protective winter mulch4 ,in the spring it has to start new growth all over again4 ,then it assumes miniature proportions4 ,i've seen it in a small hanging basket1 the leaves less than one-third the size of the typical hybrid fuchsias1 the stems thin and wiry1 the red-and-purple flowers quite small4 ,even more like a miniature is the slower-growing variety variegata1 with creamy blotches and streaks on the leaf edges4 ,then there is the slender1 more airy and lax variety1 gracilis1 also available in variegated form4 ,,care4 ,cool1 needs fresh air1 loamy soil1 shade1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings of soft green wood4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,house plants1 hanging baskets4 ,hebe buxifola variegata ,scrophulariaceae ,this is a charming little plant ,i have grown in my greenhouse4 ,although it has some larger relatives1 my specimens have been delightfully small4 ,the leaves are about one-half inch long1 waxy green with creamy white edges which overlap into a nice pattern4 ,i love the small white flowers which appear frequently4 ,,care4 ,little sun1 humusy soil1 moderate warmth1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,stem cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,house plants4 ,hedera helix ,araliaceas ,english ,ivy ,as long as ,i've grown house plants ,i've always had ivies1 sometimes only a few pots of my favorite varieties 7when my growing space was limited7 but more often a collection of a dozen or more4 ,once when preparing a magazine article1 ,i had thirty-seven scrambling around the greenhouse6 ,the foliage always is fresh green and glossy1 delightful the year round2 the climbing or trailing stems are graceful and willing to be trained in just about any pattern4 ,in the tiny-leaved miniatures there is a particular fascination in the intricate formations of lobes and points1 edges which are waved or crinkled1 and the markings1 which may be dainty1 pert1 or bold4 ,illustration3 7,,meagheri ,,green ,,feather7 ,hedera helix meagheri--a fine small specimen ,these variations 7actually mutations7 of the ubiquitous evergreen ground or wall cover1 are less hardy than the species from which they have sprung4 ,their outdoor use is best limited to moderate or mild climates--but never where it is hot and dry4 ,some slow creeping types like the variety conglomerata are delightful in not-too-hot rock gardens4 ,indoors1 of course1 you can have any or all of them1 and you have many to choose from4 ,here is a representative selection to tempt you3 #8,goldheart'--,deepest green leaves centered with a heart of gold4 #8,itsy ,bitsy'--,lacy leaves half the size of a fingernail4 #8,ivalace'--,fresh green with a crocheted edge4 #8,jubilee'--,gray-green spattered with white4 #8,needlepoint'--,so sharply cut there's nearly no leaf at all4 #8,shell'--,waved and crinkled on the veins4 #8,tear ,drop'--,a baby's tear at that4 #8,telecurl'--,tight as a brand-new 8permanent40 ,,care4 ,cool1 needs fresh air1 loamy soil1 shade or semishade1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings1 layering1 seed4 7,seeds may take as long as two years to germinate47 ,,special ,,uses4 ,house plants1 ground cover1 rock gardens1 miniature gardens4 ,helxine soleiroli ,urticaceae ,baby's ,tears ,millions of tiny1 button-like leaves hug close to the thready stems of this wee creeper that covers soil1 or a pot1 in incredible haste4 ,the growth twines and intertwines thickly as if it were weaving a fresh green carpet for a doll's house4 ,,care4 ,intermediate temperature1 needs fresh air1 humidity1 humusy soil1 filtered sun1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings of rooting stems4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,ground cover1 rocks and walls4 7,outdoors only in mild climates47 ,hoya bella ,asclepiadaceae ,wax ,plant ,definitely a dwarf1 as wax plants grow1 and not climbing1 as most others are1 little ,h4 bella has arching1 rather than woody1 stems with thick1 heavy somber green leaves on either side and clusters of incredible flowers at the tips1 porcelain-white1 waxy1 and fragrant1 with a wheel-shaped purple 8crown0 in the center4 ,best in a basket because the flowers droop1 and the view is prettiest from below4 ,,care4 ,warm1 needs fresh air1 loamy soil1 bright light1 dry side4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings in spring4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,good house plant4 ,impatiens repens ,balsaminaceae ,this precious creeper bears so little superficial resemblance to the popular 8patient ,lucy0 it's hard to believe it's a close kin4 ,i loved it when ,i first saw it at the ,montreal ,botanical ,gardens1 and was delighted when it became available to us here4 ,it is a creeper with red stems1 plump button-shaped leaves1 and yellow flowers4 ,,care4 ,intermediate temperature1 needs fresh air1 humusy soil1 bright light1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,good house plant1 miniature gardens4 ,koellikeria erinoides ,gesneriaceae ,this one is a gem--clusters of pert green-velvet leaves with indented veins and sprinkled with silvery star dust2 on short stems1 tiny two-lipped bell flowers of creamy white and red1 in summer4 ,,care4 ,warm1 humid1 humusy soil1 filtered sun1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,house plant4 ,lantana camara ,verbenaceae ,here is a plant ,i have long enjoyed around the greenhouse4 ,it is a small hairy shrub with angled branches and rough bristly leaves and is sometimes prickly4 ,illustration3 ,helxine soleiroli1 baby's tears--a delightful little crawler ,its blooming habits have always delighted me1 and it is a prolific bloomer come summer4 ,the verbena-like flowers open pink or yellow and later darken to red or orange4 ,often several different shades will be found on the same plant at the same time4 ,,care4 ,moderate greenhouse temperatures1 or out of doors in the summer4 ,needs fresh air1 loamy garden soil1 bright light1 and does best on the dry side4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings and seed4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,house plant1 pots1 and containers4 ,malpighia coccigera ,malpighiaceae ,miniature ,holly ,small glossy leaves sharply toothed like holly1 and adorable as a foliage plant1 but in addition provides the sweetest white-pink blooms which in its native ,west ,indies produce red1 edible fruit rich in vitamin ,c4 ,,care4 ,partial sun1 warmth1 humusy soil1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,stem cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,house plant1 indoor bonsai4 ,manettia bicolor ,rubiaceae ,firecracker ,vine ,small1 sharp-pointed leaves1 tube-flowers only a half-inch long1 fine thready twining stems--everything about this tropical vine is miniature except the height to which it will climb in the greenhouse1 or outdoors in the ,south4 ,although its inclination is to climb1 it is sold most often as a plant for hanging baskets4 ,perhaps the lack of a support helps keep it small4 ,the leaves cluster thickly around the intertwining stems1 making a massed background for the impertinent flowers1 yellow at the tips1 fire-engine red at the base4 ,,care4 ,cool greenhouse1 needs fresh air1 humid1 loamy soil1 filtered sun1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings over heat1 of young growth4 ,seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,trellis and rafter vines for the greenhouse1 hanging baskets4 ,maranta ,marantaceae ,exotic tropical foliage plants1 laying their large oval leaves almost flat on the soil1 only technically different from the calatheas1 and sometimes offered under that name4 7,calathea7 bicolor--,really should be 8tricolor10 ,i think4 ,the silky1 six-inch leaves are silvery in the center1 feathering out to points at intervals1 and fading into a dark-green zone which gives way to the basic blue-gray or gray-green that extends to the edge4 leuconeura kerchoveana--rabbit tracks1 prayer plant--,there's a similar grayish feather in the center of the leaf1 a lighter silver green to the margin2 but in between1 mahogany blotches where a 8hippity-hopper0 might have planted his paws4 ,the leaves fold up in prayer at night4 leuconeura massangeana--,a picture is a more vivid description than any word ,i can call on4 ,the center is silver1 the thin curvy lines silvery pink4 ,the basic color is mahogany near the middle1 blending into blue-green4 ,the leaves are tissue-thin with a silky sheen and lined with plum beneath4 ,illustration3 ,leuconeura massangeana--a most beautiful foliage plant with a silver center and basic mahogany blending into blue-green ,,care4 ,warmth1 minimum night temperature of #fj degrees2 humid1 and use mist spray2 rich soil2 use liquid manure 7except in winter74 ,filtered sun 7plant will scorch in too direct sunshine71 moist4 ,partial rest in winter1 dry out between waterings4 ,repot in spring1 with the crown high in the center2 use charcoal in pot4 ,,propagation4 ,divide crown4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,foliage plant1 artificial light4 ,this plant is prettiest when young4 ,markings may disappear in older plants4 ,myrsine africana ,myrsinaceae ,african ,boxwood ,this is a shrubby1 dark-green-leaved plant of the boxwood sort4 ,it is small1 neat1 and trim and may be shaped into many patterns to resemble the true boxwood4 ,,care4 ,partial sun1 moderate temperature1 humusy soil1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,stem cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,formal miniature gardens1 dish gardens1 indoor bonsai4 ,myrtus communis ,myrtaceae ,greek ,myrtle ,this is a fragrant close-leaved evergreen shrub native to the ,mediterranean region but raised in most of ,europe and this country as a potted plant4 ,it grows out-of-doors in the ,south4 ,fragrant white flowers and purple-black berries4 ,in size1 ,greek ,myrtle ranges from dwarfs to ten and fifteen feet in height4 communis microphylla--dwarf myrtle--,this compact form1 with brown twigs and needle-like dark-green leaves1 is a favorite for bridal bouquets1 corsages1 and decorations4 ,it has a lovely white flower of pleasing fragrance4 ,this sentimental association with the marriage ceremony makes it a favorite house plant4 ,,care4 ,partial sun1 cool to moderate temperatures1 average soil1 keep moist4 ,,propagation4 ,stem cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,house plant1 indoor bonsai4 ,oxalis ,oxalidaceae ,although most of the familiar varieties with clover-type leaves and fine-petaled buttercup-like flowers stay within our allotted limits for height1 they are not miniatures as far as spreading width is concerned4 ,but here are two small indispensables for terrariums and dish gardens4 hedysaroides rubra--firefern--,correctly1 a tropical shrublet1 but slow-growing and willing to be kept down by pinching4 ,the silky thin leaves are deep wine colored and shrink from your touch4 ,the little flowers1 like golden twinkling stars1 are frequent and fairly plentiful4 herrerae 7henrei7--,curious1 densely branching succulent for small hanging containers4 ,the sturdy stems are gray-green and swollen1 tipped with three thick leaflets4 ,small yellow flowers in clusters on long stems4 martiana aureo-reticulata--,shamrock leaves of emerald green thickly traced with interlacing veins of gold1 easy flowers in loose clusters4 ,,care4 ,cool1 loamy garden soil1 needs fresh air1 bright light1 dry side4 7,o4 hedysariodes rubra requires more warmth and semishade47 ,,propagation4 ,bulbs1 division of roots1 seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,house plants1 hanging containers4 ,illustration3 ,oxalis hedysaroides rubra ,parochetus communis ,leguminosae ,shamrock ,pea1 ,blue ,oxalis ,it's neither a shamrock nor an oxalis1 although it has three-part leaves resembling both and is marked with a mahogany quarter-moon in the center4 ,but1 the blooms are pea-like1 all right1 with ocean blue blending into pink on the two side petals4 ,it's a tender tropical trailer never more than three inches tall with creeping stems rooting over the soil4 ,,care4 ,sun1 intermediate temperature1 average soil4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds in ,march and ,april4 ,division in ,march4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens in mild climate1 baskets1 miniature gardens1 edging4 ,pelargonium hortorum ,geraniaceae ,geranium ,how minute is a miniature8 ,how small is a dwarf8 ,here is one case where ,i really don't care4 ,however you classify them1 these small-scale geraniums are bewitching4 ,and actually1 their stature depends largely on how you grow them4 ,their leaves may be as small as your thumbnail1 but they are shaped1 edged1 veined1 zoned1 and often variegated like their larger relatives4 ,in most varieties the size of the flowers has been cut down proportionately1 but sometimes a cluster is as large as the entire plant4 ,with age the stems may become gnarled and twisted1 almost bonsai-like4 ,as a sort of yardstick1 if you are very much concerned about height1 miniatures are from two to three inches4 ,anything above that is a semidwarf1 usually up to six or seven inches4 ,there are many varieties within these limits1 and by the time you read this there will most likely be dozens more4 ,for the moment1 here are some varieties you can start on your window sill2 they will stay small and meanwhile bloom their heads off4 #8,black ,vesuvius'--,single1 orange-scarlet4 #8,dopey'--,large rose-red with white center4 ,free-blooming4 ,semidwarf4 #8,elf'--,dark leaves1 zoned red and black1 yellow on edge1 single4 #8,epsilon'--,large flowers light pink with dark-pink phlox eye1 semidwarf4 #8,fairyland'--,dull-green leaves with cream on the edge1 single1 touched with rose-red4 #8,fairy ,tales'--,flouncy white with lilac at the center4 #8,fleurette'--,strong robust free-blooming dark salmon4 ,semidwarf4 #8,goblin'--,outstanding blooms bright red4 ,free-blooming1 dark zoned4 #8,imp'--,very miniature salmon-pink4 ,dark foliage4 #8,kleiner ,liebling' 7#8,little ,darling'7--,variegated1 single1 pink4 #8,minx'--,purple-crimson blend1 pretty blackish ruffled leaves4 #8,mischief'--,orange-red curled and twisted poinsettia-type petals4 #8,perky'--,single1 red with bright white center4 #8,polaris'--,free-blooming white with pink edge4 ,single4 #8,pride'--,very large full rounded salmon4 ,robust semidwarf4 #8,prince ,valiant'--,purple-crimson with orange flush4 ,semidwarf4 #8,robin ,hood'--,semidwarf1 strong growing1 dark red4 ,good for outdoor planting4 ,double4 #8,rosy ,dawn'--,a different shade of salmon-orange-red4 ,dark foliage4 #8,ruffles'--,semidouble1 small1 ruffled1 light salmon4 ,very miniature4 #8,salmon ,comet'--,somewhat shaggy1 single1 salmon4 #8,saturn'--,bright scarlet1 good bloomer1 dark foliage4 ,illustration3 ,three dwarf geraniums3 #8,salmon ,comet1' #8,pride1' and #8,pygmy' ,illustration3 ,dwarf geranium1 #8,robin ,hood' #8,small ,fortune'--,double1 pure white1 blushing pink in center4 #8,sneezy'--,large bright scarlet with white center4 ,semidwarf4 #8,snow-,white'--,a pure-white single that blooms and blooms4 #8,sparkle'--,free-blooming bright rose-red4 ,semidwarf1 dark foliage4 #8,sprite'--,small silvery-and-white leaves sometimes pink-tinged1 single1 salmon4 #8,tiny ,tim'--,pink or red1 tiny blooms4 ,miniature foliage4 #8,twinkle'--,bright rose-pink1 double4 ,dark foliage1 semidwarf4 #8,variegated ,kleiner ,liebling'--,small green-and-white leaves4 ,small single pink blooms4 ,,care4 ,sun 7in winter artificial light71 fresh air 7air-conditioning if possible71 cool greenhouse or cool part of dwelling-house1 garden soil 7lime if soil is extra acid71 on the dry side4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings1 seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,excellent house plant1 artificial-light gardens4 ,pellaea rotundifolia ,polypodiaceae ,button ,fern ,take a piece of wiry brown yarn and string it with shiny1 dark-green1 leathery polka dots on either side and you'll have a model of a frond of this tropical fern4 ,the fuzzy stems arch gently but stay close to the soil as the small rhizomes slowly creep around4 ,it's all very un-fernlike but exceedingly sweet4 ,,care4 ,intermediate temperature1 humid1 loamy soil1 shade1 moist4 ,pellionia ,urticaceae ,two delicate tropical creepers with attractively colored and patterned leaves lined up and lying flat along the thickish stems4 ,no one cares whether they produce their drab clusters of small greenish flowers or not4 pulchra--,precise oval leaves are dusty blue-gray1 with broad lines of black over the network of nerves1 violet underneath4 ,juicy stems look lavender-pink4 repens 7daveauana7--,young leaves nearly egg-shaped1 metallic copper-green1 nearly chartreuse on both sides of the center nerve4 ,leaves of the mature plants become slimmer and pointed on the end1 with more green in the center zone and less copper along the edge4 ,,care4 ,filtered sun1 warm and humid1 loamy soil1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings1 division of rooted stems4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,terrariums1 artificial light1 hanging baskets4 ,peperomia ,piperaceae ,since almost all of these succulents1 with their 8catkin-like0 flower spikes1 fit within our miniature measurements1 ,i've enjoyed picking a few to serve as a sample of their modest but much varied appeal4 ,i like them1 and hope you will also4 ,illustration3 ,twenty-three varieties of ,pelargonium hortorum1 miniature and dwarf3 #a4 ,fleurette #b4 ,snow ,white #c4 ,dopey #d4 ,mischief #e4 ,robin ,hood #f4 ,minx #g4 ,epsilon #h4 ,prince ,valiant #i4 ,polaris #aj4 ,saturn #aa4 ,sparkle #ab4 ,kleiner ,liebling #ac4 ,small ,fortune #ad4 ,goblin #ae4 ,variegated ,kleiner ,liebling #af4 ,fairy ,tales #ag4 ,rosy ,dawn #ah4 ,pride #ai4 ,sneezy #bj4 ,twinkle #ba4 ,ruffled #bb4 ,imp #bc4 ,salmon ,comet ,illustration #8,astrid'--,layer upon layer of glossy green1 pointed oval leaves creased down the center by the main vein1 making a dense1 symmetrical cone-shaped mound4 ,in fact1 there are so many tight branches that the leaves can't always find room to fill out to full size4 ,then #8,astrid' turns into a version called #8,pixie4' ,to reverse the cycle1 root a single stem of #8,pixie' and see how it returns to being #8,astrid' again4 #8,caperata' 7#8,little ,fantasy'7--,one perfect little heart leaf1 its end pointing down1 perched at the top of a sturdy stem4 ,the entire leaf is so deeply wrinkled and crinkled that the basic ,kelly-green looks almost black in the indentations1 and silvery on the edges4 ,its big brother1 #8,emerald ,ripple1' is half again as large but otherwise identical4 #8,mamorata' 7#8,silver ,heart'7--,these heart-leaves taper to a sharper point and are rippled in a much more modest way4 ,there is so much silver on the surface they look plated4 metallica--,upright and branching with slim-oval leaves pointed at both ends and colored chocolate with a coffee luster4 ,there is a wide green stripe straight down the middle4 ornata--,handsome and stately despite its small stature4 ,the cupped1 pointed-oval leaves are somber green on top and enlivened with lines of light green along the curved veins4 ,underneath1 the veins become raised ribs and are wine red4 prostrata--,personally1 ,i have my suspicions about this sprightly creeper4 ,when it is young1 discontented1 or ailing1 its fat little button-leaves along the thready stems are a plain light green4 ,it looks so much like the species rotundiflora 7nummularifolia7 that you can't tell the two apart4 ,but when prostrata is happy and romping around in its favorite environment1 the leaves turn blue-green and wear an ornate embroidery of silver over the veins4 ,botanically1 ,i'm probably wrong4 ,see what happens when you grow it4 rubella--,rosettes of tiny oval moss-green leaves stand out at intervals up and down the straight stems and all the branches4 ,the undersurface is gaudy red1 and so are the stems4 ,pinch often to keep it bushy4 ,,care4 ,warm1 loamy garden soil1 filtered sun1 dry side4 ,water with care4 ,drainage to prevent rot4 ,,propagation4 ,leaf cuttings1 stem cuttings1 division of the plant or rooting stem 7roots at joints71 seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,excellent house plant1 dish gardens4 ,pilea ,urticaceae ,with one exception1 this is a genus of creepers1 crisp1 fleshy--spreaders1 and bushlets for dozens of decorative uses indoors 7and outdoors in tropical climates74 ,their common characteristics are much-branched stems bearing a full measure of variously colored1 patterned1 and shaped foliage1 and very greenish flowers in flat clusters at the branch tips4 cadieri minima--,dwarf form of the popular aluminium plant1 or watermelon pilea1 eagerly branching into a plump bush4 ,the quilted deep-green leaves are splotched with aluminium-silver4 ,and the splotches are faintly reminiscent of watermelon markings4 depressa--,crowded stems spill over the pot1 bearing round sea-green leaves neatly toothed on the edge4 ,stems root where they touch the soil4 ,illustration3 ,pilea depressa--a creeping1 dish-garden favorite involucrata--panamiga--,fuzzy pointed oval leaves deeply quilted by a tight network of veins1 piled pair on pair along branching stems4 ,foliage colors darkest green in shade1 tinges of bronze in bright light4 ,flowers pinkish1 nestled close to the last pair of leaves4 microphylla 7serpyllifolia7--artillery plant--,tiny1 pointed fresh-green leaves on spreading1 somewhat upright branches4 ,the male flowers explode their clouds of pollen when dry4 nummulariaefolia--creeping ,charlie--,stem-rooting creeper with crinkled round1 or broad heart-shaped1 leaves1 pale green and fuzzy4 pubescens 7#8,silver ,panamiga'7--,oval leaves overlaid with silvery blue1 grayish beneath1 the veins indented sharply4 repens--blackleaf panamiga--,prostrate and creeping1 the branches spreading and bearing nearly round1 thin1 bronzy leaves lined with violet beneath4 ,this one holds its beady flowers atop tall stems4 seripillacea--,habit like a perfectly proportioned shrub but in most miniature proportions4 ,small round leaves and plentiful branches1 light green and succulent4 ,flower clusters held out from the foliage by stems4 #8,silver ,tree'--,copyrighted name for a species with brown-green leaves marked with a broad silver zone on each side of the center vein1 corrugated by indented veins4 ,,care4 ,easy1 warm1 humid1 loamy soil with humus1 filtered sun1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings1 use sharp sand1 #fe degrees4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,dish gardens1 terrariums4 ,polyscias 7,aralia7 fruticosa ,araliaceae ,tropical shrub or tree 7eight feet or less7 better known in ,northern greenhouses for its intricately cut1 lacy foliage1 and growing so slowly it is nearly permanent 7and unquestionably picturesque7 in a planter or dish garden4 ,the elegant horticultural variety #8,elegans' has leaves cut as fine as a feathery plume4 ,i covet the newly named variety #8,parsley' because it is ruffled1 to boot1 and because its habit is so restrained1 and its form so compact and plump4 ,,care4 ,warm1 needs fresh air1 loamy soil1 bright light1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings of firm wood1 eye-cuttings 7over bottom heat74 ,,special ,,uses4 ,dish gardens4 ,polystichum tsus-simense ,polypodiaceae ,definitely a dwarf fern1 keeping its size moderate in a three-inch pot but not always a subject for terrariums unless they are a larger-than-usual size4 ,it has a tidy habit1 always looks clean and refreshing4 ,the small fronds are substantial and taper to a needle-sharp point4 ,,care4 ,no sun1 cool1 humid1 loamy soil1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,divisions1 buds1 or offsets4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,hanging baskets4 ,terrariums4 ,sansevieria ,liliaceae ,snake ,plant ,here we have some of the most fortuitous 8sports0 in the history of plants4 ,the tall1 stiff1 ungainly but omnipresent snake plant has produced spontaneously mutant growth that turned into neat1 low1 bird's-nest miniatures that are really most attractive4 ,first came the variety named #8,hahni1' a flat spiral of broad leaves tapering to a sharp point1 dull green marked crosswise with splashy bands of lighter green4 ,another sport1 #8,silver ,hahni1' abandoned most of the crossbands and plated its green with pewter4 ,even more striking is #8,golden ,hahni1' with lavish bands of creamy yellow running lengthwise of the leaf on either side of a center stripe of mottled green4 ,and to top it all1 these picturesque plants are just as easy to grow as the rugged species from which they sprang4 ,flowers1 whitish or yellowish4 ,slow-growing4 ,,care4 ,filtered sun1 warm1 loamy soil1 slightly moist4 ,,propagation4 ,division of clumps4 ,leaf cuttings 7three-inch piece in sand1 shade1 and #fe-;degree temperature74 ,makes stolon-like buds that form the new plants4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,dish gardens4 ,good house plant4 ,sarcococca ruscifolia ,buxaceae ,sweet ,box ,sweet box is a small1 free-branching evergreen with attractive leathery leaves1 broad at the stem but coming to a point4 ,has tiny fragrant white flowers4 ,,care4 ,intermediate temperature1 fresh air1 loamy soil1 filtered sun1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,dish gardens1 indoor bonsai4 ,saxifraga sarmentosa ,saxifragaceae ,strawberry ,begonia or ,geranium ,one of the few hardy perennials that will thrive indoors the year round4 ,round1 hairy silver-veined leaves grow in a rosette from the crown1 which also sends out slender red stems1 strawberry style1 with new little plants that root and grow wherever they touch soil4 ,in late spring the fall stems are topped by cloudlike soft clusters of small white flowers4 #8,maroon ,beauty' is slightly darker1 and larger4 ,more miniature1 and more tricky1 is the variety tricolor1 sometimes called #8,magic ,carpet1' with smaller1 basically gray-green leaves1 red-rimmed and variegated with wide areas of creamy white1 purple underneath4 ,in cool air and sun1 the cream is strongly tinted pink4 ,,care4 ,humid1 cool1 poor soil1 dry4 ,,propagation4 ,runners4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,dish and sink gardens4 ,schizocentron 7,heeria1 ,heterocentron7 elegans ,melastomaceae ,spanish ,shawl ,mexican creeping perennial with thickly branched stems rooting at the joints1 making a plush carpet of tiny1 teardrop leaves4 ,in summer the one-inch open-faced1 royal-purple flowers seem unbelievably large and rich4 ,this one is very nice in a small hanging basket1 but its natural inclination is to creep and it really goes to town when it can cover soil or some sort of porous support such as a moss totem pole4 ,it should be spectacular covering a hanging ball filled with sphagnum moss4 ,illustration3 ,saxifraga sarmentosa--a hardy perennial good for indoor miniature gardens ,,care4 ,intermediate temperature1 humid1 loamy soil with humus1 filtered sun1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings1 division of rooted stems4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,small baskets1 miniature gardens1 ground cover4 ,selaginella ,selaginellaceae ,soft1 fluffy foliage plants in all shades of green1 including metallic1 and with all kinds of growth1 low and creepy1 upright1 even climbing4 ,they bear more resemblance to each other than they do to their cousins the ferns4 emmeliana--sweat plant--,as the nickname hints1 this ferny plant languishes unless it is 8perspiring0 in high heat and humidity4 ,in fact1 once the fine-lace fronds turn dry and brown1 they won't be fresh and green again4 kraussiana browni--,scotch moss--,soft1 symmetrical cushions of bright-green leaves1 slowly spreading into larger mounds4 kraussiana 7denticulata7--spreading club moss--,branching1 rooting1 creeping stems thickly set with needlepoint leaves4 lepidophylla--resurrection plant--,antithesis of the sweat plant4 ,when the fan-shaped branches have dried out and curled into a ball1 immerse them in water and they will come back fresh and green as ever4 martensi--,young branches stand upright1 may drop or creep with age4 ,the variety variegata has eye-catching white splashes1 splotches1 or tips and supports itself on stiff aerial roots from stems to soil4 plumosa--,foamy creeper with short1 branching stems overlapped by foliage of fresh woodsy green4 uncinata--,foliage sparse but shimmering peacock-blue in shade4 ,the running1 branching stems have a ludicrous way of sending down stilt-like roots into the soil1 so they seem to be running above the soil1 not in it4 ,,care4 ,fern culture2 warm1 humid1 humus1 shade1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings in pots 7several pieces per pot71 in spring4 ,put on top of medium and cover with glass at #gj degrees until roots form at joints4 ,spores1 division of rooted stems4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,terrariums1 greenhouses1 ground cover4 ,serissa foetida 7japonica7 ,rubiaceae ,a boxwood-like plant with tiny white-margined leaves clustered on branchlets4 ,white funnelform flowers to one-half inch long4 ,,care4 ,partial sun1 average soil1 moderately moist4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,artificial light1 dish gardens1 indoor bonsai4 ,sinningia pusilla ,gesneriaceae ,if ever a plant was a miniature1 this is it4 ,the tuber is hardly as large as a grain of wheat4 ,the soft round leaves1 not even a quarter-inch across1 make a flat rosette on the soil in a thimble1 or any tiny pot4 ,from the crown arise the thread-thin stems1 to the great height of one inch4 ,and from the tip of each stem stands a slim flaring1 tube-like flower1 pale orchid with violet veins and lemon in the throat4 ,this plant is quite obviously close kin to the familiar gloxinia 7,g4 speciosa hybrids71 but you almost need a magnifying glass to compare the characteristics4 ,,care4 ,warm1 humid1 humusy soil1 filtered sun1 slightly moist4 ,,propagation4 ,as for the gesneriads 7,gesneriaceae74 ,,special ,,uses4 ,terrariums1 miniature gardens4 ,illustration3 ,miniature of miniatures1 delightful ,sinningia pusilla ,streptocarpus ,gesneriaceae ,when limited growing space frustrates the hobbyist who admires the great1 glorious gloxinias 7sinningias71 here's a selection of pleasing and precious substitutes4 ,in general these plants are distinguished by the fact that the flower stems grow out from the base of the leaf where it joins its own stem 7axil74 ,the flowers are typical gesneriad trumpets1 usually nodding2 the leaves are mostly rather round and velvety4 ,the following are fibrous-rooted3 hybridus--,botanical name for groups of hybrids called 8as complex as the garden geranium10 with quilted light-green leaves and a wide selection of flower colors4 ,one strain of particularly attractive low plants1 the ,german ,weismoor hybrids1 has fringed and crested flowers up to four inches across1 often contrastingly veined or blotched4 rexi--,long-oval1 velvety leaves lie very flat4 ,six-inch stems hold two-inch funnel-flowers1 pale orchid with purple throat4 saxorum--,leafy-stemmed species1 the stems branching continually1 making dense mounds of plump1 one-inch oval leaves curled under on the edge and covered with soft silk-velvet4 ,the lavender-flushed white flowers stand out at the end of wiry three-inch stems4 ,,care4 ,cool1 humid1 loamy soil with humus1 filtered sun4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7plant in early spring for flowers fall and winter71 leaf cuttings1 some offsets4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,artificial light4 ,tillandsia ,bromeliaceae ,there are several entrancing dwarfs and miniatures among these tree-perching bromeliads with curved1 leathery1 often quill-tipped leaves4 ,for two of the newly listed species 7,t4 argentea and ,t4 tricolepsis7 ,i can simply say that the leaf rosettes resemble airy1 long-bristled cones2 they have not yet flowered for me4 circinnata--,the silvery leaves1 broader at the base1 overlap and form an urn-shaped1 tuber-like swelling4 ,tight1 flat spikes of glowing-orchid flowers in late winter4 ionantha--,three-inch tuft of pewter-gray leaves turn fiery red at flowering time1 ,january-,february4 ,the inflorescence is an incredible paddle-shaped composition of fat1 flat1 tightly overlapping bracts1 and the plant sends out large violet flowers day after day4 stricta--,shaggy 8head0 of very narrow1 every-which-way leaves silvered with finest gray fuzz2 short-stemmed spikes with shocking-pink bracts and blue-violet flowers4 ,,care4 ,warm1 humid1 orchid-growing medium1 wire to board with orchid peat4 ,moist during spring and summer4 ,dry in dark winter months1 when plant is semidormant4 ,,propagation4 ,offshoots4 ,,special ,,uses4 8,log0 gardens1 tree slabs4 ,tradescantia ,commelinaceae ,spiderwort1 ,inch ,plant1 ,wandering ,jew ,most varieties of the inch plants that cheerfully romp all over indoor gardens are1 of course1 too rambunctious to be called miniature4 ,but there are two species of much more modest proportions and habit4 multiflora--,unmistakably an inch plant1 but with stems more threadlike than succulent2 small1 slim 7even quite thin7 leaves plain dark green1 tinted purple beneath2 and clusters of tiny white winking flowers4 ,the effect is1 believe it or not1 delicate and 8ferny40 navicularis--,china plant--,curious succulent creeper with very thick stems threaded through widely spaced pairs of clasping leaves folded tightly down the center2 rose-purple flowers4 ,,care4 ,easy culture1 intermediate temperature1 needs fresh air1 loamy soil1 filtered sun1 dry side4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings of growing shoots1 seeds1 division4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,baskets4 ,,chapter #g ,,miniature ,,roses1 ,,indoors ,,and ,,out ,men1 women1 and children2 gardeners1 nongardeners1 and the family cat--everyone is captivated by a four-inch rosebush with precise little leaves and thorns1 studded with button-size buds and flowers1 twinkling in its pot on the window sill4 ,on her weekly visit the cleaning woman checks on its health and welfare4 ,the baby-sitter has her boy friend come in to see it4 ,the milkman wants to know where he can get one like it for his green-thumbed wife4 ,but if ,i had a dime for every eager buyer who has found these midgets disappointingly difficult to grow indoors1 ,i could start building my dream greenhouse tomorrow4 ,there are simply too many floriferous pictures with thimbles to show how cute the flowers are1 and too few responsible growers who give specific cultural directions with every sale4 ,in the garden there's no problem4 ,these are by nature outdoor plants1 mostly sturdier and more winter-hardy than the full-sized hybrid teas and floribundas4 ,for some reason1 they even seem to be less subject to the depredations of insects and disease4 ,i can pick handfuls of ,japanese beetles from the regulars in the rose garden1 but few from the miniatures little more than a hundred feet away4 ,i'm not implying that miniature roses are impossible indoors4 ,one of the most perfect blooming bushlets ,i've ever seen came to our flower show from a sparsely windowed1 steam-heated ,brooklyn apartment4 ,i simply want to spread the gospel that1 to avoid risking disappointment1 everybody should know what kind of cultural conditions they need4 ,potted miniature roses are positively precious in cool1 sunny window gardens1 with rows of matching pots on glass shelves up and down the window1 or singles or small groups in mixed arrangements on the sill or in a window greenhouse4 ,although they are not the most adaptable subjects for growing under artificial light1 ,i've known several people who have been successful1 particularly when the plants were started under lights from seed4 ,in a harmonious decorative container1 a flowering miniature rose makes a small plant-and-container decoration to inspire the prettiest compliments4 ,with suitable environment a tiny bush can be used as a center of interest in an indoor model landscape4 ,a small greenhouse should hardly be without one of these brightly blooming babies4 ,miniature roses have many uses in sink or trough gardens1 as single specimens1 pairs or quadruplets in formal plantings1 even hedgerows kept carefully trimmed4 ,i don't know whether anyone has ever tried them for miniature bonsai4 ,this would be a process of dwarfing a dwarf2 and my mental picture of the proper plant1 artistically trained1 is enchanting4 ,i must try this1 before long4 ,outdoors1 miniature roses are delightful in all kinds of containers--tubs1 strawberry jars1 window boxes1 and other planters4 ,they're often used as a low hedge to edge a path1 driveway1 or the beds of a formal rose garden1 or around the base of a birdbath or sundial4 ,in mixed flower borders they're planted singly or in small groups toward the front4 ,in rock gardens they keep most safely cool and moist when planted low1 near the base of the garden2 and they show off most effectively with something like a dwarf evergreen as background4 ,gardens featuring miniature roses are most often formal in design--round1 square1 rectangular1 the beds divided with geometric precision by narrow strips of grass or gravel paths4 ,a small1 formal pool or piece of statuary may be the center of interest4 ,in a sunken garden outlined with an eight-inch brick or stone wall1 the planting pattern is particularly pleasing4 ,in raised beds each individual shrublet can be enjoyed at eye level4 ,in a single or double row at the base of a low retaining wall1 the plants show off to advantage4 ,beds of miniature roses can be carefully arranged strips1 or groups of separate colors1 or mixtures4 ,they can be edged with shrubs such as dwarf box1 perennials such as dwarf lavender1 dainty annuals such as lobelia or alyssum4 ,in the center a tree or standard is often used as accent4 ,or a bed may be backed by a wall1 fence1 trellis1 or arch on which miniature climbers are trained4 ,if the soil is slanted slightly up1 toward the center1 it is easier to see the plump perfection of each little bush4 ,dwarf evergreens1 particularly junipers1 are popular backgrounds for miniature rose gardens4 ,upright types with symmetrical pyramid1 column1 or cone shapes are often used as accent--for example1 a matching specimen of one of the dwarf varieties of ,juniperus communis in the exact center of each formal bed4 ,miniature or not1 rose gardens are most often conceived in formal design4 ,but to me1 the cheerful dwarfs are more friendly when planted informally--popping up at the base of a tree stump or boulder1 spotted here and there in the rock garden1 a few at the top of a flight of small steps4 ,,types ,,of ,,miniature ,,roses ,the tight buds may be as big as the eraser on a pencil1 or as tiny as a grain of unpolished rice1 and the flowers may be single1 semidouble1 or double4 ,the doubles may be formed like a hybrid tea or be full-petaled and fluffy1 in clusters like a rambler rose4 ,some varieties stay very dwarf and bushy1 from four to six inches tall2 others are more robust1 with larger flowers1 and may grow to ten inches4 ,climbing miniature roses are usually sports of bush varieties1 with supple canes four or five feet long that can be trained on low fences1 walls1 trellises1 or arches4 ,otherwise1 every part is in perfect miniature scale4 ,all of these types are recognized by fanciers as authentic miniature roses because they grow on their own roots4 ,and so is the rare tree or standard grown with a single trunk-like stem that is kept free of side growth1 then pinched at the top to form a crown and symmetrical head4 ,but standards that are budded or grafted onto the stems of other root stocks 7which most of our ,american miniature tree roses are7 are excluded by the experts1 which is a matter of concern only to the serious collector4 ,,indoor ,,planting ,,and ,,care ,since miniature roses seldom spend the summer indoors1 they are usually purchased in fall or winter from the local florist or greenhouse1 or by mail from house-plant or miniature-rose specialists4 ,pot-grown plants are most likely to succeed indoors because their roots are not disturbed unduly4 ,except in ,hawaii and ,arizona1 mail-order plants arrive with the soil ball complete about the roots1 the stems cut back to about two inches4 ,they start growth almost immediately1 and flower within six to eight weeks4 ,if you have miniature roses in the garden1 you can root cuttings in early fall and force them into winter bloom indoors4 ,or you can dig the plants1 pot them1 and give them their necessary dormant rest before you bring them indoors for forcing4 ,sink the pots to the rim in soil1 in the cold frame or in some spot protected from severe winter weather4 ,when the temperature dips low1 mulch with salt hay1 straw1 evergreen branches1 or the like4 ,in late ,december or ,january1 after six weeks or more of dormancy1 lift the pots and bring the plants indoors4 ,prune back the leafless stems and water sparingly until new leaf buds appear4 ,after they have flowered indoors all winter and spring1 ,i always plant my miniature roses out in the garden and let them resume their natural outdoor growth cycle4 ,i may root cuttings1 or ,i may bring others indoors the following fall2 but ,i have never tried to force a plant a second time without letting it live at least one year in the garden first4 ,i have heard that some growers 7probably city dwellers or others who have no outdoor garden facilities7 simply let the plants rest outside in summer--on a shaded ledge or in a window box with moist peat--prune them severely in fall1 and grow them again4 ,i haven't heard how many years a plant will take this unnatural treatment or how much it suffers from missing its cool fall nap4 ,soil ,a fairly heavy potting soil packed quite firmly in the pot seems to help keep the plants small without sacrificing foliage or flower4 ,one expert recommends a mixture of two parts garden soil1 two parts humus1 one part moderately coarse sand1 with a light sprinkling of superphosphate or bone meal4 ,when ,i use my ready-prepared potting soil1 ,i always add sand1 and sometimes some humusy soil dug from immediately under the leaf mold in the woods4 ,potting ,i've used both clay and plastic pots with equal success1 always of the shape with the greatest depth1 as miniature roses are naturally deep-rooted4 ,each pot has the usual layer of rocks or pebbles in the bottom for drainage4 ,small1 newly purchased plants usually start off in three-inch pots1 are shifted to four-inch pots before they become severely root-bound4 ,some larger varieties may take larger sizes4 ,sun ,this is one of the three important cultural requirements4 ,miniature roses must have sun if they are to bloom4 ,a minimum of three hours is sometimes set1 but ,i should think this amount would be applicable only to midsummer or to mild climates4 ,in winter the plants need all the sunshine they can possibly get4 ,temperature and ,humidity ,second in importance is a cool #fe degrees or even much lower 7maximum1 #gj degrees71 and third is the humidity which keeps the plants at their best4 ,leaves curl and dry1 buds and flowers drop when the air is hot and dry4 ,miniature roses should not be set anywhere near a heater or radiator of any kind4 ,unless the air in the growing area is really cool and moist1 set the pots on moist gravel or make some other provision for increasing humidity1 as outlined on pages #gf-gg4 ,it even helps to cover the plants with a tent of plastic every night1 and let them emerge only for the day4 ,watering ,keep the soil always moist1 never soggy and muddy1 never dry and caked4 ,as a humidifier and refresher1 mist the foliage as often as you can4 ,fertilizing ,a balanced soluble house-plant fertilizer 7never one with high nitrogen content7 can be fed in half-strength solution every three weeks beginning about three weeks after a freshly potted plant begins active growth4 ,or you can use any special rose food according to directions and at half the strength recommended on the package4 ,the idea is to encourage the plant to grow and flower1 but not stuff it with so much nutrition that it gallops gaily up to nondwarf size with leaves only4 ,pruning and ,grooming ,i seldom prune miniature roses indoors except to cut off cleanly any stems that may have been accidentally broken or that may grow unattractively long or misshapen4 ,i do try to douse the plants in slightly sudsy water1 to clean the foliage1 every few weeks2 and ,i pick off faded flowers promptly4 ,actually1 instead of being in continual bloom1 these plants usually flower for a few weeks and then take a short rest before they send up buds again4 ,insects and ,disease ,again1 preventive spraying is all ,i've ever done4 ,i use my handy house-plant aerosol bomb almost every week4 ,if disaster should strike1 ,i'd probably use the special rose spray or dust ,i use on the regular garden roses4 ,,outdoor ,,planting ,,and ,,care ,in all except mild or warmer climates1 bare-root plants bought by mail from nurseries or garden-rose specialists should be planted in early spring1 when vigorous root action and growth are beginning4 ,potted plants or any that come complete with a soil ball around the roots can be planted almost any time the garden soil is not frozen4 ,but in sections where winters are severe1 ,i think spring planting is always safest4 ,in fact1 in ,connecticut ,i like to give new plants a longer growing season their first year by starting them a few weeks early1 in pots1 indoors or in the greenhouse4 ,location ,plant miniature roses where they will get at least half a day of summer sun 7a full day is best7 but where it is possible to keep the soil suitably moist4 ,avoid low1 muggy pockets where air does not circulate freely or where water can collect and make the soil muddy4 ,good drainage is vital4 ,in cold areas1 select a spot sheltered from icy winds by a wall or low shrubs4 ,soil ,to help keep them dwarf1 miniature roses need a fairly heavy soil1 but not1 of course1 too clay-like4 ,dig down at least ten inches1 to prepare for the deep-growing roots1 and improve the soil you remove with whatever is needed before you replace it around the plant4 ,clay-type soils will need the addition of sand1 for drainage1 and leaf mold needs rotted or dry cow manure or other humus to lighten the texture4 ,sandy soils need humus to help hold moisture4 ,in even average fertile soil1 miniatures appreciate an extra ration of humus at planting time4 ,the ideal soil for miniature roses will pack firmly around the roots1 yet won't cake and crack in the sun4 ,it drains perfectly1 so excess water does not stand around the roots1 particularly in winter4 ,yet it holds enough moisture so that the roots don't dry out so fast you can't keep up with the watering job4 ,soil should also test neutral or slightly acid 7p,h #f4j71 never extremely acid4 ,in acid-soil areas1 apply a light sprinkling of horticultural lime each winter4 ,planting ,plant miniature roses about a half-inch deeper than they were before1 and far enough apart so that they will have room to spread as wide as they will be tall4 ,crowded plants have no individual beauty1 but they are prime targets for mildew4 ,if the weather turns sharply cold or dry and windy after planting1 protect the plants by mounding up soil around the stems4 ,remove it gradually as spring days grow balmier4 ,watering ,miniature roses suffer seriously from drought1 and will drop their buds and flowers after only a few days of hot1 dry weather4 ,keep the soil constantly moist1 and spray or mist the foliage once or twice a day4 ,a mulch of pebbles1 a mixture of half soil and half peat 7peat alone packs down too heavily71 or something similarly porous1 will help keep the soil cool and moist4 ,fertilizing ,light feedings of organic fertilizers such as bone meal or cow manure once a year1 in early summer1 are usually recommended4 ,or supply small amounts of a balanced garden fertilizer1 or special rose food1 in late spring and again in early ,july4 ,a weak solution of liquid manure is also good and can be fed about twice as often4 ,pruning and ,training ,in early spring1 when new growth is first beginning to show on bush types1 shorten all stems severely4 ,i usually cut mine back to a uniform four inches4 ,and of course1 cut out cleanly any dead or mutilated branches4 ,make every cut just above a new shoot or leaf bud4 ,otherwise1 pruning is limited to keeping the bushes shapely1 removing faded flowers1 and occasionally thinning the growth of old plants to admit air to the center4 ,miniature climbers bloom on last year's wood4 ,they can be cut back to six inches when first planted1 but are otherwise not pruned except to control ungainly canes or remove dead ones4 ,train the climbing canes into an attractive1 open pattern as they grow1 by tying them to the arch1 fence1 or other support they are to climb on4 ,miniature tree roses can be cut back to a small but symmetrical head in spring and all dead wood should be removed4 ,to keep them shapely1 prune as needed during the growing season4 ,insects and ,disease ,i protect my miniature roses1 as ,i do the others1 with an all-purpose rose spray or dust applied first when leaves begin to unfold1 and repeated every week or ten days until the plants go dormant4 ,occasionally1 during a long spell of hot1 humid weather1 ,i see signs that mildew threatens4 ,if the all-purpose spray contains a fungicide 7which most of them do71 ,i use it immediately4 ,if not1 ,i may resort to dusting sulfur 7which does mar the beauty of the flowers7 or whatever sterilant is on hand4 ,winter ,protection ,what you do to protect miniature roses in winter1 or whether you do anything at all1 depends not only on your climate but also on the health of the plants4 ,if they've been growing well1 they'll take lots of abuse2 if they're weak and ailing1 their chances of survival are reduced4 ,sometimes1 a flower pot inverted over the leafless stems is all that's needed4 ,or you may mulch with salt hay or evergreen boughs4 ,in ,connecticut we mound up soil so it covers the first three or four inches of the stems1 and remove it gradually in spring4 ,it is most important to make sure that water does not stand around the roots in winter1 next most important that alternate freezing and thawing don't heave the roots out of the ground and break them4 ,if they are likely to be whipped by wind or covered with ice1 the canes of climbing varieties are removed from their support and laid flat on the ground1 where they can be covered with either soil or mulch4 ,since tree roses are inclined to be touchy1 we wrap ours in burlap1 with an extra layer or two around the graft and crown4 ,,propagating ,,miniature ,,roses ,i've grown many miniature roses from seed1 and had a lot of fun doing it4 ,they usually germinate in about three weeks 7best temperature about #fj degrees71 quickly send out tiniest true rose leaves1 and are ready for transplanting into small pots in another two or three weeks4 ,i usually pinch the tip growth at least once1 when the plant is about five inches tall4 ,the flowers can appear within three months after sowing4 ,of course1 seedling plants are not named varieties4 ,most of them1 in fact1 have small single flowers in pale shades of pink or white4 ,your chances of double1 more brightly colored flowers increase if you can get seeds of a good strain4 ,for new plants of named varieties1 take cuttings in ,august or ,september--three-or four-inch pieces of healthy wood produced in the current season4 ,if the stem can be pulled off gently with a sliver of the main stem still attached 7a heel71 rooting may be faster and is surer4 ,dipping the cut ends in hormone rooting powder is also helpful4 ,make the moist propagating material firm around the base of the cutting1 and make sure the air is kept humid in the propagating box or plastic tent1 or invert a glass jar over the cutting4 ,new growth is the signal that roots have formed and the cutting is ready for potting4 ,these plants1 too1 will grow more compact and bushy if the tips are pinched out when the stems are about five inches tall4 ,,named ,,varieties ,,of ,,miniature ,,roses ,although new varieties of this popular plant are constantly being introduced1 and most likely will have a wide appeal eventually1 it may be some time before they appear in plant and seed catalogues4 ,in compiling this modest list ,i have thought chiefly of what is available at the moment1 miniature roses ,i have either grown1 seen in friends' gardens1 or admired vicariously on the printed pages of magazines1 books1 and booklets4 ,if you are interested1 ,i am sure these bushes are readily available4 ,if ,i am old-hat and you feel avant-garde1 there are many persons propagating new varieties4 ,talk to some of them1 or try it yourself1 a most gratifying hobby3 #8,baby ,bunting'--,a delightful1 small rose with red flowers of a deep1 startling shade4 ,this variety is an inch or so taller than some1 but many of my friends think it ideal in that they like to make miniature flower arrangements and appreciate slightly longer stems4 ,among its other charms1 the rose is most delightfully fragrant4 #8,baby ,crimson'--,i've never had this one grow taller than six inches4 ,since ,i have maternal instinct for the wee ones1 ,i love it4 ,under the right conditions it will bear tiny crimson flowers and exquisite buds up until frost time4 #8,bo-,peep'--,this one has a charm in its name1 and is one of the more popular miniature roses4 ,it has double pink blooms1 forms a bush with a neat conformation1 and is another favorite with those who make miniature arrangements4 ,you needn't worry about cutting its blooms4 ,it is always growing more4 #8,cinderella'--,this one fits beautifully into the legend about the girl with the glass slipper4 ,it has dainty white blooms touched with pink and is in the true tradition of rose shapeliness4 ,seemingly1 it loves to bloom4 #8,granada'--,in some listings ,i find the name spelled #8,granata4' ,regardless of the spelling1 ,i love the bushes ,i have grown1 for the lovely1 semidouble1 red flowers which the bush bears so profusely4 ,a tiny vase filled with them makes one wish to build a doll house in which to display it4 ,illustration3 ,days in the life of a miniature rose3 a4 ,leafed out ,illustration3 b4 ,a growing bush ,illustration3 c4 ,first bud ,illustration3 d4 ,full bloom #8,little ,princess'--,so many of my small roses are either pink or red1 ,i always try to find white ones for contrast4 ,this is a variety ,i have often depended on4 ,sometimes the blooms are alone1 but then again they may be in clusters4 ,a cluster1 snipped from the bush and wrapped in foil1 looks very lovely when pinned on a little girl's pink dress as she leaves for a party4 #8,mon ,petite' 7sometimes spelled #8,mon ,petit'7--,this one is truly petite1 not once in a dozen times over five inches tall4 ,but those five inches never seem to stop flowering with cherry-red blooms4 ,and then1 to make themselves even more fascinating1 they often have a delicate haze of purple4 #8,patty ,lou' 7patented7--,this one is so delicate ,i imagine its creator must have had some particularly sweet little girl in mind when he named it4 ,in bloom it is a pink bicolor1 and it always seems to be blooming4 ,a truly lovely little rose4 #8,perle d',alcanada' 7sometimes spelled #8,perle d',alconada'7--,may ,i warn you1 this is a real charmer4 ,being somewhat on the stately side1 it may grow to nine inches4 ,it makes a neat and most attractive bush and then comes forth with pink blooms that slowly change to a white pearl-like effect4 #8,pixie ,gold'--,this is another dainty one1 a yellow miniature with a lovely soft color to add to its beauty4 ,it is really a miniature1 and would consider itself a giant if it topped five inches4 ,it has an attractive bush1 but that is only part of it1 the blooms follow a perfect pattern from the time they are buds until they are full-blown4 ,it follows all rose traditions4 #8,red ,imp'--,many persons consider this beauty the most perfect of all miniature roses4 ,certainly1 with its deep-red blooms1 it is one of the best known4 ,such a feeling of affection must be deserved4 ,i think the first miniature ,i ever owned was a #8,red ,imp4' ,if for no other reason1 that would make me love it4 #8,rosa ,oakington ,ruby'--,some years back the ,english ,royal ,horticultural ,society thought so much of this rose they gave it the ,award of ,merit1 and well they might4 ,the blooms are a rich ruby-carmine1 are double1 and are around all summer4 ,in planting this variety1 remember it tends to be an inch or so taller than the wee ones4 #8,rosata'--,i love this one for its fragrant1 pinkish flowers1 which also have a touch of salmon4 ,the blooms are delightful when made into corsages or miniature bouquets4 #8,rouletti'--,this is a great favorite in rock gardens1 and in edgings around beds of big roses4 ,it is a true 8shorty0 and seldom exceeds five inches in height4 ,but the buds1 rose-pink1 are so exquisite one wishes to put them into a setting for a ring to be worn on the finger4 #8,scarlet ,gem'--,this is what is known as a newcomer among miniature roses4 ,but it has so much charm1 ,i know it will be called an old favorite in the years to come4 ,the flowers are an orange-scarlet1 and fairly cover a handsome bush of nice conformation4 ,remember when setting it out in your garden1 it may grow an inch or so taller than some of the others4 #8,sunbeam'--,from the very name you may guess that this is a yellow rose1 literally1 a beam from the sun4 ,it is a cheerful little dwarf1 and has a tea-rose type of bloom4 ,you'll love it4 #8,sweet ,fairy'--,this is something out of a book of fairy tales1 delicate and fanciful4 ,it has pinkish blooms and a fragrance that will charm you4 #8,thumbelina'--,looking at this rose will bring back the memories of that delightful story 8,thumbelina0 which we all loved as children4 ,as a rose1 and not a story1 it is semidouble and has lovely red flowers that open from delicately pointed buds4 ,it flowers freely1 and the blooms are most enchanting in small vases4 #8,wayside's ,garnet'--,as ,i first bought this rose from the catalogue of ,wayside ,gardens1 ,i'll let them describe it for you3 8444 a neat1 compact small plant with many perfect1 fully-double1 garnet-red little flowers4 ,it is a prolific bloomer and a good grower 444 much like ,oakington ,ruby1 which is one of its parents4 ,it probably has the brightest1 darkest and deepest red to be found among miniature roses40 #8,yellow ,miniature'--,this is a charming little rose1 yellow1 with a cheering tint4 ,many consider it to be the most attractive of all yellow miniatures4 ,i will not argue with them4 ,i've always been enchanted with it4 ,,chapter #h ,,miniature ,,sink ,,gardens ,take the concept of dish gardens and model landscapes1 but execute it with miniature garden plants4 ,take the outdoor plants of bonsai1 but don't dwarf them unduly or train them into unusual shapes4 ,there you have the mixture that makes up these specialized miniature gardens1 called 8sink0 or 8trough0 gardens for the old-fashioned stone sinks and horse troughs they were planted in when the fad first swept ,england1 some thirty years ago4 ,now1 the old sinks and troughs are practically nonexistent1 and the name is anachronistic4 ,but ,i have been totally unable to dream up anything better4 8,sink garden0 is a specific title for a composition of plants or a landscape scene in small scale1 planted in a sturdy1 sink-like container1 grown outdoors and used in limited ways to decorate the garden and grounds4 ,no other phrase seems to define it4 ,my interest was originally aroused by the books of ,anne ,ashberry1 ,england's sink-garden specialist1 and by the warm affection she has for her specialty4 ,but it was not until ,i began to work with miniature plants in our ,connecticut gardens--and to find out what a great variety is available--that ,i was inspired to plant a sink garden of my own4 ,originally1 ,i was intrigued2 soon1 ,i was fascinated2 now1 ,i'm an addict4 ,with the flimsiest excuse ,i'd have so many of them it would look as if our grounds had broken out with measles4 ,these sink gardens are not for big1 burly gardeners who like cabbage roses and gaudy shrubs4 ,they're for connoisseurs who appreciate the minuscule perfection of a tiny plant1 more effectively displayed at eye level4 ,they're for those who grow alpines and other difficult plants and find them less finicky under these controlled conditions4 ,they're for gardeners who can't1 or don't want to1 squat in the hot sun for hours1 weeding or transplanting2 who want the pleasure of creating gardens1 but take the accompanying chores in small doses4 ,and sink gardens are for people1 like me1 who simply find irresistible charm in the miniature4 ,if our grounds were spacious1 ,i'd find a place where ,i could have a collection of sink gardens1 set up on pedestals and arranged in neat rows1 so ,i could move easily from one to the next with the watering can4 ,but they're probably much more ornamental and distinctive if used the way the few we have now are4 ,instead of a sundial at a break in the shrubbery border1 we have a sink garden set on a two-foot column of mellowed brick4 ,two narrow gardens outline the corner of the small patio by the front entrance4 ,a small sink garden enlivens a shelf beside the door to the lath house4 ,there's one at the end of an old stone bench4 ,or you can display one of these gardens against the wall at the end of a garden walk2 as a centerpiece on the lawn or terrace2 on top of a low wall or at the edge of a balcony2 in place of an inanimate statue or urn4 ,if possible1 let the background be light and not bright-colored2 neutral shades show off the plantings to best advantage4 ,,containers ,picturesque old sinks are obviously not available to us1 and any horse troughs ,i've seen have been much too monstrous4 ,miss ,ashberry casts her own containers of concrete 7its porosity is excellent for plants71 and we can do the same4 ,sometimes ,i think the sinks and troughs look a little heavy in relation to the plantings4 ,certainly they are heavy1 and almost impossible to move1 when filled with soil4 ,but ,i've found a goodly number of acceptable substitutes4 ,first1 of course1 ,i shopped my favorite junk yard and found the round concrete planter and the wash-tub lid that served as containers for my first sink gardens4 ,i also saw possibilities in a big old butter tub that could be cut down1 and in a leaky birdbath4 ,some of today's building tiles are perfectly beautiful and1 if shallow enough1 could be fitted with a metal or wooden bottom4 ,they come in all sizes1 shapes1 and colors4 ,thick1 old wood is another possibility4 ,i'm thinking of some weathered planks we found at the seashore last summer2 they'd make a handsome and sturdy container for a wind-blown1 woodsy garden4 ,illustration3 ,miniature garden of dwarf evergreens1 ,cyclamen neapolitanum1 and tiny trumpet narcissi not yet blooming ,in designing or selecting a container1 you have few rules to go by4 ,it should be strong and weather-resistant1 of course1 because it is to be placed outdoors4 ,it must have drainage holes in the bottom1 so fallen rain won't stand in it4 ,it should be deep enough 7six to eight inches7 to give small trees and plants root-room4 ,and artistically1 it should be in harmony and proportion with the garden to be planted in it1 not as a feature in itself1 but as a subordinate element in the picture4 ,unless a sink garden is to be placed on top of a wall or some other existing support1 it will probably need a base to hold it two or three feet off the ground4 ,this can be made of cement blocks1 rustic brick1 tile1 or concrete1 according to the design of the container itself4 ,,plants ,,for ,,sink ,,gardens ,unlike bonsai1 these plants are not to be dwarfed1 they are dwarf by nature4 ,miniature perennials1 such as ,calceolaria biflora1 never top two inches1 nor do some of the tiny narcissus species4 ,some trees have never been known to grow taller than six inches4 ,and if you can't find trees that are small at maturity1 you can find many that grow so slowly they'll stay in proper scale 7even without pruning7 for five years or more4 ,there are miniature garden plants of all habits and shapes--stiffly erect1 tufted1 bush-like1 sprawling1 creeping1 hanging1 climbing--and even pinhead-size water plants for tiny pools4 ,actually1 there are miniature plants in every horticultural category--annuals1 biennials1 perennials1 bulbs1 shrubs1 trees1 aquatic plants1 and wildlings--and most of them are suitable for sink gardens4 ,you have only to select those that are in scale and sympathy with your design1 and that are culturally compatible1 one with the other4 ,you can grow many of them from seeds or cuttings4 ,miniature perennials are available in widest variety from growers of alpine and rockery plants4 ,trees and shrubs can be bought by mail from suppliers of small plants for bonsai work4 ,native and aquatic plants are plentiful from mail-order wild-flower houses4 ,,accessories ,the worst thing you can do with one of these little outdoor gardens is to clutter it up with little artificial props such as benches1 bridges1 and old oaken buckets4 ,at all costs1 avoid the cute and the trite4 ,practice moderation and the utmost restraint4 ,one prop--a hand-carved well-head1 an alabaster birdbath1 a lichen-covered rock--is usually plenty for any one garden4 ,if it is handsome in its own right1 the whole garden may be designed to set it off4 ,if it's a supporting element1 play it down and let the plants stand out in the picture4 ,the same is true of streams1 pools1 walks1 walls1 and other miniature landscape constructions4 ,they're pretty and they're fun to make2 but just one too many can spoil a garden4 ,naturally1 any accessories and props to be used in a sink garden should be sturdy and weather-resistant4 ,and as in any other miniature composition1 proportion and scale are terribly important4 ,,themes ,,and ,,designs ,many of the principles and suggestions for dish gardens and model landscapes in ,chapter #c are equally applicable to sink gardens4 ,the design needs1 first1 a basic idea or theme4 ,will the garden be formal1 or informal and woodsy1 or simply an artistic arrangement of living plants with or without a piece of tree stump or rock8 ,should it be built around an important accessory1 or will one plant or a group of plants be the center of interest8 ,does the style of the container suggest the style of the garden to go in it8 ,since a sink garden is usually planned to have some permanency1 it is particularly important to plan the design in every possible detail and1 if at all possible1 to put the plan on paper--and in proper scale4 ,you can tell1 before it's too late1 whether a tree will be too large1 a fence too high or prominent1 a grouping of plants too far off balance4 ,when you plan the planting1 keep proportion and perspective clearly in mind4 ,if the design is to have formal balance1 arrange pairs of trees1 clipped hedges1 straight walks1 and other elements with geometric precision4 ,if the effect is to be informal1 make sure the center of interest is off-center1 with a large airy area or low planting to balance it at the other side4 ,in crowded plantings the beauty of the form of individual plants is lost4 ,be sure to space them so that they have room to grow without becoming entangled with their neighbors4 ,to blend the garden with its container1 plan to have a creeper or trailer dangling over the edge4 ,artistic plant compositions are arranged1 like dish gardens1 with outstanding accent plants1 low growers often around the base1 usually arranged naturally at the base of a rock or around a piece of log or stump4 ,colors and textures of flowers and foliage are contrasted and blended as they are in arrangements of cut flowers4 ,setting the plants in the empty container and rearranging them until the best effect is achieved may save shifting them about during planting4 ,all kinds of landscape designs can be re-created1 in miniature1 in sink gardens4 ,and the scenes can change naturally with the seasons of the year4 ,one of my informal gardens has a basic arrangement of rocks1 small evergreens1 and ground cover4 ,in spring1 miniature narcissus species bloom2 in summer1 tiny annuals such as ,ionopsidium acaule and perennials such as ,erodium chamaedryoides roseum2 in fall1 small cyclamen species4 ,woodsy wild gardens can also have basic1 permanent plantings--seedling evergreens1 moss1 foliage plants such as small ferns1 rattlesnake plantain1 and pipsissewa--through which spring-blooming squirrel corn1 hepatica1 and spring beauty can push up their flowers4 ,one of the most effective formal-garden designs makes good use of miniature roses as a flowering hedge in front of a high wall at the back1 or as twin specimens on each side of an arch4 ,other formal gardens adapt the designs of the ,victorian age1 or the ,colonial gardens of ,williamsburg4 ,someday ,i want to try an ,oriental garden featuring a bonsai-style dwarf tree and planted sparsely1 in the ,japanese manner1 with tiniest shrubs and perennials and a ground cover of fine moss or sand1 and perhaps a curved bridge over a still stream4 ,with a suitable container you could do an outdoor desert garden4 ,many miniature desert plants are hardy or semihardy and would live through the winter with some protection4 ,there are many other possible themes1 and many types of plants and containers with which to carry them out4 ,,planting ,,and ,,care ,unless you can control watering 7which means keeping the garden out of the rain71 make sure that the container has plenty of small holes in the bottom for drainage4 ,and for extra insurance that drainage will be perfect1 start out with a layer of pebbles or sand4 ,a covering of burlap or sheet moss will keep soil from sifting down into it4 ,soil should be light and porous1 capable of holding some moisture but not too much4 ,the standard recipe of one-third garden loam1 one-third humus1 and one-third sharp sand is a good basic mixture to start with4 ,add extra sand if the plants are succulent-like1 extra humus for woodsy plants1 a sprinkling of lime for plants that dislike acid soil4 ,a slow-acting organic fertilizer such as bone meal can be mixed in1 but in very small amounts4 ,run the mixture through a coarse sieve1 to remove stones and debris4 ,as you place the plants1 firm the soil gently around the roots4 ,don't fill the container so full that the soil is level with the rim2 leave an inch or so to hold water while it seeps down to the roots below4 ,place the ground-cover plants1 and those to dangle over the edge1 last4 ,some gardens are finished with a thin mulch of stone chips or sand1 some with a carpet of moss4 ,location ,a sink garden planted in a real trough or sink is a mighty heavy thing1 once it's filled with soil and planted2 and so may be many others4 ,if you can place the empty container in its permanent spot and plant it there1 you may save someone an aching back4 ,these gardens are meant to grow out in the open air1 but not where searing sun and hot dry winds can dry the soil too fast and burn the plants4 ,if the plants are all of the type that need sunlight1 give them only the dappled shade of a high-branched tree or the windbreak and slight noonday shade of a low wall4 ,woodland plants and others that like shade can be grown in more protected spots4 ,naturally1 the two types are not combined successfully in the same garden4 ,don't place sink gardens where they will receive the drip from eaves or an overhanging tree4 ,don't set them tight up against a wall4 ,newly planted gardens need some special protection--a cheesecloth tent or newspaper on a temporary frame overhead--until plants are well settled in their new home4 ,watering ,a safe general rule is never to let the soil dry out all the way through1 never to water so much that it is soggy and sour4 ,for most plants1 you can scratch into the soil surface with your fingers4 ,if it feels moist1 don't water2 if it feels dry1 do4 ,however1 succulent plants should be grown drier1 boggy plants more constantly moist4 ,frequency of watering depends upon type of plant1 size and type of container1 the soil1 the weather--depends1 in fact1 upon how often each individual sink garden needs water4 ,fertilizing ,if a fertile soil mixture is used in the first place1 and particularly if it is enriched with a slow-acting fertilizer such as bone meal1 most gardens will not need extra feeding for many months after planting1 often not for the first year4 ,the point is to give the plants just enough food to keep them healthy1 not enough to make them grow out of proportion to the garden4 ,if you see signs of malnutrition--few1 small leaves with poor color2 failure to bud and flower2 sickly1 stunted growth--feed quickly but lightly4 ,a weak solution of organic food such as fish emulsion or liquid manure is usually recommended4 ,established gardens can take this light feeding once in spring when active growth begins1 and once or twice during the early summer1 without outgrowing their bounds4 ,illustration3 ,rock garden set in an old wash-boiler lid ,pruning and ,grooming ,pick off all faded flowers promptly1 so the plants will not exhaust themselves by setting seed4 ,remove any dried or fallen foliage so it will not rot and invite disease4 ,pinch the growing tips of plants that threaten to grow too tall and lanky4 ,shear hedge plants regularly and nip back creepers that spread out too far and strangle other plants4 ,refresh and renew any mulch or moss carpet as needed4 ,in a garden so small1 the least imperfection seems magnified4 ,insects and ,disease ,once a week1 all summer long1 my sink gardens get a quick treatment from an all-purpose aerosol bomb1 used according to label directions4 ,so far1 with one exception 7the mysterious plague of 8inchworms0 we had in the spring of #aifa71 this has kept insects and disease at a safe distance4 ,winter ,care ,in mild or warm climates1 sink gardens should not need any special protection in winter4 ,but in ,connecticut1 the deep-freeze is so long and severe1 ,i move my gardens to the cold frame4 ,to make sure that the soil does not freeze and crack the container1 ,i sometimes sink it to the rim in the soil4 ,i've also packed salt hay tightly around them successfully4 ,or a garden could be wintered over on an unheated porch4 ,but most of the hardy plants used in sink gardens should not spend the winter indoors or in a warm greenhouse4 ,they must have a cool rest period for several months to complete their natural growth cycle4 ,,chapter #i ,,miniature ,,plants1 ,,bonsai-,,style ,only in the true ,oriental bonsai do art and horticulture combine in such an extreme state of perfection--and in miniature to boot4 ,paintings may be as magnificent1 but they're inanimate4 ,ancient trees of the forest may have equal artistic virtue1 but they're not shaped by the hand of man4 ,living bonsai trees1 sometimes centuries old1 become masterpieces because1 says ,claude ,chidamian1 8they're planted in philosophy1 shaped by art1 grown with love40 ,if that sounds as if ,i am awed by bonsai--,i am4 ,i would never have the talent and patience to prune and shape1 trim and train1 in minute detail year after year1 so that every branch1 twig1 and tiny needle or leaf would be perfectly placed and proportioned4 ,even if ,i were an artist1 ,i doubt that ,i could create the illusion of grandeur in minuscule scale4 ,nor would ,i ever dare assume the responsibility for caring for these priceless1 age-old plants4 ,but that doesn't mean that bonsai is beyond me1 or any other gardener who admires it4 ,without committing the sacrilege of inept imitation1 we can have our own version of these miniature trees and make them artistic and satisfying in our own way4 ,the original bonsai trees look old and weather-beaten because they are old and weather-beaten4 ,the ,japanese adopted this art from the ,chinese many centuries ago4 ,our trees in bonsai-style are not likely to have that venerable age1 but they can have character4 ,they can have the lines of trees that have held a precarious footing on the side of a rocky slope1 have been bent by the wind or twisted by mighty storms4 ,because every part of it is in perfect proportion to every other part1 a fine bonsai tree creates an illusion of tremendous size--as if you were looking through the wrong end of a telescope to a giant more than a hundred years old4 ,our dwarfed trees can be perfectly proportioned and create the same illusion4 ,although there is no substitute for true antiquity1 our dwarfed trees can be artistic in their own way without pretending to be ancient4 ,by making some concessions 7without desecrating the art7 we can take suitable trees and turn them into 8,orientalized0 garden ornaments1 and do it in one year1 not ten4 ,if the pruning and training is done with care and artistry1 the result will be a bonsai which is a distinguished ornament and particularly appropriate for contemporary architecture1 and also for landscape architecture4 ,i have seen a bonsai of ,sargent's juniper set beside a garden pool1 its twisting branches swaying out and over the water1 and reflected in it4 ,twin 7but not identical7 bonsai trees are startlingly effective2 for example1 one on each side at the top of a set of formal steps4 ,bonsai can be used as a center of interest on a patio or terrace to accent an entrance1 on top of low walls1 or against the wall at the end of a path4 ,last summer1 in our wild garden1 my husband dammed up a tiny stream at a point where it began to run down a short but rather steep and shaded slope4 ,this created a small pool from which the water trickles over the dam and drops onto a series of rock ledges below4 ,we planted the banks on both sides with ferns1 wild ginger1 bloodroot1 trillium1 and other wildlings4 ,but something was needed at the top1 some small tree or shrub that would integrate the dam into the picture and would be in harmony with the woodsy surroundings4 ,we considered all the dwarf1 shade-tolerant evergreens our local nurseries had to offer1 but nothing seemed just right4 ,we scoured our woods1 but the only low-growing trees 7which are mighty few in our area7 were too straight and erect4 ,the mountain laurels and other shrubs with interesting lines would eventually grow too large4 ,so we decided to try what1 for us1 is an experiment4 ,we found a white pine less than two feet tall with a suggestion of the irregular shape we had been looking for4 ,we lifted it carefully1 took it home1 root-pruned it1 and planted it in the best bonsai tradition1 in a sturdy box just large enough to hold the roots but leaving a little room to spare around the edge4 ,then we took the tree to the top of the dam and planted it by sinking the box in the soil4 ,after some weeks1 when the pine showed no sign of ill effects from being moved1 and was making new growth1 we shaped and pruned it1 and then wired it1 bonsai-style1 along the lines of the tree we had been hunting for4 ,illustration3 ,streptocarpus--this variety is the delightful little ,weismoor hybrid4 ,with sensible care and winter protection1 pruning and root-pruning when it threatens to grow too large1 and training in the way we think it should grow1 the little pine will1 we hope1 mature into a gnarled gnome in proportion and harmony with its woodland setting4 ,of course1 we plan to provide a new box at root-pruning time before the old one can rot and set the dwarfed roots free to roam the soil around it4 ,,indoor ,,bonsai1 ,,hardy ,,or ,,semihardy ,the real ,japanese bonsai is an outdoor inhabitant1 usually one of a collection that is brought indoors for display purposes and for only a few days at a time4 ,but by using tender plants that want more warmth1 growers are beginning to create bonsai that can be used decoratively indoors the year round4 ,in a shadow box1 on a coffee table or special stand1 even as a table centerpiece they should always be alone and with no accessories to detract from their unique style4 ,last winter ,i thoroughly enjoyed starting a collection of indoor miniatures1 frank copies of ,japanese name bonsai1 and even the wee fingertip shinto type4 ,these are a special challenge because to preserve proper proportion1 leaves and needles must be extra small1 and pruning and training are particularly crucial4 ,water is applied with an eyedropper2 fertilizer is administered in microscopic amounts4 ,to provide protective humidity and warmth1 and to help keep the small amount of soil in tiny containers from drying out1 we rigged up plastic-covered quarters on a window sill1 with a layer of moist vermiculite4 ,our tray was also improvised from a double layer of heavyweight aluminum foil4 ,now1 all but the youngest1 and the very smallest1 miniatures are strong enough to grow on glass shelves outside the plastic tent4 ,indoor plants1 bonsai-style1 are more than just tender seedlings1 or cuttings1 kept small in small containers4 ,they are patterned after true bonsai1 with interesting character1 artistic lines1 and perfect proportion4 ,the mechanics of pruning and training are very much the same4 ,but because they are not hardy outdoor growers that resent the hot dry air of a house1 and because they don't need annual dormancy1 they are fascinating indoor ornaments to be lived with and enjoyed the year round4 ,illustration3 ,different types of bonsai trees and containers ,illustration3 ,bonsai in citrus ,once we became intrigued with the concept of 8indoor bonsai0 we found so many house and greenhouse plants with picturesque prospects that ,i fear we will never get to try them all4 ,i have seedlings and cuttings of all sorts1 even including those from a breakfast orange and a pomegranate out of the fruit bowl4 ,and1 of course1 small plants sold by mail-order suppliers are just the right size to begin the process of dwarfing and shaping4 7,in the list at the end of ,chapter #f1 plants suitable for indoor bonsai use are indicated47 ,,outdoor ,,plants ,,for ,,dwarfing1 ,,bonsai-,,style ,with proper care1 any woody plant--any tree1 shrub1 or vine with persisting trunk or stems--can be grown indefinitely in a pot4 ,with some skill in pruning branches and roots1 it can be permanently dwarfed4 ,and with imagination and artistry1 it can be trained to re-create in miniature one of the majestic pictures of nature4 ,however1 some plants are more amenable to rigorous dwarfing than others2 some adapt more willingly to growing in containers2 and some are by nature more suitable in habit and appearance4 ,the easiest plants to dwarf are those that are naturally small1 or slow growing1 and those with small leaves or needles1 flowers or fruit4 ,proportion is the most important factor4 ,every element--leaf1 twig1 branch1 trunk1 root1 container--must be in harmony and balance with all others4 ,it's not impossible to use larger-leaved plants4 ,it's just a little more difficult4 ,long needles can be cut shorter1 for example1 but they must be kept the proper length4 ,large leaves can be thinned to relieve any feeling of heaviness1 and each leaf can be used to represent a branch4 ,with some types of deciduous trees--say1 maples--the leaves that come out first in the spring can be pinched off4 ,the leaves that come out to replace them will be smaller4 ,almost equally important is the 8character0 of a dwarfed plant--its irregular or fluid lines1 illusion of age1 unusual aspect of bark or twig that make it dramatic and vibrant4 ,any form of art can be dull if it has nothing except perfect proportion to offer4 ,with good proportion1 plus intriguing line and design1 it becomes interesting4 ,in the original bonsai the artist transplanted a tree he found growing in the wild and carefully conserved the misshapen lines made by buffeting weather1 or he very carefully copied1 or re-created1 a tree he had seen holding a precarious footing high on a rocky ridge and perhaps dipping down into a windy gorge4 ,these shapes and forms are now the basis for specific classes of bonsai which we can borrow or adapt4 ,so the 8character0 of a plant may suggest that it be trained as if it were growing out at a right angle from a rocky slope with its roots covering a stone2 as a grove1 to weep or cascade2 or as a gigantic1 single-trunked forest monarch with pitted1 weather-worn bark4 ,or perhaps1 lightning might have split the trunk1 leaving part of it jagged and dead4 ,the two trunks may have become entangled with each other4 ,branches may have been blown in one direction so long that they bend that way permanently4 ,types of ,plants ,any woody plant whose parts are in proper proportion for dwarfing--and particularly1 any that shows promise of interesting lines or 8character0--is a good prospect for bonsai4 ,the coniferous evergreens are most popular1 because they hold their foliage all year1 and because small-needled types are comparatively plentiful4 ,small-leaved deciduous trees can be at their most attractive best with spring's budding new growth1 summer's airy foliage1 fall's brilliant color1 or with the silhouette of a naked trunk in winter4 ,with flowering trees and shrubs the choice of varieties narrows even more4 ,large flowers with brilliant color and overpowering fragrance may destroy balance and proportion1 and detract from the beauty of the plant itself4 ,more delicate plants are more likely to enhance the picture4 ,for obvious reasons1 plants that bear fruits and berries in the proper scale are the hardest to find1 and culturally the most difficult4 7,for plants that are suitable for outdoor bonsai1 see list at the end of ,chapter #ad47 ,sources ,bonsai becomes a reality faster1 of course1 when you start with a fairly mature plant4 ,the most fruitful source is the selection of three-year-old trees and shrubs at your local nursery4 ,those growing in gallon-sized cans1 or other containers1 naturally accept pruning and transplanting with the least setback4 ,they should be healthy plants1 not overgrown or neglected1 that have been regularly root-pruned and transplanted through their infancy4 ,it is perfectly safe to buy them pot-bound if that condition has not persisted for several seasons1 with the outer roots all dead as a result4 ,in selecting a specimen1 first examine varieties that are by nature slow-growing and have leaves1 or needles1 in perfect scale4 ,be selective1 pass up the symmetrical specimens that are best for ordinary landscaping purposes1 and look for that one plant in a thousand1 the one with interesting 8character0--peculiarity of shape1 irregular branches1 low horizontal growth1 stocky or twisted trunk4 ,the most ideal plant has its largest branch near the base1 and has no regular or opposite branches to be pruned away4 ,next to above-ground development in importance1 is the below-ground root system4 ,to be ideal1 the root system should be a compact1 shallow mass rather than one long taproot with a few offshoots4 ,to make it even more ideal1 the stoutest roots should be growing near the surface4 ,younger1 smaller bonsai plants are readily available from mail-order suppliers who specialize in them4 ,here1 make your selection according to variety1 and then train your plants as you grow them4 ,but beware of cheap 8bargain offers40 ,i speak with this advice because of the experience of some of my friends4 ,they were too intrigued by ,sunday-newspaper ads4 ,buy only from reliable growers who have invested time and care in developing healthy plants and1 better yet1 have labeled them true to name4 ,for those who are more interested in the finished work of art than in the growing and creating of it1 some florists and nurseries advertise mature1 or nearly mature1 bonsai4 ,again may ,i say1 8,beware40 ,the supplier's reliability is even more important4 ,sometimes you can find precious bonsai-type shrubs or trees growing in the wild4 ,small seedlings of hemlock1 ash1 birch1 maple1 and some elms1 if they are dug very carefully--and at just about any time of the year--can be used as miniature bonsai1 or they can be planted in the garden for a few years until they are larger4 ,usually1 the taproot has to be cut back rather severely to encourage the development of a spreading mass of smaller roots4 ,start your regular pruning as soon as the plant recovers from transplanting shock4 ,the larger native plants should be taken when they are dormant1 in late fall or the earliest spring4 ,in searching1 look for those that have been naturally dwarfed and misshapen by misfortune4 ,in digging1 make sure the soil is so moist that much of it will cling to the roots4 ,keep the roots moist and well covered against drying sun and winds until the transplant is safely in the soil again4 ,for any such wildlings1 take along enough of the surrounding soil to fill the container into which they are going4 ,this will make them feel at home in their new place in the garden bed4 ,many growers now propagate their own bonsai plants2 thus they can control shape1 root-spread1 line1 and design from the very beginning4 ,almost all of the propagating methods outlined in ,chapter #aj are useful here1 some especially so4 ,cuttings of all kinds will produce stout-trunked plants much faster than seeds4 ,plants such as willow1 holly1 ginkgo1 and ivy can be started from stems as thick as an inch or so in diameter4 ,with cuttings you can have quantities of new plants from one parent1 all with the same variegations or other characteristics4 ,either ground or air layering can give you plants that are larger than those obtained from cuttings4 ,by selecting a certain branch you can be surer of getting the characteristics and shape you want4 ,if your bonsai is to be well balanced1 select a well-proportioned branch with close twiggy growth4 ,by layering you can also correct an unattractive bonsai1 growing a new one from a plant that has become too tall and gangly1 or one that has badly formed roots4 ,grafting for bonsai plants is not widely practiced because too often it leaves a visible scar or some other sign of artificiality1 and also because there is the danger of undesirable sprouts shooting up from the roots4 ,plants from a graft are generally weaker than cuttings or layers which have their own roots4 ,if your plant happens to be a valuable one1 you can often improve its shape by grafting on new branches where they will do the most good2 or good branches can be grafted onto picturesque1 gnarled roots4 ,i have never made a serious effort to graft in such cases1 but ,i have seen some good results from the work of other growers4 ,growing bonsai plants from seed requires infinite patience--as a warning1 the process takes years4 ,but seedlings1 once you have them going1 and with the healthiest of root systems1 will live indefinitely4 ,seeds of bonsai-type plants are available from several growers4 ,should they need special preparation1 such as nicking or stratifying1 the seed packets should say so4 ,when seedlings have several true leaves and are ready for transplanting1 cut back the strong taproot 7should there be one7 by at least one-third4 ,this will encourage root-branching4 ,when potting seedlings1 spread the side roots so they will develop evenly near the soil surface4 ,pruning and training can begin while the plants are still quite young4 ,plant the stem on a slant4 ,pinch new tip growth for development of side branches4 ,tie straight trunk stems to a bamboo cane1 or perhaps just a sliver2 or otherwise guide the young shrub1 or tree1 toward the lines you have in mind for its mature effect4 ,,bonsai ,,containers ,in no other art form is it more obvious that a subordinate element such as a container can make or mar the perfection of a picture4 ,for instance1 with a painting the frame can have small faults without lessening the impression of a masterpiece4 ,but bonsai is so stark that a slight imperfection can become a glaring error4 ,so1 although the container is merely a supporting feature1 it becomes only a little less important than the center of interest1 the plant4 ,it must harmonize with the plant1 reflect and supplement its beauty1 and not detract from its leading role4 ,imported ,japanese bonsai containers of the traditional type1 now readily available1 are usually shallow bowls or dishes of glazed 7or unglazed7 ceramic4 ,they are never glazed on the inside and are usually sold in sets of three matched units of graduated size4 ,contemporary ,american artists and manufacturers are also turning out pans and trays made of dull metals1 tile1 and wood4 ,the wood may be either of a natural finish or artistically weathered4 ,for outdoor bonsai1 wood must necessarily be treated for durability and weather resistance4 ,for indoor plantings1 containers can very often be improvised4 ,i've used bronze ash trays1 wooden salad bowls1 shapely plastic dishes 7shallow71 and odds and ends of pottery--anything of the right motif in which it is possible to bore1 drill1 or chip drainage holes on the bottom4 ,many of our modern ceramics are in complete harmony with bonsai4 ,but you must have those drainage holes1 otherwise your watering problems are compounded4 ,the ideal bonsai containers are seldom ornate2 really they shouldn't be4 ,they should have the grace and elegance of 8expensive simplicity10 which doesn't mean they are expensive4 ,they just look as though they were4 ,colors are subdued1 not bright or showy4 ,as a rule to follow1 darker and somber shades are used for evergreens1 lighter shades for flowering plants1 the specific choice depending on the color of the bloom4 ,in shape and form1 bonsai containers are simple and graceful and are selected to set off the shape or lines of the plants4 ,erect trunks often take shallow1 rectangular containers4 ,hanging or weeping lines call for round containers with more depth4 ,square or oval containers are used for extremely delicate1 graceful subjects4 ,container size1 of course1 depends on the plants themselves4 ,as a general rule1 the smallest and most shallow container that is culturally practical1 and in good proportion1 is the best4 ,in true bonsai containers1 diameters range from two to twenty-five inches2 depths1 from one to ten inches4 ,the accepted rule for good proportions allows the plant to occupy #hj per cent of the picture1 the container #bj per cent4 ,should you have very small plants the ratio is slightly changed--#fj per cent for plant1 #dj per cent for the container4 ,however1 these figures should not be considered as hard and fast1 but as a guide when purchasing containers4 ,your eye may tell you what is better suited for your particular plant or shrub4 ,,planting ,,and ,,care ,rather specific cultural practices have evolved for dwarfing hardy garden plants1 trees1 and shrubs1 and growing them in small containers4 ,tender house and greenhouse plants1 dwarfed and grown as indoor bonsai1 are also potted1 pruned1 trained1 and watered as outlined in this chapter4 ,otherwise1 they are grown like the window-garden plants in ,chapter #a4 ,root-pruning ,this is often the first thing you do for a plant that is to be grown bonsai-style4 ,it is a procedure that is repeated regularly if your plant is to have a long life4 ,dwarf trees and shrubs are root-pruned so they will fit their small containers1 or to make room for fresh soil when they are repotted1 or to keep the root system in balance with the growth above soil that is being restricted4 ,pruning also keeps the roots compact1 near the surface of the soil1 and vigorously young4 ,removing old1 woody roots encourages the growth of fine new ones4 ,when seedlings1 rooted cuttings1 and small newly purchased or collected plants are made ready for their first bonsai containers1 they are not immediately root-pruned in a severe sense4 ,any roots that are dead should be trimmed off and long taproots should be cut back at least one-third4 ,otherwise1 it's a matter of trimming off the root ball with as little disturbance as possible1 just enough to fit the container4 ,after they have been established1 plants are root-pruned when they are repotted4 ,when roots are crowded and completely cover the soil in a close mesh1 it's time to repot and root-prune4 ,for some plants this may come once in a year1 for others once in five years4 ,hold the base of the trunk in one hand--your left hand if you are a right-hander4 ,use a dull-pointed pencil 7the ,japanese use a chopstick7 and loosen the soil around the outside4 ,pick away about one-third of it if the plant is established1 somewhat more on younger plants4 ,when you have finished1 the soil ball should be1 roughly speaking1 one-fourth smaller than its container4 ,then1 with sharp scissors1 cut away all the loose root ends which you have removed from the soil4 ,this is rather drastic surgery1 although not like removing an arm and a leg of a gardener1 because the plant or shrub has the happy faculty of growing new roots4 ,however1 it will need special care and protection until it is back on its feet again4 ,bonsai plants are root-pruned and returned to the same container year after year4 ,none of this making each container one size larger each time the plant is moved into a new house4 ,that's for house plants per se4 ,soil ,potting soil for dwarfed trees and shrubs is particularly important4 ,there is so little of it in small containers4 ,in general1 it should provide good drainage and aeration while also holding a certain amount of moisture4 ,on the specific side1 soil contents and textures should vary to meet the individual plant's needs4 ,if your plant happens to have been dug locally1 take along a supply of local soil4 ,if you happen to have purloined the plant from a neighbor's woods1 purloin a little soil4 ,it's no more of a sin to have stolen a sheep than half a sheep4 ,in our neighborhood it is a standing joke about how many plants1 flat paving stones1 etc41 we swipe from each other4 ,if you have been honest enough to have bought your plant from a nursery1 ask their advice on the soil4 ,if they are not smart1 although most of them are1 get the reference book down off the shelf and find out whether the plant craves a mixture that is sandy1 rich in humus1 acid or alkaline1 fine or coarse4 ,you have a baby on your hands4 ,treat it right and it will award you with adulthood in bonsai4 ,neglect it and it will curl up and die4 ,mix your soil as you would a baby's formula4 ,remember1 babies cry when the formula is faulty2 plants can't4 ,they silently pass away4 ,potting and ,repotting ,i am frequently asked how often an established tree or shrub should be repotted4 ,it depends1 first1 on how fast it grows4 ,a willow may need this attention twice a year1 a conifer once in five years4 ,a general rule is to repot flowering and fruiting plants about once a year1 most deciduous varieties every other year1 evergreens every three to five years4 ,but don't follow that schedule too literally4 ,if a tree begins to wither or look weak1 if its color turns sickly and it shows no sign of growth1 if its roots are so packed they hump up the soil1 root-pruning and repotting are often the 8shot in the arm0 that can save it4 ,the most favorable repotting seasons vary with types of plants and the climate4 ,again1 it's a good idea to consult some authority or reference book4 ,in general1 and in most areas1 it is safe to repot evergreens1 deciduous foliage varieties1 and summer-or fall-flowering types in early spring before new growth begins4 ,as for spring-flowering plants1 repot immediately after flowering2 for fruiting types1 in early autumn before cold weather sets in4 ,as a side light1 it is possible to use watertight containers minus drainage holes4 ,that is rather desirable when a plant is to be displayed on finely finished furniture in the house4 ,the container should be a shade larger than usual so that1 in potting1 a corner area or space along the side can be left empty and the soil sloped down toward it4 ,if there is any standing water it will show up in this section4 ,just up-end the container and drain off the excess water4 ,in the process make sure that the plant is not also drained off or disturbed4 ,but that you will know from plain common sense4 ,if a pot has drainage holes1 ,i always make sure they are partially covered with crockery or aluminum window screen so the soil will not sift down and clog the holes4 ,to insure even better drainage1 ,i screen the first layer so that it is coarse and granular1 put a little soil on top1 and then set the plant in place4 ,in oblong or oval containers1 the trunk is usually one-third of the distance from the end and a little behind the center line4 ,of course1 that depends on the shape of the containers4 ,in round or square containers1 the plant is usually centered4 ,when planting1 fill in the soil gradually4 ,use a pencil1 or if you have the true ,oriental feeling1 a chopstick1 to tuck the soil in tightly around the roots4 ,whatever you use1 be sure to eliminate any pockets of air4 ,roots don't like it4 ,as to how tightly you pack it1 that depends on the type of plant and the texture of the soil4 ,if your soil is built up around the edges and sloped toward the center1 you will have a depression that will hold water until it can seep down to the roots below4 ,unless you have some particular plan or design1 finish off the surface with a ground cover of moss1 or perhaps a layer of gravel4 ,moss is not only an added attraction but functions as a mulch and delays the evaporation of moisture from the soil underneath4 ,after repotting1 soak the soil thoroughly1 and soak the container1 which is probably dried out4 ,mist the foliage and remove any debris such as fallen leaves and petals4 ,then keep the plant sheltered for several weeks until it is re-established4 ,remember1 it has had what a human being would regard as a major operation4 ,some of the most appealing bonsai plants are grown with their roots around a rock of interesting and harmonious size1 shape1 color1 and texture4 ,soft1 porous tufa is especially good for this purpose because you can cut and shape it easily4 ,you can hollow out cavities and crevices1 just the place for roots to grow4 ,any rock should have a stable base4 ,please don't let it tip or wobble4 ,for this sort of planting1 select a healthy plant in vigorous growth with roots long enough to reach down the side of the stone4 ,prune away any roots that are too short or dead1 and remove the soil from the others4 ,set the base of the trunk in place on top of the rock and arrange the roots so that the tips reach down and can be buried in the soil in the container4 ,both roots and plant may need to be anchored in place for a while2 that is1 until they can stand on their own4 ,such plants naturally need special watering and protection for the first few months1 perhaps even for a year or so4 ,you can help them along by rubbing soil into the roots after they are fastened in place1 or covering them temporarily with a thin layer of moist moss4 ,should you do any repotting1 be careful not to loosen the roots on the rock4 ,recently1 in the home of one of my ,redding neighbors1 ,i saw a bonsai arrangement that pretty much follows what ,i have been describing above1 except that it goes it one better4 ,this gardener1 in the search for the 8right0 rock1 had walked miles along the stone fences that divide fields1 woods1 and properties in our area4 ,eventually she found a beautifully weathered specimen with a large pocket in the top4 ,this she filled with a rich1 moisture-holding soil mixture1 encasing some of the roots of her bonsai in it4 ,then she set the rock in water in a shallow container to help keep it moist4 ,someday ,i am going to defy the snakes that are said to lurk in the cracks and crevices of our rock walls and see if ,i can't find something to approximate what my neighbor discovered4 ,i hope it will have a few lichens on it4 ,that would be a crowning touch of age and antiquity4 ,shaping and ,pruning ,these are the techniques1 says one author1 that 8make bonsai culture an art40 ,that statement alone is sufficient reason to invalidate just about all of the specific rules4 ,but there are others--the wide variations among plants and types of plants1 plus the personal element1 the variances in personal tastes and degrees of artistry4 ,instead of trying to cover bonsai pruning and wiring in complete detail 7there are many excellent books on the subject71 ,i'd rather speak from personal experience and set down the basic principles as ,i see them and have used them4 ,by following these principles--not word for word1 or too literally1 but with your own creative ingenuity and imagination--,i feel you can shape a true bonsai plant1 or adaptations in the bonsai manner4 ,first1 let's define the objective--a miniature tree or shrub with every part in perfect scale1 the line and design of trunk and branches clearly outlined and not forced or distorted but naturally picturesque4 ,if you start with a very small plant1 a seedling1 or a rooted cutting1 the choice of shape and design is mostly up to you4 ,but more mature plants almost always suggest their own form4 ,a trunk may be slightly twisted1 a branch slightly bent1 the leaves or needles heavier in one area than another4 ,you simply carry on the illusion in as natural a manner as possible4 ,in pruning1 the first step is to remove all weak or dead wood1 and any unwanted branches that cross unattractively or perhaps go off in the wrong direction4 ,then1 you decide whether more branches should be pruned away--to reveal the basic form of the tree in general or the trunk in particular2 to lighten the over-all effect2 to help create the desired symmetrical or asymmetrical shape4 ,if the plant has been root-pruned1 the top should be pruned proportionally4 ,top growth and roots should always be kept in balance4 ,growing tips are pinched or cut back to encourage the development of side shoots1 or merely to keep the plant in dwarf proportions4 ,from here on1 pruning depends on the plant and the planned design4 ,slow-growing types may need trimming only once a year2 others need constant attention4 ,any undesirable or excess growth is best removed while the plant is still young so the operation won't leave an unsightly scar4 ,needles that are too long can be cut down to proper size from time to time4 ,leaves that are too large and heavy can be severely thinned4 ,because fruit that is too plentiful can weaken a dwarfed tree severely1 some of it should be removed4 ,at repotting time you may find a few roots immediately under the soil surface that have enlarged to such a good size they can be exposed above the soil4 ,if possible1 spread them out slightly so they form a swelling base for the trunk4 ,this is fun1 but takes a bit of doing4 ,you don't want to end up with something that resembles an unanchored telegraph pole with leaves at the top4 ,stems1 branches1 and trunks are trained by wiring them and then bending them along the lines you desire4 ,wiring is best done in the spring4 ,new growth is just starting and the older woody parts are more supple and pliant4 ,if the soil is left dry a few days before wiring1 the wood will be even easier to work with4 ,you can use ordinary galvanized wire4 ,if you happen to have only copper wire1 try annealing it4 ,hold it in a fire and then plunge it into cold water4 ,the weight and strength of the wire will depend on the size of the trunk or branch with which you are working4 ,be careful not to get a wire that is so stiff you can't bend it easily4 ,as to the actual process1 first fasten one end of the wire4 ,perhaps you wrap it around the trunk1 or better still1 stick it deeply into the soil4 ,next coil it rather loosely around the branch that is being trained and fasten it again at the end4 ,now1 using both hands1 bend the wired branch in the direction you want it to go4 ,be firm1 but be gentle and cautious4 ,ease up if the branch shows signs of breaking or being injured4 ,don't hurry the job4 ,if necessary1 only bend it a little the first time4 ,bend it a little more the next week1 and the weeks after that4 ,if you are tempted to rush1 stop and think of the bonsai creations you have seen on display at flowers shows4 ,usually you will have seen a card that says the creation is fifty or more years old4 ,be especially careful with old hardened growth or plants with tender bark that is easily bruised or broken4 ,most important1 once you start to bend a branch1 don't change your mind and try to bend it back the original way4 ,it will almost surely die4 ,plan before you act4 ,depending on the type and age of the plant1 wires may be left in place for six months1 a year1 or even more4 ,however1 watch carefully for signs that the plant is being choked or disfigured due to heavy growth4 ,there are also some easy ways to train parts of plants without wiring them4 ,branches can be pulled down to a horizontal line by looping soft cord around them and hitching it to the container4 ,they can be made to hang down1 or weep1 by hanging weights at the tips4 ,if you want to straighten a trunk1 tie it with something strong1 like raffia1 to a straight bamboo stake4 ,to narrow a wide fork between two branches1 pull them together with raffia4 ,to widen a fork1 prop it apart with a light wooden wedge4 ,location ,whether you have a collection of bonsai growing on tables or benches1 or perhaps just a few plants1 in summer give them outdoor growing quarters where there is a free circulation of air4 ,full sunlight is good except during the hottest weeks or months4 ,be careful to protect them against hot1 drying winds and burning sun1 which they cannot stand4 ,being in small containers1 excessive heat or dryness is dangerous4 ,we had some old bamboo shades that once enclosed our porch which were good protection4 ,we also had some lath screens which came in handy4 ,lacking either1 hang up old sheets or sections of burlap4 ,you can help by keeping it moist with the garden hose4 ,watering ,many factors determine how often your plants should be watered--age1 type1 size1 how recently they were repotted1 size of root system1 and the usual climatic conditions such as temperature and humidity4 ,about the only concrete thing ,i can say is that your plants will resent neglect1 and will show it4 ,newly potted plants should be kept moist constantly until they begin to make new growth or show other signs that they have recovered from pruning and transplanting4 ,for plants that are established1 the ideal is limited moisture in the soil4 ,don't keep it so wet that rank growth is encouraged4 ,and please beware of rot4 ,that is one of the most evil of evils when you are too generous with the watering can4 ,at the other extreme1 the soil shouldn't be so dry that the plant wilts beyond recovery4 ,you1 as a grower1 will have to determine this for yourself4 ,i do it by feeling the soil in the container4 ,if it feels moist to the fingers1 no water is needed4 ,let it feel dry and it probably needs a drink4 ,when you do water1 be thorough4 ,make sure the soil is so completely moistened that the excess water runs out the drainage hole in the bottom of the container4 ,fertilizing ,there is a definite1 delicate balance between too much and too little fertilizer for a bonsai plant4 ,too much food and it grows too large and is loaded with large foliage1 flowers1 and fruit4 ,if you feed it too sparingly1 it will suffer from malnutrition4 ,i most certainly wish ,i could give you an exact rule to use4 ,i fear no one can4 ,requirements differ for different plants4 ,all ,i can offer is a few basic principles4 ,the rest is up to you4 ,for the first few months after you have repotted a plant in fresh soil1 withhold all fertilizer4 ,don't fertilize a plant that is weak or sick or approaching dormancy1 and don't fertilize when the soil in the pot is dry4 ,be alert to fading leaf color1 reluctant growth1 and all similar signs that a plant is suffering for want of nutrients4 ,these signs may be most apparent during the spring season of most active growth4 ,organic fertilizers such as bone meal1 liquid manure1 or fish emulsion are usually recommended1 and should be used sparingly in weak solutions4 ,the purpose of this feeding is to keep the plant healthy but still small1 and not to encourage larger growth4 ,insects and ,disease ,my bonsai plants are much too precious to take chances with any sort of infection or insect infestation4 ,as a preventative1 ,i use an all-purpose aerosol bomb regularly1 according to directions on the label4 ,constantly ,i keep a sharp eye for any signs of trouble4 ,thank goodness1 up to now ,i have had no serious threats1 but should they come along1 there is a remedy ,i have used on other plants4 ,i would dip them1 container and all1 in an appropriate solution1 thus making sure it would penetrate every crevice and cover every surface4 ,for outdoor bonsai and the problems most likely to beset plants while in their summer quarters1 ,i have elsewhere discussed insects and diseases of trees and shrubs4 ,those general principles also apply to bonsai4 ,winter ,care ,in areas where freezing temperatures are the rule or1 as here in ,connecticut1 where temperatures are much lower1 dwarfed potted trees and shrubs should spend the winter where the soil in the small containers will not freeze4 ,we have a tight cold frame where we plunge the pots into the soil1 then cover everything with straw and salt hay4 ,those who happen to have an unheated porch1 one that is glassed in1 but where the temperature does not go below freezing1 have a good winter quarters4 ,but1 be careful1 don't let the soil in the containers dry out completely4 ,keep a watchful eye4 ,after that warning1 may ,i offer another4 ,please don't coddle plants by keeping them warm in the house or greenhouse4 ,a cool period of complete rest is often very beneficial1 or even a touch of frost4 ,,chapter #aj ,,miniature ,,gardens ,,in ,,the ,,landscape ,a picturesque surprise on a gently sloping1 sunny bank could be a wind-blown mugho pine beside an outcropping rock that's lightly draped by a sprawling cotoneaster1 with colorful sempervivums clustered at the base4 ,or in the light shade at the base of a clump of white-barked birches1 there could be a group of dwarf rhododendrons displayed against dark1 humus-rich soil or a pine-needle mulch4 ,on a patio or terrace1 it could be a contemporary grouping of low1 fluffy juniper1 perennial lavender1 and water-polished rocks4 ,these are miniature gardens--not complete landscaping plans for small properties1 but appealing plantings that often pop up in unexpected places and bring beauty into otherwise unusable or undecorated areas4 ,they're gardens because1 by definition1 they are groups of plants that achieve an effect a single plant could not create alone4 ,they're miniature gardens because they occupy small space1 and because most of their plants are of miniature proportions4 ,properly designed and executed1 they're equally effective in large grounds or small1 with contemporary suburban homes1 in informal settings1 and even on estates with traditionally formal landscapes4 ,there's a special enchantment in these miniature gardens4 ,the eye is attracted by their modesty and restraint1 and by the utterly natural way they seem to suit the scene4 ,each plant is seen intimately1 in close-up2 its character is revealed in each small detail4 ,and in these gardens the creator can express his individuality so easily2 seldom does a design even resemble the one next door4 ,illustration3 ,miniature white poppies featured in a tiny garden beside an outcropping of rock ,part of the appeal1 of course1 lies in the charm of miniature plants--tiny annuals and perennials1 small or slow-growing evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs1 available in amazingly wide variety if you take the trouble to find them4 ,there are also frequent opportunities to use inert objects with special effect4 ,small gardens can be designed as settings for works of art or products of the hand-craftsman--ceramic bowls and urns1 authentic wrought-iron grilles1 wood carvings1 statuary1 sundials1 pools1 even fountains and waterfalls4 ,or a garden may be designed with a background of well-placed rock1 a tree stump1 or a piece of driftwood4 ,a bench1 arch1 gate1 antique hitching post1 or well-house may inspire a miniature planting4 ,inanimate ground covers such as gravel are often a definite part of the design4 ,in some ways miniature gardens are easier to design than1 for example1 standard items such as flower beds and foundation plantings4 ,it's easier to achieve originality4 ,mistakes are usually small and easily corrected4 ,on the other hand1 really good design is more critical than in large plantings where space can swallow errors and provide lucky effects4 ,in miniature1 even a minor defect shows up immediately1 and may be a major calamity4 ,,designing ,,miniature ,,gardens ,the first and basic requisite is an idea the garden is to express1 a theme for the picture it is to create4 ,the objective may be to embellish some neglected nook1 disguise an unattractive corner1 feature an unusual plant or art object1 soften the lines of a small pool and blend it with its surroundings4 ,once the goal is set1 it is pursued without deviation4 ,for example1 a featured plant is kept dominant--not necessarily in size1 but always in visual importance--and everything else is subordinate4 ,a pool planting does not become so elaborate that the beauty of mirrored reflections or rippling water is lost4 ,in both conception and execution the design for a miniature garden should be in harmony with its surroundings4 ,nearby buildings may call for certain harmonious lines and proportions4 ,land contours1 and constructions such as walls and steps1 may dictate size and shape4 ,the architecture of a house and its landscape has a style that should not be violated4 ,our ,connecticut landscape demands informal or naturalistic design in no uncertain terms4 ,straight lines and formal geometric shapes would be not only out of place1 but practically impossible to achieve4 ,the land's slopes and rises call for beds with flowering curves4 ,points of interest such as massive lichen-trimmed boulders1 gnarled old trees1 or a winding stream are sublimely situated by nature's unerring instinct for what looks right4 ,we've merely cleaned them up and made the most of them4 ,for not-too-modern houses built on regularly shaped1 level lots1 some sort of formal design is easier to achieve and much more suitable4 ,in the traditional style1 elements of equal size and weight balance each other4 ,there is strict adherence to a predetermined pattern4 ,identical beds may make a formal dooryard garden1 for example2 matching groups of plants may ornament opposite sides of a gateway4 ,for houses of contemporary architectural style there are gardens of contemporary design1 often featuring paved areas and patterns with distinct angles and curves4 ,plantings are based on the tone1 texture1 and form of the plants themselves4 ,the object of interest is off-center1 balanced by a larger area of subdued importance4 ,miniature gardens should be not only in harmony with the style of the surroundings1 but also in proper proportion4 ,a birdbath with miniature roses planted underneath can look lost in the center of a spacious lawn1 but could be in correct scale for a niche or arch in a brick wall4 ,simplicity is extremely important4 ,the smaller the space1 the faster it will take on a spotty1 cluttered look when crammed with too many different plants4 ,the smaller the space and the plants1 the more care and thought should be given to combining various types1 forms1 textures1 and colors for best effect4 ,in addition to aesthetic principles1 there are practical aspects to designing miniature gardens4 ,any site should be checked for cultural and environmental conditions that favor healthy plant growth4 ,is a wall so high it throws too much shade for sun-loving plants8 ,is an area too exposed in winter for questionably hardy plants8 ,is the spot so low that water collects and stands in the soil1 making it suitable only for bog plants8 ,think of the work of maintenance1 too4 ,use ground covers instead of lawn in areas so small you can't move a mower around4 ,avoid fast-growing plants that need constant trimming and pruning4 ,don't use plants that require a lot of protective spraying or dusting unless you have time to keep up with the job4 ,a healthy dwarf barberry is more attractive than a neglected1 sickly rose4 ,,miniature ,,beds1 ,,borders1 ,,and ,,islands ,there are a number of ways to use small-scale versions of the familiar mixed-flower border4 ,annuals and perennials can be selected for continuity or succession of bloom1 and arranged so that colors harmonize1 textures contrast1 and carefully placed taller spikes or spires provide accent and relieve monotony4 ,in the background there may be dwarf evergreens or flowering shrubs1 a low fence or wall1 the side of a tool house or other small building4 ,use miniature flower borders to add interest to tiresome areas such as long1 narrow strips between the house and boundary line of the lot1 or along a service walk4 ,use them at the edge or in corners of small lawn areas--never scattered through it--or at the base of low foundation plantings4 ,use them as visual space dividers between driveway and front yard or entrance to the house4 ,miniature beds are also effective at one side of a breezeway1 at the edge of a terrace or patio1 or beside the back door4 ,if they are raised slightly1 perhaps the height of just one brick1 the small plants are nearer to eye-level and their full beauty is more clearly revealed4 ,i've also seen a tiny cutting garden1 by the back fence1 that was as colorful and pretty as any border4 ,whenever there are walks1 there are spots for miniature beds--in the diamond-shaped points where two walks join2 as little islands along the curves2 in the angles where corners turn4 ,or use small formal beds for dooryard plantings4 ,the intimate dooryard garden1 by the way1 is enjoying a revival4 ,instead of advice to keep flowering plants away from the front of the house1 we're encouraged to plant little gardens that can be seen from the picture window and also will make the house more attractive to passers-by4 ,these don't replace foundation plantings and front-yard landscaping1 but supplement them in a small way4 ,and the small gardens help relieve the monotonous sameness of many modern house fronts4 ,all kinds of corners are obvious sites for ornamental treatment with tiny gardens--architectural corners between front entrance and house wall1 between one wing of the house and another2 the back corner of a lot where1 perhaps1 a small tree is a focal point or background or where1 if you're fortunate1 a small stream winds its way across your property4 ,on almost any grounds there are natural nooks that seem to be made for miniature gardens up and down the sides of informal steps1 at the top or base of low walls1 in a patch of soil at the foot of a high-branched tree4 ,landscape or architectural focal points can often be enhanced by little gardens--gates1 bay windows1 sundials1 the mailbox1 a birdbath1 or a well4 ,little pocket-handkerchief gardens are built right into patios and terraces4 ,little creepers planted in crevices between paving stones make a miniature garden of their own4 ,,chapter #aa ,,miniature ,,rock ,,and ,,wall ,,gardens ,anyone who can live and garden in a place like our part of ,connecticut without going overboard for rocks and rock-loving plants has more self-control than ,i4 ,my bewitchment began one ,sunday afternoon when1 the weekend's weeding done1 ,i strolled up toward the small wild-flower plantings in 8the point40 ,just beyond the garage1 before the trees began to cut off the sun1 ,i stopped to glare at an ugly1 erupting mound of soil and stones that had frustrated our every attempt to make this area more attractive4 ,i was pondering the monstrosity1 when ,i noticed an intriguing detail4 ,a partly submerged rock poking its head out of one side of the mound had the same color and patina as a snub-nosed piece sticking out the other side2 and the lines of stratification were on the same slant4 ,could these be opposite ends of one continuous rock formation8 ,five wheelbarrow-loads of rocky debris later1 we had uncovered a beautiful boulder1 perfectly placed so that its lines led gracefully into twin trunks of a wind-blown birch4 ,it was a boulder with ancient age and character1 artistically chiseled by the elements4 ,and it said 8rock garden0 as plainly as any landscape plan4 ,this five-foot-long discovery may not be miniature2 and the naturalistic kind of planting it inspired is neither practical nor suitable for many home grounds4 ,but it was my introduction to rock plants1 and to how effectively rocks and plants combine2 and it led me to create and watch for rock gardens that are miniature1 practical1 and suitable for all kinds of grounds4 ,sometimes ,i think these are the most enchanting little gardens of all4 ,if they are to look like anything better than a pile of stones1 miniature rock and wall gardens are not composed of miniature rocks4 ,they simply contain fewer1 perhaps somewhat smaller1 rocks than average gardens2 and they occupy far less space4 ,these small plant-and-rock compositions brighten nooks and corners where other plantings would seem out of place4 ,by their nature1 most rockery plants are miniature in height1 foliage1 and flower4 ,alone or combined with miniature bulbs1 the smaller perennials and annuals1 and the tiniest shrubs and trees1 they invite close-up enjoyment of their daintiness in these small plantings4 ,rocks and rock-loving plants have a perfectly natural way of blending and contrasting1 each bringing out the best qualities in the other4 ,although they're of different design and construction1 rock gardens and dry walls are usually planted with the same or similar plants1 and given similar care4 ,paths1 pavements1 and garden steps are close kin4 ,but pools and water plants1 even though they are often included in rock gardens1 are a separate subject1 and are covered in ,chapter #ab4 ,,rock-,,and ,,wall-,,garden ,,design 8,cemetery10 8penitentiary rock pile10 8collection of geological specimens0--these and other unflattering phrases have been used to describe what a rock garden should not be4 ,this eliminates the artificial rock-studded circle in the center of a lawn1 rocky slopes with nothing to back them up1 isolated paths and steps that have nowhere to go1 stone-stuffed piles of loam with no conceivable excuse for being where they are4 ,what a rock garden should be1 is an integral part of the landscape1 completely at home and in harmony with its surroundings1 and having a sound reason for its existence4 ,except for a few functional affairs such as walls that retain terraces and steps that climb banks1 their purpose is mainly ornamental4 ,neither rocks nor plants are featured at the expense of the other4 ,both work together to create the picture--the plants to add brightness1 vitality1 and life2 the rocks to help provide favorable growing conditions and a naturally suitable background for their display4 ,designs for these gardens can be1 as for others in the landscape1 formal or informal4 ,the fixed geometry of walks1 walls1 and raised beds in formal pattern are seen less frequently4 ,but this is a type of rock garden that might be placed advantageously in even the flattest1 barest suburban lot where naturalistic plantings and rocks look out of place4 ,if you long for a rock garden1 try something like this in either classic or contemporary style4 ,informal rock gardens must1 above all else1 look convincingly natural1 as if the glaciers might have placed them4 ,this is equally important to a cluster of bulbs at the base of a single1 half-sunken boulder2 the arrangement of rocks and plants on a small slope2 or the series of rocks that line a winding path4 ,builders of ambitious rock gardens are often advised to study the nearby countryside and use it as a guide4 ,designs for ,naturally ,uneven1 ,rocky ,land ,this type of terrain makes a natural setting for rock and wall gardens of all sizes1 shapes1 and contours4 ,generally1 the design is informal and naturalistic4 ,i don't know whether it's really easier to work out such designs in miniature1 or whether ,i merely think it's easier because that's the kind of land ,i have to work with4 ,so far1 we've never disagreed with ,nature about the placement of a rock outcropping1 for example4 ,the few we've uncovered and cleaned up have almost told us what and how to plant4 ,a small existing slope or bank is a perfect site for a composition of rocks and rockery plants1 or1 if you prefer1 a retaining wall between the two levels with plants grouped at the bottom or top1 or planted horizontally in the cracks4 ,or consider a series of ledges that create small1 irregular terraces4 ,a slope or grade may be the perfect place for informal stone steps1 with1 of course1 a path leading up to them and away4 ,colonies of small plants look well on either side1 with1 perhaps1 very miniature evergreens at both sides at the top4 ,cracks in the steps and a walk can be planted with small carpeters4 ,if you possess a small stream1 gulch1 or ravine1 by all means consider a little rock garden along either side4 ,if you're fond of a gnarled old stump1 see what a few rocks and plants might do at its foot4 ,where your driveway curves1 try a small rock garden4 ,before you fill in and flatten out a small depression1 or level off a small knoll1 find out how it would look as a small 8island0 rock garden4 ,corners like those formed by an old-fashioned 8stoop0 of a country cottage sometimes make effective frames for miniature rock gardens4 ,but in general1 informal designs usually fit best out in the grounds1 away from angular architectural lines4 ,illustration3 ,raised flower bed copied from an old ,english garden ,designs for ,level1 ,rockless ,grounds ,here there are fewer existing1 desirable locations for rock and wall gardens4 ,but for the sake of enjoying the dainty plants1 and of marking your garden with originality1 you may want to create a site4 ,it is possible to dig out a 8natural0 depression or build up a slope1 if it's skillfully designed--and if you can get rocks that don't look foreign and far away from home4 ,or dig down a foot or two to make a formal or semiformal sunken garden1 the beds raised and held in place by a dry wall with crevices to plant in1 and flagstone walks4 ,corners sometimes offer possibilities--a far corner1 where there is a background of trees1 fence1 or wall2 or a front corner where the lawn slopes slightly down to the sidewalk4 ,or there may be a place near the patio for a tiny pool in a rocky setting4 ,a birdbath1 sundial1 or shrine that's a focal point in a small garden can sometimes be embellished with a small rock garden at the base4 ,so can the edge or corner of a raised patio4 ,terrace pavements with cushions of thyme rooted in the crevices are enriched with color1 fragrance1 and texture4 ,the lines of stark steps are softened and the appearance mellowed by crowded clumps of fat sempervivums4 ,wherever you can find reason for a rock wall1 or even a row of rocks laid horizontally and only a few inches high1 you can plant it with rockery plants at top1 bottom1 or in between4 ,in the artificial settings of many suburban lots1 semiformal walls separating two levels of lawn or supporting the edge of the family living area are very suitable substitutes for rock gardens4 ,,miniature ,,rock ,,and ,,wall ,,plants ,one of the main virtues of rock and wall gardens is their individuality--they don't look like other gardens1 or even like each other4 ,but commonplace plants such as bedding petunias can cancel this distinctiveness in a minute4 ,if you use annuals at all1 get less ordinary varieties and use them sparingly1 for temporary color in a bare spot or over the dying foliage of spring-flowering bulbs4 ,the plants that look best with rocks are those that grow naturally among them4 ,hundreds of rock-loving plants are available1 and more hundreds of alpines from rugged mountain heights4 ,only the easier alpines are included here1 the most adaptable to more luxuriant climates and soil1 the least likely to pine for their rigorous1 high-altitude homes4 ,tricky types from above the timber line are left to the dedicated collector4 ,illustration3 ,saxifraga seedlings--a natural rock-loving plant ,nurseries and catalogues of rock-garden specialists are so full of distinctive and delightful miniature plants that my first reaction was blissful delirium4 ,and after ,i acquired as many enticing items as ,i could1 my second thought was3 ,these gems are too little known and grown4 ,so ,i began to sort out some that might flourish in our small perennial borders4 ,with favorable conditions of drainage and air circulation1 a number of rockery plants have already made themselves at home in other1 rockless gardens4 ,most miniature bulbs are effective in rock gardens1 and some miniature perennials--not ubiquitous types1 and not those that spread voraciously by runners4 ,miniature shrubs and trees are indispensable in rock gardens of all sizes--to give variety1 contrast1 and substance2 to act as accents2 to create boundaries or backgrounds4 ,use them with restraint4 ,place spreading1 wind-swept types at the top1 bushy shapes down lower1 upright exclamation points at the very bottom4 ,make sure they are in scale with the rocks1 the plants1 and the garden as a whole4 ,select all kinds of rock and wall plants for their effectiveness of form1 texture1 and color in the complete design4 ,and this repetition is important and unavoidable4 ,select varieties that naturally like1 or will adapt to1 the cultural conditions like sun and soil type you have or can provide4 ,,miniature ,,rock ,,gardens ,for setting a few rocks into the side of a handkerchief-sized section of slope1 or building many more into a garden in a good-sized corner1 there are a few guiding principles that will help make sure you are happy with the result4 ,most important1 have your design as complete as possible before you start to build4 ,a sketch drawn to scale is a valuable visualizing aid4 ,then1 make your construction solid and substantial1 and favorable to plant growth and health4 ,if you have a choice of exposure1 face a sloping rock garden toward the north or northeast1 so it will get enough summer sun but not so much that it dries and cooks4 ,shrubs and trees in the background should not create dense shade in the garden1 nor drip moisture on the plants and steal nourishment from their roots4 ,drainage is extremely important in selecting a site4 ,if the subsoil is packed and clay-like1 you can either replace it1 make it more porous1 or select another spot4 ,what kind of rocks to use and where to get them depends on the part of the country you live in4 ,anything that's indigenous to an area is first choice1 always4 ,limestone1 sandstone1 fieldstone1 porous tufa--native rocks 8belong0 as no artificial or imported rock ever can4 ,if your land is not blessed 7or cursed7 by plenty of rocks1 you can sometimes collect them near rivers1 mountains1 or abandoned quarries1 or where a new road is being blasted through4 ,whether you have them1 collect them1 or buy them1 all the rocks in one garden 7or on the same property7 should be of the same general type4 ,varicolored geological specimens are seldom attractive4 ,consider each rock's characteristic color1 texture1 size1 and shape before you decide where to place it1 or whether to place it at all4 ,even in the tiniest rock gardens1 tiny rocks look ridiculously salt-and-peppery4 ,start with rocks of substantial size1 in keeping with the size and contour of the garden2 use smaller ones where they fill in effectively4 ,naturally worn and weathered rocks look more natural than freshly chiseled surfaces2 irregular1 angular forms are better than uniformity4 ,rocks with stratified layers suggest ledges and cliffs4 ,glacial boulders or 8hardheads0 are not good in formal patterns4 ,use them naturalistically1 in varying sizes1 arranging them with studied carelessness as if they'd been scattered haphazardly and then left4 ,avoid overcrowding with so many rocks that the plants are overshadowed by the debris4 ,place rocks as they might lie naturally1 partly buried in the soil1 the tops smoothed over by the elements1 and so solid that they don't wobble when you step on them4 ,construction ,perfect drainage1 so that water cannot stand around the roots and crowns1 has been called 8the most important need for all alpine plants40 ,the selected location 7raised or sunken7 and composition of subsoil and topsoil can either contribute to good drainage or deter it4 ,in small gardens it's not too formidable a job to install a system of drainage tiles1 if necessary1 or to add gravelly sand to subsoil to make it more porous4 ,easy insurance in any rock garden is to start with several inches of rather coarse gravel or rubble as a bottom drainage layer4 ,any topsoil that is removed during construction should be saved carefully4 ,if you can pile it in the center of a tarpaulin or piece of strong burlap1 it can't be scattered and lost2 and you can also mix it with any additives with pleasurable ease4 ,simply pile on the peat1 leaf mold1 sand1 or other ingredients2 then1 holding opposite corners 7you may need a helper to hold one corner of a large piece71 pull it back over the soil pile and fold it over the other end4 ,repeat this1 from opposite ends1 until the materials are thoroughly mixed4 ,the first rocks are usually set at the lowest part of the garden1 partly sunk in soil or otherwise made extra-sturdy and secure4 ,build up from that point1 arranging rocks with their broadest surfaces at the bottom1 all lines of stratification horizontal or on the same slant4 ,each rock should slant slightly inward and downward1 to catch moisture and encourage it to run into the soil in the garden4 ,provide plenty of soil for spreading roots1 and a minimum depth of eighteen inches or more4 ,plants in shallow pockets may be stunted and will certainly dry out too fast during droughts4 ,whether or not you plant as you go depends partly on your agility4 ,don't crush the first plants under your feet or knees as you set rocks and plants above them4 ,it's often faster and easier to spread out roots and make soil firm around them before the next rock is set in place4 ,planting ,set plants as deep as they were planted before2 no deeper 7danger of crown rot7 and not too shallow 7they may dry out74 ,tuck them firmly in cool1 moist1 rock-shaded soil4 ,keep the soil constantly moist until firm new growth shows that the roots are established and growing4 ,rock-garden plants are seldom suitable for planting in neat rows or geometric patterns4 ,tiny1 slow-growing types are arranged in groups of three or more2 one or two spreaders per planting spot will do4 ,don't crowd these plants4 ,give them room to develop and for air to circulate around them1 and to display their charms at their best4 ,provide private quarters for the smallest gems1 away from hearty growers that might overpower them4 ,keep color combinations and contrasting textures in mind4 ,set trailers where they can droop over stones4 ,place those that like moisture low in the garden2 their roots keep cool in the shade of rocks4 ,as a finishing touch1 after the rock garden is built1 planted1 and thoroughly watered1 cover all soil surfaces with a mulch of fine gravel or stone chips4 ,work it up to each crown1 under prostrate stems4 ,aesthetically1 this gives a neat1 well-groomed look and ties plants1 rocks1 and setting into one coherent picture4 ,functionally1 the chips absorb heat and keep soil cool and moist1 lift small1 low leaves out of mud and water1 discourage slugs1 protect crowns against rot1 and firmly discourage the intrusion of weeds4 ,,miniature ,,wall ,,gardens ,any small section of low wall--brick1 cement1 stone1 or concrete--can be the background for a miniature garden4 ,but it is in a dry wall1 built of stones without cement1 that many small rockery plants best display their jewel-like perfection4 ,planted horizontally1 with their roots in pockets between the rocks1 they make a vertical rock garden of glowing colors and fascinating foliage textures4 ,for small1 low walls1 and those in somewhat formal settings1 thin-layered rock such as slate or shale is usually preferred4 ,irregularly shaped fieldstone or other rocks of native origin are used in more natural1 informal designs4 ,any lines of stratification are1 of course1 laid horizontal and parallel to each other4 ,another good rule to go by is3 ,the smaller the wall1 the smaller the rocks4 ,construction ,low walls 7two feet high or less7 usually do not need a foundation layer sunk below the frost line4 ,they can be started at1 or just under1 ground level4 ,but they must be set solidly on a firm1 wide base--two feet wide1 for example1 for a wall two and a half feet high4 ,set the largest stones and complete the lower layer first4 ,tilt each rock slightly backward and downward so soil won't wash out of pockets1 water will run back to plant roots1 and the heaving pressure of frost won't thrust the rocks out of place in winter4 ,a guide line of string or wire moved up with each new layer will help you keep the construction level4 ,the wall should slant slightly in toward the bank behind it1 and usually grows more narrow as it goes up4 ,each layer is made absolutely solid before the next is applied4 ,set each stone so that it is completely steady1 and rests on parts of two stones beneath it4 ,this distributes weight evenly1 avoids crushing plant roots1 and prevents unattractive and impractical long1 vertical cracks created when joints coincide4 ,use small1 flattish rocks to fill chinks under large stones and make them steady4 ,behind the wall1 as you build1 firm in a goodly layer 7one foot thick is usually recommended7 of topsoil that has been enriched and aerated to promote drainage4 ,roots will reach back here for water and food4 ,as you ram soil into pockets1 make sure it reaches all the way back to this layer4 ,unless all the soil is made very firm1 it may settle and the stones may slide out or into the bank4 ,at the top you can leave some pockets for plants1 or plant them just behind the wall4 ,cover cracks at the top with flat stones1 so water won't wash out soil4 ,illustration3 ,a rock1 a rose1 and a miniature rose4 ,planting ,if you can remember not to damage plants at the bottom as you're working above them1 set the plants in each layer as you build4 ,it's easier then to make sure the roots are firmly embedded well back into the soil4 ,plant sparsely2 leave plenty of room for growth and spread1 and plenty of uncovered wall surface to contribute pattern and texture to the picture4 ,space the plants at irregular intervals1 never in straight lines either horizontal or vertical4 ,water thoroughly1 making sure the layer of soil behind the wall is completely moist2 and keep it moist at least throughout the first growing season4 ,,paths ,,and ,,paving ,many little rock plants will make soft cushions and carpets1 with their roots in crevices between pieces of paving1 and also in stone steps4 ,they're very low-growing and very hardy1 and usually spring back resiliently when stepped on4 ,it's important that acid-loving varieties not be planted near cement1 which sometimes neutralizes or alkalinizes the soil4 ,and1 of course1 the situation should provide the amount of sunshine and moisture the plants need4 ,the simplest kind of informal path or paving for an informal patio consists of flagstones or slates set in the ground1 the top level flush with the surface of the soil4 ,plants are spaced irregularly in cracks between the stones4 ,i've seen one path of old millstones laid this way1 the plants rooted in the center hole4 ,bricks create a more formal pattern1 either laid on a bed of sand or set into a foundation of concrete over gravel4 ,the popular 8crazy pavings0 can be odd pieces of either brick or stone arranged in any conceivable pattern and laid in mortar4 ,in any such solid constructions1 planting pockets should be scooped out before the concrete sets hard2 or a chunk of wood can be inserted to hold the space open4 ,give the carpeting plants as much good soil as you can1 and keep them moist until they are growing well4 ,occasional trimming will stop them from growing straggly1 and keep them neat1 compact1 and in a pretty pattern4 ,,planting ,,and ,,care ,planting times vary according to climate and season of dormancy4 ,in warm areas it's almost always late fall4 ,where winters are rugged1 it can be during brief semidormancy in early ,september1 but it's safest in early spring when severe frosts are no longer likely and favorable weather blesses plants at the height of their annual growing power4 ,in temperate sections spring-flowering varieties can be planted from mid-,august through ,october1 others in spring4 ,illustration3 ,lemon thyme and ivy showing results of being trimmed and kept neat ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,alex ,o',hare ,strong1 healthy1 pot-grown plants can be planted throughout the season in almost all areas4 ,they transplant easily1 with little disturbance and shock4 ,in fact1 whenever we acquire plants during the fall1 we keep them in their pots or pot them up1 and protect them in the cold frame during the winter4 ,one of my favorite and most knowledgeable rock gardeners tells me that he always pots tender or difficult plants1 and keeps them potted until their roots are fully developed1 before he sets them out in the garden1 no matter what the season4 ,soil ,providing the proper soil is vitally important to rock-garden plants1 and particularly to alpines4 ,they're naturally dwarfed by the rough conditions in their native mountain areas4 ,but when they move down to our comparatively lush climates and longer growing seasons1 they respond to a too-rich diet by growing too tall and rangy1 with too few flowers1 and they lose their charm4 ,they do need some nourishment1 of course4 ,and they are extremely sensitive to soil textures and drainage conditions4 ,heavy1 soggy soil causes them to rot quickly4 ,soil that lacks organic matter dries out too fast4 ,because of climatic and other variations1 ,i hesitate to set down any 8ideal soil mix0 for these plants4 ,instead1 ,i suggest a basic formula that can and should be varied according to the aridity or rainfall in your area1 the size and location of your rock or wall garden1 the composition of your garden soil1 the availability of some ingredients1 and the personal preferences of the plant varieties you want to grow4 ,here it is3 ,three parts fairly friable1 fertile loam4 ,two parts humus--peat1 leaf mold1 compost--for lightness and fertility4 ,two parts stone chips or crushed rock--perhaps the most important ingredient1 to keep soil open and cool4 ,one part sharp builders' sand1 or the gravelly sand used in mixing concrete1 to lighten heavy soil and promote drainage4 ,if your garden loam is sandy or gravelly1 of course1 you would increase the proportion of humus4 ,if it's rich in organic matter1 you would decrease the quantity of humus4 ,very sticky1 heavy clay soils are best replaced4 ,rock and alpine plants are also particularly sensitive to the acidity or alkalinity of soil4 ,this is measured by the p,h scale1 ranging from very acid p,h #d4j1 through #g4j at neutral1 to very alkaline #i4j4 ,rock-garden specialists usually indicate the preferred p,h for the plants they sell4 ,by using a soil-test kit or1 better still1 sending a sample to your state agricultural service to be tested1 you can easily find out whether the soil in your garden is acid or alkaline1 and to what degree4 ,then1 to make acid soil more alkaline for plants that need it1 mix in small quantities of agricultural lime--the amount depends on the degree of acidity and on the plant itself4 ,don't overdo it4 ,too much lime can do as much harm as good4 ,alkaline soils are not quite so readily converted to acid1 but you can use oak-leaf compost 7not completely rotted71 acid peat1 or pine 8duff0 7rotted pine needles74 ,or you can be satisfied with the tremendous number of rockery plants that really prefer alkaline soil4 ,these preferences vary1 not only between different plant families1 but also between individual members of the same family4 ,for our small gardens1 ,i've found it not too tiresome to provide soils of several types4 ,for specially precious plants1 ,i often mix special1 small batches of soil4 ,then ,i clean out the planting pocket1 make sure that it is tightly closed in with rocks so water won't wash this soil out or other soil in1 and refill it with the preferred mixture4 ,watering ,except during rare droughts in spring1 when the plants are in active growth1 we seldom have to water our rock and wall garden4 ,our summer rains are usually sufficient for their needs4 ,but whenever or wherever there are long weeks of extreme heat and dry winds in summer1 water may be needed4 ,use a fine spray gently1 so that the small plants won't be washed loose4 ,and let the water soak in long enough so the entire area is moist in depth4 ,fertilizing ,some rock plants can take and use fertilizer1 in spring2 but most alpines are better off without it4 ,for them1 we mix a little leaf mold with the gravel mulch when we renew it4 ,for the more ordinary types1 we provide a very light feeding of whatever balanced fertilizer we have on hand4 ,grooming ,in rock gardens 7and particularly in very small rock gardens7 even slight untidiness or imperfection shows up all too clearly4 ,but ,i consider it a pleasure to weed and care for the little plants a few minutes every weekend4 ,faded flowers are snipped off4 ,weeds are removed with determination1 but with gentle protection for any small1 weak plants4 ,spreading shoots that grow long and out of line are cut off1 or sometimes uprooted1 and removed4 ,louise ,beebe ,wilder says it's an art to keep a rock garden in balance1 with the proper proportion of plants against stones4 ,and she is an artist with hers4 ,in spring1 even before the last of the winter mulch is removed1 we look for cracks in the soil and for plants that have been heaved out by frost1 and press them firmly back into place so their roots can take hold again4 ,we also fill any washed-out pockets with fresh soil mix1 and top-dress any low areas4 ,any rotted leaves and stems and other debris are removed2 and the entire garden gets a thin fresh layer of stone-chip mulch4 ,in fall there's the general cleanup operation--weeding1 pressing in loose roots and packing them with soil1 trimming back rambunctious growers1 replenishing the mulch of stone chips if needed4 ,winter ,protection ,if you can count on a continuous cover of snow over your rock garden all winter1 there's little you need to do for these hardy little plants4 ,but we can't2 we have the danger of alternate freezing and thawing that can do so much damage4 ,so we provide special protection4 ,in winter1 after the ground is frozen at least an inch deep1 we cover the complete garden with salt-marsh hay4 7,some types of ,fiberglas1 and wood excelsior from packing cases1 are also suitable1 reusable materials74 ,this light1 airy blanket keeps plants cold and dark1 yet gives them air to breathe4 ,if it threatens to blow away1 we hold it in place with a few light evergreen branches4 ,,propagating ,,rock-,,garden ,,plants ,these are1 of course1 perennials and with slight variations can be propagated like other perennials4 7,see pages #bee-ei47 ,seeds ,some need a pre-germination cold and some don't2 some germinate best at cool temperatures1 some at warm2 some need light1 others need dark4 ,check seed packet1 catalogue1 or reliable reference book for specific information for each type of seed4 ,we start seeds of delicate varieties in the greenhouse1 where we can hover over them1 in late winter2 others may be sown in the cold frame in ,march or ,april1 so the plants will be as mature as possible before their first winter4 ,stem ,cuttings ,for the smaller plants1 these can be as short as three inches or less4 ,try to take snappy new growth1 neither weak and watery nor hard and tough4 ,sharp sand is a suitable rooting medium for many types4 ,,chapter #ab ,,miniature ,,pools ,,and ,,water ,,plants ,if you can work out a way to use water in your landscape1 by all means do4 ,whether it's a dime-sized tub the birds dip into1 or a full-scale formal pool in a tiled patio1 any garden with water attracts immediate attention1 gives quick pleasure1 becomes an unquestionable center of interest4 ,actually1 the excitement water adds to any landscape scene is the antithesis of its calm1 cooling1 serene effect4 ,i don't know of any other feature that1 with a few plants and a minimum of care1 makes a garden spot at once so dramatic1 artistic1 and restful4 ,and if the water moves--ripples through a stream1 drips over stones1 falls from one level to another--soothing sound is added to the other assets4 ,natural brooks1 streams1 and pools usually require little designing beyond bringing out the best of their inherent beauty4 ,but there's also not a suburban lot for which some kind of artificial water garden can't be designed1 and few grounds that are not thereby enhanced4 ,the only requisite is that the design be in harmony and scale with its setting2 that it be conceived1 located1 and constructed with imagination and skill4 ,the fact that pools are inevitably natural focal points makes their faults more obvious and more difficult to correct4 ,the most you can do1 once a pool is in the ground1 is to soften or otherwise improve its outline with coping1 rocks1 or plants4 ,if there's too much cement1 you can't hide it with aquatic plants without covering1 too1 the desirable reflections on the water4 ,if it's too small1 you can hardly make it larger4 ,if the shape is uninteresting1 you can't change it very easily4 ,if it's in the wrong spot or faced the wrong way1 you can't move it4 ,on the other hand1 the charm of water itself is so strong that it is comparatively easy to create a design that looks just right1 particularly if simplicity is the keynote in both pool and planting4 ,simple shapes are safer and more effective than intricate ones2 few plants1 well placed1 are better than many2 water spraying from a concealed pipe is often more desirable than a formal fountain or statuary4 ,depending on architecture and terrain1 garden pools may be of formal design--a perfectly regular shape2 semiformal--the shape balanced but not usually regular1 often in severe contemporary style2 or informal1 completely asymmetrical1 and integrated so naturally in the landscape the pool looks as if it has always been there4 ,each type of design can be executed in so many different ways that1 even for tiny pools1 there's good reason to study photographs and articles in gardening and homemaking magazines4 ,there's also inspiration in the designs in books about water gardens1 plus detailed information on various types of construction that ,i've had to omit4 ,i've built miniature rock gardens but never a pool4 ,someone who fathoms the mysteries of water levels and understands the intricacies of cement work can give much more reliable advice than ,i4 ,formal ,design4 ,small square1 rectangular1 circular1 or oval pools can be extremely effective in almost any kind of landscape except one so rocky and untamed as ours4 ,they're usually best in level ground1 and most harmonious with borders and other plantings of fairly formal pattern4 ,and1 of course1 they're constructed of materials that give a formal effect1 such as concrete1 tile1 or brick4 ,a raised pool in the center of a small terrace1 with a foot-high wall of tile or brick1 can be scaled down from classic designs of other eras4 ,a wide coping on the wall provides a place to set potted plants1 or to seat yourself to feed the goldfish and dabble your fingers in the cool water4 ,a quadrant-shaped pool in the corner where garden walls meet can be either raised or level with the ground4 ,its water might reflect the image of a saint in a shrine above it1 or might catch the constant stream from a lovely fountain4 ,at one end of a narrow garden a rectangular or oval pool becomes a striking focal point4 ,a path may lead to a bench on a far side1 between the pool and a background of shrubs4 ,at the end of a garden path a fountain may spout from a mortared wall into a projecting pool set at convenient dipping height from the ground1 for filling watering cans4 ,the planting underneath can be permanent1 or an arrangement of potted plants4 ,and why not a tiny1 formal pool in the center of a miniature rose garden8 ,or under a piece of traditional garden statuary8 ,or simply in the center of a garden path that splits to make room for it8 ,if it's of proper proportion1 a formal pool can even be set in the center of a garden1 sometimes even in the center of a small lawn area4 ,semiformal ,design ,here's where the popular kidney-shaped pools are most useful4 ,they're neither formal nor informal1 but especially attractive with contemporary architecture4 ,planting is usually sparse but dramatic1 making extreme use of contrasting colors and textures1 and of unusual lines4 ,construction materials are simple to keep them subordinate in interest to the over-all design4 ,a refreshing sight outside a picture window is a small pool recessed in the patio floor4 ,a recirculating pump sends up a spray of water from a pipe that ends just below the surface of the pool4 ,these pumps make it possible for fish and plants to coexist with fountains because they reuse water in the pool4 ,fresh water from a spring1 a stream1 or the pipes that supply the house is too cold2 and it may lack the small organisms on which fish feed4 ,pools of contemporary design can also be placed in a corner of the property1 with a tasteful grouping of shrubbery behind2 on the bottom level of a series of terraces2 in a depressed spot in the lawn2 in the curve of a path2 or at one side of a breezeway4 ,they can be illuminated dramatically with the new underwater lights available in many sizes and styles4 ,informal1 ,naturalistic ,design ,these are either adaptations of existing streams or pools1 or designs of uneven form deliberately created to look as if they had been there all the time4 ,they're best suited1 of course1 to naturalistic landscapes where slopes1 rocks1 and hidden springs give them a reason for existence4 ,the water-holding basin may be of any material1 as long as it is not noticeable4 ,any edgings1 copings1 or nearby trimmings should be just as natural as the pools4 ,a rock garden on a slope is a perfect setting for a pool with rocks that jut out over the water and1 if possible1 a rock or two coming up through the water from below4 ,or two small pools1 one above the other1 can be joined by a miniature waterfall4 ,if there's no water supply on the spot1 use a recirculating pump4 ,but be careful that the waterfall doesn't resemble man-made steps4 ,it should be as craftily haphazard as if the elements had worn it into the rocks4 ,a dripstone is another delightfully musical device--an overhanging rock from which water drips down onto the surface of the pool4 ,the sound has more resonance when there is an empty chamber behind the dripping water4 ,a meandering brook can be widened to make a pool4 ,or a completely artificial brook can be constructed of cement1 like a pool1 with drainage and overflow pipes and similar appurtenances4 ,this isn't easy to execute effectively1 but it can be completely intriguing4 ,it might be wise to try to re-create part of a real stream in the nearby countryside4 ,one small boulder half-sunk in the ground can inspire an irregular1 shallow pool that makes a natural birdbath4 ,a miniature shrub may back up the boulder2 rock-garden plants may grow at its base4 ,many nooks and corners in the naturalistic landscape spontaneously suggest the creation of a tiny pool1 and become exciting little garden surprises4 ,these can often be so simply made that there's not even a drainage hole in the bottom4 ,scooping out the water1 as needed1 is no chore at all4 ,,constructing ,,miniature ,,pools ,there are as many materials and methods for building pools as there are sizes and shapes4 ,the depth depends on the requirements of the aquatic plants to be grown1 and so does the location in sun or shade4 ,pygmy water lilies1 for example1 need all available sun1 and at least ten inches of water--four inches for the container that holds soil and roots1 eight inches above the crowns or growing points4 ,other miniature water plants are satisfied with much less4 ,one vitally important construction detail is that the sides of even the smallest tub garden be perfectly level1 parallel with the water surface4 ,otherwise1 there will be an unattractive expanse of bare wall at one side--one of those awkward errors that quickly catches the eye and spoils the whole effect4 ,some pools are simply sunk flush with the surrounding lawn or other surface1 without edging or coping of any kind4 ,this can be messy and sometimes disastrous to plants when surface water collects and floods the pool during heavy rains4 ,extending the rim an inch or so above the surrounding area usually avoids this problem1 but then the rim should be concealed with a coping of some sort--bricks and tiles in formal pools1 well-arranged rocks1 gravel1 or flagstone paving in informal design4 ,tubs and ,other ,containers ,attractive but relatively impermanent miniature pools can be improvised or specially planned with many kinds of containers--metal or wooden tubs made and sold for the purpose2 half-barrels or half-kegs2 discarded tanks1 kettles1 dishpans2 even discarded sinks and laundry tubs4 ,these last can be eyesores1 we found out1 if their ignominious origins are not kept carefully secret4 ,rubber-base paint is the only way we found to conceal the pristine white porcelain1 and it was tricky to use so that it wouldn't peel off4 ,the rim at the top of the sink is an unpleasant giveaway that must be covered with something such as overhanging rocks4 ,finding a plug or stopper that fit the drainage hole wasn't the least of our problems4 ,for the welfare of both aquatic plants and wildlife such as fish and scavengers1 some containers need special treatment before they can be used1 and some should not be used at all4 ,wooden kegs and barrels that have held oily substances such as gasoline1 roofing compound1 and wood preservatives can't be cleaned sufficiently to be safe4 ,copper poisons fish2 so do paints with oil or lead bases4 ,steel1 lead1 iron1 and other metals should be protected against rust and corrosion with sound coats of rubber-base paint4 ,containers freshly made of new wood 7except white cedar7 can be unhealthy for fish4 ,let them stand out in the weather for the winter1 or season the wood by filling the container with water1 slaking a chunk of lime in it for a few days1 and rinsing well before using4 ,prefabricated ,pools ,these are now available in metal or plastics of a sturdiness that varies with the cost1 in a wide range of sizes and shapes4 ,many of them make lovely miniature pools which1 because they're small1 are not necessarily calamities if they don't last forever4 ,most have been designed after consultation with experts on fish and water lilies4 ,and most are simply installed by digging a proper hole and setting them in place4 ,illustration ,illustration ,permanent ,pools ,permanency increases1 of course1 with sound construction4 ,concrete laid on a gravel or cinder base and strengthened with wire-mesh reinforcement is usually considered best4 ,but the new concrete must be cured and the alkalinity of its lime neutralized before the pool can be safely used for plants or fish4 ,leaving the pool open to the weather for the winter will usually accomplish this purpose4 ,or the pool can be drained and refilled several times1 then thoroughly cleansed with household vinegar1 as in the 8quick cure0 recommended by ,g4 ,l4 ,thomas1 ,jr41 of ,three ,springs ,fisheries4 ,illustration3 ,steps in constructing a no-cost pool out of materials on hand3 a4 ,an old kitchen sink b4 ,placing rocks that were a nuisance anyhow c4 ,finished pool with goldfish1 and an interested cat ,bricks1 cement blocks1 tile1 puddled concrete--for each type of material there are detailed procedures to be found in readily available and up-to-date reference books4 ,prefabricated pools can be found in the catalogues of most water-lily specialists4 ,,care ,,of ,,pools ,miniature pools are easy to scrub in the spring and to keep clean through the summer season4 ,floating dead leaves or other organic debris that can give off poisonous gas are skimmed off with your hands4 ,discolored or dying leaves of lilies and other plants can be cut away cleanly4 ,plants can be thinned out by removing superfluous leaves or pulling out portions of weedy varieties4 ,the pool is kept nearly filled with fresh water--but without adding so much at one time that the water is dangerously chilled4 ,permanganate of potash will control slimy1 green algae4 ,to one gallon of water add about two teaspoons of permanganate2 let it stand until there is little residue at the bottom4 ,for every gallon of water in the pool1 add one teaspoon of this saturated solution whenever algae become unsightly4 ,don't make the solution too strong4 ,it might kill the fish4 ,insects such as the black aphids common on water lilies can be sprayed off with the garden hose to make a juicy meal for the fish4 ,spraying pool plants with insecticides or fungicides is dangerous unless you use a preparation made specifically for pools1 and use it strictly according to package directions4 ,in winter1 most tubs and other containers should probably be lifted and stored indoors4 ,i should think this would lengthen the useful life of small prefabricated pools1 too4 ,small permanent pools should be drained1 so ice will not form and crack the construction4 ,this means that the pool must remain empty2 either the drain must be kept open or a roof of canvas or boards should be fitted over the top4 ,,fish ,,and ,,scavengers ,goldfish earn their upkeep--a pinch or two of food a week--by gobbling up mosquito larvae the minute they start wriggling4 ,in pools where the mud at the bottom does not freeze1 they'll winter safely out of doors4 ,several kinds of snails1 tadpoles1 and other scavengers offered by specialists consume impurities in the water1 including algae4 ,frogs are just for fun4 ,they'll often make themselves at home in a pool without any invitation4 ,a grandpappy bullfrog lived in our tiny sinkpool all last summer1 retreating to a dark cave between the rocks when the dogs came down for a drink4 ,it seemed to me the epitome of modern efficiency when ,i first learned1 as a city-dweller1 that full-grown frogs could be bought by mail4 ,that purchase made us the most popular family on the block4 ,but we couldn't offer them comfortable winter quarters in the city2 and the last ,i saw of the frogs1 in early fall1 they were hopping down the gutter of ,fortieth ,avenue toward the sewer drain4 ,,miniature ,,aquatic ,,and ,,poolside ,,plants ,obviously1 the location of a pool 7in sun or shade1 warm climate or cool71 its size 7some plants would smother a miniature pool in a few weeks71 and its design should be considered in selecting plants to grow in or with it4 ,in fact1 very tiny pools carefully placed to catch an artistic reflection may be better without any plant embellishment4 ,a frequent error is overplanting1 with the water surface covered by a confusion of foliage and flowers1 the perimeter a jungle4 ,in small pools one pygmy lily is plenty2 it needs clear1 open water to set it off4 ,for pools of all designs--formal1 contemporary1 informal--plants are seldom arranged in neat rows1 groups that repeat themselves regularly1 or matching masses in perfect symmetry4 ,the closest to formal balance might be adding accent and height by placing the tallest plant in the center of a formal pool4 ,more often1 it's effective in one corner or at one side4 ,few plants offer such striking variation in the forms available to create interesting patterns and dramatic contrast4 ,there are flat1 leathery leaf pads and slim1 spiky swords2 glorious china-like cup flowers and fluffy plumes2 modest creepers and bold elephant leaves4 ,seldom does a flower-arrangement artist have such a wealth of exciting material with which to make her prize-winning compositions4 ,miniature ,water ,lilies ,of the two general types of water lilies--tropical and hardy--the tropicals are least likely to be in scale with miniature pools4 ,the leaves and flowers are larger1 the leaves spreading out wider and the flowers standing out higher4 ,the tropicals need lots of sun and warmth1 can be shocked into dormancy if the water chills1 and are usually treated like annuals and planted fresh1 each summer4 ,some can be propagated from viviparous plantlets that grow on the leaves4 ,among hardy water lilies there is a selection of pygmies with four-inch leaves and two-inch flowers in many colors--white1 yellow1 pink1 red1 and bicolors1 some with attractively marbled foliage4 ,given generous sunshine1 warm quiet water1 and good nourishment1 they will flower from ,july to frost1 and can be held over the winter either outdoors or in4 ,in our area we set out hardy water lilies in late ,april or early ,may4 ,if a late cold snap occurs when the plants arrive by mail1 we keep them moist until it's over4 ,since the roots are hardy only if they do not freeze1 and since it's difficult to keep small pools from freezing1 each lily is planted in its own box1 which is set on small stones or blocks so it is raised off the floor of the pool4 ,or plant in soil at the bottom of a tub-pool that will be taken up in fall4 ,lay the rhizome horizontal1 with its growing tip out of the soil4 ,cover the surface with a web of clean sand1 to keep the soil from muddying the water4 ,if the plant is leafed out and the leaves don't reach the surface of the pool1 they'll lengthen their stems in a few days4 ,for best growth and flowering1 a pygmy lily needs at least a third of a bushel of soil and about eight inches of water over its crown4 ,soil can be heavy and clay-like1 or average garden loam4 ,if possible1 add one-fourth the quantity of well-rotted cow manure--no other kind4 ,experts recommend strongly against the use of other-than-cow manures1 swamp muck1 leaf mold1 peat moss1 sand1 or lime4 ,lacking cow manure1 you can get fertilizers prepared specially for water lilies1 or you can use commercial garden fertilizers like those with #e-aj-e analysis4 ,supply nourishment at planting time1 and once again a month or so later4 ,wrap balls of rotted cow manure1 or handfuls of commercial fertilizer1 in thin paper 7a paper napkin will do7 and thrust them down into the soil around the roots4 ,water lilies have voracious appetites1 and even the pygmies eat heartily4 ,on a starvation diet1 they'll stop growing and flowering4 ,in winter1 store the rhizomes in an unheated cellar or garage where they will keep cool but not freeze4 ,don't let them dry out completely4 ,keep the soil in the container barely moist2 or if the rhizome is not in soil1 wrap it in burlap that can be kept moist4 ,hardy water lilies are propagated by planting divisions of the roots1 with each section having at least one growing point4 ,in the wide selection of available varieties1 the following pygmies are suitable for most miniature pools4 ,nymphaea ,nymphaeaceae ,pygmy ,water ,lily adorata minor--,pint-sized variety of the native pond lily with fragrant1 dainty1 white three-inch flowers in generous profusion2 leaves lined with red beneath4 #8,helen ,fowler' is a fragrant pink-flowered variety4 aurora--,an old hybrid1 more dwarf than miniature1 but suitable for small pools4 ,changeable flowers open soft yellow1 darken to rusty orange in the second stage1 then to deep red in the third stage4 ,the small leaves are mottled with wine-red lines4 #8,jo ,ann ,pring'--,true pygmy with three-inch leaves1 dusty-pink flowers lighter in the center4 #8,patricia'--,one of the few small tropicals with crimson flowers1 brown-metal buds4 ,young plants are borne on the leaves4 tetragona 7pygmaea7--,smallest of all1 with long-lasting two-inch white flowers with a fragrance like ,china tea1 four-inch soft green leaves4 ,easy to grow1 even in shallow water4 ,the variety alba1 or white pygmy1 seems the same to me as the variety helvola1 an old hybrid usually listed as yellow pygmy1 and is even smaller than the species1 with brown-blotched leaves and glowing yellow1 star-shaped flowers4 #8,royal ,purple'--,a new red-purple1 tropical lily4 ,floating ,plants ,another advantage of miniature pools is that any of the attractive surface plants that multiply too fast can be easily scooped out as often as you wish4 ,and they are unusually attractive in forms1 colors1 and textures4 ,feeding from nutrients in solution in the water1 they make shade for fish1 and their dangling roots provide a safe place for fish to spawn4 ,simply drop the plants in the water and let them grow4 ,or1 if you want them to raise a family1 put some soil in a shallow spot where the roots can anchor4 ,most are annuals1 to be bought each year4 ,oxygenating ,plants ,these are aquatics that grow down in the water and help keep it sweet and clean4 ,bunches of some can be simply dropped in the pool4 ,but all will grow better and save you the trouble of replacing them if their roots are in soil1 in pots set on the pool floor4 ,although they're mostly perennials1 we prefer to start each season with a fresh supply4 ,they're available in variety at pet stores or by mail from lily specialists4 ,since they're neither true miniature plants nor as decorative as they are functional1 separate descriptions are not included here4 ,other ,aquatic ,plants ,with the water lilies and other aquatics1 these are the only plants that can grow with their roots standing in water--some in deeper water than others4 ,with few exceptions1 this does not mean sour1 stagnant water4 ,even in bogs there is some circulation4 ,adding chunks of charcoal that absorbs impurities will often help keep the water fresh and healthful4 ,some of these plants are hardy1 some are not2 some need their roots in soil2 some can do without it2 some are better growing in the water of the pool2 some in the boggy soil beside it4 ,earlier in this chapter ,i said ,i had never built a pool4 ,i meant that ,i had never done it personally and worried about water levels and the general engineering4 ,but we have had several pools1 little more than puddles1 which my husband constructed4 ,small though they were1 they gave us the chance to enjoy water lilies and bog plants4 ,it was then that ,i began to realize the delights and magnitude of this sort of gardening4 ,someday ,i hope to have a pond of some size--a spot for lilies1 frogs1 and goldfish and all of those things ,g4 ,l4 ,thomas1 ,jr41 writes about so charmingly in his book1 ,garden ,pools1 ,water-,lilies and ,goldfish4 ,i also get great pleasure out of the catalogues several suppliers send out4 ,they are most delightful reading4 ,read that book1 and the catalogues1 and ,i know you will be converted to water-gardening4 ,,chapter #ac ,,miniature ,,woodland ,,gardens ,,and ,,plants ,for ten years we lived within the boundaries of ,new ,york ,city in a big1 old house that occupied more than a third of the squared1 bare eighty-by-hundred-foot lot4 ,now we have a smaller house1 and the gardenable land is completely surrounded by woodlands where native plants grow as they please4 ,in both places we've had small woodland gardens2 and no matter how pleasurable our other plantings1 we've loved these best4 ,if your idea of a pretty garden centers around statuesque delphiniums1 precise rows of roses1 bold splashes of boisterous color1 you may call insipid what we find enchanting4 ,but if your senses respond to the fresh1 sharp aroma of moist woods soil1 the whispering of trees1 the patterns of cool shadows1 the shy delicacy of the spring beauty1 or the gnome-like pomposity of a ,jack-in-the-pulpit1 be sure to have at least a tiny woodland garden1 whether you have to create a spot for it or have it naturally4 ,once established1 it gives more refreshment for less care than any other garden ,i know4 ,,naturalistic ,,design ,here1 of course1 there is no place for classic or contemporary formal design4 ,the single purpose is to create1 or re-create1 a small section of the woods with the shade1 humus1 and other environmental conditions woodsy plants can't live without4 ,the essence of the tiniest planting--even a colony of trillium at the foot of a spreading evergreen--is its naturalness4 ,it doesn't look planted1 it belongs2 it's been there all the time4 ,and it looks natural1 of course1 because it's been planned that way4 ,planning a woodland garden for the informal landscape is simplified by the fact that you begin with what you have--a shaded spot 7preferably shaded by trees that drop needles or leaves1 to enrich the soils7 where hot1 dry summer winds can't parch the plants4 ,there may be a natural stream1 rocks1 a slope1 a hollow2 or a place to put a rustic bench1 rotting log1 small pool--a focal point harmonious with the naturalistic theme4 ,or the size1 shape1 or contour of the garden may make it the object of interest without additional accent4 ,i know of one design that began with pruning a stunted sapling to reveal its bonsai-like lines1 another that featured the trunk of a rheumatic1 old1 lightning-shattered evergreen4 ,a soggy1 low spot can be planted as a bog and backed up by rocks and shrubs4 ,a brook can be coaxed to make space for a small1 hummocky island4 ,the narrow1 meandering1 stepping-stone path through the sharp point of our land invites you to take a walk in the woods4 ,originality has challenging freedom in creating a woodland garden for level1 regularly shaped grounds4 ,you may replace the ubiquitous pachysandra in the needle-carpeted shade of a tall pine tree with native plants4 ,or use one of those difficult areas such as the angle of a hedge1 wall1 foundation or shaded patio2 an unused corner of the property2 the space underneath an overhanging bay window4 ,we used a useless area1 about six feet wide and less than thirty feet long1 between our city house and the property line1 shaded not only by a few straggling pines but also by the house next door4 ,there was a path1 a pool1 and a little bench4 ,this was the last place ,i visited before ,i left for work in the morning1 and the first when ,i came home at night4 ,somehow1 the flower face of a bloodroot with a shawl of unrolling leaf around its shoulders had added piquancy in the city1 where building banished the wild flowers a hundred years ago4 ,the bloom of the first lady-slipper was a noteworthy triumph2 the green of the ferns seemed specially fresh and mossy2 the blue of the bottle gentians was almost unbelievable4 ,,clearing ,,the ,,site ,even when we planned that metropolitan oasis1 there were a few existing features we carefully kept--a valiant1 five-leaved woodbine to train over the rail fence that kept out the trampling feet of the neighborhood small fry2 a scrubby shrub ,i never managed to identify1 which had voluntarily masked an ugly cellar window2 a few precious patches of moss4 ,illustration3 ,a wild garden in ,new ,york ,city ,in ,connecticut1 of course1 the area was almost completely overgrown1 mostly by poison ivy4 ,after that was cleared away1 undesirable undergrowth was removed1 leaving a rock here1 a dogwood or azalea there4 ,baring the ground let us see more clearly what we had to work with4 ,illustration3 ,a wild flower grows in ,new ,york ,city3 bloodroot ,when the ground is cleared1 the designer makes a final decision about permanent features such as steps1 path1 pool1 bog1 bench4 ,you might make a mental note of the place where an old tree stump might be artfully installed1 when you find one1 or where a dead branch might fall and make a background for some small plants4 ,of course1 these are all kept carefully in scale and harmony4 ,a path should be narrow and not sharply defined1 perhaps just a series of barely matched flat stones4 ,steps are not conspicuous1 but made to look as natural as possible4 ,,soil ,the next is the most laborious but most vitally important part of the procedure--supplying suitable soil4 ,woods plants grow naturally in soil so rich in humus that it will hold many times its weight in water4 ,season after season the trees drop leaves1 needles1 twigs1 and branches that decay and maintain the high level of humus1 which contains micro-organisms that help sustain the plants4 ,in our area and in most other woodsy sections1 forest soil is very acid4 ,but the loam in a cleared area adjoining the forest may contain little or no humus1 and may not be nearly acid enough for the native plants growing a hundred feet away4 ,when a miniature woodland garden is planted in a wild1 woodsy spot1 the soil is probably suitable1 and the trees will probably keep it that way4 ,then1 you simply use plants that thrive naturally where the amount of available light1 and the composition of the soil1 are the same or similar4 ,otherwise1 you need to prepare the soil thoroughly and deeply--a minimum of eight inches1 and up to eighteen inches for small native shrubs4 ,you'll need incredible quantities of leaf mold1 very old manure1 or composted leaves and grass4 ,over humus-poor soil1 spread a layer of at least six inches1 and mix it in by digging the soil and turning it over several times4 ,at the same time1 remove matted roots1 stones1 and other unwanted obstructions to planting4 ,for a very small garden1 you may find it simpler to remove all the soil to a depth of twelve to eighteen inches1 and replace it completely with humus and leaf mold brought in from the woods or purchased for the purpose4 ,leaf mold1 by the way1 is the layer of partially decayed leaves immediately under the top layer of whole leaves2 humus1 in the next layer down1 is more completely decayed4 ,don't buy humus from door-to-door salesmen offering 8big bargains40 ,this is a racket the police and ,better ,business ,bureau are trying to extinguish4 ,buy only from a nurseryman you can trust4 ,while you're conditioning soil1 make sure there is good drainage4 ,only bog plants will grow with their roots in muck or standing water4 ,you may need an initial layer of fine gravel or course sand4 ,raising the surface of the garden will also help4 ,if you think that the importance of suitable humus-rich soil is either exaggerated or overrated1 think also of this3 ,with the type of light and humus 7usually acid7 in which they grow naturally1 woodland plants will settle down contentedly in your garden and establish families and colonies that increase every year4 ,if you don't provide it1 they'll get homesick and pine away4 ,not only that1 but once they've made themselves at home1 they'll require practically no care4 ,they don't want to be cultivated1 fertilized1 weeded1 watered1 mulched1 or given special protection in winter1 as long as there are trees that drop leaves4 ,the most you might have to do will be making sure the leaves aren't blown away1 or1 if there are no trees1 lugging in leaves from somewhere else4 ,,planting ,although plants are chosen for any garden according to light1 soil1 moisture1 and other cultural requirements1 woodland plants permit less leeway than most others4 ,this is a matter of ecology1 defined as 8the total impact of the environment and the plant's accommodation to it40 ,some delicate plants are1 of course1 less adaptable than other more rugged species4 ,check catalogues1 reference books1 and other sources to learn all you can about each plant before you plant it4 ,a quick word about shade4 ,there is full shade1 or deep shade1 created all year by evergreens1 walls1 or buildings4 ,and there is woodland shade created only in summer by deciduous trees4 ,the hill near our house where rattlesnake plantain1 pipsissewa1 and pink lady-slippers grow is dark and cool in summer1 but bright in spring1 fall1 and winter when the trees are bare of leaves4 ,this is an important distinction4 ,in the interest of conservation--,american wild flowers are threatened not only by bulldozers but also by thoughtless1 criminally careless humans--private woodland gardens often become the home for plants dug from the wild4 ,last fall1 one of my dearest friends methodically moved dozens of maidenhair ferns into a tiny bit of woods on her property to save them from extinction when their fronds were being picked in bunches to fill out bouquets4 ,but this is conservation only when the plants are transplantable 7a number of the most precious species are not7 and are moved to quarters with growing conditions to their liking4 ,otherwise1 they might as well die where they are4 ,in digging woodland plants1 always dig deep and take as much of the surrounding soil as possible1 and disturb the roots as little as you can4 ,protect the transplants against drying sun and wind until they are set in their new homes4 ,if you can dig them with the roots intact1 you can take most plants at any time during the growing season4 ,the safest times are immediately after flowering or during fall dormancy4 ,unless it is a matter of conservation1 ,i never dig woodland plants4 ,i buy them 7they're surprisingly inexpensive7 from a local nursery or from several mail-order specialists4 ,the nursery plants are pot-grown1 and even fussy types transplant without loss4 ,by mail they arrive bare-rooted--in early fall for all but the summer and fall varieties--but crisp and lively in their packing of moist sphagnum moss4 ,sometimes they even start to send out new roots and sprouts en route4 ,if ,i can1 ,i get mail-order plants into the ground before dusk on the day they arrive4 ,soil around transplants is kept moist and mulched with leaves until they take hold4 ,years ago some suppliers collected the plants they sold1 and some sources of slow-spreading types were completely devastated4 ,today1 ,i believe1 specialists grow their stocks of woodland plants1 either under glass or in woodsy nurseries4 ,they're doing more to preserve these native treasures than to annihilate them4 ,the best of all sources is by propagation--seeds1 cuttings1 division of wild plants--because you're not only increasing the population1 but you're also starting with plants that from babyhood are accustomed to your growing conditions and don't have to make difficult adjustments4 ,even though it may be slow1 this is the only method for a number of nontransplantable species4 ,if the garden contains shrubs that will serve as background for small1 shy woodland plants1 that's fine4 ,if it doesn't1 you may want to plant some 7these1 too1 are available by mail71 because few native woods plants are spectacular enough to make a big display of their own4 ,and because woods plants are modest1 they're best planted in colonies a half dozen or more of one species1 not in mixed colors or varieties4 ,set the groups in the foreground1 where they're easy to see4 ,allow plenty of space between groups for natural increase without crowding4 ,arrange more striking1 tall1 spiky plants here and there to add the interest of accent1 just as you would in a conventional flower bed4 ,care after planting includes the expected careful watering1 and keeping the plants moist and shielded from heat and wind until they are growing on their own4 ,for their first winter1 you may want to supplement the natural mulch of leaves with salt hay or something similarly light and airy1 held in place by chicken wire or branches4 ,this mulch must be removed extra early for early-flowering species4 ,by their second season the plants should be ready to be watered by rain1 and fed and protected by trees1 without your help4 ,don't fiddle with them1 pull off leaves or seed pods1 or move them about unless you must4 ,,propagating ,,woodland ,,plants ,these are1 of course1 hardy perennials4 ,except for seeds1 propagating methods are much the same as for cultivated types4 ,it is important only that1 if possible1 you find out what is the most effective 7often1 the only7 way each plant can be reproduced4 ,if you can't track down this information1 try several ways at once4 ,in general1 those with masses of fibrous roots can be divided immediately after flowering4 ,for upright and branching types1 you can usually root stem cuttings in a frame or propagating box4 ,if everything else fails1 try layering4 ,you can't lose anything by it4 ,seeds are planted the minute they are ripe1 in a cold frame--or in flats that can be set in the cold frame--in a finely sifted mixture of equal parts of loam1 woods leaf mold1 and coarse sand4 ,for varieties adapted to extremely acid soil1 use half as much coarse sand as ,michigan peat1 without soil4 ,for added insurance1 acidify the planting mix with leaf mold or peat1 or neutralize it with lime1 until the p,h is somewhere near that of the soil the plant grows naturally in4 ,set the flats in shade and keep the soil moist1 and leave the seeds to their own devices1 summer and winter1 until they germinate4 ,some species take two months1 some take two years4 ,after germination they are handled exactly like other perennial seedlings1 except that the only safe fertilizer is very weak liquid manure at very infrequent intervals4 ,tender types should be grown in pots until they are fully mature1 before they're set out in the garden4 ,,plants ,,for ,,woodland ,,gardens ,aquilegia canadensis ,ranunculaceae ,columbine ,although the native ,eastern columbine can grow two feet tall1 it seems to stay closer to six inches in my woodland garden and on the banks that line our ,pine ,tree ,road4 ,the clover-like leaves1 and characteristic columbine flowers with yellow sepals and knobbed red spurs1 are scaled down proportionately4 ,,care4 ,poor1 dry soil1 acid 7strong to neutral74 ,fertilizer promotes growth that is too rank4 ,full sun to three-quarter shade4 ,,propagation4 ,seed4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,woodland planting1 bank planting4 ,arisaema triphyllum ,araceae ,jack-in-the-,pulpit ,the pulpit stands eight inches tall or more1 curving up and over the stiff preacher-like spadix in late spring4 ,the divided leaves also exceed true miniature size4 ,but prim ,jack spreads himself slowly enough to allow him entry to all but the very tiniest woodland garden2 and his comical dignity is not to be dispensed with4 ,,care4 ,humus-rich soil1 moist4 ,shade or light shade4 ,,propagation4 ,tuberous roots4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,wild gardens4 ,asarum ,aristolochiaceae ,wild ,ginger ,in the ,northern part of the country this is a deciduous plant1 while in much of the ,south it retains its kidney-shaped leaves4 ,its purplish flowers are somewhat hidden under the foliage4 ,there are three general types4 canadense--,eastern wild ginger4 caudatum--,western wild ginger4 shuttleworthi--,mottled wild ginger 7native of ,virginia and ,south74 ,,care4 ,rich soil1 moist4 ,shade or partial shade4 ,,propagation4 ,division4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,wild gardens1 ground cover4 ,asplenium ,polypodiaceae ,spleenwort 7,fern7 ,lilliputian1 native evergreen fern with deeply cut fronds4 platyneuron--ebony sweetheart--,eight-inch feathery fronds with brownish-purple stems in tidy circles4 7,needs acid soil47 trichomanes--maidenhair spleenwort--,thick1 closely clustered three-to five-inch fronds with crowds of little one-inch leaflets on black ribs4 ,plant it sideways1 its roots in a rock crevice1 with leaf mold and a touch of lime4 ,,care4 ,soil acid or neutral according to variety4 ,leaf mold4 ,shade4 ,,propagation4 ,division4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,terrariums1 rock gardens1 wild gardens4 ,camptosorus rhizophyllus ,polypodiaceae ,walking ,fern ,small native evergreen fern1 hardy from ,canada to ,georgia4 ,its name comes from the fact that the fronds are pointed on the ends and root on contact with the soil4 ,it prefers to creep around limy rocks4 ,,care4 ,lime-bearing soil1 shade1 dry4 ,hardy4 ,,propagation4 ,root division4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,terrariums1 rock gardens1 wild gardens4 ,claytonia virginica ,portulacaceae ,spring ,beauty ,when the leaves of the forest trees are barely ready to break out in early spring1 this lovely little plant is already in full bloom down on the ground4 ,it makes colonies and even mats of precious white flowers which are tinged and streaked with pink and scarcely a half-inch across4 ,but before the trees are in full leaf the spring beauty has gone back to sleep and disappeared1 flowers1 five-inch grass-like leaves1 and all4 ,,care4 ,woodsy soil1 moist1 shady or semishady4 ,,propagation4 ,tubers4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 bog gardens1 swamp planting4 ,clintonia ,liliaceae ,woodsy plants spreading out into colonies by underground rhizomes4 ,the leaves are rather broad1 and thin and glassy4 ,the little lily-like flowers are held atop stems above4 ,the berries that follow are blue1 blue-black1 or black4 borealis--broadlily--,nodding1 greenish-yellow flowers on seven-inch stems in ,may4 ,berries are blue1 a half-inch long4 umbellata--,leaves lightly fuzzy2 purple-spotted white flowers in clusters2 shiny black berries4 uniflora--,western native with one precious flower per stem 7one and a half inches across71 berries bright blue4 ,,care4 ,rich1 humusy1 acid soil4 ,shade or partial shade4 ,moist4 ,,propagation4 ,division of roots in spring4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 bog planting4 ,convallaria majalis ,liliaceae ,lily of the ,valley ,this fragrant ground cover is a favorite for under trees and other shady spots4 ,perhaps it spreads too fast for very small gardens4 ,the oval1 lily-like leaves are lasting1 but not evergreen4 ,the dangling flowers1 all on the same side of the stem1 are like scalloped petticoats4 ,unless you need a ground cover1 try one of the fancier and less robust varieties1 such as rosea1 with light-pink flowers that fade to near-white in the sun4 ,or try flore plens with double white hoop-skirts4 ,,care4 ,garden soil1 shade1 moist1 hardy4 ,persists for years and doesn't have to be touched4 ,if you want to increase your planting1 dig and thin every three years4 ,,propagation4 ,division of small bulbs4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,ground cover1 forcing in ,february and ,march4 ,coptis trifolia ,ranunculaceae ,goldthread ,this tiny bog plant1 only four inches high1 has three-way clover-like leaves and tiny white waxy flowers4 ,it creeps and spreads by means of thready yellow roots4 ,,care4 ,humusy1 peaty1 sandy1 and decidedly acid soil4 ,plant needs a cool1 moist location and will not survive warmth and dryness4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,bog planting4 ,cornus canadensis ,cornaceae ,bunchberry1 ,creeping ,dogwood ,this is a real dogwood1 but a very miniature one4 ,the stems standing about six inches high are encircled by a whorl of rich green leaves4 ,above are the up-facing flowers 7in ,may71 like elves wearing white ruffs4 ,the clusters of red berries are as gay as ,christmas1 in ,august4 ,after taking a year or so to get settled1 the plants spread out into colonies or clumps4 ,,care4 ,rich woods soil1 highly acid1 damp1 but with drainage4 ,shade1 cool location4 ,takes several years to get established4 ,needn't be disturbed once settled4 ,can be transplanted if large chunks of sod are lifted with it4 ,,propagation4 ,separate clumps when dormant4 ,seeds from ripe berries will germinate the following spring4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,bog planting1 ground cover4 ,cryptogramma crispa ,polypodiaceae ,parsley ,fern ,this is a small alpine fern with clusters of six-inch evergreen fronds so finely cut and frilled they could garnish a standing rib roast in place of parsley4 ,don't overlook this one when next planning a terrarium4 ,,care4 ,peaty1 dry soil4 ,hardy4 ,,propagation4 ,division4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 terrariums4 ,cypripedium ,orchidaceae ,lady-slipper1 ,moccasin ,flower ,this is the fabulous earth-growing orchid that is native to many parts of the country1 with culture varying accordingly4 ,the broad1 long fresh leaves fold around the stem at the base4 ,the flowers have a lip inflated into a pouch and are in various colors4 acaule--,northeastern native with dusty-pink flowers4 ,requires dry1 sandy1 woodsy1 intensely acid soil1 full shade4 ,difficult to transplant unless taken with a large amount of soil4 ,attempt it only after flowering1 or in ,october4 ,don't cover crown more than a half-inch4 ,no good method of propagation is known4 calceolus pubescens--,fuzzy yellow lady-slipper from moist1 wooded hillsides of the ,north and mid-,south4 ,not difficult to transplant and easy to grow4 ,likes dappled shade and slightly acid1 humusy soil4 candidum--,small white flowers marked and veined with brown and purple4 ,from limy1 marly bogs4 ,needs moisture and shade4 ,,care4 ,soil1 moisture1 and shade as described above4 ,,propagation4 ,division when dormant4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock and wild gardens4 ,can force4 ,dalibarda repens ,rosaceae ,dewdrop1 ,false ,violet ,precious little creeper1 pretending to be a violet1 with two-inch heart-shaped leaves on long stems and five-petaled1 half-inch white flowers in ,july4 ,a native of the ,northeastern section4 ,,care4 ,a sheltered spot4 ,rich woodsy soil4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds and division4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,woodland and rock gardens4 ,epigaea repens ,ericaceae ,trailing ,arbutus ,flat evergreen creeper with overlapping hairy stems and bright-green oval leaves4 ,in early spring it has white or pink phlox-like flowers1 not very large but interestingly fragrant4 ,although it is usually cultivated in shady1 protected spots1 it can thrive in hot dry areas4 ,,care4 ,humusy and very acid soil1 sandy1 with leaf mold4 ,good drainage4 ,moist4 ,don't dig wild plants which are difficult to transplant4 ,use pot-grown plants4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings4 ,seed if strictly fresh4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,wild gardens1 rock planting4 ,erythronium ,liliaceae ,adder's-,tongue1 ,trout ,lily1 ,dogtooth ,violet ,a very large clan of bulbous wild flowers native to many parts of the country4 ,all species have the marks of family resemblance--two leathery basal leaves1 often beautifully marbled1 and miniature lily flowers nodding from the tops of central stems in spring4 ,height1 usually six inches4 albidum--,leaves may be matted or not4 ,in the ,east flowers are white1 in ,april4 americanum--,best-known ,yankee with marbled leaves and bright-yellow flowers in ,april4 californicum--fawn lily--,mottled leaves1 creamy or pale-yellow flowers4 7,from ,california1 of course47 dens-canis--dogtooth violet--,european emigrant with green leaves splotched with brick red2 flowers are rosy purple4 ,also available in white and other colors4 grandiflorum--,giant of the family1 plain leaves1 golden flowers in clusters4 ,the variety parviflorum has the most midget flowers4 ,western4 hendersoni--,mottled leaves1 dark-centered purple flowers4 ,western4 revolutum--,western with brown-blotched leaves1 purple-tinged white or lavender flowers4 ,the variety johnsoni has rosy-lilac flowers1 white in the center4 tuolumnense--,california with unmarked chartreuse leaves1 large deep-yellow flowers4 ,,care4 ,woodsy soil1 not especially acid1 with leaf mold4 ,drainage4 ,moist1 never hot and dry4 ,winter mulch4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 offsets 7from underground stolons74 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 woodland gardens1 forcing4 ,goodyera pubescens ,orchidaceae ,rattlesnake ,plantain ,this terrestrial herb is a close relative of the most glamorous of orchids and bears no resemblance to a reptile or the weed that is part of its common name4 ,on the woodland floor you will come upon it as a flat cluster of durable1 oval1 deep-green leaves with gleaming-white veins that cross and recross in a delicate pattern4 ,perhaps you will find it in bloom with tiny whitish flowers on tall spikes4 ,,care4 ,woodsy acid soil1 with humus4 ,slightly damp4 ,cool4 ,shade4 ,north side of a glacial ridge is ideal4 ,,propagation4 ,if possible1 buy section of root from dealer who specializes in woodland plants and seeds4 ,pick sparingly in the woods1 by breaking off section of rhizome with rootlets and plant4 ,new plant will appear in about one month4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,terrariums1 woodland gardens4 ,hepatica ,ranunculaceae ,liverleaf ,six-inch evergreen plants that shed their old leathery leaves for new after the blue-lavender 7or pinkish-white7 flowers fade and fall in ,may4 acutiloba--,sharp-lobed hepatica1 distinguished by the points on the lobes of its leaves4 7,needs alkaline soil47 americana 7triloba7--,round-leaved hepatica with dainty flowers on stems upholstered with silky hairs4 ,leaves maroon in winter ,,care4 ,not too acid soil4 ,full shade4 ,drainage4 ,not difficult to transplant but needs time to get established4 ,plants in the woods best dug in the fall4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 division of roots4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,woodland gardens1 colonies4 ,houstonia ,rubiaceae ,bluets1 ,quaker ,lady ,this is an enchanting wildling with grass-like leaves and flowers less than a half-inch across in the shape of four-pointed stars4 ,it is a very profuse bloomer throughout the spring and early summer4 caerulea--,northeastern favorite with leaves in tufts about an inch high4 ,flowers are blue or lilac1 often fading to white in the sun4 ,seeds itself willingly4 purpurea--,larger than miniature1 and native from ,maryland to ,georgia4 ,it makes a soft evergreen foliage mat1 and in ,july has purple flowers1 several per stem4 serpyllifolia--creeping bluets--,the stems stretch out to ten inches or more with little half-inch teardrop leaves4 ,sky-blue flowers4 ,,care4 ,loamy1 acid soil with peat4 ,moist4 ,part shade4 ,,propagation4 ,division4 ,some varieties are self-seeding4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock and woodland gardens4 ,lemna minor ,lemnaceae ,duckweed ,this tiny one is often called the 8smallest known flowering plant40 ,a floating plant that has quarter-inch leaves 7actually the body or 8thallus071 it has hair-like rootlets and flowers so small one needs a magnifying glass to see them4 ,in the fall the plants sink to the bottom of the pond1 to rise again in the spring4 ,,care4 ,no attention is needed4 ,,propagation4 ,none necessary4 ,increases naturally4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,dish-garden pools1 rock-garden pools1 fish food4 ,lycopodium ,lycopodiaceae ,club ,moss ,in prehistoric times this was a towering tree2 now it is a moss-like poor relation of the ferns1 bearing needle-like leaves and spores instead of flowers4 clavatum--running pine--,slowly but steadily the stems creep over the woodland floor1 sending up four-inch stems at lax intervals1 each with several spikes packed tightly with needle-like leaves4 complanatum--ground cedar--,the stems trail faster and more sturdily1 the erect branches dividing and spreading out to a lacy green fan4 lucidulum--shining club moss--,trailing stems turn upright at the tips and are covered completely with glassy1 dark-green 8needles40 obscurum--ground pine--,christmas trees in miniature about six inches tall and popping up from stems that creep about underground4 ,,care4 ,rich1 woodsy soil1 not especially acid4 ,shade1 moist4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings4 ,division of roots at joints4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,terrariums1 ground cover4 ,mitchella repens ,rubiaceae ,partridgeberry ,this native creeper bears the popular partridgeberries widely used to fill 8,partridge ,bowls0 at ,christmastime4 ,it has glassy green leaves which are close to the ground with the berries beneath them4 ,in the springtime it has fragrant1 fuzzy white flowers4 7,note to those who hunt the berries in the woods3 pick from the tallest plants and do not tear up the roots47 ,,care4 ,rich woodsy soil1 not especially acid4 ,drainage4 ,shade4 ,cut back to encourage branching4 ,transplants easily4 ,,propagation4 ,divide rooting stems4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 terrariums1 woodland gardens4 ,mitella ,saxifragaceae ,bishop's ,cap ,for shady rock and wild gardens here is a saxifrage-like plant with mounds of heart-shaped leaves and spires of finely fringed flowers on tall stems4 breweri--,pacific ,coast native with deep-green leaves and whiskery yellow-green flowers 7in ,may and ,june74 caulescens--,also from the ,pacific ,coast4 ,more dainty1 and more difficult4 diphylla--,east ,coast native with eight-inch flower spikes on taller stems4 ,white flowers 7in ,april and ,may74 ,,care4 ,rich woodsy soil4 ,drainage1 shade4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock and wild gardens4 ,illustration3 ,garden in the landscape in the finest tradition--it features ,azalea macrantha basaminflora1 ,juniperus radicans1 and ,calluna ,county ,wicklow4 7,atlantic ,avenue ,nursery1 ,inc47 ,podophyllum peltatum ,berberidaceae ,may ,apple ,the ,may apple1 a native of much of the country1 is actually too large for most small wild gardens1 but find a place for it if possible4 ,in spring it is fascinating to watch the stumpy stems push up through the ground and the foliage slowly unfold to wide flat leaves4 ,then come gold-centered white flowers and finally the 8apple0 in chartreuse and nearly two inches long4 7,it is edible only when fully ripe47 ,,care4 ,rich woodsy soil4 ,shade1 or partial shade4 ,,propagation4 ,root division4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,wild-garden planting4 99 99 99 99 99 7,additional plant listings suitable for woodland gardens can be found in ,chapter #ae47 ,,chapter #ad ,,miniature ,,trees ,,and ,,shrubs ,there's a chamaecyparis that forms a fluffy1 green two-inch ball by the time it's seven years old2 a cone-shaped ,norway spruce that rarely grows more than twelve inches tall2 a one-foot rhododendron with deep-crimson trumpet flowers2 a nonfruiting viburnum that makes a two-foot globe tightly packed with ivy-like leaves4 ,there are junipers that form plush carpets2 ericaceous evergreens with neat mounds of twinkling flowers over shiny teardrop leaves2 deciduous shrubs with golden blooms1 seeds in silky pea pods1 and green stems that look leafy the year round4 ,that is just a tantalizing hint of the fantastic variety of little trees and shrubs1 and how they can steal the show in the garden4 ,we have three magnificent pines on ,pine ,tree ,road 7it may have been named for them7 but our guests are more likely to comment about the starry cushions of ,leiophyllum buxifolium beside the front walk4 ,we dug and lugged tons of rock to make beds for our favorite roses1 but the small edging plants draw more attention4 ,when the rock garden is a mass of flamboyant spring color1 we'll be asked the name of a heather that's not even in flower1 or the juniper 7,juniperus procumbens nana7 two inches high that spreads like velvet over a rock4 ,there are miniatures among all types of trees and shrubs--deciduous and evergreen1 broad-leaved and needle-leaved4 ,those described in this chapter are almost all three feet tall or less at maturity1 or are so extremely slow-growing they seldom top that height in twenty years4 ,in just a few cases1 slightly taller varieties are included1 which can be kept to three feet or less with a little pruning4 ,some low types are omitted because they spread too rambunctiously to be called miniatures or to be suitable for small gardens4 ,these limitations automatically exclude the small1 flowering trees and shrubs1 and dwarf fruit trees1 that are part of the over-all landscape plan for small grounds4 ,they're not really miniature garden items1 but background features around which miniature gardens are planned4 ,we've thought of a dozen different ways to use the really midget trees and shrubs1 and ,i imagine there must be dozens more4 ,we have a colony of tiny rhododendrons blooming at the base of a boulder1 and another near an old stump at the edge of the woods4 ,several sprawly evergreens and some precious ericaceous gems adorn the rock garden and spots near the front terrace4 ,there are plenty of miniature shrubs of varying heights1 foliage1 colors and textures1 and flowering times to compose a small shrubbery border1 with tiny bulbs to plant along the edge4 ,small trees and shrubs can be used as background for mixed borders of small annuals and perennials2 evergreens can make a setting for miniature rose gardens4 ,almost any small pool1 wall1 raised bed1 or set of steps provides a place to plant the right tree or shrub4 ,and1 of course1 these are perfect plants for sink and trough gardens1 bonsai work1 or even for indoor forcing in the greenhouse4 ,if you can't find the varieties you want at your local nursery1 you can order them by mail from reliable suppliers4 ,either way1 plants that have been transplanted regularly by the grower develop a compact system of fibrous roots rather than a few long straggly tap-like roots1 will take hold faster and transplant easier1 will fit into your garden quicker4 ,all that will make you a happier gardener4 ,don't be surprised if miniature trees and shrubs cost more than the regular varieties of the same name4 ,the little fellows take much longer to reach that size1 and require more costly care4 ,many of them are difficult to propagate1 some even have to be grown from seed4 ,your first thought in selecting a miniature tree or shrub1 of course1 is the decorative effect it is planned to achieve--whether it should be formally upright and symmetrical1 or irregularly shaped and naturalistic2 whether it is to act as an accent or specimen1 or as a background or blender4 ,consider the texture of the foliage1 the time and manner of flowering1 whether the colors will fight with others in the garden4 ,plant deciduous types where they won't be an eyesore in winter1 or select one with an attractive winter habit and appearance4 ,make sure the plant and all its parts are in scale with the setting and with other plants4 ,once you decide that a variety will look right in your garden1 make sure it will also grow right4 ,a plant that needs full sun will not flower in a shady spot4 ,acid-loving plants will not flourish in alkaline soil4 ,those that like their roots kept cool and moist will wither where it is hot and dry4 ,watch for unfavorable factors such as high walls1 drip from overhanging eaves1 low1 muggy spots where there is little circulation of fresh air4 ,if the plant requires a lot of pruning1 training1 and spraying1 make sure you have the time to take care of its well-being4 ,a healthy1 easy-to-care-for barberry is infinitely more ornamental than a glamorous shrub struggling to stay alive4 ,,hardiness ,the main factor that determines whether a plant will live through the winter in your garden 7and it is a factor you can't control7 is minimum winter temperature4 ,this is the basis for the newest 7#aifj7 ,plant ,hardiness ,zone ,map issued by the ,u4 ,s4 ,department of ,agriculture4 ,other uncontrollable factors include3 ,how long the low temperature will last2 how early and suddenly a freak freeze occurs2 whether or not winter provides a beneficial blanket of continuous snow2 whether there are punishing gales with driving sleet and encrusting ice4 ,but even in severe areas1 or with plants of questionable hardiness1 there are some ways we can increase the odds against winter-kill4 ,selection of suitable varieties1 careful planting in favorable locations 7never in low 8pockets0 where frost settles1 or where water collects around roots under eaves or around walls71 careful fertilizing1 winter protection1 prevention of attacks by insects and disease--all of the cultural principles that promote healthy1 thriving growth1 will help to increase winter hardiness4 ,in other words1 8,the combined effects of all 7climatic and cultural7 factors determine the true plant adaptability40 ,actually1 true hardiness means more than mere winter survival4 ,a tree or shrub is hardy when it can live through many years to maturity1 and when it not only survives but develops normally and completes its annual growth cycle4 ,for example1 in some sections1 very late or very early frosts will kill flower buds on some varieties4 ,trees and shrubs that require a period of winter dormancy are not hardy in ,florida1 where there is no protracted cold period4 ,in arid areas where summers are extremely hot1 dry1 and windy1 hardiness may depend on how much time you have to spare for special care4 ,if you would avoid disappointment1 especially with rather expensive miniature trees and shrubs1 buy the strongest1 healthiest plants of the varieties most suitable to your climate1 and do all you can to satisfy each individual's cultural needs4 ,thus1 unfavorable weather has two strikes against it from the start4 ,,planting ,,and ,,care ,no matter how careful we are1 fall planting is seldom successful for us in ,connecticut4 ,but in spring planting it seems as if we can't miss4 ,once we were given a dozen ornamental shrubs--named varieties of virburnum1 lilac1 and two of the supposedly tricky caryopteris--whose bare roots had been out of the ground for several weeks4 ,the caryopteris and one invincible lilac even flowered that year6 ,in early spring1 just before they awaken from dormancy 7or a little later when new growth and buds are starting to show71 woody plants have more vitality than at any other time of the year4 ,vigorous new roots grow faster4 ,and the plants have a full growing season to get established before winter sets in4 ,we start planting the minute the soil dries enough to be workable1 sometimes as early as ,march4 ,of course1 spring-flowering varieties are safest if they are container-grown or balled and burlapped4 ,early fall planting is fine for milder climates--from the time the season's growth has matured on evergreens1 or when deciduous varieties begin to drop their leaves1 until the ground freezes4 ,except for container-grown plants1 winter planting is usually recommended for the ,south1 when the plants are as nearly dormant as possible4 ,bare-root plants 7risky for evergreens7 should be kept moist until they are put into the ground4 ,thoroughly soak the roots1 and even the stems1 in a bucket of water4 ,the roots and soil of balled and burlapped plants should also be kept moist4 ,either way1 protect the transplants against wind and sun until they're set out4 ,dig a planting hole wide enough for the roots to spread out in without bending or crowding1 with an extra six inches of loosened soil in the bottom for them to penetrate4 ,this is the time to check on drainage1 one of the most important factors in plant survival4 ,run some water in the hole--enough to fill it4 ,if the water seeps away fairly fast1 the drainage is probably good4 ,if it remains for any length of time1 you'd better dig much deeper and remove the subsoil4 ,fill in with sharp sand or fine gravel for about six inches4 ,enrich or condition the topsoil that you dug out1 before you replace it around the roots4 ,set trees and shrubs at the same level they were growing in the nursery1 never more than an inch or so deeper4 ,the burlap around a soil ball doesn't need to be loosened4 ,it will rot away rather quickly4 ,fill in around the roots until the hole is three-fourths full2 flood with water to settle soil in any air pockets2 let it drain2 and finish filling the hole until it is just level with the surface1 but don't mound it up4 ,a raised ridge around the edge of the hole will form a saucer to hold water until it runs down to the roots4 ,water again1 slowly and thoroughly1 so that the soil in the hole and some of the surrounding area is thoroughly saturated4 ,a newly planted tree or shrub is likely to wilt in sun or dry wind unless you provide some temporary shelter or shading4 ,this is rather simple to do4 ,an upturned basket over a small shrub1 or a screen of light cheesecloth1 or an old window curtain1 or a piece of burlap suspended on stakes will suffice4 ,soil ,what you do to enrich or condition topsoil depends on the existing soil1 and on each plant's individual preferences4 ,add sharp sand to heavy1 clay-like soil to improve the drainage4 ,if you have extra-sandy soil1 add moisture-holding peat or leaf mold4 ,almost any soil is improved by mixing in liberal amounts of organic matter such as leaf mold or well-rotted manure4 ,we seldom add fertilizer for miniature trees and shrubs4 ,if your soil is alkaline1 and you are planting acid-loving varieties1 use liberal quantities of well-rotted cow manure1 acid peat1 or woodsy soil from under pine1 beech1 or oak trees4 ,to neutralize1 or alkalinize1 acid soil1 use horticultural lime4 ,watering and ,mulching ,transplanted trees and shrubs should be watered with extra care during their first growing season4 ,soil should be kept moist constantly1 but not muddy1 to the full depth of the roots4 ,don't rely on light rains that moisten only the surface4 ,during hot1 dry periods1 spray the foliage with the garden hose as often as possible4 ,a light1 airy mulch--buckwheat hulls1 crushed sugar cane1 or something similar--will help keep the soil from drying out and keep it cooler1 too4 ,established trees and shrubs are kept moist during the spring and summer growing seasons4 ,but in ,august and ,september1 when the year's new growth is maturing and hardening for the winter1 less watering is needed4 ,resume watering in ,october1 and keep it up until the ground freezes4 ,it is particularly vital that evergreens--both needle-leaved and broad-leaved--should never go into winter with dry soil about the roots4 ,fertilizing ,feeding miniature plants too heavily sometimes can cause them to outgrow miniature size4 ,actually1 they don't need a rich diet4 ,an annual top-dressing of well-rotted1 or dried1 cow manure1 or a light sprinkling of balanced commercial fertilizer1 in early spring is usually sufficient4 ,fertilizing in late summer or early fall dangerously promotes soft new growth that is susceptible to winter damage4 ,pruning ,most miniature trees and shrubs are best when allowed to keep their natural habits and shapes1 and pruned as little as possible4 ,of course1 damaged or broken branches should be cut away at planting time1 or at the end of the winter4 ,unwanted suckers1 and any growth that is out of line1 ungainly1 or unattractive can be removed at any time4 ,any other pruning should be done in earliest spring before new leaves appear4 ,there is one exception4 ,spring-flowering varieties that bloom on last year's wood are pruned immediately after flowering4 ,fall pruning of any type can stimulate new growth that may winter-kill4 ,some evergreens1 for example the mugho pine1 are encouraged to branch and keep more compact by breaking off half of the partially matured 8candles0 at the ends of the branches4 ,evergreen or deciduous shrubs sometimes are grown in formal shapes and1 like hedges1 trimmed regularly in spring and summer4 ,some summer-and fall-flowering shrubs1 referred to as 8cut-back0 or 8die-back0 types1 are perfectly root-hardy although the tops are likely to be partly1 or completely1 killed by winter4 ,but they make new growth each spring on which normal flowers and fruit are produced4 ,some of these may grow too tall and awkward when the branches are killed back only part way4 ,to keep them small and shapely1 cut all stems back to mere stubs in earliest spring4 ,insects and ,diseases ,we've never had to hover over our garden constantly with duster and spray gun1 and ,i hope we never will4 ,it's a dull1 tiresome1 unrewarding occupation--confusing and frustrating1 too4 ,there are so many different kinds of pests1 with so many different habits1 appetites1 and life cycles1 infesting so many different types of plants in so many different ways1 that only an expert such as the county agricultural agent1 or 8plant-doctor0 ,cynthia ,westcott1 can keep them straight4 ,and even ,miss ,westcott asks1 8,is this spray necessary80 ,don't misunderstand4 ,we do have pests and diseases on our garden plants2 and we do fight them2 and we've been known to mutter about the injustice of it all4 ,but we try not to let them take all of the joy out of summer gardening4 ,two or three times during the growing season we fill the tank of the small pressure sprayer with a solution of 8all-purpose0 garden spray4 ,everything in the garden gets the treatment1 including shrubs and trees we can reach without a tall ladder4 ,we also wage annual war against a few familiar enemies as soon as they appear4 ,in ,february we cut off twigs encircled by the brownish egg bands of tent caterpillars4 ,when the nests appear in spring we wipe them out with rags or crumpled paper and spray the surrounding area with ,,ddt4 ,when cankerworms are all over the place 7as they were in the spring of #aifa71 ,,ddt protects the foliage of small plants1 particularly our precious miniature trees and shrubs4 ,we discovered we couldn't possibly cope with the gigantic shade trees of the woods4 ,we have very few ,japanese beetles since we started grub-proofing all cultivated land4 ,any time after the ground thaws in spring1 and through ,october1 we spray or dust with chlordane4 ,five pounds of #e per cent chlordane dust will treat a thousand square feet1 can be bought for about two dollars1 and can be applied in an hour with a good-sized duster4 ,this treatment is effective for three years4 ,the few beetles that start working over the roses in midsummer quickly succumb to ,,ddt4 ,the infrequent appearances of aphids are met with a dousing of nicotine sulfate solution1 and the same treatment is used for some kinds of scale1 although others require dormant oil spray4 ,during one very hot summer1 mites yellowed some of our evergreens4 ,aramite1 used faithfully according to label directions1 routed them4 ,we do keep either sulfur or ,karathane on hand to combat mildew on plants such as roses where it really matters4 ,for any more complicated or unidentifiable problems1 we rely on the advice of our friendly county agent and his staff4 ,winter ,protection ,newly transplanted or very young trees and shrubs--or any of questionable hardiness--need special protection against winter severities4 ,our favorite method for small specimens is to pack salt hay or leaves around them loosely and put an upturned basket on top4 ,somewhat taller shrubs may be encircled with evergreen branches1 the ends being stuck in the ground and tied together over the tops4 ,for groupings of shrubs1 we put a burlap barrier on the windward side1 especially for tender types1 and sometimes make a tent of sorts4 ,evergreens planted where the late winter sun might burn them need shade of some sort--a lathed frame1 snow fence1 or the like4 ,,propagating ,,miniature ,,trees ,,and ,,shrubs ,this is one of my favorite addictions4 ,i can't resist planting any seeds that come my way1 can't bear to discard an evergreen or a broken branch of cotoneaster1 can't resist the impulse to root cuttings4 ,as a result1 our rather small nursery bed is closely populated with small1 young shrubs and trees of all kinds4 ,i doubt that we'll ever find space to plant them once they're grown2 and ,i imagine ,i could be rather popular could ,i ever bring myself to give them away4 ,propagating trees and shrubs is predominantly a trial-and-error proposition because each variety has its own preferred method of reproducing itself4 ,some are difficult to raise from seeds1 some won't propagate any other way2 some root readily from cuttings1 some take three years2 some are amenable to layering1 others are not4 ,for me this guesswork is a good thing4 ,if all my seeds and cuttings took root and grew into bushes and trees1 there'd be no challenge1 no fun1 and no place to put them4 ,we always keep a propagating box handy--a shallow box or flat with sides and top of glass or polyethylene4 ,in summer it rests under a tree2 in winter it may be on an unheated porch1 in the cold frame1 or in the greenhouse4 ,the propagating medium may be ,pelonex or perlite2 a three-way mixture of peat1 vermiculite1 and perlite2 half-and-half sterilized leaf mold and sharp sand 7peat packs too hard for me72 or clean sharp sand alone4 ,the medium is kept constantly moist but not soggy and is never allowed to dry out4 ,cuttings are inserted in rows1 and removed for potting as soon as the roots are an inch or so long4 ,sometimes seed is sown in part of the box1 or we may rig up a second box when we have a goodly number to plant4 ,the glass1 or plastic1 sides and top preserve moisture and keep the air humid4 ,seeds ,most types of shrubs and trees are rather slow to grow to maturity from seed4 ,and seeds of miniatures produce all-miniature seedlings only when the seed-bearing parents are natural species with natural miniature characteristics4 ,small varieties of larger species1 8sports0 or mutations1 can't always be counted on to produce small offspring4 ,seeds vary in the time they take to germinate 7three weeks to three years1 depending on the plant7 and in germination requirements4 ,some need warmth1 some cool temperatures1 some darkness1 some light4 ,and some need a period of dormancy or 8after-ripening0 before they are planted4 ,in a process of 8stratification0 seeds are stored in moist sand for several months1 usually at about #dj degrees or slightly less4 ,however1 some types 7cedar1 mugho pine7 need to be frozen2 a few others are stratified in warmth4 ,some seeds that you buy have already been stratified4 ,the package will tell you so4 ,fleshy seeds1 such as chestnuts1 are usually planted as soon as they ripen and fall4 ,when seeds are covered with a fruity coat1 like holly berries1 for example1 the berry should be soaked in water for a few days until the seeds can be squeezed free of the pulp4 ,hard-coated seeds need to be gently cracked1 or nicked1 to hasten germination1 and can be sown outdoors in the fall to germinate the following spring1 or even the spring after that4 ,most winged seeds of conifers need to be stratified 7remove the wings7 in moist sand all winter at #ce to #dj degrees and are planted in the spring4 ,fine seeds1 as for rhododendrons1 can be harvested from the split pods in fall and stored cool and dry until spring4 ,these are1 of course1 generalizations4 ,when ,i am in doubt about how to handle seeds1 and if my reference books don't give me the information ,i need1 ,i plant them several different ways4 ,it is surprising how often they'll germinate1 regardless of method4 ,there is1 of course1 one inviolable rule about planting seeds of any sort--the planting medium should never dry out from the moment of planting1 through germination and up to transplanting time4 ,softwood ,cuttings ,take the ends of this year's growth when it is half ripe1 in summer1 or longer sections that can be cut into pieces with at least two buds or 8eyes40 ,make the cut just a little below the node4 ,or on slow-rooting plants1 pull off the cutting with a sliver of the main stem 7a 8heel07 attached to the rooting end4 ,remove the leaves at the base1 and dip the cut end in one of the hormone rooting powders if you wish4 ,check the formula on the label to make sure you have the correct one for that type of cutting1 and follow the directions precisely4 ,insert cuttings in rows in the propagating box and firm the medium around the stem ends4 ,almost all deciduous trees and shrubs can be propagated from summer softwood cuttings1 and so can evergreens--both the needle-leaved and the broad-leaved varieties4 ,needle-leaved evergreens can also be produced from similar cuttings taken in late fall1 but they seem to take longer to make roots4 ,with mild bottom heat in the greenhouse1 however1 the process is fast enough so the cuttings are rooted before time to set them out in the nursery in the spring4 ,hardwood ,cuttings ,when deciduous trees and shrubs have dropped their leaves1 and this year's growth has had additional ripening from a few sharp frosts1 take cuttings of the ends of branches that seem fairly thick and sturdy4 ,cut off any immature tips1 and trim the cuttings 7of miniatures7 to four to six inches long4 ,tie a dozen or so into a bundle with covered wire1 or some similar tie that will neither rot nor injure the bark4 ,bury the bundles 7some growers bury them standing1 some in a horizontal position7 so they are completely covered with soil in a cold frame1 or use a box that can be kept where the temperature will be cold but not freezing4 ,in spring1 unbundle the cuttings and root them like any others in a propagating box1 greenhouse1 frame1 or nursery bed4 ,grafting ,there are several different methods of attaching a stem or branch of one tree or shrub to the roots of another until the two parts grow together as one plant4 ,so far1 ,i've willingly left this field to the professionals1 or to amateurs who are seriously interested and make a thorough study of it4 ,i haven't found the patience or free time for it4 ,layering ,here is a foolproof method that guarantees a healthy new plant almost every time4 ,although some root faster than others1 there's hardly a tree or shrub with long or low-hanging branches that can't be layered4 ,of course1 the safety lies in the fact that the new plant is part of1 and supported by1 the parent plant until it is well rooted and strongly established4 ,in spring1 when the plant is growing vigorously1 select a low-hanging branch that can be pulled down to the ground4 ,at that spot nick the bark1 or slit the branch1 to encourage rooting4 ,pin it down with a forked twig1 a hairpin1 or a clothespin and cover the tip with a little soil4 ,when roots have formed and the tip is growing lustily1 cut the branch between the new plant and the parent1 then pot or transplant as you wish4 ,air ,layering ,plants that do not have a low branch are air-layered by nicking a stem or branch three or four inches from the tip1 covering the nick with a ball of moist sphagnum moss1 and wrapping the ball tightly in polyethylene1 which is tied tightly at both ends4 ,hormone rooting powder can be applied to the nick with a small brush if you wish4 ,make sure the moss doesn't dry out4 ,when you see several good-sized roots1 cut the stem below the ball1 remove the plastic1 and transplant or pot as you wish4 ,rooting speed varies with different plants4 ,some take only six weeks2 some1 several years4 ,air layering can be done in spring1 using ripened wood of last year's growth1 or in summer with new growth that is not yet woody and hard4 ,,miniature ,,trees ,,and ,,shrubs ,abelia ,caprifoliaceae ,ornamental shrub1 persistent or deciduous1 often half evergreen1 spreading4 ,leaves simple1 opposite1 nearly stalkless4 ,flowers white or pink tubular1 persistent purplish sepals4 ,native of ,asia ,minor and ,mexico4 ,,care4 ,semisun1 or some protection4 ,well-drained soil with leaf mold4 ,amenable to pruning4 ,cool greenhouse4 ,hardy in zones #d and #e4 ,,propagation4 ,greenwood cuttings in summer1 ripe wood cuttings in autumn1 layering in spring1 rarely from seed4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,foundation planting1 hedges1 ground cover1 slopes1 and as specimens2 use as an evergreen in mild climates4 ,abeliophyllum distichum ,oleaceae ,white ,forsythia1 ,korean ,abelia ,deciduous ornamental shrub two to three inches high4 ,white flowers in dense clusters in ,may and ,june or in ,february in mild climates4 ,leaves like the abelia1 branches arching4 ,close relative to the forsythia2 flowers smaller but more of them4 ,deep-purple flower buds form in the fall4 ,,care4 ,sun1 drainage1 moist soil1 hardy in zones #d and #e4 ,too severe winter weather may kill the buds for spring4 ,needs some cover4 ,,propagation4 ,same as for abelia4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,same as for abelia4 ,illustration3 ,foliage details of popular miniature trees and shrubs ,chamaecyparis pisifera filifera aurea ,illustration3 ,acer palmatum dissectum ,abies ,pinaceae ,fir ,pyramidal evergreen trees with whorls and graceful branches4 ,cones are erect2 leaves flat1 narrow1 whitish on the underside with two lines1 and shiny green above4 ,it is sometimes difficult to distinguish from spruce1 picea4 7,spruce sheds leaves when dry1 and its cones hang47 ,bark is smooth and thin when young1 thick and furrowed when old4 ,dwarf varieties are ,a4 balsamea nana1 ,a4 grandis nana1 ,a4 procera 7nobilis7 glauca prostrata1 two feet high4 ,,care4 ,cool1 humid4 ,hardy in the ,north4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings1 grafting1 seed4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,bonsai4 ,andromeda ,ericaceae ,bog ,rosemary ,low1 dwarf evergreen shrubs with narrow leaves1 urn or bell-shaped pink flowers in ,may4 ,dwarf varieties are ,a4 glaucophylla1 less than a foot tall with leathery green leaves lightly frosted beneath1 stems erect2 and ,a4 polifolia1 a root-creeping species1 the leaf margins often rolled4 ,,care4 ,cool1 very acid soil1 peaty1 deep acid leaf mold4 ,prefers bog garden2 if among rocks1 prepare soil to conform to above4 ,sun or part shade4 ,very hardy4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 cuttings 7mature wood under glass71 layers1 division4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock and bog gardens4 ,azalea 7,rhododendron7 ,ericaceae ,the azalea differs from the rhododendron only in technical points4 ,the size varies from tree-like to almost prostrate4 ,it flowers from ,april to ,june and is the most vivid of all shrubs4 ,colors pink1 yellow1 salmon1 purple1 white1 red1 and orchid4 ,some are fragrant4 ,,care4 ,acid soil1 sun4 ,moist1 unsuited for areas where there is less than twenty-five inches of rainfall per year4 ,water after flowering when plant is making new shoots4 ,reduce watering in summer4 ,prune to check irregular growth after blooming season4 ,remove old blooms4 ,fertilize after flowering4 ,dust soil with sulfur4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds2 layering1 in air and in the soil2 cuttings4 ,balled and burlapped plants can be set out almost any time4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 foundation planting1 bonsai4 ,betula nana ,betulaceae ,birch ,deciduous shrub1 spreading and branching to two feet1 leaves to one-half inch long4 ,when young the leaves are sticky and fuzzy on the underside4 ,a native of ,alaska4 ,flowers1 catkins4 ,,care4 ,moist sandy soil4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7stratify at once71 layering1 green-wood cuttings under glass4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 trough gardens4 ,bruckenthalia spiculifolia ,ericaceae ,balkan ,heath ,evergreen1 heath-like shrub ten inches high4 ,small pink bell flowers in summer4 ,gives the effect of billowy daintiness4 ,,care4 ,drainage and not soggy wet4 ,hardy1 but mulch in zone #d with salt hay in winter4 ,sun2 soil gritty and acid4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds and cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock and trough gardens4 ,buxus ,buxaceae ,box1 ,boxwood ,evergreen shrub1 very small with clusters of small flowers4 ,slow-growing2 in fact1 boxwood ,i set out two years ago seems hardly to have changed in size4 ,but we await the possibilities with anticipation and patience4 ,it is a versatile shrub4 ,,care4 ,little or no care seems necessary4 ,it grows in just about any soil not sandy or rocky4 ,it has shallow roots4 ,we protect it in winter with a light mulch4 ,plant in spring or late summer2 use little or no fertilizer4 ,it accepts being pruned or sheared4 ,,propagation4 ,hardwood cuttings1 suckers1 division1 layering4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,edging1 foundation planting1 bonsai1 hedges1 pots1 and dish gardens4 ,calluna vulgaris ,ericaceae ,heather1 ,ling ,low evergreen shrub1 clusters of pinkish bell flowers in ,august and ,september1 leaves very small4 ,,care4 ,soil light1 peaty1 sandy1 with acid leaf mold4 ,full sun best but light shade is acceptable4 ,drainage is necessary in winter but prevent dehydration by dry winds4 ,hardy4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings1 layering1 division4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 foundation planting1 edging1 containers4 ,caryopteris incana ,verbenaceae ,blue ,spirea ,deciduous shrub1 gray-green toothed leaves4 ,shrub grows to two or three feet and forms a ball the same width2 firmly packed with fuzzy1 fringed flowers in late summer1 of blue or purplish tints4 ,,care4 ,full sun1 light soil1 the sandier the better4 ,tolerates drought4 ,not entirely hardy and may be killed-back but will bloom anyhow4 ,prune severely in spring1 making a more compact plant4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings of mature wood in ,august 7root under glass71 layering1 seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,borders4 ,cassiope lycopodioides ,ericaceae ,low evergreen from two to three inches high and formed in a fat dome of the same width4 ,needle-like leaves are tiny and overlap like shingles4 ,has white bell flowers in spring4 ,,care4 ,moist and cool1 part shade1 soil peaty or sandy and acid4 ,suffers in long hot summers or drought4 ,native of ,siberia and ,alaska4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings from mature wood in ,august 7root under glass71 layering1 seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock and trough gardens4 ,chaenomeles 7,cydonia7 ,rosaceae ,japanese ,quince1 ,flowering ,quince ,deciduous or semideciduous shrub with alternate toothed leaves of shiny green tone4 ,blooms in spring before leaves appear1 in shades of white or pink4 ,later forms hard1 quince-like fruit that is fragrant4 ,,care4 ,almost any soil1 but if fertile more flowers2 drainage2 partial shade produces more flowers4 ,top-dress in spring with garden fertilizer4 ,can be pruned for hedges 7not too much74 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7plant in spring and stratify71 root cuttings1 cuttings from ripe wood 7root under glass71 layering1 grafting4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,foundation planting1 specimens1 hedges 7do not prune as much as privet71 bonsai4 ,chamaecyparis 7,retinospora7 ,cupressaceae ,false ,cypress1 ,white ,cedar ,actually this is an evergreen that grows to a hundred feet1 but it also comes in a wide variety of two-foot dwarfs4 ,basically the tree is pyramidal and has leaves more like scales than needles4 ,they are very dense and tight1 on drooping branches4 ,some of the dwarf species are ,c4 obtusa coespitosa 7tennis ball71 ,c4 lawsoniana1 ,c4 compacta1 ,c4 compacta glauca1 ,c4 nana compressa4 ,,care4 ,acid soil2 needs moisture1 due to shallow roots4 ,fertilize1 prune some to keep shapely1 root-prune for rock gardens4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds from the small cones4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,bonsai1 rock gardens1 specimens4 ,chamaedaphne calyculata ,ericaceae ,leatherleaf ,evergreen shrub that is a native bog dweller and therefore good for locations unsuitable for many plants4 ,the evergreen two-inch leaves look rusty underneath and are dull brown in winter2 branches are sparse4 ,in spring it has dangling clusters of little white flowers4 ,one-foot variety nana effective in moist part of rock gardens4 ,,care4 ,moist location1 acid soil with peat4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 cuttings from ripe wood 7rooted under glass71 layering4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,bog gardens2 dwarf variety for rock gardens4 ,cotoneaster ,rosaceae ,this is a small shrub2 some varieties are deciduous1 some persistent4 ,has small pink or white flowers in the spring4 ,in fall has bright-red berries4 ,deciduous leaves are colored before they drop4 ,,care4 ,sun1 but will accept some shade4 ,cool and moist but never waterlogged4 7,subject to red spider if hot and dry47 ,use lime to produce a slightly alkaline soil2 use loamy soil4 ,needs circulation of air and drainage4 ,prune only to remove dead wood or broken branches4 ,doesn't transplant readily4 ,plant in permanent location4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 sown when ripe or stratified by layers in autumn2 cuttings of young wood in late summer 7root under glass74 ,,special ,,uses4 ,bonsai1 rock walls1 hedges1 foundation planting4 ,cryptomeria japonica ,taxodiaceae ,this is a ,japanese evergreen tree that grows to towering heights but has several dwarf varieties3 lobbi1 pygmaea1 and nana4 ,it has shreddy red-brown bark and distinctive root formations above ground1 making it very appealing for bonsai work4 ,blue-green leaves4 ,illustration3 ,cotoneaster humifusa and juniperus sabina tamariscifolia ,illustration3 ,cotoneaster humifusa with flowers and berry ,,care4 ,protect during hot and dry summer1 and from low temperatures4 ,it is best in warmer climates4 ,enriched soil is not necessary but produces a more pleasing tree4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 cuttings1 grafting4 ,seeds are stratified1 and do not always come true4 ,cuttings are more satisfactory4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,bonsai4 ,daboecia cantabrica ,ericaceae ,irish ,bell ,heather ,an evergreen shrub1 upright and dwarf 7ten to eighteen inches74 ,the leaves are dark green but fuzzy white underneath4 ,purple1 drooping-urn flowers1 in clusters1 last all summer4 ,,care4 ,soil gritty1 sandy1 and peaty4 ,protect in winter and be careful about drainage4 ,mulch with salt hay or evergreen leaves4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 cuttings from ripe wood under glass4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens4 ,daphne ,thymelaeaceae ,some of these little shrubs are evergreen1 some are not4 ,some of them grow very low4 ,all of the several varieties bloom in early spring1 often on bare wood4 ,colors vary from white to pink4 ,most varieties are fragrant4 ,,care4 ,plant in a cool1 moist location in light soil1 drained and slightly sandy4 ,protect in winter with straw or salt hay4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds are sown at once or are stratified2 softwood cuttings after flowering2 layering2 hardwood cuttings in fall4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,foundation planting1 hedges1 border planting1 rock gardens1 greenhouse forcing1 ground cover1 bonsai4 ,deutzia ,saxifragaceae ,this is a heavy flowering shrub with a compact1 plump shape4 ,the flowers1 resembling small hoop skirts or bells1 cover the plant almost completely4 ,colors vary with varieties1 white1 pink1 and pink with red touches4 ,,care4 ,will grow and flower in some shade4 ,accepts most any soil4 ,needs drainage4 ,most varieties are hardy4 ,,propagation4 ,both green-wood and hardwood cuttings1 layers1 seeds in spring4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,foundation planting1 hedges1 greenhouse forcing4 ,euonymus ,celastraceae ,burning ,bush ,sizes can vary from dwarf shrubs to medium-size trees4 ,sometimes it is evergreen1 but is more likely to be deciduous4 ,simple1 opposite leaves2 clusters of small flowers in spring4 ,has showy fruit which turns red in fall and opens to drop the seeds4 ,has brilliant red coloring in autumn4 ,,care4 ,grows in ordinary soil and does well in shade 7bright sun makes for better colors in fall74 ,most varieties are hardy4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7sown in spring71 layering1 hardwood cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,bonsai1 pots1 dish gardens1 rock gardens1 hedges4 ,fothergilla ,hamamelidaceae ,bottle ,brush ,native ,american shrub1 deciduous with alternate coarse-toothed leaves1 hazel-like in appearance and brilliant in fall colors4 ,during the flowering season blooms of a lustrous white resemble shaggy dust mops4 ,it is slow-growing and adapts itself to bonsai treatment4 ,,care4 ,seemingly1 it requires little pampering4 ,it likes moist situations4 ,it is hardy and can be pruned to size and shape4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 layers 7may take two years to root71 and root cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,foundation planting1 bonsai4 ,illustration3 ,ilex crenata helleri ca4 #bj-be year old spec4 with ,abies glauca conica ,ilex crenata helleri ,aquifoliaceae ,holly ,holly may be a tree or a shrub and is sometimes an evergreen4 ,the waxy green leaves are known to anyone who has ever seen a ,christmas wreath4 ,the red berries are almost as striking4 ,most varieties grow slowly4 ,,care4 ,most like rich well-drained spots4 ,they need acid soil or the leaves turn yellow4 ,they are hard to transplant and it should only be tried in the spring before growth starts4 ,the deciduous varieties are easier to move1 but are not so hardy4 ,if you are buying a tree1 get nursery stock that has been freshly dug4 ,mulch1 but not near the trunks in winter because of mice4 ,if you desire the red berries1 spray with hormones4 ,prune yearly for shape1 in winter4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7stratify1 slow to germinate71 cuttings of young ripe wood 7root under glass74 ,,special ,,uses4 ,hedges1 rock gardens1 containers1 foundation planting1 bonsai4 ,juniperus ,cypressaceae ,juniper ,evergreen trees and shrubs with needles or scale leaves4 ,can be tall trees or prostrate shrubs that hug the ground4 ,foliage is a beautiful blue-green4 ,illustration3 ,a beautiful specimen of ,juniperus procumbens nana with pansies in a corner planting ,,care4 ,moderately moist loamy soil4 ,some 7,j4 communis7 thrive in dry spots amid rocks4 ,most are hardy4 ,many varieties are exceptionally hardy and accept sun or shade1 city dust1 fumes1 and smoke4 ,all like drainage and wide spacing4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings1 seeds1 layering4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 foundation planting1 containers1 bonsai4 ,picea abies ,pinaceae ,spruce ,pyramidal1 evergreen1 coniferous trees native to the cooler parts of the country4 ,they have four-sided leaves that fall easily1 leaving cones that usually droop4 ,although many varieties are tall and majestic1 there are some of the most shapely dwarfs in the family4 ,they grow so slowly they are desirable for small landscapes4 ,among the dwarfs are3 clanbrasiliana1 gregoryana1 maxwelli1 nana1 nidformis4 ,the latter1 with its dark-green needles and flat open top1 is also known as the bird's nest spruce4 ,it is less expensive because it grows very easily from cuttings4 ,,care4 ,hardy1 tolerates more wet than firs or pines1 and is at home in most soils4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds and cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,foundation planting1 hedges1 bonsai4 ,pinus ,pinaceae ,pine ,among the many familiar pines of ornamental interest there are several dwarf forms for limited landscapes4 ,all bear needle-leaves in typical bundles of two1 three1 or five according to type4 ,here are some possibilities3 ,p4 cembra chlorocarpa1 ,p4 mugo 7montana7 mughus1 and a variety of the white pine1 ,p4 strobus nana4 ,,care4 ,light1 dry1 sandy soil4 ,plant where sheltered2 for example1 a northern slope4 ,dry summer winds and unseasonable1 warm winter sun will turn the leaves brown4 ,in transplanting trees1 remember that the roots do not stand exposure to air4 ,take the biggest possible chunk of dirt with them4 ,in buying1 get stock that is balled in burlap4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds and grafting4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,bonsai1 containers1 rock gardens1 foundation planting4 ,rhododendron ,ericaceae ,some of the most charming of our truly miniature shrubs1 far too infrequently known and grown4 ,rhododendron species and hybrids may be under a foot tall at maturity and have leaves as small as a little fingernail4 ,the only thing out of proportion is the size of their flowers4 ,here are some of them3 cantabile1 chryseum1 cinnabarinum1 cuneatum1 didymum1 fastigiatum1 ferrugineum1 flavidum 7primulinum71 glaucum 7glaucophyllum71 hypolepidotum1 impeditum1 kotschyi1 radinum1 riparium1 russatum1 williamsianum4 ,,care4 ,humus-rich soil1 sandy and of open texture4 ,mulch for winter season and water before freezing weather4 ,withered leaves in the dead of winter mean lack of moisture as well as cold weather4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 softwood tip cuttings 7in ,june74 ,,special ,,uses4 ,bonsai1 rock gardens1 edging1 foundation planting4 ,illustration3 in winter ,rhododendron keiskei in spring ,sciadopitys verticillata ,taxodiaceae ,umbrella ,pine ,the five-inch needles of this slow-growing ,japanese evergreen spread out from new tip growth like the ribs of a half-open umbrella1 giving it an airy distinction4 ,the tree1 a squat pyramid1 with short branches and a stubby main trunk1 is ideal for bonsai cultivation4 ,,care4 ,grows well in most any soil but does better in one that has been enriched4 ,as it is slow-growing1 there is slight danger that it will outgrow its dwarf proportions4 ,transplant only when young and do not expose the roots4 ,protect from severe winter conditions4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,bonsai1 rock gardens1 specimens4 ,spiraea ,rosaceae ,spirea ,this popular deciduous shrub varies as to size1 with most varieties far out of the miniature classification4 ,however1 there are some short ones1 with ,s4 bullata 7crispifolia7 an out-and-out midget of twelve to fifteen inches4 ,it has rose-colored flowers in midsummer4 ,s4 arguta 7compacta7 is slightly taller4 ,in ,may it has garlands of fragrant white flowers4 ,s4 bumalda1 with deep-pink flowers in early summer1 grows to about two and a half feet4 ,most others are considerably taller4 ,,care4 ,almost any soil is acceptable providing it is not too heavy and has drainage4 ,however1 plenty of moisture is essential4 ,plenty of sun is necessary for good flowering4 ,pruning also promotes flowers1 but do it after the blooms have fallen4 ,transplanting is easy1 even with bare roots4 ,fertilize occasionally4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7ripe or stratified71 cuttings of green or hard wood1 layers4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,borders1 rock gardens1 hedges1 foundations4 ,taxus ,taxaceae ,yew ,this evergreen shrub is very valuable to those who garden in smaller-scale plots and grounds4 ,there are a number of extremely low and slow-growing varieties available at most nurseries and in several different forms4 ,all have the typical yew masses of glassy1 evergreen needle-leaves and satiny red1 berry-like fruit4 ,all accept shearing1 even need it to preserve their symmetry and small size4 ,it is often difficult to differentiate between the many varieties when they are young1 so be sure to check them when buying4 baccata--,english yew--,a tall tree but available in these small forms3 adpressa1 a broad1 dense bush with half-inch needles in thick masses2 repandens1 a flattish1 low1 and spreading form with drooping branches1 two to four feet tall4 canadensis--,american or ,canadian yew--,three to four feet tall and for planting in the shade4 ,suffers from unusually warm winter sun4 ,its variety stricta is neat and upright and stays under two feet in height4 ,the green needles are yellow-tinged when it is young4 cuspidata--,japanese yew--,this variety is recommended for ,northeastern planting4 ,the slow-growing variety densa is plump and rounded and twice as wide as its four-foot mature height4 ,another variety1 nana 7brevifolia71 is considerably larger1 horizontal1 and spreading in habit4 cuspidata nana--,this species slightly different1 has a deeply fissured trunk with red berry fruit and very dark evergreen leaves4 ,it is highly regarded as a miniature and excellent for bonsai work4 stricta 7fastigata1 hibernica7--,an upright column that tops dwarf proportions sooner than most others4 ,,care4 ,slightly acid soil4 ,fertilize frequently in early spring and early summer4 ,good drainage4 ,don't plant under rain gutters4 ,top-dress with old manure4 ,easily transplanted4 ,shear just before spring growth starts1 to control size and shape4 ,winter sun may burn needles4 ,comparatively free of disease4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7stratified71 cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,foundation planting1 specimens1 hedges1 rock and wild gardens1 tub planting1 bonsai4 ,teucrium chamaedrys ,labiatae ,germander ,this is an aromatic ,old ,world shrublet that is adaptable to many uses in the garden1 whether formal or informal4 ,most varieties are less than a foot in height4 ,it flowers in late summer4 ,many gardeners raise it for its decorative value and snip off the blooms4 ,it is hardier than boxwood and less costly4 ,,care4 ,it grows in almost any soil but requires good drainage and full sun4 ,prune the top and sides twice a year for formal effect4 ,give winter protection with evergreen boughs4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7good but slow71 division1 cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,beds1 edging1 rock gardens1 miniature hedges1 foundations4 ,thuja ,pinaceae ,arborvitae ,certain species of the 8tree of life0 are majestic monsters4 ,but there are a number of shrubby varieties of delicate value in small plantings4 ,all have characteristic scale-like leaves arranged along fan-shaped branches1 making fluffy sprays4 ,but shapes vary from balls to pyramids4 ,foliage may be light1 or blue-green1 or even golden4 ,smaller forms are3 occidentalis--,this species has two small varieties1 compacta 7slow-growing1 dense pyramid7 and ellwangeriana 7a low round mound-shape74 minima--,a very small and a slow-growing ball4 pumila--#8,little ,gem'--,dense-leaved and globe-shaped4 pygmaea--,a two-foot globe or ball4 ,,care4 ,cool1 moist location4 ,rich soil and leaf mold4 ,either full sun or half shade4 ,city soot harmful4 ,,propagation4 ,same as for conifers4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,foundation planting1 rock gardens1 tubs and other containers1 specimens4 ,tsuga canadensis ,pinaceae ,hemlock ,this graceful evergreen conifer has slender horizontal branches with small leaves and small cones4 ,not all nurseries have it in its few dwarf forms4 ,best known of these small varieties are the conical compacta1 and the completely prostrate1 creeping prostrata4 ,,care4 ,slightly acid soil1 organic fertilizer1 shade-tolerant1 hardy 7but protect from cold winds71 can be pruned4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7stratified71 cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,foundation planting1 hedges1 specimens1 rock gardens1 bonsai4 ,viburnum ,caprifoliaceae ,snowball1 ,european ,cranberry ,bush ,an ornamental shrub4 ,most varieties are deciduous1 and are valued for their heavy flower clusters1 fragrance1 autumnal color1 and attractive fruit4 ,sizes and colors of flowers vary4 carlesi--,korean snowball--,fragrant pink buds that open as white flowers about the same time the foliage appears4 davidi--,about three feet tall with handsome crinkled leaves sharply creased at the veins4 ,small clusters of white flowers in ,june2 blue fruit in the fall4 nanum--,a real dwarf popular for low hedges and rock gardens4 ,it is strictly ornamental1 with no flowers or fruit4 ,,care4 ,any soil is acceptable4 ,moisture required4 ,hardy4 ,,propagation4 ,stratified seeds1 cuttings 7hardwood or green wood under glass71 layers1 grafting4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 hedges1 specimens4 ,,chapter #ae ,,miniature ,,perennials ,,and ,,rock ,,plants ,our odd piece of ,connecticut countryside is shaped rather like the blade of a paring knife4 ,we cleared the point to make a wild-flower garden4 ,at the blunt end1 on one side1 a tree-lined bank dips down to the road4 ,on the other1 there is an old1 low rock wall that's not particularly beautiful1 nor is it suitable for dry-wall planting4 ,when we finally whipped the central lawn into shape1 we realized that a flowering border would be nice against the wall--a low1 narrow border with colorful bloom all summer long4 ,to be in proportion and harmony with the setting1 the border had to be completely in miniature--following accepted principles for selecting and arranging plants1 but executed in small scale4 ,finding the proper plants has been a challenge2 arranging them has been a trial-and-error proposition1 because many varieties are entirely new to us4 ,but last summer1 the little border began to look the way we had visualized it--taller specimens in the background1 ground-hugging cushions facing them down in front1 small groups of straight spires for accent at strategic intervals4 ,it will probably take another season or two to perfect the blending and contrast of flowers and foliage1 and to get the most colorful and constant succession of bloom4 ,this is not1 of course1 our first acquaintance with miniature perennials2 and it couldn't possibly be our last4 ,they combine beautifully with small shrubs1 show off to advantage in small rock gardens1 add an artistic finishing touch to garden pools1 birdbaths1 and other ornaments4 ,they're at their very best in outdoor planters and raised beds on patios and terraces1 and in ribbon edgings along walks and walls4 ,although they're precious in flower1 many varieties--candytuft1 lavender1 sempervivum1 thyme1 plumbago1 to name a few--are equally decorative without bloom4 ,this is a valued advantage when planting space is limited4 ,gardeners with limited time use perennials lavishly because1 once established1 they're mostly permanent1 and they require a minimum of care4 ,somehow1 ,i sympathize with a writer who found more pleasure in spring's tufts of fresh new growth than in the full bloom of summer4 ,nostalgically1 one welcomes the return of an old friend2 practically1 one knows it will tend to its business of growing and flowering with very little personal attention4 ,this leads us to the question1 8,how perennial is a perennial80 and to the obvious answer1 8,it depends44440 ,to begin with1 it should live at least three years in your garden4 ,after that1 some varieties need to be lifted and divided into smaller plants with fresh new vigor2 some may need to be replaced completely2 some few may grow on indefinitely without renewal1 or may replace themselves with seedlings that are often of doubtful value4 ,in the language of the catalogues1 a 8hardy0 perennial is one that can withstand fairly severe winter cold1 and may not be hardy in ,southern gardens where it is not frozen into dormancy4 ,most hardy perennials are 8herbaceous0--the stems usually die back to the ground each winter2 some few have stems that may or may not be somewhat woody and persistent4 ,a 8tender0 perennial is likely to be killed by cold weather1 and is grown as an annual in the ,north1 if it is grown at all4 ,the life cycle of a biennial extends over two years4 ,it is grown from seed1 may or may not need special protection to carry it over a cold winter1 produces flowers and seeds the second year1 then dies4 ,some biennials sow themselves with such faithfulness they're regarded as perennial4 ,the comparatively few biennials among flowering plants are grown much like perennials2 miniature varieties are covered in this chapter4 ,originally1 ,i was firmly resolved to admit as miniatures only those perennials that grow less than eight inches high4 ,but ,i couldn't resist stretching the limits an inch or so to allow for a ten-inch flower stem above a small1 flat rosette of leaves2 and ,i found that the height limitation allowed free entry to some rambunctious spreaders that could quickly ruin a miniature garden4 ,so ,i finally settled on biennials and perennials that are miniature in general appearance and habit1 without strict measurements1 and with flowers and foliage in suitable proportion for miniature gardens4 ,for the first year or so1 locating some of the small perennials we wanted was rather like a treasure hunt2 we never knew where we'd find a clue4 ,occasionally1 we'd spy a prize on a visit to a local nursery4 ,frequently an advertisement or a tip from another gardener would give us the name of a promising mail-order supplier4 ,those who specialized in rock-garden plants proved to be particularly fruitful prospects4 ,often1 we started our plants from seeds and discovered later that mature plants were available1 had we known it4 ,now1 we have quite a list of sources for miniature perennials which we happily share with you1 beginning on page #bei4 ,in selecting suitable varieties1 decorative effect is naturally the first consideration--size1 habit1 and blooming season2 color and texture of flowers and foliage2 how the plants fit into your design and planting plan4 ,equally important is hardiness2 not only ability to survive a cold winter1 but also adaptability to other climatic conditions4 ,some perennials simply will not grow where summers are hot and dry2 others will live but can't mature enough to flower where nights are cool or growing seasons are short4 ,like other types of plants1 perennials should be selected according to their cultural needs1 and should be planted only where they can get the amount of sunlight and moisture they need1 and where the soil is suitable or can be made so4 ,an acid-loving plant in neutral or alkaline soil is a poor1 short-lived thing2 a moisture-lover withers pitiably where it's dry as a desert most of the time2 a 8hardy0 perennial won't be hardy unless its environment is to its liking4 ,,planting ,,and ,,care ,unless it's utterly impossible1 we do all our planting in the spring1 so there is plenty of time for plants to develop vigorous root systems before a mean ,connecticut winter comes along4 ,this is particularly important to shallow-rooted perennials1 and to any that are planted in windy1 exposed sites4 ,but for us1 it also includes spring-flowering varieties4 ,in spring we've planted dormant roots with or without mere nubbins of new growth1 and plants that were fully leaved out and bursting with buds1 with very little loss4 ,but fall planting has proved to be a gamble2 and if we're forced into it1 we're more likely to find room in the cold frame for the new arrivals until spring4 ,of course1 this is not usually necessary in more temperate sections where plants set out in late summer and early fall have plenty of time to become acclimated before heavy frost4 ,and it can be all wrong for ,southern gardens1 where planting during deepest dormancy is often recommended4 ,even if you're planting only three little pinks in a nook the size of a lady's handkerchief1 soil should be dug deeply and be suitably conditioned or enriched1 drainage should be made perfect1 roots should be spread out carefully1 and watering should be as thorough as if you were planting a priceless miniature tree or shrub4 ,to prevent a serious setback from wilting1 put up some sort of temporary protection against sun and wind--an encircling screen of leafy branches1 even a tent of newspaper or old sheeting4 ,soil ,there are few soils that can't be improved by the addition of organic matter such as leaf mold1 manure1 or compost2 and few plants that won't grow better for it4 ,it helps hold moisture in sandy soil1 improves texture and increases drainage in clay-like soil1 enriches ordinary garden loam4 ,mix it thoroughly with the soil before you place the plants4 ,also before planting1 add lime to acid soil for plants that need it1 acid peat for acid-loving varieties if your soil is neutral or alkaline4 ,above all1 don't plant anything 7except for a few bog inhabitants7 where water stands in puddles4 ,poor drainage has killed more perennials than ,old ,man ,winter himself4 ,watering and ,mulching ,most miniature perennials naturally have rather shallow root systems1 so they suffer quickly from drought4 ,don't let them dry out seriously 7particularly after transplanting72 water often and deeply enough that the soil below the roots is wet4 ,thorough watering in late fall1 just before the ground freezes1 often makes the difference between winter-survival and winter-kill4 ,mulching with any available1 airy material--buckwheat hulls or crushed sugar cane1 for example--will help keep soil moist and will also discourage germination of weed seeds1 thereby saving you a bit of work4 ,fertilizing ,most miniature plants don't like or need a heavy diet4 ,a light top-dressing of balanced fertilizer1 in early spring1 is usually enough to nourish them without forcing soft and straggly growth4 ,reluctant bloomers may need a small ration of superphosphate or a booster drink of liquid-manure 8tea0 as flowering time approaches4 ,pruning and ,grooming ,to keep them compact and attractive1 some varieties should have growing tips pinched out once or twice in spring and early summer2 others may have a few long1 straggly stems to be removed2 some carpeting types should be sheared off after flowering4 ,always pick off faded flowers unless you have reason to want the seeds4 ,in fall1 when foliage is frostbitten1 cut back the old stems and take them away1 along with any fallen leaves or other debris1 to be burned4 ,many diseases and insects winter over in decaying vegetable matter4 ,insects and ,disease ,our trusty duster or sprayer1 filled with an all-purpose insecticide-fungicide formula1 gives all our garden plants a preventive treatment several times a season4 ,so far1 this has been enough to keep problems and pests away4 ,for some special infestations or epidemics1 we keep a few specific remedies on hand--sulfur for powdery mildew1 and ,aramite for mites1 for example4 ,winter ,protection ,in our area we never know whether winter will bless us with a constant covering of snow1 or the ground will be bare and exposed to alternate freezing and thawing that 8heaves0 tender roots up out of their beds4 ,after the ground is frozen two or three inches deep1 we cover sleeping perennials with a light blanket of salt hay or1 sometimes1 evergreen boughs4 ,crowns that stay evergreen are surrounded by a collar of sharp sand4 ,questionably hardy varieties are lifted and moved to the cold frame4 ,in spring1 as the weather begins to warm up1 we remove the protective mulch a bit at a time4 ,there's a fine line between taking it off prematurely1 thus exposing new growth to a late freeze1 and leaving it so long that the soil underneath gets soggy and the roots rot4 ,but1 rot can be fatal1 and frozen tips of new growth are not1 so we remove the winter covering as fast as we dare4 ,,propagating ,,miniature ,,perennials ,one item in our ,connecticut landscape that's completely out of scale with its surroundings is the monstrous cold frame near the back boundary line4 ,the cement-block wall goes down below the frost line1 and up high enough to make room for winter storage of fairly good-sized plants4 ,the discarded storm windows are hinged across the back and completely removable in summer1 when they are replaced by light wooden frames of the same size with laths nailed a lath-width apart4 ,the construction slants toward the south1 to make the most of all winter sunshine2 light shading is necessary in summer to protect tender seedlings and rooting cuttings4 ,the cold frame serves dozens of purposes and has more than paid for itself with plants it has protected or produced4 ,when we plant perennial seeds in the cold frame1 we throw a piece of burlap across the top and keep it moist until they germinate4 ,tender seedlings spend their first winter within its walls1 and so do newly rooted cuttings4 ,questionably hardy perennials or any that we acquire in fall are held over until spring4 ,every year1 it seems as if we take more out of the cold frame than we put into it6 ,other1 smaller1 portable devices are equally useful for all kinds of summer propagating4 ,low square or rectangular wooden frames can be set over an area of prepared soil and the top covered with glass or polyethylene to keep the soil from drying out4 ,an empty fruit crate from the grocer can be equipped with a glass or plastic top4 ,a few cuttings can be rooted in soil in some shady spot with a clear glass jar inverted over them4 ,there are many devices that keep soil moist and air humid while seeds germinate or cuttings root4 ,how large or elaborate yours should be depends on how much propagating you want to do4 ,seeds ,many hard-to-find miniature perennials can be easily grown from a twenty-cent packet of seed4 ,you can also harvest seeds from your own plants2 but only natural species will 8come true40 ,complicated hybrids will have unpredictable offspring1 most of them not particularly desirable4 ,we plant seeds of most biennials and perennials in ,june1 when the soil is comfortably warm and the seedlings will have the whole summer to grow large and lusty4 ,some of our own seeds that ripen in midsummer are planted as soon as we can harvest them2 those that mature later are usually stored on a cool shelf in the cellar in plastic boxes or little pill bottles that keep them dry4 ,soil for the seed bed is sifted to remove pebbles and debris1 and mixed with equal quantities of sharp sand and peat or sieved leaf mold4 ,to prevent 8damp-off10 a fungus that chokes off stems at the soil line1 soil should be sterilized if at all possible4 ,small quantities may be baked in the oven4 ,special easy-to-use fungicides are also available2 follow label directions4 ,illustration3 ,rocks1 water1 and planting--an effective combination of all the elements of a rock garden4 7,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,norman ,cherry7 ,most seeds are covered to the depth of their diameter2 very fine seeds are merely firmed down into the soil4 ,seeds with hard coats may be gently nicked with a knife or soaked in water for a day or so4 ,some seeds1 like primroses1 need to be treated as if they had wintered outdoors before they will germinate4 ,you can put them in moist sand in a small1 tight container and alternate freezing in the ice compartment and thawing in the warmer part of the refrigerator for several days4 ,or you can plant these seeds in a small box or flat of their own and leave them outdoors1 in a protected spot1 where winter will supply its own natural conditions4 ,illustration3 ,cold frame planted and ready for top made from discarded storm windows ,some seeds germinate faster in the dark1 some with light2 some like cooler temperatures than others2 some come up in seven days1 some take months or even a year4 ,seed packets usually supply pertinent information4 ,seeds will not germinate in dry soil1 or if allowed to dry out even temporarily during the critical period4 ,to avoid washing out fine seeds1 water gently with a fine mist1 or set the flat or other container in water up to the level of the soil inside4 ,when the soil surface looks shiny and moist1 remove the container and set it aside to drain4 ,when the first 8true0 leaves are of fair size1 transplant the seedlings to peat pots1 or flats1 or rows in a prepared bed or cold frame4 ,shade against sun and wind until they resume growth4 ,stem ,cuttings ,many perennials can be propagated easily and in quantity by rooting softwood cuttings like those of trees and shrubs4 ,tip cuttings three or four inches long are usually best1 with all the flower buds and the lower leaves removed4 ,some types1 such as dianthus and lavender1 root faster and more surely if the cutting is taken with a heel4 ,for spring-flowering varieties1 take stem cuttings after flowering has finished and up until midsummer2 for those that bloom later1 take cuttings in ,may or ,june4 ,division ,this is a wonderful way not only to increase perennials1 but also to keep them young and vigorous4 ,how often you divide them depends on each plant's individual performance4 ,when growth is so thick it seems to be choking itself1 when there's little healthy new growth and a poor show of bloom1 when a clump or crown becomes tough and hard in the center1 it's usually time to refresh the plant by division4 ,some plants need it almost every other year1 some not for many years4 ,how you divide a plant depends upon how it grows4 ,if there is a central crown of leaves1 it can be cut cleanly into two or three sections1 each with its own share of roots4 ,or there may be new1 young crowns clustered around its edge that can be pulled or cut off4 ,if the plant simply has a crowded colony of stems and fibrous roots1 you can often pull it apart gently into several pieces4 ,or if it's the type that sends out rooting runners1 you can sever these and replant them4 ,generally1 the old1 tired center of the plant is discarded4 ,in cold climates1 even spring-flowering perennials are most safely divided very early in the season1 when new growth is beginning4 ,cool1 moist spring weather favors rapid recovery from the operation1 and there is plenty of time for the new plants to mature before fall4 ,summer-flowering and fall-flowering types are also divided in earliest spring4 ,in humid climates the spring-bloomers can be divided in ,august or early ,september4 ,layering ,almost any perennial with low or low-hanging branches can be propagated by pinning a stem to the soil1 several inches from the growing tip4 ,when new growth appears1 cut off the rooted stem and transplant it4 ,this propagating method may not produce great numbers of new plants at one time2 but it is surely one of the easiest and least troublesome practices--and particularly safe because the new plant is supported by the parent until it is well rooted4 ,i've been intrigued with one good gardener's method of creating a low hedge from one plant of dwarf lavender4 ,she layered one stem at each side of the original plant4 ,when these two new plants were fairly mature 7but not cut away from the old plant71 she layered one stem of each4 ,by repeating the process1 and locating each new layer in a straight line with the last one1 she can extend her hedge as far as she wishes and plant it as she goes1 along any lines4 ,,rock ,,garden ,,perennials ,achillea ,compositae ,yarrow1 ,hilfoil ,resembling the field yarrow1 but dainty1 mottled1 and tufted4 ,the leaves1 some finely cut and ferny1 wear thick wool coats4 ,the saucy flowers are in heads1 some flat-topped and not unlike daisies4 ageratifolia aizoon 7,anthemis aizoon7--,six-inch mat of silver-haired1 uncut leaves topped with bright white flowers in ,may and ,june4 clavennae--,tufts of hoary1 fine-cut leaves less than a foot high1 tight round white flower heads three-fourths of an inch across in ,may and ,june4 tomentosa--,best-known little species1 quickly makes a thick mat of semi-evergreen gray-green leaves six inches tall4 ,it has sunny yellow flowers from ,june to midsummer4 ,the variety aurea has more golden flowers and blooms earlier2 nana is a true midget and makes a thick carpet studded with many white flowers4 ,five-inch #8,moonlight' has flowers of sulfur yellow1 and greener foliage4 umbellata--,four-inch mounds of fuzzy1 silvery1 ferny leaves4 ,it has cream-white flowers in ,june and is evergreen in temperate areas4 ,,care4 ,any soil1 even sandy or poor4 ,dryish to moist4 ,sun or very light shade4 ,easy to grow4 ,,propagation4 ,division in spring or fall1 seeds 7flowers the second year74 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock plantings1 dry-wall planting1 edging1 ground cover1 pavements4 ,aethionema ,cruciferae ,stone-,cress1 ,persian ,candytuft ,this is a heathery little shrub-like perennial with slim leaves and steely-blue needles1 cheerful clusters of flowers at the stem tips in ,may and ,june4 ,it is often compared to a minuscule daphne4 armenum--,neat tufts of short1 sharp leaves and petite pink flowers in ,june4 ,it is never over four inches high4 iberideum--,low1 crowded1 and cushiony-minute with gray-green leaves and large white flowers in short clusters4 ,this one is earlier than other varieties1 blooming even in ,april if the weather is favorable4 7,needs gritty soil with some lime47 schistosum--,by comparison this one is a giant growing to eight or ten inches1 with two-inch leaves and fragrant pink flowers4 ,,care4 ,soil light1 sandy1 well-drained1 and gravelly2 dry2 sun4 ,hardy in southern ,new ,england4 ,give protection in severe winters4 ,,propagation4 ,cuttings in summer1 division and seeds in spring4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 dry-wall planting1 edging1 borders4 ,ajuga ,labiatae ,bugle ,this is a low1 creeping or spreading perennial with pinwheels of rather coarse leaves and small blue flowers which come in ,may and ,june4 ,it is of miniature height and should only be planted where you can control it1 or want it to spread4 ,some of the better-known varieties are3 genevensis--,oval toothed leaves1 light green4 ,flowers deep blue4 pyramidalis--,less likely to spread and stays neat and small4 ,flowers blue and slightly larger than those of other varieties4 reptans--,also known as carpet bugle1 it is nearly supine1 with stems that root as they creep4 ,flowers blue or purplish4 ,variety alba has white flowers2 variegata1 foliage marked with cream and pink4 ,rubra pink flowers4 #8,silver ,beauty'--,compact and ground-hugging4 ,white markings on leaves give a silvery appearance4 ,blue flowers4 ,,care4 ,ordinary soil1 even poor2 sun or part shade2 dry4 ,plant in fall or spring six inches apart4 ,easy to grow4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds in spring1 division4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 dry-wall planting1 ground cover1 edging4 ,alyssum ,cruciferae ,madwort ,plushy1 mat-forming1 like a silver-gray rug with flecks of white or golden flowers in spring and summer4 ,the grayish leaves are small1 the flowers in thick clusters4 ,popular forms are3 alpestre 7serpyllifolium7--,three-inch gray carpet with bright-yellow flowers through ,june4 montanum--,fragrant gold flowers in ,june2 about eight inches high4 mulfenianum--,smaller 7four-inch7 version with balls of yellow flowers from ,may to ,june4 saxatile--basket of gold--,blooms in ,may2 nine inches high2 spreads thickly4 ,variety compactum is more compact and shorter2 about eight inches4 ,variety citrinum has lemon-yellow flowers4 spinosum--,dense growth1 shrubby and spiny1 about eight inches high4 ,white flowers sometimes tinged with pink1 in ,june and ,july4 ,,care4 ,any ordinary soil with drainage4 ,sunny1 open location4 ,plant in spring or fall six to eight inches apart4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds in fall1 division of roots in spring4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 borders1 dry walls1 pavements1 edging1 carpet for bulbs1 ground cover4 ,anemone ,ranunculaceae ,windflower ,one of the earliest to bloom in the spring1 it has lacy leaves and colorful flowering saucers not made up of petals but of sepals 7leaves that encircle the flowers at the base74 apennina--,tuberous species six or seven inches high with deeply cut leaves2 arrives in ,march with bright1 sky-blue flowers4 ,variety alba has white flowers2 purpurea1 rich lavender-rose4 blanda--,resembles apennina but is slightly larger and has darker flowers4 nemorosa--,european wood anemone--,similiar to ,american forms4 ,variety alleni has lavender flowers4 ,variety rosea1 pink4 palmata--,six-inch dwarf with whorls of leathery leaves1 golden-white flowers in ,may or ,june4 ,the flowers of the variety albida are heavenly white with gold centers4 pulsatilla--pasque flower--,a more robust alpine growing to eight inches tall4 ,hardy even in ,maine rock gardens4 ,flowers are purple-blue bells that come early and last as long as the weather is cool4 ,its finely cut leaves are softened with silky hairs4 ,other varieties are alba1 white2 rubra1 plum red2 and camla1 silvery lilac surrounded by white4 ,,care4 ,rich sandy loam with leaf mold4 ,part shade for some varieties4 ,,propagation4 ,seed in late fall1 root division in early spring4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,wild gardens1 rock gardens1 forcing1 flower beds4 ,antennaria ,compositae ,pussy-,toes ,this is a furry little creeper with flat1 silvery1 spoon-shaped leaves and bristly flowers sometimes dried as everlastings4 dioica--,fast-creeping carpet with pink-tipped flowers in spring4 microphylla 7parvifolia7--,western native1 slower growing1 with white flowers4 neodioica--,eastern native that makes a low mat of silver-hairy leaves and sends up pink-tipped white flowers in early summer4 ,,care4 ,sandy1 even poor1 soil2 full sun2 dry4 ,cut off leaves after flowering to make neater plants4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds and division4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock walls and pavement4 ,aquilegia ,ranunculaceae ,columbine ,hardy little perennials with two-or three-part leaves like clover but often cut or indented on the edge1 and drooping or noddling flowers with flaring sepals and spurs of different sizes and shapes4 akitensis--,six-inch ,japanese doll with stemless blue-green leaves and large lavender-blue flowers with yellow at the center4 ,june flowers4 discolor--,alpine with glowing blue flowers1 white inside and frosty-green leaves4 ,five inches tall4 flabellata nana-alba--fan columbine--,three divided leaves like blue-green fans1 lustrous white flowers in ,may4 jonesi--,diminutive1 two to three inches tall4 ,small leaves in small mounds1 flowers upturned and deep blue in ,june4 saximontana--,alpine with two-inch tufts of crisp leaves2 aquamarine flowers with yellowish sepals on four-inch stems in ,april4 ,,care4 ,soil light and sandy1 with leaf mold2 drainage2 shade or semishade4 ,hardy4 ,plant in fall4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds in the spring 7flowers the following year71 division in the spring4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock and wall planting1 wild-flower gardens1 beds4 ,arabis ,cruciferae ,rock ,cress ,mat-forming perennials with blankets of hairy leaves under spreads of flowers rather like stocks or candytuft4 ,they flower in spring or summer and are often fragrant4 albida--,unless the form is marked 8compact0 the species may top ten inches4 ,leaves green and woolly1 flowers white 7in ,april and ,may74 ,variety flora plena is about six inches tall with double white flowers2 rosea1 orchid pink and single2 variegata1 white-marked leaves4 #8,pink ,charm' is single with bright-pink flowers4 blepharophylla--,clusters of deep-green leaves with eyelashes on the edge2 pink-purple flowers in ,april4 ,height1 four inches4 procurrens--,matting plant with creeping stolons1 white flowers in ,may4 ,dwarf variety1 stari1 spreads slowly and stays under four inches4 ,,care4 ,medium1 even poor1 soil2 warm and sandy4 ,not too moist4 ,sun or light shade4 ,after flowering cut back straggly stems4 ,,propagation4 ,division 7in spring or fall71 seeds1 cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 wall planting1 ground cover1 edging4 ,aster alpinus ,compositae ,rock ,aster ,small leaves mat closely to make a mound four inches high4 ,the flat lilac daisy-like flowers come in ,june and ,july on eight-inch stems4 ,the variety superbus is slightly larger2 albus has white flowers4 #8,goliath' is a variety with flowers ranging from yellow-centered lavender to near-purple4 #8,spring ,charm' is a midget with lavender-pinkish flowers4 ,,care4 ,any good soil1 full sun4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds in the spring 7flowers the next year74 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 borders1 edging4 ,bellis ,compositae ,daisy ,miniature daisies of cheerful charm1 some varieties barely six inches tall4 perennis--,english daisy--,nests of green leaves sprinkled in spring and summer with flowers of white1 rose1 or red4 ,several new strains are now being offered in singles1 doubles 7some have quilted petals71 and varied colors4 rotundiafolia caerulescens--alpine daisy--,soft-blue flowers all summer long4 ,,care4 ,fertile soil2 moist1 but good drainage2 sun or semisun4 ,a cool summer produces larger flowers4 ,not suitable for hot climates4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7flowers following year71 division in cool weather4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 edging1 ground cover4 ,campanula ,campanulaceae ,harebell1 ,bell ,flower ,these are the beloved bell flowers which should be included in all gardens4 ,included on page #bfd are varieties that are easy to get and grow4 ,,care4 ,light loamy soil1 slightly on limy side2 drainage4 ,sun1 except dwarfs1 which take light shade4 ,remove dead flowers4 ,shelter with evergreen boughs in severe winter4 ,,propagation4 ,division in early spring or fall1 seeds 7plant as soon as ripe71 cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 walls1 borders1 edging1 pots1 and baskets4 ,cerastium ,caryophyllaceae ,perennial creepers and carpeters with slim silk-hairy leaves and showers of white flowers with an over-all effect of soft fuzzy wool4 ,maximum height six inches1 but most plants less4 alpinum lanatum--,smallest downy leaves1 white flowers in clusters in ,june and ,july4 bierbersteini--,longer leaves1 flowers one month earlier4 tomentosum--snow in summer--,this1 the most popular species2 quickly forms a large mat like a silver carpet under starry white flowers in ,may and ,june4 ,it is said it will grow in pure sand4 ,,care4 ,ordinary soil1 sun1 dry4 ,easy to grow4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7plant in fall or spring71 division1 cuttings after flowering4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 edging1 flower beds1 ground cover4 ,,varieties ,,of ,,harebell1 ,,bell ,,flowers ,leaves ,flowers ,blooming season carpatica mats #d tall blue saucers ,june to ,oct4 carpatica alba mats #d tall white ,june to ,oct4 carpatica #8,wedgwood' cushions violet-blue cups ,june to ,oct4 carpatica #8,white ,wedgwood' cushions white ,june to ,oct4 carpatica turbinata low mass large1 flat1 violet ,june to ,aug4 cochlearifolia shell-shaped mass blue bells ,may and ,june cochlearifolia alba shell-shaped mass white ,may and ,june cochlearifolia #8,mironda' shell-shaped mass silver-blue ,june to ,aug4 collina fuzzy clumps purple bells ,june elatines dense #c mass stars1 white center ,june and ,july elatines alba plena double white #8,star for baskets of ,bethlehem' and pots garganica may be woolly blue ,june and ,july portenschlagiana roundish1 toothed 7muralis7 crinkled tufts violet bells ,june and ,july saxifraga broadened upturned violet bells spring ,ceratostigma plumbaginoides ,plumbaginaceae ,leadwort ,shrubby little perennial 8bushes0 about eight inches high and spreading into clumps twice as wide1 with hairy-edged leaves which are green with bronze overtones4 ,it turns to a brickish color in autumn4 ,in ,august the plants cover themselves with blue phlox-like flowers and continue to bloom until heavy frost4 ,,care4 ,most any soil with drainage4 ,will grow in sand4 ,full sun best but semishade is acceptable4 ,don't plant in moist location4 ,in winter give protection4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds in the spring1 division at time of new growth in spring1 cuttings4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,borders1 edging1 rock gardens1 ground cover4 ,coreopsis auriculata nana ,compositae ,neat little plant with tufts of divided1 or lobed1 leaves2 golden-orange daisy-like flowers on three-to six-inch stems1 from ,june through ,august4 ,,care4 ,light sandy soil4 ,shade in extremely hot climate4 ,cut faded flowers4 ,,propagation4 ,sow seeds in fall for flowering next year2 division of clumps4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 edging4 ,corydalis ,fumariaceae ,fumitory ,ferny-leaved herbaceous perennials with spurred flowers like bleeding heart but more colorful and blooming in the spring4 ,some types are tuberous-rooted1 or partly so1 but are grown more like other perennials4 cava 7bulbosa7--,tuberous type1 about eight inches tall1 with gaudy clusters of purple flowers in ,april4 cheilanthifolia--,perennial with thickened roots1 finely dissected eight-inch leaves1 sprays of yellow flowers from ,may to frost4 ,requires shade from hot sun4 ,striking for its foliage alone4 halleri 7densifolia7--,march bloomer1 tuberous4 ,not many leaves but plenty of clusters of rosy1 or purple1 flowers2 six to eight inches4 lutea--,eight-inch clump-makers with lacy blue-green leaves4 ,yellow flowers appear in ,june and repeat later4 ,likes to keep cool in the shade1 or have its roots under a rock4 ,won't grow in extreme heat4 nobilis--,tuberous type1 upright to eight inches1 with leaflets both wedge-shaped and deep-toothed4 ,it may have as many as twenty spurred white flowers per cluster1 tipped with yellow and spotted with purple4 rupestris--,ferny-leaved eight-inch perennial with short-spurred yellow flowers4 ,nontuberous4 ,,care4 ,any garden soil with drainage4 ,partial or light shade1 or sun4 ,plant tuberous types in fall4 ,,propagation4 ,division1 seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,borders1 rock gardens1 wall plantings1 edging4 ,dianthus ,caryophyllaceae ,pink ,there are some very special treasures for every garden in this big family of spicy-scented plants with flowers that seem to have been fringed with pinking shears4 ,there are impermanent perennials that flower the first year like annuals1 biennials like sweet ,william that often self-sow1 longer lived types that tuft or spread out to make low flowering mounds or mats1 elusive alpines for the rock-garden connoisseur1 pixies with tiny half-inch flowers1 and great garden carnations4 ,every year new hybrids make the list longer4 ,make your selection1 of course1 according to size1 scent1 growing habits1 and the color scheme of your little garden4 ,for the miniature rock garden1 the rose-colored species ,d4 alpinus stays under three inches2 ,d4 neglectus combines pink and buff1 and there are many more4 ,the ,allwoodi hybrid varieties are sturdy1 lasting1 and flower freely for most of the summer4 ,the cheddar pinks 7,d4 casius varieties7 are clumpy2 the maiden pinks make mats2 the cottage or grass pinks are tufted2 sweet ,william 7,d4 barbatas7 is one of the clusterheads2 the 8annuals0 7usually forms of ,d4 chinensis7 will flower early when seed is started indoors1 repeat the performance if cut back after the first flowering1 and may even live to bloom once more the second year4 ,for the most miniature1 look for these newcomers3 double pink1 three-inch #8,pixie'2 rose-red #8,tiny ,rubies'2 four-inch #8,wee ,willie' 7sweet ,william's son71 not reliably perennial but behaves beautifully as an annual2 deep-red #8,little ,joe4' ,one seed house offers a perennial #8,midget ,double' sweet ,william under four inches high and like a button-size carnation4 ,,care4 ,warm sandy soil1 not too rich4 ,lime1 dryish1 drainage4 ,full sun1 cool temperature4 ,cut off faded flowers4 ,,propagation4 ,division1 layers1 cuttings1 seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,flower beds1 rock gardens1 edging4 ,geranium ,geraniaceae ,cranesbill ,this is not the popular potted plant 7pelargonium7 or the wild geranium of the ,eastern woods 7,g4 maculatum74 ,these are lacy-leaved perennials with a delicate look but a tough constitution4 ,here are some of the smallest available types1 flowering mostly in the spring but often repeating in spurts throughout the summer4 farreri--,a little three-inch doll from ,china1 the many-fingered leaves making a low nest under the astonishingly large1 black-anthered1 blush-pink-on-white flowers4 macrorrhizum--,the species is largish and makes a buxom six-inch bush with light sprays of pink flowers4 ,the foliage is aromatic and turns beautifully bronzy in fall4 pylzowianum--,eager spreader1 two to three inches high1 with finely divided leaves and rosy flowers in ,may and ,june4 ,,care4 ,gravelly soil with drainage1 dryish4 ,sun or light shade4 ,mostly hardy4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds2 root division in spring or fall4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,border and dry-wall planting4 ,gypsophila ,caryophyllaceae ,baby's ,breath ,here is something for every rock garden1 the beginner's or the connoisseur's4 ,over a soft cushion of tiny leaves the foamy flowers are heart-tuggingly romantic and delicate4 ,the plants are hardy1 eagerly branching and spreading1 and veiled in bloom for most of the summer4 cerastioides--,four-inch creeper with gray-velvet mouse-ear leaves1 sprays of white flowers with pink veins4 ,soil should be alkaline1 sandy or gritty1 and perfectly drained4 muralis--,an unusual 8annual0 about six inches high1 with narrow leaves and warm rosy flowers4 ,looks and grows best when crowded4 repens--,midget trailer with slim1 silvery blue-green leaves and white or pinkish flowers only a few inches above them4 ,available varieties include1 white-flowering alba1 compact double pink bodgeri1 and single rose-pink rosea4 ,,care4 ,not too rich soil1 dryish1 with drainage4 ,full sun or light shade4 ,usually hardy4 ,don't thin too much4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7sow where you want the plant71 division4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 wall plantings1 pavements1 ground cover4 ,iberis ,cruciferae ,perennial ,candytuft ,extremely decorative and useful evergreen with durable1 fresh-looking foliage and clusters of sparkling white or pale-tinted flowers in spring4 ,the plants spread1 but not enough to be troublesome in small gardens4 saxatalis--,miniature even among miniatures1 with two-inch clumps of hairy-edged leaves and flat clusters of white flowers in ,may4 ,needs gravelly1 limy soil4 sempervirens--,the better-known named varieties are offspring of this stalwart1 nearly shrub-like perennial with blunt-tipped narrow leaves and flowers forming an umbrella-shaped cluster on six-to eight-inch stems4 ,one plant can spread out to several feet across4 ,among the dwarfs are #8,autumn ,snow1' seven inches high and often blooming again in ,september2 #8,little ,gem1' compact mounds four to six inches high2 #8,purity1' the purest of white2 and #8,snowflake1' a little later 7,june7 and a little larger 7eight inches74 ,iris ,iridaceae ,basically1 iris are of two types--bulbous and rhizomatous--each with miniature species1 varieties1 and hybrids4 ,leaves may be broad and flat1 or slim and grass-like4 ,stems may bear one or several flowers1 the earliest in ,march and the latest in ,june4 ,natural colors include white1 yellow1 and all shades of lavender and purple2 hybrids widen the range to many other tints4 ,there are many miniature species1 some with several varieties1 and also hybrids1 of their own4 ,by far the largest group is the #8,dwarf ,bearded ,iris1' so classified by the ,american ,iris ,society according to the height of the flower stalk1 and further divided into two series3 miniature dwarfs 7four to ten inches7 and standard dwarfs1 ,lilliputs 7ten to fifteen inches74 ,these are rhizomatous1 of course1 like the tall bearded giants of the garden1 and bloom midway between the earlier species and the big ones4 99 99 99 99 99 bakeriana--,bulbous1 about six inches high1 with round leaves and early1 fragrant1 blue-purple flowers4 cristata--,crested iris with rhizomes and spreading by stolons to make wide mats4 ,about six inches high with one or two white-crested1 lilac1 fragrant flowers in mid-,may4 ,there is an all-white variety4 ,it likes light shade or dappled shade and cool moisture for its roots4 flavissima--,rhizomatous1 spreading by stolons to make open clumps under six inches high4 ,it has narrow leaves and several bearded1 brown-marked yellow flowers per stem when it blooms in ,april and ,may4 ,it needs gritty or sandy soil1 only slightly acid4 histroides--,bulbous1 about four inches high1 with pale-blue flowers which appear early before the leaves4 ,various colors available4 innominata--,rhizomatous ,west ,coast dwarf with long grassy leaves and flowers varying between yellow and orange1 and between lavender and purple4 ,blooms in ,may and ,june4 ,takes light shade and neutral1 or even slightly acid1 soil4 orchioides--,bulbous1 with sword-shaped leaves to nine inches long2 has several purple-blotched yellow flowers per stem4 reticulata--,bulb covered with netted membrane4 ,reedy stems about eight inches long disappearing in ,june4 ,crested flowers on six-inch stems with a fragrance like fresh violets4 ,gold-marked on deep purple4 ,blooms very early in ,march1 even in snow4 tenuifolia--,rhizomatous1 about six inches high1 blue-purple flowers in ,june4 vartani--,bulbous1 flowering in late winter in mild areas1 stemless slate-blue or violet flowers4 voina--,native rhizomatous species which spreads by stolons2 four to six inches tall4 ,has tufts of narrow leaves and beardless flowers which are lilac1 or velvet marked yellow1 on three-inch stems2 blooms in ,may4 ,provide light shade and acid soil4 ,,care4 ,for bulbous type3 sandy or gritty soil with humus2 drainage2 sun1 except the hottest4 ,for dwarf bearded type3 loamy alkaline soil1 and drainage4 ,moist4 ,more sun for best flowering4 ,,propagation4 ,bulbous3 divide bulbs in summer and replant in summer4 ,rhizomatous3 divide in summer4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 forcing1 flower beds4 ,lavandula officinalis ,labiate ,lavender ,here is one that deserves a place in every garden1 and for many reasons3 ,its aromatic foliage and flowers1 its nostalgic charm1 and the pleasant sight of it against evergreen with its gray-felt leaves and dark-lavender flowers4 ,it usually stops growing just under the height of one foot and can be clipped lower if you wish4 ,the leaves are lacy1 slim1 and dainty1 especially with their pure-white fur when young4 ,among the varieties available are the ,munstead strain1 dwarf1 plump1 and bearing pink flowers2 #8,hidcate ,blue1' very hardy2 compacta 7nana compacta71 earlier flowering and only a few inches high2 and atropurpurea1 with dark purple flowers4 ,,care4 ,poor soil so plants will not grow too vigorously and winter-kill4 ,drainage1 sun1 winter protection4 ,dryish4 ,lime for maximum fragrance4 ,prune almost any time2 mulch4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 division1 cuttings in late fall or early spring on this year's growth with heel of older wood4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,edging1 rock gardens1 ground cover4 ,myosotis ,boraginaceae ,forget-,me-,not ,sentiment1 compelling as it is1 is not the only reason for having this delightful little plant in one's rock garden4 ,small though it is1 it has its own quiet charm in its delicate foliage and transparent cloud of tiny blue flowers4 ,the intensity of color of those blooms catches your eye and draws you to it4 ,you look at it and understand the reason for its name4 ,here are a few members of the family3 scorpioides 7palustris7--,light1 low1 and sprawling2 light-blue flowers touched with gold at the center during the spring4 7,they last much longer if you have the dwarf variety semperflorens47 ,the fact that these perennials are often listed as 8half-hardy annuals0 indicates their need for winter protection1 but they will self-seed4 7,water-lily specialists offer an aquatic variety that grows in bogs47 sylvatica 7alpestris7--,self-sowing biennial 7also offered as an annual7 that has blue flowers with touches of pink1 sometimes entirely pink4 ,may flowers4 ,,care4 ,ordinary soil1 cool1 moist1 part shade4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7flowers the second year71 division of clumps in late summer4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 edge of pools4 ,nepeta hederacea 7glechoma7 ,labiatae ,ground ,ivy ,this is a ground cover1 one that can get out of hand unless checked1 but it has its uses in shady spots where other covers do not flourish4 ,about the best-liked variety is variegata1 which has round leaves neatly scalloped on the edge and embroidered with white4 ,in the spring it has spires of blue flowers4 ,,care4 ,ordinary or sandy soil4 ,drainage1 either sun or shade4 ,cut off faded flowers4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 division4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,ground cover1 containers1 baskets1 house and greenhouse plantings1 rock gardens4 ,oenothera ,onagraceae ,evening ,primrose1 ,sundrop ,the sundrops bloom by day2 the evening primroses stay open at night and play host to the moths of the garden4 ,there is a miniature of each type for the small garden4 ,each has the common characteristic of large yellow poppy-like flowers which are short-lived but are quickly replaced by others for most of the summer4 missouriensis--,evening primrose from the ,west1 six inches high4 ,the leaves are long and oval1 covered with ash-gray hairs4 ,the nocturnal flowers1 poppy-like1 can measure six inches across and are yellow4 perennis 7pumila7--sundrop--,this is the daytime bloomer1 often with one-inch blooms on a plant only three inches tall4 ,the silk-hairy leaves make a lush-looking mound4 ,,care4 ,medium sandy soil1 dry1 with drainage 7heavy dampness is fatal74 ,lime and manure4 ,sun4 ,remove seed pods to promote more flowers4 ,plant has long taproot which must not be broken when transplanting4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 division 7in early fall or spring71 cuttings 7in late summer74 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens and wall plantings4 ,phlox ,polemoniaceae ,there are so many varieties of this furiously spring-flowering plant1 and all with many admirers1 that the trick is to find the ones which appeal to you personally4 ,you will be guided by the colors you want and the amount of space available4 ,many of them1 after the blooming season1 make lush1 plushy1 green foliage mats4 amoena 7procumbens7--,neat1 not rampant1 cushions of two-inch oval leaves with flat clusters of fragrant pinkish1 or purplish1 flowers on six-inch stems in ,may and ,june4 bifida--sand phlox--,a native of the ,midwest with low1 tufted1 and slightly hairy foliage and starry blue flowers 7early1 in ,april and ,may74 divaricata 7canadensis7--wild sweet ,william--,this slow creeper is a little tall--about twelve inches--but may fit your planting scheme4 ,it has two-inch oval leaves and clusters of lavender-blue flowers at daffodil time4 douglasi--alpine phlox--,three-inch ,western native with half-inch knife-like evergreen leaves and half-inch white or pastel flowers 7in ,june74 rigida--sandhill phlox--,western alpine1 similar to douglasi except for thinner1 more sharply pointed leaves and white flowers blending to blue and purple4 ,the more acid the soil1 the deeper the colors4 stolonifera--creeping phlox--,partly or fully evergreen creeper with four-inch stems1 oval1 hairy leaves1 and full clusters of light or dark lavender flowers in ,may and ,june4 subulata--ground moss1 or mountain pink--,in ,april and ,may the six-inch mats of evergreen leaves are almost invisible under the profuse cover of one-inch1 fragrant flowers4 ,they may be purple1 purplish-pink1 or white1 and some varieties are red or blue4 ,,care4 ,fertile soil1 acid or alkaline according to the variety4 ,moist4 ,most are hardy1 again according to the variety4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7do not always come true71 cuttings in ,july and ,august1 division of roots4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 edging1 ground cover4 ,primula ,primulaceae ,primrose ,official 8,sections10 by common cultural requirements4 ,auricula ,section4 ,p4 auricula and other ,european alpines and their hybrids2 usually evergreen2 flower in early spring4 ,stony1 drained1 rich loamy soil lightened by leaf mold and sand2 will stand more sun than most1 but not hot midday sun2 likes its roots under stones2 mulch with stone chips4 ,candelabra ,section from ,asia4 ,flowers in tiers1 one whorl above another1 open-faced2 most tall with big leaves4 ,needs moist soil1 part shade4 ,flowers in late spring and early summer4 ,disappear over winter4 ,capitatae ,section from the ,himalayas4 ,biennial here1 perennial where snow covers all winter and on the ,west ,coast4 ,flowers late 7,july74 ,flat rosettes of delicately toothed leaves1 twelve-inch silver stems2 flat silvery heads of slightly drooping flowers4 ,disappears over winter4 ,cortusoides ,section from ,asia4 ,woodsy-rich humusy soil4 ,decorative leaves usually soft hairy4 ,flowers in spring4 ,disappears over winter4 ,denticulata ,section4 ,small group from the ,himalayas4 ,easy perennial4 ,be careful about dampness in winter4 ,among the earliest to flower in spring4 ,farinosae ,section4 ,huge group from many lands4 ,moisture1 drainage1 part shade4 ,stand more sun if moist4 ,small bud1 usually white at surface1 shows in winter4 ,nivalis ,section from ,asia4 ,biennial here4 ,long narrow leaves4 ,flowers in tiers closer than candelabra and more drooping4 ,cool1 rich1 moist soil1 part shade4 ,flowers in early spring2 disappears in winter4 ,sikkimensis ,section from ,asia4 ,belled primulas1 with hanging heads of bell-shaped flowers4 ,biennial here2 perennial in both colder and warmer climates4 ,most tall with heads of fragrant flowers held well above large toothed leaves4 ,flowers in late spring2 disappears in winter4 ,vernales ,section includes all the easiest-to-grow and best-known primulas4 ,requires part shade1 rich soil1 moisture2 should never be completely dry4 ,evergreen4 ,includes3 ,p4 vulgaris 7acaulis71 single flower per stem2 ,p4 polyantha with many varieties1 and stalked umbrella of flowers above the leaves2 ,p4 juliae hybrids4 ,among ,p4 polyantha there are some dwarf hybrids 7not miniature74 ,,care4 ,some shade for hottest part of the day4 ,woodsy soil rich in humus1 neutral or slightly acid4 ,mulch with manure if possible1 around and between plants2 don't cover crown4 ,keep moist4 ,provide winter protection of salt hay1 evergreen boughs1 or excelsior1 which results in gradual thawing of the ground around the plants in spring1 and also prevents premature blooming during unseasonably warm winter days4 ,fertilize in spring1 and in summer for next year's flowers4 ,no nitrogen in summer fertilizer4 ,watch plants for signs of slugs and red spider4 ,divide when plants get too crowded1 preferably after flowering4 ,hearty seeders4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds when ripe 7others must be frozen first and thawed71 division after flowering4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,carpet under shrubs and under early-flowering trees4 ,naturalize by streams and beside pools4 ,wall planting1 rock gardens1 borders1 wild gardens4 ,saxifraga ,saxifragaceae ,rockfoil ,there are so many species and hybrids of this popular plant it is difficult to know all of them4 ,generally1 they are characterized by flattish clusters of leaves around the crown1 and airy sprays of flowers on top of taller stems4 ,but from this point the variations take many forms and sizes4 ,the leaves may be the size of a nickel or five times that size2 flowers may be minute1 or large and open-faced2 there may be creeping stems or runners1 or not4 ,for most gardeners it is not necessary to know how botanists classify these plants4 ,if you plan to delve deeply into rock gardening there are a number of excellent books on rock plants1 some of which are listed in the appendix4 ,following are a few of the better-known1 and easier grown1 saxifraga1 including several that have a place in flower borders and other garden spots4 aizoon--,arctic native with rosettes of evergreen1 stiff1 gray-blue leaves edged with a thin 8crust0 of limy deposit1 and purple-spotted white flowers on tall stems 7in ,may or ,june74 ,there are a number of varieties1 including yellow-flowering lutea1 pink rosea1 and tiny baldensis with leaf clusters only a quarter-inch across4 7,drainage1 moist1 with northwest exposure4 ,shade from noon sun2 provide limy soil with leaf mold4 cuscutaeformis--,thick1 hairy1 roundish leaves tinged with copper and marked with a network of white veins2 spreads by reddish runners that produce new plants at their tips4 decipiens rosacea--,mossy mats of finely cut leaves and large cupped white flowers on six-inch stems 7in ,may and ,june74 ,drainage2 gritty sandy soil with leaf mold and humus4 ,moist1 shade from sun4 ,also pink-and red-flowering varieties4 sarmentosa--strawberry begonia--,favorite pot and basket plant1 hardy in nearly every garden4 ,spreads by strawberry-like runners with plantlets at the ends4 ,makes mats of round1 white-veined leaves and tall airy sprays of white or purplish flowers in ,june4 ,requires shade1 and moist acid soil4 umbrosa--,london pride--,makes a carpet of three-inch-high rosettes of leathery leaves2 spires of pink flowers in early summer4 ,needs moist1 rich soil and shade or semishade4 ,the small-scale variety primuloides is daintier4 virginiensis--,slender1 oval three-inch leaves in flat clusters1 green tinged1 but bronze in the fall2 small white flowers on ten-inch stems in ,may4 ,native of our ,northeast4 ,nice in wild gardens4 ,,care4 ,soil varies with the species 7lime for the encrusted ones1 which also tolerate more sun74 ,semishade1 moist1 but perfect drainage4 ,a hot dry climate is bad for the alpines4 ,mossy varieties need heavier shade1 richer soil1 and are best moist4 ,,propagation4 ,divisions of sets1 cuttings1 seeds 7most varieties74 ,,special ,,uses4 ,baskets1 pots1 dry-wall planting1 containers1 borders4 ,silene ,caryophyllaceae ,campion1 ,catchfly ,the perennials of this genus include some of our most colorful native plants 7the flaming fire pink ,s4 virginica1 for example71 all related to the garden pinks but each one having its own characteristics4 acaulis--cushion pink1 moss campion--,dainty two-inch mossy tufts of needle-like leaves slowly increasing to clumps and having half-inch purple-red flowers all summer4 7,provide gritty1 limed soil47 caroliniana 7pennsylvanica7--wild pink--,sticky-fuzzy plant with slim four-inch evergreen leaves and pink flowers on six-inch stems 7,april-,june74 ,native to ,northeastern woods4 ,good in rocky spots4 ,has deep taproot so handle with care4 ,dig deep when dormant4 maritima--,sea campion--,slim1 gray-blue leaves on trailing stems1 making a mat four inches high with clusters of white flowers in ,june4 saxifraga--,tufts of knife-shaped leaves under summer flowers which are white inside1 tinted green or red outside1 on six-inch stems4 schafta--moss campion--,spreading mounds of silky-hairy leaves covered in ,august with rose or purple flowers on six-inch stems4 ,,care4 ,good soil1 gritty for some varieties with lime for some4 ,top-dress yearly with mixture of soil and cow manure4 ,drainage4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 division1 cuttings 7of young growth74 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock planting1 borders1 walls1 wild gardens4 ,thymus ,labiatae ,thyme ,these are actually tiny shrubs with tangling1 woody stems and masses of little leaves that are evergreen in all but the coldest and most exposed locations4 ,some creep flatly2 some make three-inch mounds4 ,you can choose from varying fragrances1 leaf textures and colors1 and colors of early summer flowers4 ,in fact1 there is a much wider variety available than most gardeners realize4 herba-barona--caraway thyme--,ground-hugging creeper with fresh green caraway-scented leaves1 and tight clusters of rose-purple flowers4 ,it does not seed and is propagated by division of roots4 ,hardy4 lanicaulis--,four-inch carpet with half-inch leaves slim as needles at the base and broadening higher on the short stems4 ,stems feature a woolly coat of hairs as long as they are thick4 ,tight clover-like flowers are rosy pink4 nitidus--,french thyme--,six-to eight-inch shrub with shiny1 oval1 gray-green leaves1 and lavender flowers4 ,older clumps resent being disturbed1 so start young plants from cuttings4 serpyllum--mother-of-thyme1 creeping thyme--,perennially popular stem-rooting creeper1 less than four inches high with half-inch oval green leaves and purple flowers loved by bees4 ,there are many varieties3 white-flowered albus1 silver-marked argenteus1 gold variegated aureus1 larger1 red-flowering coccineus1 bright-pink roseus1 robust1 romping1 red-flowering splendens4 ,almost in a class by themselves--and often listed as separate species--are lanuguinosus1 woolly thyme 7completely covered with silvery fuzz71 and the variety vulgaris 7citriodorus71 lemon thyme with citrus-scented leaves4 vulgaris--common thyme--,kitchen herb1 spreads by underground stems4 ,the erect stalks are covered with fine white hair and set with half-inch oval leaves2 there are deep-lilac flowers in ,may and ,june4 ,it spreads so fast it has been accused of being a weed4 ,,care4 ,ordinary soil1 or rich and sandy loam 7gritty for some plants74 ,drainage4 ,fairly sunny4 ,protect lightly where winters are severe4 ,,propagation4 ,division1 layers in spring1 cuttings in early summer1 seeds 7not all varieties have seed1 and seeds do not always come true74 ,,special ,,uses4 ,pavements 7plants not damaged71 border planting1 herb gardens1 ground cover1 edging1 dry-wall planting1 cover for bulbs4 ,veronica ,scrophulariaceae ,speedwell ,most of the smaller veronicas are matmakers2 some are clumpy1 and a few are even woody or shrub-like4 ,also there is a fairly wide variation in the foliage4 ,but the flowers are always arranged in spires2 a few are white1 purple1 or pinkish1 but mainly there is a wide choice of true blues from baby blue to royal blue4 ,here are a few varieties3 allioni--,carpet of little leathery leaves1 violet flowers in ,july4 armena--,ferny1 furry tufts of finely cut leaves on trailing stems1 five-inch spikes of vivid blue flowers 7from ,may to ,july74 ,provide drainage1 filtered sun1 or half shade4 filiformis--,an idiosyncratic creeper that delights some gardeners and drives others crazy4 ,it has been described as 8pernicious0 and a weed4 ,actually it's rather pretty1 with small rounded leaves and galaxies of starry-blue flowers in late spring4 ,grows in either sun or light shade4 fruticans 7saxatilis7--,woody stems tightly clothed in dark evergreen leaves making a shrubby plant under six inches4 ,in ,june and ,july sapphire flowers open their eyes with pinkish lids4 fruticulosa--,shrubby and semi-evergreen1 about four inches high with half-inch leaves and pinkish-blue flowers in ,june4 gentianoides--,this species has clusters of gleaming leaves close to the ground4 ,and in ,june the flowers are very large1 a luscious ,wedgwood blue4 ,but there are alarming reports that it has topped twenty inches in height4 ,to play safe1 try the miniature version nana1 which has the same characteristics but is much less than half that high4 repens--,this is a precious pet1 a massy creeper with tiny teardrop leaves4 ,it sparkles in ,may or ,june with baby-blue flowers4 ,it is all of two inches tall at maturity4 spicata nana--,the midget reproduction of the better-known species1 slowly swelling to low1 leafy clumps and topped with three-inch spikes of blue-purple flowers in ,july4 ,a white-flowering form has smaller leaves but taller flower stems4 ,,care4 ,any good soil4 ,moist but with drainage4 ,sun or light shade depending on the variety 7see notations in plant descriptions74 ,cut back faded flowers4 ,trailers start best if plants were grown in pots4 ,divide occasionally4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds in spring1 division in fall or spring1 cuttings early in the summer4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 ground cover1 dry-wall planting1 pavements1 steps1 stepping stones4 ,viola ,violaceae ,viola1 ,violet ,thanks to the viola1 gardens of all sorts are richer and more pleasant places in which to work1 visit1 or spend a pleasant afternoon4 ,here are some of the viola's gifts to gardening3 cornuta--,tufted pansies4 odorata--sweet violets--,fragrant violets1 once strictly a specialty of florist shops but now widely grown in home gardens4 rosina--,pink flowers with intense fragrance4 semperflorens--,mats of fresh green leaves with purple flowers that last much of the summer4 tricolor--,commonly known as ,johnny-jump-up1 an all-summer-long bloomer with small purple and gold flowers4 tricolor hortensis--,pansies which grow in many colors and color combinations4 ,,care4 ,rich garden soil1 partial shade1 moisture1 light winter protection4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7sown in flats and exposed to freezing weather over winter for spring germination71 division1 layering of runners of those varieties that produce them4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,cut flowers1 beds1 edging1 rock gardens4 ,,chapter #af ,,miniature ,,annuals ,even if every inch of our gardens were permanently planted1 ,i'd probably still start some annuals every spring4 ,in those depressing1 letdown weeks of ,january after the holidays nothing brightens my life like leafing through the new seed catalogues4 ,in the dark days of ,march when late-winter blusters snarl at spring and threaten to hold it off forever1 my perky indoor seedlings tell me that it is just around a bend in the road4 ,my traditional birthday treat1 in early ,june1 is a day all my own when ,i get my favorite flower beds ready for the summer4 ,i absolutely refuse to fry an egg1 wash a dish1 or lift a dustcloth4 ,before dark on that wonderful day ,i see that every seedling is planted in moist warm soil4 ,actually1 ,i can't imagine our grounds being so completely planted that there isn't a place for at least a few annuals--no bare spots in the perennial border1 no shrub or tree around which to set flowering clumps1 no window boxes or planters in need of decoration4 ,and if ever there is a spring when ,i don't ask my husband to spade up 8just one more spot0 for a few more annuals1 ,i'll eat my garden gloves finger by finger4 ,because they cost so little1 and because they last only one season1 you can plant annuals with careless abandon4 ,you can experiment with bizarre color schemes4 ,if they don't work out1 try something different next year4 ,if you are saving a special spot for a special shrub or bush1 and you feel it is too expensive for the moment1 or you can't find a specimen that is exactly what you want1 let annuals fill in until you have that particular plant4 ,if you are creating a new garden and are not quite sure of the design1 test it with annuals before you make it permanent4 ,as with the miniature perennials1 the annuals included here have been selected not only because they are small1 but also because they are in suitably modest scale for use in miniature gardens of many sorts4 ,descriptions of the varieties should be helpful in selecting the truly miniature annuals at local nurseries and garden centers4 ,seeds are available from various mail-order suppliers listed in the ,appendix4 ,like all other garden plants1 miniature annuals should be selected according to such cultural conditions as the amount of moisture and sunlight and the type of soil4 ,if these requirements are not clearly stated on the seed packets or in the seed catalogue from which you ordered1 check for details in a good reference book rather than risk disappointing failure4 ,,growing ,,annuals ,,from ,,seed ,when and where you sow seeds of annuals depends on whether the particular varieties grow best in coolness or warmth1 and how long the growing season has to be for maturity and flowering4 ,this is the basis of catalogue listings that classify annuals as hardy1 half-hardy1 or tender4 ,hardy annuals germinate best when air and soil are cool and make their best growth before hot weather sets in4 ,seeds are sometimes sown out of doors in autumn to germinate in early spring1 or they may be sown in the garden the moment the frost is out of the ground4 ,half-hardy seeds are planted outdoors where the plants are to grow1 or you can give them a head start either indoors or in a hotbed or a cold frame4 ,plant about six weeks before the time to set them outdoors4 ,tender perennials grown in cold areas as annuals follow the same schedule4 ,seeds of tender annuals should not be planted outdoors until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up considerably4 ,but many tender varieties1 like petunias1 are slow-growing and need plenty of time to reach flowering size4 ,these should be started indoors no later than ,march4 ,unless you have a greenhouse or hotbed1 it's risky to start seeds too early indoors4 ,poor light and high temperatures will cause the seedlings to grow limp and leggy and often to topple over toward the source of the light4 ,at transplanting time they may be so weak they will be slow getting established2 thus1 little time is saved after all4 ,but you can save several weeks by starting seeds early in a sunny window 7just not too early71 and you can start them even earlier in a cool greenhouse1 a hotbed1 or a cold frame4 ,when we lived on ,long ,island we rigged up a workable substitute outside a cellar window by using discarded storm windows4 ,in fact1 since it had a brick foundation that reached below the frost line and had a heating coil in the soil1 we grew many cool greenhouse plants in it during the winter4 ,the open cellar window provided enough heat for flats of annual seedlings we propagated in it in the spring4 ,once these seedlings were transplanted to the garden1 we dismantled our temporary greenhouse1 filled the spot with topsoil1 and made a flower bed4 ,i've seen several small greenhouses like the one we improvised on sale commercially1 one1 of metal and glass1 selling for less than ten dollars4 ,illustration3 ,improvised greenhouse costing #jj4jj which saved author1 shown in photograph1 at least a hundred dollars per annum in the cost of annuals ,illustration3 ,greenhouse construction diagram ,indoors or out1 seeds germinate best in clean1 sifted soil that is light and porous and drains perfectly4 ,add organic matter such as peat or humus to help hold moisture1 and sand to aerate and insure drainage4 ,if possible1 sterilize the soil with heat or one of the special fungicides1 to prevent 8damp-off40 ,plant seeds only to the depth of their diameter1 and don't cover dust-fine seeds at all4 ,keep the soil moist during the germination period and for some weeks afterward4 ,for several years we've transplanted seedlings directly into peat pots as soon as they have their first few leaves4 ,this is a tedious job1 but how it saves backache and heartache later4 ,indoors you can transplant while seated comfortably at a table or bench1 and while listening to soft music on the radio4 ,when the seedlings have flourished in the peat pots and it is time to put them outdoors1 there is much less time spent bent double on one's knees4 ,and since the roots aren't disturbed1 the plants seldom suffer from transplanting shock and seldom fail to thrive4 ,plants grown indoors should be hardened before they're put out of doors for good4 ,every day expose them to fresh outdoor air for an increasing length of time1 until they are accustomed to the cooler temperatures1 particularly at night4 ,,summer ,,care ,annuals take the same kind of care you give perennials1 except that most of them require less of it4 ,few need1 or even thrive in1 especially fertile soil4 ,fertilize lightly1 if at all4 ,many annuals get along with less moisture and mulching than perennials4 ,and of course1 none need be prepared for winter4 ,during their one big season1 simply pinch or prune those that grow straggly1 and remove fading flowers before they set seeds4 ,that usually prolongs the blooming season4 ,after frost strikes1 burn the dead tops1 which helps control the spread of insects and disease4 ,as you study miniatures you will realize how many of the old regular annuals of the garden1 plants that usually top two or three feet1 can also be had in five-to eight-inch sizes4 ,you have but to look through your seed catalogues4 ,the tiny ones are usually listed at the end of each category1 though in the affections of miniature-lovers they should come first and take precedence over the 8new giant-size10 8bigger-than-ever0 varieties4 ,in searching for miniatures ,i've culled through my large collection of catalogues from ,burpee to ,vaughn and have compiled a list of small annuals ,i have either grown1 or expect to grow the coming season4 ,not all of them are compact versions of their larger relatives4 ,many by nature are on the diminutive side4 ,so many of them are old friends1 let's call them by their first names--the ones by which they are listed in most seed booklets4 ,the plants ,i have in mind are mostly eight inches in height or less1 though some of the longer-stemmed charmers may slip in simply because they are too lovely to be left out4 ,we'll give colors for those who have color schemes in mind for their gardens4 ,ageratum ,this annual1 a great garden favorite1 is also known as the floss flower4 ,in general it is a profuse bloomer that is fine for borders1 edgings1 rock gardens1 small flower beds1 and even as a house plant4 ,it comes in several colors but usually in the same sizes1 two to six inches4 #8,blue ,ball'--,this name is especially descriptive4 ,the plants shape up as round as a ball and then cover themselves with dark-blue flowers4 ,who can expect more of one so small8 #8,blue ,mink'--,my friends who write seed catalogues1 and so see many beautiful plants1 rave about this one as being true blue1 the real ageratum color4 ,its blooms1 pretty as they are1 grow surprisingly large for a bush so small4 #8,imperial ,white ,dwarf'--,for its contrast ,i love this one1 a pattern of white surrounded by the blues1 pinks1 and reds of other annuals4 #8,midget ,blue'--,this is my real pet1 a really tiny one of uniform shape1 never over three inches tall and with the most delicate blue ageratum flowers4 ,alyssum 7,sweet7 ,this is just about the nicest thing that can happen to your garden be it annual1 miniature1 or otherwise4 ,although some members of this family may reach twelve inches1 most of them run from three to five inches4 #8,carpet of ,snow'--,much like #8,royal ,carpet' for spreading1 but has white flowers instead of purple4 #8,little ,gem'--,this one is about six inches tall1 but atones for its height by being a more profuse bloomer1 with small white flowers4 #8,pink ,heather'--,the blooms open in a delicate pink and slowly darken4 ,it has vigor and scent1 and seems to want to bloom constantly4 #8,rosie ,o',day'--,the pride and joy of the family1 and the winner of an award comparable to being chosen ,miss ,america4 ,the blooms are a deep pink1 even more so when the weather is a bit cool4 ,it is quick to bloom1 easy to grow1 and nicely fragrant4 #8,royal ,carpet'--,this one is only about two inches high4 ,with its purple flowers it fills in vacant spots most beautifully4 ,a single plant may spread out ten inches4 #8,violet ,king'--,somewhat shorter than #8,violet ,queen1' but has a deeper color and more compact shape4 #8,violet ,queen'--,averages about five inches1 and is as its name says a rich violet color4 ,delightfully scented1 it is wonderful for edging1 borders1 and flower beds4 ,alyssum has long been one of my garden favorites1 whether for a ground cover1 for rock gardens1 as an edging for walks and beds1 or just for its own sweet alyssum self4 ,balsam ,in my concept of miniature plants ,i had always thought of balsam as a towering giant of at least two feet or more4 ,then one night while going through seed catalogues ,i discovered an entire column listing #8,tom ,thumb ,double ,flowered ,dwarf1' #8,tom ,thumb ,purple1' #8,tom ,thumb ,scarlet1' #8,tom ,thumb ,shell ,pink1' #8,tom ,thumb ,pure ,white1' #8,tom ,thumb ,rose4' ,according to growing directions1 ,balsam likes a rich soil1 well-drained but slightly moist1 and full sun4 ,coreopsis ,it was love at first sight when ,i saw a clump of this delightful annual4 ,i was even more delighted to learn that the plant can be grown as a miniature4 ,in the smaller form the cute little fellows spread out into low mounds of six or eight inches and cover themselves with blooms that last all summer4 ,as an edging1 for rock gardens1 and as a cover for otherwise bare spots1 they are truly charming4 #8,golden ,ray'--,yellow with crimson touches4 #8,petite ,purple'--,rich purple covering the small mounds4 #8,tiger ,star'--,rich-crimson-striped and splashed with yellow4 ,plants stay at about six to eight inches and become mounds of color4 ,cornflowers ,here is another of the taller plants which fortunately has some small relatives4 ,there are3 #8,jubilee ,gem'--,has a vivid blue flower on a compact bush4 #8,lilac ,lady'--,purplish blooms on a neat bush4 #8,little ,snow ,man'--,pure-white blooms4 #8,rose ,gem'--,red blooms1 double4 ,most of these plants will stay under eight inches4 ,they are ideal for rock gardens4 ,marigolds ,marigolds are very well represented in the gallery of miniatures4 ,loving the large ones as ,i do1 ,i love the tiny ones even more4 ,in one of my favorite catalogues ,i find an entire group with 8,petite0 as a first name3 #8,petite ,gold'--,about seven inches tall and golden yellow4 #8,petite ,harmony'--,mahogany in tone1 with a gold crest4 #8,petite ,orange'--,about the same size1 only tending to be more orange in color4 #8,petite ,yellow'--,another variation on the popular marigold color4 ,in another catalogue ,i find the small ones called 8,pygmies02 all of them are just a little short of nine inches in height4 #8,fireglow'--,mahogany-scarlet with gold centers4 #8,helen ,chapman'--,rich gold in color with flecks of red4 #8,primrose ,pygmy'--,primrose-yellow flowers with a red base4 #8,yellow ,pygmy'--,lemon-yellow pompon-type flowers4 ,there are other miniature marigolds1 from the double dwarf ,french part of the family1 within my idea of how small a small one should be4 #8,brownie ,scout'--,golden little flowers with a base flecked with red4 #8,butterball'--,canary-yellow blooms and plenty of them until frost time4 #8,fireball'--,a few inches taller than some varieties1 but with flame-like markings flashing up through the otherwise orange petals4 #8,gold ,laced'--,basically mahogany in color but with each petal edged in gold4 #8,rusty ,red'--,the brightest of red1 extra-large flowers for a small plant4 ,nasturtiums ,i love this plant so much ,i hate to leave it out of my listing even though it might be a few inches taller than my other miniatures4 ,i always am careful to plant it toward the rear of flower beds where it will not overpower the smaller plants4 ,there are several dwarfs1 but the one ,i know best is #8,cherry ,rose4' ,nemophila ,this is a very beautiful little dwarf1 each plant spreading out into a shapely clump1 and covering itself with pretty cup-shaped blossoms4 ,when sown in the spring it blooms all summer4 ,when sown in the autumn it is an early spring-bloomer4 ,it is at its best when used in a semishaded spot for a ground cover1 for a border1 or in a rock garden4 ,its more usual name is baby blue eyes4 #8,insignis ,blue'--,the best-known variety2 covers itself with lovely1 cup-shaped1 sky-blue flowers with white centers4 ,petunias ,petunias1 being favorite annuals1 belong in just about every garden1 but it is difficult to find the small ones for the miniature garden4 ,but they are available despite the fact that most hybridizers try to develop a larger and larger plant4 ,here is a list of smaller ones2 few of them are taller than eight inches4 #8,blue ,star'--,velvety blue with a sharp white star4 #8,bright ,eyes'--,rosy-pink blooms with white throats4 #8,heavenly ,blue'--,light sky-blue1 a heavenly color4 #8,igloo'--,compact and pure white4 #8,rosy ,morn'--,brilliant rose with white throat4 #8,salmon ,gem'--,bright salmon color4 #8,twinkles'--,brilliant rose-starred white4 ,phlox ,this is another garden favorite that may give you problems when you try to find seed for the small ones4 ,again1 the tall varieties are being developed1 but concessions have been made to those who like the diminutive4 ,i find five varieties listed as the #8,new ,dwarf ,compact4' #8,cinnabar ,red'--,scarlet vermilion4 #8,fireball'--,rich fiery crimson scarlet4 #8,isabellina'--,primrose yellow4 #8,pink'--,bright chamois-pink4 #8,snowball'--,flowers of purest white4 ,another source lists3 #8,dwarf ,globe'--,a plump-shaped plant with flowers of various colors4 nana compacta--,not six inches high and a constant bloomer with large radiant flowers4 #8,twinkle'--,various colors with fluted1 fringed petals4 ,portulaca ,seemingly this is an insignificant little plant1 though ,i don't know how one so charming could be classified as such4 ,i had never raised it until the editor of one of my favorite magazines asked me to make some photographs of it4 ,of course1 ,i had to grow it first4 ,i planted a bed and waited for results4 ,they were not long in coming4 ,plants barely out of the ground started blooming a few days later1 and started spreading about the same time4 ,the blooms1 when single1 were cup-shaped2 the doubles looked like roses4 ,the plants had a sunny exposure1 a sandy soil1 not much nutriment1 and an inordinate attraction for our dogs 7like catnip for cats74 ,one day ,i took a photograph of my husband's ,labrador-retriever pup looking over a short picket fence at my portulaca4 ,i promptly put in a higher fence1 but the puppy grew faster than the fence4 ,eventually1 ,i got my photographs1 but it was a dog-gone struggle4 ,if you do not have dogs1 or if your dogs are not portulaca-minded1 ,i offer you a listing of a few varieties4 #8,alba'--,pure white4 #8,aurea'--,lovely yellow4 #8,coccinea'--,scarlet4 #8,red ,foundling'--,a little larger than some of the others1 but semidouble1 carmine-red1 and most lovely4 #8,rosea'--,rose4 #8,salmon'--,salmon-colored and delightful4 ,snapdragons ,i didn't think it possible that the lovely tall snapdragons1 the ones that are waist high or taller1 could be reduced to a mere six or eight inches4 ,but it is possible4 ,i offer two varieties in substantiation4 #8,miniature ,magic ,carpet'--,four to six inches4 ,colors are mixed and very dainty4 ,as a carpet plant it is a creeper when given a chance4 #8,tom ,thumb'--,a plant that varies from six to eight inches tall1 very free-flowering1 good for window boxes1 rock gardens1 porch boxes1 and flower pots for the window4 ,colors are in all of the brilliant shades4 ,sweet ,peas ,one seed company came right to the point when listing the small varieties of sweet peas1 calling them #8,little ,sweethearts1' which they are4 ,eight varieties were listed in one booklet4 #8,boy ,blue'--,clear mid-blue and delightful4 #8,caprice'--,red-maroon4 #8,coquette'--,a rose-red variety4 #8,heidi'--,another red bloomer4 ,those are varieties we have grown4 ,others which ,i hope to meet are #8,fantasy-,face1' #8,pollyanna1' #8,sinbad1' and #8,snow-,white4' ,another source lists #8,cupid1' #8,little ,sweetheart1' and #8,color ,carpet4' ,these three are bushy1 not viny1 make six-inch mounds of small-scale pea-type leaves1 are slightly fragrant1 and are usually sold in mixtures of colors4 ,verbena ,actually this is a perennial1 but it is usually grown as an annual4 ,it is rampant both as a bloomer and as a creeper4 ,the flowers are tubular with flat heads and show up in many colors--pink1 lavender1 scarlet1 white4 ,our sources list ,verbena bipinnatifida1 the most hardy2 and ,v4 hortensis1 many colors with white eyes1 and a low compact shape4 ,another1 #8,dwarf ,compact' is white4 ,zinnias ,in running down my alphabet of annuals1 from alyssum to zinnias1 ,i find it a bit difficult to fit the latter into what ,i consider the miniature category1 eight inches or thereabout4 ,but zinnias are so effective in a garden ,i'll forgive them if they are a few inches above eight4 ,i'll plant them in the back rows of my beds and pinch out the tops if they get too rambunctious4 ,in the ,lilliput class1 those delightful little plants which cover themselves with the pompon type of bloom1 ,i offer the following list4 #8,canary ,yellow'--,clear yellow4 #8,peach ,blossom'--,soft light pink4 #8,rose ,gem'--,deep clear rose pink4 #8,scarlet ,gem'--,bright fiery scarlet4 #8,white ,gem'--,pearl-like white4 ,sorry ,i can't offer more varieties1 but all growers seem to be devoted to growing giants in the zinnia class4 ,i happen to love the little ones1 those cute pompons that look so charming in the buttonhole of a man's jacket4 ,,chapter #ag ,,miniature ,,garden ,,bulbs ,ring-around-a-rosying at the foot of a gray birch1 twenty dazzling-white spring snowflakes nodding at the turn of a path1 a company of bright-eyed kaufmanniana tulips2 perching lightly in a rocky crevice1 a flock of tiny canary daffodils that seem ready to wing away4444 ,there's something about the miniature bulbs that's more fauna than flora1 more fairy tale than real4 ,each one has its own elfin character and a happy-go-lucky way of stamping your garden 8personally yours40 ,in the rock garden1 at the edge of a border1 with evergreen ground covers1 clustered wherever there's a stone or stump to back them up1 used by the hundreds as drifts in the lawn1 miniature bulbs more than anything else give you that spring feeling4 ,potted and forced into flower indoors1 they're winsome window-garden items1 delicate decorations for coffee table or what-not1 delightful dish-garden inhabitants4 ,they're indispensable for sink gardens1 precious in the small greenhouse4 ,perhaps part of their charm lies in their unfamiliarity4 ,so few are well known and widely grown4 ,so many more are easy to find1 easy to grow1 and especially easy to pay for4 ,and they're such beguiling plants1 ,i don't see how any garden could be without them1 miniature or not4 ,all of the bulbs included here hold their flowers no more than six inches high4 ,they're not small versions of better-known1 larger plants1 but mostly completely different1 with their own individual characteristics--and with bulbs1 foliage1 and flowers in miniature proportions4 ,the word bulb is used in its generalized sense1 and includes true bulbs1 corms1 and tubers4 ,to be botanically accurate1 a few plants such as tuberous-rooted dahlias1 rhizomatous iris1 and bulbous erythroniums should also be included2 but to be consistent in such matters as culture and decorative use1 they're grouped with plants that grow similarly1 in the chapters on annuals1 perennials1 and wild flowers4 ,some of these miniature bulbs are available from nurseries and other local suppliers4 ,but the majority1 and particularly the most unusual1 are offered by mail by bulb importers and specialist growers4 ,reading some of the catalogues is like taking a quick trip to exotic parts of the world4 ,and for me1 ordering no more than ,i can find time to plant and care for is a severe exercise in self-restraint4 ,there are always a few more that would look well in some special spot1 others that are intriguing simply because ,i've never grown or seen them4 ,most bulb catalogues give specific cultural recommendations that are helpful in selecting varieties that will adapt to your climate1 and to the sun1 soil1 and moisture in the spot where you want to plant them4 ,in general1 bulbs are either hardy or not2 they will survive a deep winter freeze1 or they must be lifted and stored before the ground freezes at all4 ,there are some natural borderline exceptions1 like many fascinating varieties native to the ,west that are not so touchy about cold as they are about other climatic and cultural conditions4 ,,growing ,,miniature ,,bulbs ,,outdoors ,tender1 summer-flowering bulbs are planted in late spring1 when soil is warm and danger of severe frost has passed4 ,hardy bulbs are usually planted in late summer and early fall1 when foilage has ripened and died back and the plants are in deepest dormancy4 ,this includes fall-flowering types like the colchicums4 ,the earlier bulbs can be planted1 the stronger the root systems they can develop before winter1 and the stronger their flowering during the first season4 ,make sure the selected site has perfect drainage4 ,bulbs rot quickly when water stands around their roots4 ,dig generously1 to about eight inches deep2 enrich the soil with organic matter such as leaf mold or compost2 increase aeration and drainage in sticky1 clay-like soils with sharp sand2 add a light sprinkling of bone meal or superphosphate1 if fertility is low4 ,since few bulbs like very acid soil1 lime is a 8must0 except where the soil tests so extremely alkaline that the addition of organic matter does not make it acid4 ,an average measure for depth of planting is twice the diameter of the bulb in cooler climates1 an inch or so deeper in areas like southern ,virginia to provide protection against summer heat4 ,for quick effect1 plant about a dozen bulbs in a group2 six bulbs more widely spaced will usually increase and give the same effect in several years4 ,watering ,most bulbs need moisture before1 during1 and after flowering1 when foliage is green and growing or ripening4 ,they're better off on the dry side during dormancy4 ,this is a perfect setup for most hardy types1 because they need the least watering in summer1 when droughts are most common4 ,but it does increase the urgency for perfect drainage for some of the ,western species that can't bear moisture in winter4 ,fertilizing ,except for an early-spring top-dressing of leaf-mold compost1 we seldom feed our little bulbs4 ,occasionally1 some healthy specimens may get a puny1 undernourished look that calls for sprinkling bone meal or superphosphate over the soil and scratching it in4 ,or we may water with manure 8tea0 during or after flowering time4 ,if soil is properly prepared at planting time1 supplemental feeding should not be necessary for most types for several years4 ,by that time some bulbs have multiplied so enthusiastically they should be lifted1 separated1 and reset in freshly mixed soil4 ,problems and ,pests ,if you plant bulbs where they don't stand in soggy mud or water1 you'll have little loss from rot4 ,but if you're in a suburban or rural area inhabited by cute chipmunks1 squirrels1 or mice1 you won't want to plant juicy morsels such as tulips1 crocus1 and eranthis just to feed the animals4 ,i've never had the time or patience to plant bulbs in wire cages4 ,poison baits can be dangerous when you have children or pets4 ,an effective safety measure is to put the bait inside a clean milk bottle and cover it with a heap of straw or leaves1 with evergreen branches to hold the heap in place4 ,winter ,protection ,because the root systems may not be completely matured1 newly planted bulbs should be mulched with a light1 airy covering of something like salt hay during their first winter4 ,after that1 the necessity for protection varies with hardiness and with climate4 ,sometimes these mulches hold in more moisture than is good for bulbs4 ,if alternate freezing and thawing should heave the shallow roots up through cracks in the soil1 press them back gently but firmly and cover with soil again4 ,,propagating ,,miniature ,,bulbs ,,indoors ,whether they're to be exhibited in competition at a flower show1 or displayed for close-up enjoyment in the living room1 uniform perfection is the objective4 ,first1 then1 buy the finest-quality bulbs available--the most plump1 firm1 healthy bulbs you can find4 ,if the catalogue listing includes 8recommended for forcing0 or 8specially treated for forcing10 so much the better4 ,time for potting1 and length of time required for rooting1 vary with the varieties4 ,we're usually potting up bulbs for forcing through most of ,october1 occasionally into the first week of ,november4 ,our favorites are potted at two-week intervals1 so we'll have a continuous show of flowers in winter and early spring4 ,we prefer clay pots because of their porosity1 and shallow pots because most miniature bulbs are shallow-rooted4 ,a generous layer of pebbles or broken crocks goes in the bottom of every pot4 ,the potting soil is a house-plant mixture with a teaspoon of lime mixed in for a six-inch bulb pot4 ,bulbs are set so their tips are barely covered with soil2 then pots are set in water up to the rims to make sure both soil and pots are thoroughly moist4 ,before they can be forced into flower1 bulbs need time to grow sound root systems4 ,they need to be stored cool1 and in the dark so that premature top growth won't be encouraged4 ,our potted bulbs are pre-rooted in the cold frame1 the pots sunk in the soil1 each pot covered by another pot turned upside down over it4 ,soil is added to cover the top pots2 and after severe weather sets in1 we top with at least six inches of salt hay4 ,in lieu of a cold frame1 a fairly deep trench1 with a layer of pebbles or sand for drainage1 can be used in the same way1 with twice as much salt hay on top or even more4 ,some growers set the pots on shelves in cool1 dark corners of the basement1 but our cellars have always been much too warm4 ,soil should be kept moist1 but not wet1 during the rooting period4 ,when the pot is completely filled with roots1 and a few stick out the drainage hole in the bottom1 the potted bulbs are moved to a cool1 shady spot in the house or greenhouse for just a few days4 ,then they are brought into the sun for growth and flowering4 ,for the best and most lasting flowers1 try to provide temperatures between #ee and #fj degrees by day1 five degrees or more cooler by night4 ,the window of an unheated bedroom or attic1 or an enclosed porch1 may be the only place where temperatures are low enough for healthiest growth4 ,these are good places to grow the plants until they open their flowers1 then they can be brought into warmer quarters for a flowering display4 ,if you are trying to force bulbs into flower at some specific time1 and if the buds aren't swelling as fast as they should1 warmer temperatures and a booster feeding of liquid manure should speed up the process4 ,cooler temperatures will help retard flowering4 ,keep the soil always moist before1 during1 and after flowering4 ,when the leaves begin to yellow1 gradually hold back on watering and keep it barely moist until time to set the bulbs out in the garden4 ,forcing bulbs two years in succession is not usually successful4 ,,miniature ,,bulb ,,plants ,chionodoxa ,liliaceae ,glory-of-the-,snow ,early ,april flowers that disregard unfavorable weather4 ,leaves are narrow and grassy and disappear after the flowering period4 ,flowers are open-faced with short tubes4 gigantea--,largest flowers1 pastel lavender-blue4 ,strong stems that don't fall over in bad weather4 luciliae--,five or more flowers per five-inch stem1 bright sky-blue with white centers4 ,the variety alba is white2 rosea1 pink4 sardensis--,like luciliae1 but deeper blue without the white eye4 ,,care4 ,gritty soil4 ,moisture4 ,mulch with manure in the fall4 ,light and sun4 ,hardy and easy to grow4 ,makes a ground carpet4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds 7seeds itself except for some varieties which increase below ground71 offshoots4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,ground cover1 rock gardens1 forcing4 ,colchicum ,liliaceae ,autumn ,crocus1 ,meadow ,saffron ,usually called crocus1 this fall bloomer actually is a lily4 autumnale--,crocus-like flowers four inches across from ,september to frost4 ,leaves two inches wide in spring4 ,usually has purple flowers4 ,there are several varieties3 album1 white2 roseum1 pink and often double2 #8,the ,giant1' large1 late1 lilac and white 7best-known variety74 bornmuelleri--,generally considered the finest species with five-inch-wide flowers1 rosy-lilac turning to purple and the tube white4 luteum--,rare spring-flowering species1 flowers yellow and smaller1 leaves slim and less conspicuous4 speciosum--,large leaves1 and flowers with pink or white throats4 ,the white variety album is also large and is often considered the most beautiful of hardy bulbous plants4 ,,care4 ,soil loamy1 slightly acid4 ,sun or partial shade4 ,plant in colonies in ,august1 two to three inches deep4 ,let leaves mature4 ,,propagation4 ,separate bulbs4 ,division of corms4 ,seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,borders1 rock gardens1 forcing4 ,crocus ,iridaceae ,there are three general kinds of these grassy-leaved plants with flaring flowers of several colors4 ,the large flowering 8,dutch0 hybrids flower in the spring2 the usual spring-flowering varieties come earlier and last longer2 other species flower in the fall4 biflorous--,spring4 ,bright-purple flowers with darker stripes1 yellowish throat4 medius--,fall4 ,bright-orchid flowers with very pale throat4 sativus--,fall4 ,pastel-lilac flowers accented with scarlet stamens4 seiberi--,spring4 ,yellow-throated lavender flowers4 speciosus--,fall4 ,light blue with fiery orange stigmas4 tomasinianus--,spring4 ,palest pinkish-blue4 versicolor--,spring4 ,lilac with purple streaks1 or1 in the variety picturatus1 white with purple feathering4 zonatus--,fall4 ,rosy lavender with orange inside4 ,,care4 ,soil1 sandy and drained4 ,not much fertilizer4 ,full sun4 ,hardy1 but winter mulch is often helpful4 ,divide seldom and replant at once4 ,be on alert for rodents4 ,,propagation4 ,offsets1 seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,forcing1 rock gardens1 colonization4 ,cyclamen ,primulaceae ,these are the country cousins of the florist's cyclamen but smaller in size4 ,their substantial1 heart-shaped leaves are often beautifully marked in marbled patterns and are in a circle near the ground4 ,generally they are evergreen through the winter but drop before the flowers appear4 ,each blossom hangs from its own stem with turned-back tubes4 ,some varieties blossom in summer and fall1 some 7indoors or in suitable climates7 flower ,in winter or very early spring4 ,a number of varieties are available4 atkinsi--,crimson flowers in ,january1 foliage marbled4 ,the variety album has white flowers2 roseum is pink4 cilicicum--,purple-throated pale-pink flowers on five-inch stems 7in ,september71 small marbled leaves4 coum--,blooms in ,february and ,march2 choice of red1 white1 or pink4 ,dark-green foliage4 europaeum--,fragrant red flowers in late summer4 ,leaves marbled4 libanoticum--,large flowers with dainty pink blending into white1 in early spring4 ,foliage marbled4 neapolitanum--,exquisite silver-zoned leaves follow the rosy-pink flowers that push their buds through the soil in ,september4 ,the variety album is white4 repandum--,red-purple flowers with wide-flaring petals1 in ,april4 ,,care4 ,humusy soil1 with drainage4 ,must never dry out1 but roots must never stand in water4 ,humidity in greenhouse4 ,outdoors1 shade4 ,small amount of lime4 ,once established1 small amounts of rotted manure4 ,,propagation4 ,seeds1 and division 7plant with top of tuber at surface2 may be dormant first year after planting74 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock and woodland gardens1 forcing4 ,eranthis ,ranunculaceae ,winter ,aconite ,often during a mild ,january or ,february this little flower blooms with its butter-yellow cup on a stem only four inches above the ground4 ,the finely-cut leaves form a collar below the blooms4 #8,cuinia'--,slightly later and faintly fragrant4 hyemalis--,long-stemmed ferny leaves with clear yellow flowers4 ,the variety cilicica has deeper-colored flowers and brownish leaves4 #8,tubergeni'--,a hybrid with larger golden flowers4 ,,care4 ,soil woodsy1 not too acid4 7,plant is dormant in summer47 ,,propagation4 ,division of roots4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 pockets atop walls1 forcing4 ,galanthus nivalis ,amaryllidaceae ,snowdrop ,an early-flowering plant that often has blooms sticking up through ,march snow4 ,the narrow leaves form a base for six-inch stems with fragrant white bell-shaped flowers4 ,several varieties are available3 flore-pleno1 double2 maximus1 larger and less frail-looking flowers2 viride-apice1 white petals tipped with green4 ,,care4 ,soil heavy1 moist1 and cool4 ,considerable shade1 but only opens fully in the sun4 ,top-dress with manure in the fall4 ,hardy4 ,,propagation4 ,in fall plant bulbs three to four inches deep1 near deciduous trees or shrubs4 ,most effective in groups4 ,spreads by self-seeding4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,forcing1 rock and wild gardens4 ,gladiolus ,iridaceae ,in a small woodland garden only the miniature gladiolus is suitable2 they are little fellows two and a half inches in height or less4 ,a number of these small ones are available4 ,named varieties are3 #8,glee1' #8,gnome1' #8,impresario1' #8,little ,egypt1' #8,little ,fawn1' #8,little ,red ,star1' #8,little ,spice1' #8,periwinkle1' #8,pinkie ,dots1' #8,pint ,size1' #8,whirlybird1' #8,red ,button1' #8,red ,dot1' #8,red ,tweedle1' #8,tom ,thumb1' #8,wee ,red4' ,as a point of information1 the term 8small0 applies to plants from two and a half to three and a half inches high4 ,,care4 ,good garden soil4 ,if manure is to be used1 it should be applied the year previous and worked into the soil2 it should not come into contact with the corms4 ,drainage4 ,sun4 ,,propagation4 ,plant corms or bulbs4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens1 beds4 ,hyacinthus ,liliaceae ,hyacinth ,the large formal hyacinths of the regular garden have a number of relatives that are small1 delicate1 and graceful1 including two midget species3 amethystinus--,early-flowering ,spanish species with typically flat leaves and nodding blue bell flowers on spikes seldom over five inches4 ,there is also a white variety1 albus4 ciliatus 7azureus7--,slightly smaller with stiff three-inch spikes1 blue-green leaves often hairy on the edges1 and blue flowers4 ,the variety albus is white4 ,,care4 ,rich fertile soil4 ,drainage4 ,mulch if no leaves fall on plants4 ,sun4 ,,propagation4 ,division1 seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,forcing1 rock gardens4 ,leucojum ,amaryllidaceae ,snowflake ,the long leaves are about a half-inch wide and in a basal circle from which the stems stretch up to hold nodding bell flowers marked on the edge with bright-green dots4 aestivum--summer snowflake--,flowers in ,may4 ,about nine inches tall1 it may be a little large for really small gardens4 vernum--spring snowflake--,one fragrant bell flower to each six-inch stem1 in ,april4 ,,care4 ,soil rich and sandy1 drainage1 protect from hot sun4 ,,propagation4 ,detach bulblets after leaves wither4 ,self-seeds4 ,increases rather fast4 ,plant bulblets three to four inches deep4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,rock gardens4 ,muscari ,liliaceae ,grape ,hyacinth ,these slim-leaved plants come in a wide variety with a selection of flowering times from early ,march through ,may and have clusters of flowers that look bright and grape-like or soft and plumy4 armeniacum--,violet-blue flowers on six-inch stems4 ,the variety cantab blooms in mid-spring1 clear blue and sweet-scented4 #8,early ,giant' is larger and earlier4 ,true blue4 botryoides album--,heavenly white and fragrant4 ,the most compact and suitable for smaller gardens1 or forcing4 comosum monstrosum 7plumosum7--feather or tassel hyacinth--,lavender feather dusters in late ,may4 moschatum flavum--,out-of-the-ordinary purple flowers turning to yellowish in ,march and ,april4 ,one of the smaller species4 pacemosum--,fragrant1 deep-blue flowers on eight-inch stems4 parodoxum--,flowers of blue so dark they're nearly black4 tubergianum--,a newly introduced species1 with the top flowers turning lighter1 and the lower ones darker4 7,mid-,april47 ,,care4 ,soil deep1 rich1 and sandy4 ,drainage4 ,sun or light shade4 ,,propagation4 ,offsets1 seeds4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,forcing1 rock gardens4 ,narcissus ,amaryllidaceae ,daffodil ,it is very unlikely that the average gardener realizes how many varieties in the narcissus world are under six inches in height at maturity4 ,one catalogue lists over two hundred names of little varieties for little gardens4 ,obviously1 only a few can be mentioned here4 bulbocodium--hoop-skirt daffodil--,the 8trumpet0 is drawn in a bit at the mouth1 making it more like a balloon than a trumpet4 ,six smallish petals twist and turn shyly behind4 ,all varieties are under six inches tall4 ,among the smallest are three-inch1 scented1 white-flowering monophyllus 7for forcing only72 obesus1 with a fat yellow trumpet2 tunifolium1 smaller1 brighter1 and later than the species2 and scented vulgaris nivalis1 the smallest of all at two to three inches and very early4 ,the variety conspicuus is the easiest to grow and about four inches tall4 cyclamineus--,the nodding trumpets are long and slim1 the petals fold straight back around the stem1 giving a feeling of motion4 ,the species is all yellow and about four inches high4 ,among the smallest hybrids are #8,milky-,white1' #8,yindee1' #8,minicycla1' deep yellow #8,jetage1' and #8,flute4' jonquilla--,like the familiar jonquils1 these are usually scented and have small1 flattish cups with a neat ruff of flat petals around the neck4 ,the variety atlanticus is pure white and four inches high2 the variety juncifolius is three inches high and has several scented yellow flowers per stem4 #8,peachblossom' is similar and one inch taller4 tazetta--,similar to jonquils1 but the cups are even smaller and flatter4 ,they are mostly early flowering and have several blooms to a stem4 ,the species is twelve inches tall1 but the variety lacticolor 7canaliculatas7 is only four inches1 with yellow cup and white petals that flare back4 #8,halenzy' combines pale yellow and white4 #8,shrew' is the tiniest4 triandrus--angel's tears--,several drooping flowers per stem1 the center cup-shaped1 the petals turned back and twisted rather like a tiny fuchsia flower4 ,among the varieties1 albus is all white1 and three to four inches high2 concolor is all gold2 #8,frosty ,morn' is white2 #8,poppet' has yellow petals and a white cap4 trumpet--,miniature replicas of the familiar larger types1 the flaring trumpet standing out from a collar of six petals4 ,in some types the petals are flat1 in others wavy or twisted4 ,among these1 asturiensis 7minimus7 is the smallest of all daffodils2 minar 7nanus7 is slightly larger1 two to three inches tall2 #8,wee ,bee' is lemon yellow and five inches tall4 #8,little ,beauty' has two shades of yellow2 #8,sneezy' is all yellow1 and four inches high4 ,,care4 ,average soil 7acid or alkaline71 not too heavy1 not too light4 ,drainage4 ,fertilize little and use only bone meal4 ,mulch with stone chips to prevent flowers being spattered with mud during rain4 ,,propagation4 ,bulbs4 ,plant in ,august if possible4 ,plant in groups because of small size4 ,allow space for increase4 ,plant smallest bulbs one and a half inches deep2 large bulbs1 the depth of bulb itself4 ,don't disturb unless crowded4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,forcing1 rock gardens1 containers4 ,oxalis ,oxalidaceae ,bulbous or tuberous shamrock-leaved perennials with five-petaled1 buttercup-shaped flowers that close in the dark1 most of them much hardier than realized and all suitable for indoor or greenhouse planting4 adenophylla--,blue-green leaflets1 clusters of pink flowers with deeper pink veins 7,may and ,june74 ,three inches tall4 ,hardy4 enneaphylla--,tuberous-rooted perennial with gray-green leaves and large white-purple veined flowers2 two inches4 ,spring bloomer4 lasiandra--,more fragile species1 bulbous with tight clusters of deep-rose flowers4 ,dig and store in fall1 or provide protection4 ,sun4 rubra 7crassipes7--,not bulbous but with thickened roots4 ,pink flowers in clusters above the leaves4 variabilis rubra--,dense mats of fresh green leaves under deep-pink flowers1 some two inches across4 ,hardy as rubra4 ,,care4 ,average soil4 ,dig and store bulbs of some species4 ,,propagation4 ,division of roots1 bulbs4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,house plants1 rock planting1 containers4 ,sternbergia lutea ,amaryllidaceae ,winter ,daffodil ,popularly called a daffodil and compared to a crocus1 but these small amaryllids beat both of those plants for durability and distinction4 ,they have up-facing butter-yellow flowers like squat1 flaring1 two-inch vases4 ,they bloom in mid-,september with the flowers lasting some weeks4 ,the narrow leathery leaves often last through the winter but die back by spring4 ,fragrant4 ,,care4 ,heavy soil1 barely acid4 ,dry1 drainage4 ,sun4 ,,propagation4 ,bulbs4 ,,special ,,uses4 ,forcing1 rock gardens4 ,tulipa ,liliaceae ,tulip ,these are typical tulips with flowers that are up-facing bells or saucers1 but are varied in shape1 colors1 and markings of the petals4 ,they keep tightly closed after dark and on dark days but open wide in the sun4 ,the foliage may be wide or grassy1 clean green or mottled4 ,included here are only the smallest available species4 batalini--,twisted1 narrow leaves and soft creamy-yellow flowers 7in ,april74 biflora--,only two or three slim1 tapered leaves around a four-inch flower stem bearing from one to three long1 striped buds which open to flat1 white1 star-shaped flowers with golden centers4 ,often blooms in ,march4 ,variety turkestanica has wider leaves and up to ten flowers per stem4 dasystemon 7tarda7--,polished blue-green leaves fan out flat under three-inch stems with bouquets 7three to five7 of yellow-centered white flowers4 ,some have pointed petals striped lengthwise with green on the outside4 7,mid-,april47 eichleri--,typically broad leaves1 stems six to eight inches1 fiery-red flowers with gold and blue-black centers and gold stripes outside4 kaufmanniana--water-lily tulip--,the leaves are very broad1 short1 and sharply pointed2 the stems are sturdy and five inches long4 ,the flowers are very large1 creamy yellow marked with carmine 7in ,april74 ,there are many named varieties with flowers in shades and combinations of gold1 scarlet1 cream1 and even salmon pink4 kolpakowskiana--,long1 blue-green leaves waved on the edges1 yellow flowers blotched with brick red on the outside 7in ,april74 linifolia--,narrow1 wavy leaves and six-inch stems topped with satiny scarlet flowers1 marked with blue-black at the heart 7in ,april74 patens 7persica7--,slim1 arching leaves1 stems with one to three flowers1 yellow1 darker outside1 fragrant 7in ,may74 puchella--,early1 even before the daffodils4 ,slim leaves4 ,flowers an odd shade of lavender and tinged red4 ,slightly larger4 stellata chrysantha 7originally considered a species1 chrysantha7--,curved-down blue-green leaves1 six-inch stems2 cherry-flushed yellow flowers opening to flat stars 7in ,april74 ,,epilogue ,there is a touch of sadness to any book that is published posthumously4 ,it means that an author who has devoted years to acquiring a skill with words and their ways1 one who has something to say1 will write no more4 ,this book1 ,all ,about ,miniature ,plants and ,gardens1 ,indoors and ,out1 is the work of ,bernice ,gaines ,brilmayer4 ,it was written in the last months of her life and was practically completed except for the mechanics of preparing it for publication4 ,although she didn't realize the seriousness of her illness1 she asked me to do the final work on the manuscript4 ,her dedication1 8,for my family1 again and again4 ,the future is coming closer10 is typical of the magnificent woman she was4 ,she lived for the days when we would be free of the commercial world1 when we could write1 dream1 plant1 and write4 ,it was to be for1 and with1 the family she loved so well4 ,i've never heard the philosophy of her existence expressed so well as by an old fishing friend1 ,captain ,bill ,stiles of ,stone ,harbor1 ,new ,jersey4 ,captain ,bill1 of the ,skipper1 is not one who professes to write phrases and words1 but he does know people4 ,on the long ride out to the fishing grounds off the ,jersey coast ,bill used to observe her4 ,when the anchor was down1 ,bill would give the order to 8drop lines1 ,folks40 ,he noted that she was always the last to get her line in the water4 ,her family came first and she waited until they were set4 ,if ever ,i do a biography of ,bernice1 the title will be 8,the ,last to ,get ,her ,line ,down40 ,the family to which she dedicated her books1 has a dedication to her3 ,,to ,,bernice--,a ,,gallant ,,woman #aiac-aifb ,,in ,,loving ,,memory ,,the ,,family ,,you ,,loved ,,so ,,much ,robert ,brilmayer ,redding1 ,connecticut1 #aifc ,,bibliography ,agricultural ,research ,service1 ,u4 ,s4 ,department of ,agriculture1 ,,plant ,,hardiness ,,zone ,,map4 ,washington1 ,d4,c43 ,government ,printing ,office1 #aifj4 ,ashberry1 ,anne1 ,,miniature ,,gardens4 ,new ,york3 ,van ,nostrand1 #aieb4 ,ashberry1 ,anne1 ,,miniature ,,trees ,,and ,,shrubs4 ,london3 ,nicholas ,kaye1 ,ltd41 #aieh4 ,bailey1 ,l4 ,h41 and ,ethel ,zoe1 ,,hortus ,,second4 ,new ,york3 ,macmillan1 #aida4 ,beale1 ,james ,h41 ,,the ,,evergreens4 ,new ,york3 ,doubleday1 #aifj4 ,brooklyn ,botanic ,garden1 handbooks on many subjects--,,dwarf ,,trees ,,and ,,shrubs1 ,,dwarfed ,,plants1 ,,flowering ,,shrubs1 ,,propagation1 ,,rock ,,gardens1 ,,where ,,to ,,buy ,,trees ,,and ,,shrubs4 ,new ,york3 ,brooklyn ,botanic ,garden1 various dates4 ,chidamian1 ,claude1 ,,bonsai1 ,,miniature ,,trees4 ,new ,york3 ,van ,nostrand1 #aiee4 ,chidamian1 ,claude1 ,,cacti ,,and ,,other ,,succulents4 ,new ,york3 ,doubleday1 #aieh4 ,clark1 ,william ,h41 ,,gardening ,,the ,,small ,,place4 ,boston3 ,little1 ,brown1 #aieb4 ,clarke1 ,j4 ,harold1 ,,getting ,,started ,,with ,,rhododendrons ,,and ,,azaleas4 ,new ,york3 ,doubleday1 #aifj4 ,cumming1 ,robert ,w41 and ,lee1 ,robert ,e41 ,,contemporary ,,perennials4 ,new ,york3 ,macmillan1 #aifj4 ,foley1 ,daniel ,j41 ,,ground ,,covers ,,for ,,easier ,,gardening4 ,new ,york3 ,chilton ,co41 #aifa4 ,free1 ,montague1 ,,plant ,,propagation ,,in ,,pictures4 ,new ,york3 ,doubleday1 #aieg4 ,genders1 ,roy1 ,,gardening ,,in ,,miniature4 ,london3 ,robert ,hale1 ,ltd41 #aieh4 ,genders1 ,roy1 ,,miniature ,,roses4 ,london3 ,blanford ,press1 #aifj4 ,graf1 ,alfred ,byrd1 ,,exotica ,,ii4 ,rutherford1 ,n4,j43 ,julius ,roehrs1 #aifj4 ,gray1 ,alec1 ,,miniature ,,daffodils4 ,london3 ,w4 ,h4 ,l4 ,collingridge1 ,ltd41 #aiee4 ,ishimoto1 ,tatsuo1 ,,art ,,of ,,growing ,,miniature ,,trees1 ,,plants ,,and ,,landscapes4 ,new ,york3 ,crown ,publishers1 #aief4 ,klaber1 ,doretta1 ,,rock ,,garden ,,plants4 ,new ,york3 ,henry ,holt1 #aiei4 ,moore1 ,harold ,e4 ,jr41 ,,african ,,violets1 ,,gloxinias ,,and ,,their ,,relatives4 ,new ,york3 ,macmillan1 #aieg4 ,newsom1 ,samuel1 ,,dwarfed ,,tree ,,manual ,,for ,,westerners4 ,tokyo3 ,tokyo ,news ,service1 ,ltd41 #aifj4 ,noble1 ,mary1 and ,merkel1 ,j4 ,l41 ,,plants ,,indoors4 ,new ,york3 ,van ,nostrand1 #aied4 ,rickett1 ,harold ,william1 ,,botany ,,for ,,gardeners4 ,new ,york3 ,macmillan1 #aieg4 ,rockwell1 ,f4 ,f41 and ,grayson1 ,esther ,c41 ,,complete ,,book ,,of ,,bulbs4 ,new ,york3 ,doubleday1 #aiec4 ,taylor1 ,norman 7ed471 ,,encyclopedia ,,of ,,gardening4 ,boston3 ,houghton ,mifflin1 #aifa 7,revised ,edition74 ,taylor1 ,norman1 ,,wild ,,flower ,,gardening4 ,new ,york3 ,van ,nostrand1 #aiee4 ,thomas1 ,g4 ,l4 ,jr41 ,,garden ,,pools1 ,,water-,,lilies ,,and ,,goldfish4 ,new ,york3 ,van ,nostrand1 #aieh4 ,van ,melle1 ,p4 ,j41 ,,shrubs ,,and ,,trees ,,for ,,the ,,small ,,place4 ,new ,york3 ,scribner's1 #aidc4 ,westcott1 ,cynthia1 ,,are ,,you ,,your ,,garden',s ,,worst ,,pest8 ,new ,york3 ,doubleday1 #aifa4 ,westcott1 ,cynthia1 ,,gardener',s ,,bug ,,book4 ,new ,york3 ,doubleday1 #aief4 ,wilder1 ,louise ,beebe1 ,,adventures ,,in ,,my ,,garden ,,and ,,rock ,,garden4 ,new ,york3 ,doubleday1 #aibi4 ,wilson1 ,helen ,van ,pelt1 ,,new ,,perennials ,,preferred4 ,new ,york3 ,van ,nostrand1 #aifb4 ,wyman1 ,donald1 ,,shrubs ,,and ,,vines ,,for ,,american ,,gardens4 ,new ,york3 ,macmillan1 #aieh4 ,wyman1 ,donald1 ,,trees ,,for ,,american ,,gardens4 ,new ,york3 ,macmillan1 #aiea4 ,,where ,,to ,,buy ,,miniature ,,plants ,,and ,,supplies ,nothing is as frustrating to a gardener as to hear or read glowing descriptions of plants that appeal to him and then be unable to find them in catalogues or elsewhere4 ,for the unusual and out-of-the-ordinary plants the answer is quite often a mail-order supplier4 ,for some general types such as water lilies and woodland or rockery plants1 the most fruitful source is the specialist1 who quite naturally has the widest selection and the greatest knowledge of the plants he grows the most4 ,we have increased our collection of miniature plants by mail order from many 7but not all7 of the following4 ,while ,i have not bought from all of them1 enough of my friends and colleagues have so that ,i am rather familiar with all4 ,in writing for catalogues of any sort1 remember they are expensive to produce and often you are asked to pay a nominal fee for them4 ,i usually get so much information ,i am happy to pay a few cents4 ,you can often save time and trouble by asking if there is such a fee4 ,,alberts ,,merkel ,,bros41 ,,inc41 ,box #ecg1 ,boynton ,beach1 ,fla4--,orchids and other tropical plants4 ,,allgrove1 ,,arthur ,,eames1 ,north ,wilmington1 ,mass4--,terrarium and woodland plants and supplies4 ,,alpenglow ,,gardens1 #accbh ,trans-,canada ,highway1 ,north ,surrey1 ,new ,westminster1 ,b4,c41 ,canada--,alpines1 perennials1 trees1 and shrubs4 ,,american ,,perennial ,,gardens1 #fige ,dover ,st41 ,garden ,city1 ,mich4--,perennials4 ,,arenius1 ,,arthur1 #abc ,western ,drive1 ,longmeadow #f1 ,springfield1 ,mass4--,gladiolus4 ,,armstrong ,,nurseries1 ,ontario1 ,calif4--,roses1 dwarf citrus4 ,,arndt',s ,,floral ,,garden1 ,route #b1 ,box #ccf1 ,troutdale1 ,ore4--,african violets and other gesneriads4 ,,barnhaven1 ,box #bah1 ,gresham1 ,ore4--,primulas4 ,,barrington ,,greenhouses1 #hfj ,clements ,bridge ,rd41 ,barrington1 ,n4,j4--,house and greenhouse plants4 ,,beahm ,,gardens1 #bfhf ,e4 ,paloma ,st4 ,pasadena #h1 ,calif4--,epiphyllums and other succulents4 ,,bee1 ,,mrs4 ,t4 ,c41 ,route #c1 ,box #abj1 ,newnan1 ,ga4--,african violets and other house plants4 ,,bit ,,of ,,florida1 ,,inc41 ,box #ccje1 ,west ,hollywood1 ,fla4--,dwarf citrus4 ,,breck',s ,,of ,,boston1 #bej ,breck ,bldg41 ,boston #aj1 ,mass4--,seeds1 bulbs1 and supplies4 ,,brimfield ,,gardens ,,nursery1 #bde ,brimfield ,rd41 ,wethersfield1 ,conn4--,trees and shrubs for garden1 bonsai4 ,,bristol ,,nurseries1 ,bristol1 ,conn4--,chrysanthemums4 ,,buell',s1 ,eastford1 ,conn4--,african violets and other gesneriads4 ,,burgess ,,seed ,,and ,,plant ,,co41 ,galesburg1 ,mich4--,seeds1 bulbs1 perennials1 trees1 and shrubs4 ,,burnett ,,bros41 ,,inc41 #ib ,chambers ,st41 ,new ,york #g1 ,n4,y4--,seeds1 bulbs1 supplies4 ,,burpee1 ,w4 ,,atlee1 ,,co41 ,philadelphia #cb1 ,penna4--,seeds1 bulbs1 supplies4 ,,burt',s1 ,federal ,highway ,no4 #a1 ,north ,jupiter1 ,fla4--,house and greenhouse plants4 ,,cactus ,,petes1 #eded ,valley ,blvd41 ,los ,angeles #cb1 ,calif4--,epiphyllums and other succulents4 ,,california ,,nursery ,,co41 ,niles1 ,calif4--,trees and shrubs4 ,,carolina ,,biological ,,supply ,,co41 ,elon ,college1 ,n4,c4--,woodland1 bog1 and water plants4 ,,carroll ,,gardens1 ,westminster1 ,md4--,bulbs1 perennials1 trees1 and shrubs4 ,,champlain ,,view ,,gardens1 ,burlington1 ,vt4--,gladiolus4 ,,chautauqua ,,flowerfield1 ,greenhurst1 ,n4,y4--,bulbs1 perennials4 ,,cherry1 ,,norman ,j41 ,,co41 ,box #fjh1 ,merrick1 ,long ,island1 ,n4,y4--,supplies for house and greenhouse4 ,,cochlan1 ,,james ,j41 ,box #cca1 ,saddle ,river1 ,n4,j4--,bonsai plants and containers4 ,,conard-,,pyle ,,co41 ,west ,grove1 ,penna4--,roses4 ,,daffodil ,,mart1 ,nuttal ,station1 ,gloucester1 ,va4--,narcissus4 ,,de ,,jager1 ,p41 ,,and ,,sons1 ,,inc41 #ahh ,ashbury ,st41 ,south ,hamilton1 ,mass4--,bulbs4 ,,delkins ,,bulbs1 #dbje ,hunts ,point ,rd41 ,bellevue1 ,wash4--,bulbs4 ,,dolbow1 ,,dorothy ,j41 #adi ,w4 ,main ,st41 ,penns ,grove1 ,n4,j4--,supplies for house and greenhouse4 ,,eastern ,,nurseries1 ,,inc41 ,holliston1 ,mass4--,trees1 shrubs1 alpines4 ,,edenwald ,,gardens1 ,vincennes1 ,ind4--,iris4 ,,el ,,segundo ,,geranium ,,gardens1 ,box #bhi1 ,gardena1 ,calif4--,geraniums4 ,,emerson ,,industries1 ,,inc41 #acb ,adams ,ave41 ,hempstead1 ,n4,y4--,window greenhouses1 etc4 ,,evans1 ,,herbert ,o41 ,solon1 ,ohio--,gladiolus4 ,,everglades ,,enterprises1 ,box #dh-haa1 ,miami1 ,fla4--,tropical plants4 ,,evergreen ,,house1 ,box #dcc1 ,los ,altos1 ,calif4--,bonsai plants and containers4 ,,fantastic ,,gardens1 #ieej ,s4,w4 #fgth ,st41 ,miami1 ,fla4-- ,bromeliads and other tropical plants4 ,,fennell ,,orchid ,,co41 #bfgae ,s4,w4 #aegth ,ave41 ,homestead1 ,fla4--,orchids4 ,,field1 ,,henry1 ,,seed ,,and ,,nursery ,,co41 ,shenandoah1 ,iowa--,seeds1 bulbs1 perennials1 aquatic plants1 trees1 shrubs1 and house plants4 ,,fiore1 ,,charles1 ,,nurseries1 ,,inc41 ,prairie ,view1 ,ill4--,trees and shrubs4 ,,french1 ,j4 ,,howard1 ,baltimore ,pike1 ,lima1 ,penna4--,seeds1 bulbs1 supplies4 ,,gardens ,,of ,,the ,,blue ,,ridge1 ,ashford1 ,mc,dowell ,county1 ,n4,c4--,native woodland1 bog1 and water plants1 trees and shrubs4 ,,gerry',s ,,geranium ,,garden1 #bba ,w4 #bbc ,st41 ,torrance1 ,calif4--,geraniums4 ,,gibbs1 ,,winsel1 ,,seed ,,and ,,nursery ,,co41 #aiee ,w4 ,florence ,ave41 ,los ,angeles #dg1 ,calif4--,tropical trees1 shrubs1 plants4 ,,girard ,,nurseries1 ,geneva1 ,ohio--,trees and shrubs for garden1 bonsai4 ,,glen ,,saint ,,mary ,,nursery1 ,glen ,saint ,mary1 ,fla4--,trees and shrubs4 ,,gray1 ,,alec1 ,treswithian ,daffodil ,farm1 ,camborne1 ,cornwall1 ,england--,narcissus4 ,,green ,,leaf ,,nursery1 #bjdg ,middlefield ,rd41 ,mountain ,view1 ,calif4--,house and greenhouse plants4 ,,griffing ,,nurseries1 ,beaumont1 ,texas--,trees and shrubs4 ,,haga1 ,f4 ,m41 ,,son1 #ejcc ,doris ,st41 ,charlotte #e1 ,n4,c4--,african violets and other gesneriads4 ,,harris1 ,,joseph1 ,,co41 ,,inc41 ,rochester #aa1 ,n4,y4--,seeds1 bulbs4 ,,harrold',s1 ,box #bi1 ,grants ,pass1 ,ore4--,house-plant and garden seeds1 plants1 roses4 ,,hav',,alook ,,gardens1 #ajjde ,grand ,river1 ,fowlersville1 ,mich4--,house and greenhouse plants4 ,,holly ,,hill1 ,straight ,path1 ,huntington1 ,n4,y4--,holly1 heath1 heather4 ,,houdyshel1 ,,cecil1 #adab ,third ,st41 ,la,verne1 ,calif4--,house and greenhouse bulbs and plants4 ,,house ,,of ,,plants1 #bf ,s4 ,hotchkiss ,st41 ,binghamton1 ,n4,y4--,gesneriads4 ,,house ,,plant ,,corner1 ,box #haj1 ,oxford1 ,md4--,supplies for house and greenhouse4 ,,ilgenfritz1 ,,margaret1 ,monroe1 ,mich4--,orchids4 ,,inter-,,state ,,nurseries1 ,hamburg1 ,iowa--,seeds1 bulbs1 perennials1 trees1 and shrubs4 ,,jack',s ,,cactus ,,garden1 #agjg ,w4 ,robindale ,st41 ,west ,covina1 ,calif4--,cacti and other succulents4 ,,jackson ,,perkins ,,co41 ,newark1 ,n4,y4--,roses1 perennials4 ,,johnson ,,cactus ,,gardens1 ,paramount1 ,calif4--,cacti and other succulents4 ,,joyner',s1 #djd ,fisher ,drive1 ,ocala1 ,fla4--,caladiums4 ,,kartuz1 ,,michael ,j41 #ib ,chestnut ,st41 ,wilmington1 ,mass4--,house and greenhouse plants4 ,,kelsey ,,nursery ,,service1 ,highlands1 ,n4,j4--,bulbs1 trees and shrubs1 woodland plants4 ,,lager ,,and ,,hurrell1 ,,inc41 #dbg ,morris ,ave41 ,summit1 ,n4,j4--,orchids4 ,,lakemont ,,nurseries1 #iae ,s4 ,lakemont ,ave41 ,winter ,park1 ,fla4--,house and greenhouse plants4 ,,lamb ,,nurseries1 #aja ,e4 ,sharp ,ave41 ,spokane #b1 ,wash4--,chrysanthemums4 ,,leslie',s ,,wild ,,flower ,,nursery1 #cj ,summer ,st41 ,methuen1 ,mass4--,woodland plants4 ,,logee',s ,,greenhouse1 #ee ,north ,street1 ,danielson1 ,conn4--,house and greenhouse plants4 ,,loundberry ,,gardens1 ,oakford1 ,ill4--,bulbs and woodland plants4 ,,manhattan ,,garden ,,supply1 #cje ,n4 ,sepulveda ,blvd41 ,manhattan ,beach1 ,calif4--,geraniums4 ,,marx1 ,,walter1 ,,gardens1 ,boring1 ,ore4--,bulbs1 perennials1 roses4 ,,mayfair ,,nurseries1 ,,rfd #b1 ,nichols1 ,n4,y4--,alpines1 trees1 and shrubs for gardens1 bonsai4 ,,mccleelan1 ,,rod1 ,,co41 #adej ,el ,camino ,real1 ,south ,san ,francisco1 ,calif4--,orchids1 bonsai containers4 ,,merry ,,gardens1 ,p4 ,o4 ,box #eie1 ,camden1 ,maine--,rare house plants1 geraniums1 begonias1 and a large selection of miniatures4 ,,miller1 ,,holmes ,c41 #bhj ,w4 ,portola ,ave41 ,los ,altos1 ,calif4--,geraniums4 ,,oakhurst ,,gardens1 ,box #ddd1 ,arcadia1 ,calif4--,house and greenhouse plants4 ,,oppen',s ,,greenhouse1 #dccj ,auburn ,rd41 ,salem1 ,ore4--,house and greenhouse plants4 ,,park1 ,,george ,w41 ,,seed ,,co41 ,greenwood1 ,s4,c4--,seeds1 bulbs1 supplies4 ,,pearce ,,seed ,,co41 ,moorestown1 ,n4,j4--,seeds1 bulbs1 perennials1 plants4 ,,pilley',s ,,gardens1 ,box #geg1 ,valley ,center1 ,calif4--,iris4 ,,pine-,,croft ,,nurseries1 ,exeter1 ,n4,h4--,perennials4 ,,planters1 ,,the1 #che ,bleecker ,st41 ,n4,y4,c4--,house and greenhouse plants1 bonsai4 ,,putney ,,nursery1 ,putney1 ,vt4--,chrysanthemums4 ,,rare ,,plant ,,club1 ,route #a1 ,box #aee1 ,mill ,valley1 ,calif4--,bonsai plants and containers4 ,,roehrs1 ,,julius1 ,,co41 ,rutherford1 ,n4,j4--,house and greenhouse plants4 ,,scherer1 ,s41 ,,and ,,sons1 ,northport1 ,n4,y4--,aquatic plants and water lilies4 ,,schulz1 ,,peggie1 #ggad ,n4 ,fairfield ,rd41 ,minneapolis #ab1 ,minn4--,house-plant seeds4 ,,sherwood ,,nursery ,,co41 ,corbett1 ,ore4--,trees and shrubs for garden and bonsai4 ,,sky-,,cleft ,,gardens1 ,camp ,street ,ext41 ,barre1 ,vt4--,alpines1 perennials1 woodland plants4 ,,slocum ,,water ,,gardens1 ,binghamton1 ,n4,y4--,aquatic plants and water lilies4 ,,spring ,,hill ,,nurseries1 ,tipp ,city1 ,ohio--,perennials1 roses1 trees4 ,,stark ,,bros41 ,louisiana1 ,mo4--,trees and shrubs4 ,,starker1 ,,carl1 ,,gardens1 ,jennings ,lodge1 ,ore4--,alpines1 perennials1 trees and shrubs1 bonsai containers4 ,,stewart1 ,,fred ,a41 ,,inc41 #hfjf ,e4 ,las ,tunas ,drive1 ,san ,gabriel1 ,calif4--,orchids4 ,,summit ,,gardens1 ,box #efg1 ,glenn ,ellyn1 ,ill4--,gladiolus4 ,,terrace ,,view ,,gardens1 ,greencastle1 ,ind4--,house and greenhouse plants4 ,,thompson ,,morgan1 ,,ltd41 ,ipswich1 ,england--,seeds4 ,,three ,,laurels1 ,madison ,county1 ,marshall1 ,n4,c4--,woodland plants2 trees and shrubs4 ,,three ,,springs ,,fisheries1 ,lilypons1 ,md4--,water lilies and aquatic plants of all sorts4 ,,thurman',s ,,gardens1 ,route #f1 ,spokane1 ,wash4--,alpines1 perennials4 ,,tinari ,,gardens ,,and ,,greenhouses1 ,bethayres1 ,penna4--,african violets4 ,,tricker1 ,,william1 ,,inc41 #aif ,allendale ,ave41 ,saddle ,river1 ,n4,j4--,water lilies and other aquatic plants4 ,,tropical ,,paradise ,,greenhouse1 #hhbe ,w4 #gith ,st41 ,overland ,park1 ,kan4--,house and greenhouse plants4 ,,upper ,,bank ,,nurseries1 ,ridley ,creek ,rd41 ,media1 ,penna4--,trees and shrubs4 ,,van ,,ness ,,water ,,gardens1 #bdfj ,n4 ,euclid ,ave41 ,upland1 ,calif4--,water lilies and other aquatic plants4 ,,vaughan',s ,,seed ,,co41 #bd ,vesey ,st41 ,new ,york #g1 ,n4,y4--,seeds1 bulbs1 perennials1 trees1 shrubs1 aquatic plants4 ,,village ,,hill ,,nursery1 ,williamsburg1 ,mass4--,geraniums1 perennials4 ,,wake ,,robin ,,farm1 ,route #a1 ,box #cc1 ,home1 ,penna4--,woodland plants4 ,,ware1 ,,romaine ,b41 ,canby1 ,ore4--,lilies and other bulbs4 ,,warren',s ,,nursery1 #bbjj ,fifth ,st41 ,berkeley #aj1 ,calif4--,house and greenhouse plants4 ,,wayside ,,gardens1 ,mentor1 ,ohio--,annuals1 bulbs1 trees1 shrubs1 etc4 ,,weston ,,nurseries1 ,,inc41 ,e4 ,main ,st41 ,hopkinton1 ,mass4--,perennials1 trees1 and shrubs4 ,,white ,,flower ,,farm1 ,litchfield1 ,conn4--,bulbs1 perennials1 trees1 shrubs4 ,,wilson ,,brothers1 ,roachdale1 ,ind4--,geraniums4 ,,wood1 ,,thomas ,m41 ,constantia1 ,n4,y4--,woodland plants4 ,,woodland ,,nursery1 ,hendricks ,rd41 ,,rfd #a1 ,perkiomenville1 ,penna4--,trees and shrubs4 ,,wyant1 ,,melvin ,e41 ,johnny ,cake ,ridge1 ,route #hd1 ,mentor1 ,ohio--,roses4 ,,yoars ,,house ,,plant ,,nursery1 ,bunker ,hill1 ,ind4--,house and greenhouse plants4 ,,index ,abelia1 #bcf ,abeliophyllum distichum 7,white ,forsythia1 ,korean ,abelia71 #bcf ,abies 7,fir71 #bch ,abutilon hybridum savitzi 7,flowering ,maple71 #ic ,abutilon megapotamicum1 #fd ,achillea 7,yarrow1 ,hilfoil71 #bei ,achimenes1 #ic-id ,acorus gramineus variegatus1 #id ,adder's-,tongue1 #bbb1 #bhh-hi #8,adeline' 7#8,improved ,darling'71 #if ,adiantum bellum 7,bermuda ,maidenhair ,fern71 #id ,aeonium caespitosum spathulatum1 #ajb ,aeschynanthus1 #fc ,aethionema 7,stone-,cress1 ,persian ,candytuft71 #bfj ,african boxwood1 #abd ,african violets 7,see3 ,viola7 ,agave victoriae-reginae 78century plant071 #ajb ,ageratum 7floss flower71 #bhb ,aichryson 7,aeonium7 domesticum variegatum1 #ajb ,ajuga 7,bugle71 #bfj #8,alba1' #bhe #8,albatross1' #aja ,all ,about ,begonias1 #gh ,all ,about ,vines and ,hanging ,plants1 #cf1 #cg ,allophyton mexicanum 7,mexican ,foxglove71 #id ,aloe1 #ajb ,alpenglow ,gardens1 #ac ,alpine daisy1 #bfc ,alpine gardens1 #ahg-ih ,alpine phlox1 #bga ,alpine 7rock7 plants1 #fb1 #aej1 #ahg-ih1 #bgc ,alternanthera 7,joseph's ,coat71 #id-ie ,aluminum plant 7watermelon pilea71 #acj ,alyssum 7,madwort71 #dg1 #ach1 #bfj-fa ,alyssum 7,sweet71 #bhb-hc ,american ,iris ,society1 #bfh ,american yew1 #bdh ,andromeda 7,bog ,rosemary71 #bch-ci #8,andy1' #if ,anemone 7,windflower71 #bfa ,angel's tears1 #bif-ig ,annuals1 #aj1 #ch1 #dg1 #ach2 miniature1 #bgg-hg2 in rock and wall gardens1 #ahg ,antennaria 7,pussy-,toes71 #bfa ,anthurium scherzerianum 7,flamingo ,flower71 #ie ,aphids1 #bcb ,aptenia cordifolia 7,mesembryanthemum cordifolium71 #ajb ,aquilegia 7,columbine71 #bfb ,arabis 7,rock ,cress71 #bfb ,aramite1 #bcb1 #bee ,arborvitae 7,thuja71 #bdi ,arisaema triphyllum 7,jack-in-the-pulpit71 #baa1 #bai ,arizona1 #adj ,aroids1 #ea1 #ec1 #fc ,artillery plant1 #acj ,asarum 7,wild ,ginger71 #afj1 #bai ,ash1 #aff ,ashberry1 ,anne1 #aej ,asia1 #bga1 #bgb ,asplenium 7,spleenwort71 #bai ,aster alpinus 7,rock ,aster71 #bfb #8,astrid1' #abi ,astrophytum 7,star ,cactus71 #ajb #8,aurea1' #bhe ,autumn ,crocus1 #bhi1 #bib #8,autumn ,snow1' #bfg ,azalea 7,rhododendron71 #agg1 #bac1 #bbf-bg1 #bcd1 #bci ,babiana stricta1 #ie ,baby blue eyes1 #bhd #8,baby ,bunting1' #ade #8,baby ,crimson1' #ade #8,baby ,perfection1' #ih #8,baby ,rainbow1' #ajj ,baby ,toes1 #ajd ,baby's ,breath1 #bfg ,baby's ,tears1 #abj-ba ,ball ,cactus1 #ajf ,ballard1 ,ernesta1 #ac ,balsam1 #bhc ,banana1 dwarf1 #fc1 #fh ,barberry1 #bbh2 dwarf1 #ahj ,basket of gold1 #bfa ,bayside1 #bc1 #bd ,beech1 #bcj ,begonia3 #ai1 #be1 #bh1 #bi1 #cg1 #fc1 #ie-aja2 fibrous-rooted1 #ie1 #if-ig2 floriferous1 #fc2 grown in artificial light1 #bd1 #ce2 miniature 7dwarf71 #dd1 #ec1 #ie-aja2 ,strawberry 7,see3 ,saxifraga72 tuberous1 #bd1 #ie 7,see also ,rex begonias1 ,rhizomatous begonias1 ,semperflorens begonias7 ,bell ,flower1 #bfc-fd ,bellis 7,daisy71 #bfc ,bermuda ,maidenhair ,fern1 #id ,bertolonia1 #ajj ,better ,business ,bureau1 #bae ,betula nana 7,birch71 #bci ,billbergia1 #aad ,birch tree3 #agg1 #ahc1 #bci2 as base for bromeliads1 #fi2 in bonsai1 #aff ,bird's nest1 #bdf ,bishop's ,cap1 #bbd-be #8,black ,falcon1' #ih ,blackleaf panamiga1 #aca #8,black ,vesuvius1' #abf1 #bdi ,bloodroot1 #afj1 #bab1 #bad #8,blue ,ball1' #bhb #8,blue ,gem1' #ie #8,blue ,mink1' #bhb ,blue ,oxalis1 #abe #8,blue ,star1' #bhe ,bluets1 #bbc ,boea hygroscopica1 #ajj ,bog ,rosemary1 #bch-ci ,bone meal 7,see ,superphosphate7 ,bonsai3 #aei-gf2 character of the plant in1 #afd-fe2 in citrus1 #afc2 indoor1 #afa-fc2 name1 #afa2 plants for use in1 #aja1 #aaj1 #abb1 #abd1 #acb1 #acd1 #aej1 #afj1 #aff1 #bbg1 #bch-di2 root-pruning in1 #afi-gj2 roses in1 #ach2 shinto1 #afa #8,bo-,peep1' #ade ,boston 7,massachusetts71 #fd1 #fe2 beans1 #ajg ,bottle ,brush1 #bdc ,bouvardia longiflora humboldti1 #aja #8,bow-,arriola1' #ig1 #ii #8,bow ,chance1' #ig1 #ii #8,bow-,joe1' #ig #8,bow-,nigra1' #ig1 #ii ,box 7,see ,buxus2 ,buxus microphylla japonica7 ,boxing gloves1 #ajf ,boxwood1 ,african1 #abd 7,see also3 ,buxus2 ,buxus microphylla japonica7 #8,boy ,blue1' #bhf ,bracts1 #ajd1 #acf #8,bright ,eyes1' #bhe ,broadlily1 #bbj ,bromeliad1 #dd1 #de1 #fi-gj1 #aad1 #acf2 tree1 #fc1 #fi-gj ,brooklyn1 #acg #8,brownie ,scout1' #bhd ,bruckenthalia spiculifolia 7,balkan ,heath71 #bci ,bugle1 #bfj ,bulbs3 #bhh-ih2 fertilizing1 #bij1 #bib2 propagating miniature1 indoors1 #bia-ib2 ,south ,african1 #ie2 spring-flowering1 #fd2 winter-flowering1 #ie ,bunchberry1 #bba ,bunny ears1 #ajf ,burning ,bush1 #bdc ,burpee1 #bha #8,butterball1' #bhd ,button ,fern1 #abh ,buxus 7,box1 ,boxwood71 #df1 #ach1 #bci-dj1 #bdi ,buxus microphylla japonica1 #aja ,cactus3 #di1 #fd-fe1 #gh1 #aja-g2 ,christmas1 #cj2 use in window gardens of1 #ai-ba ,caladium 7,elephant ,ears71 #aa1 #ajg-i2 bicolor varieties of1 #ajg ,calamondin1 #aac ,calathea 7,maranta71 #aji1 #abb ,calceolarias1 #ch ,calceolaria biflora1 #aec ,callopsis volkensi1 #aji ,calluna vulgaris 7,heather1 ,ling7 #bbf1 #bdj ,campanula 7,harebell1 ,bell ,flower71 #bfc-fd ,campion1 #bgc-gd ,camptosorus rhizophyllus 7,walking ,fern71 #bai ,canada1 #bai ,canadian yew1 #bdh #8,canary ,yellow1' #bhg #8,candidum1 ,jr41' #ajg ,candytuft1 #beb1 #bfg2 ,persian1 #bfj ,cankerworms 7,see 8,inchworms07 #8,caperata' 7#8,little ,fantasy'71 #abi #8,caprice1' #bhf ,caraway thyme1 #bgd ,carex elegantissima 7,morrowi variegata71 #aaj ,carissa grandiflora nana compacta 7,natal ,plum71 #aaj ,carnations1 #bff ,carpet bugle1 #bfj #8,carpet of ,snow1' #bhb ,caryopteris1 #bbi ,caryopteris incana 7,blue ,spirea71 #bdj ,caryota urens 7fishtail palm71 #fc ,cassiope lycopodioides1 #bdj ,catchfly1 #bgc-gd ,cedar1 #bcd2 ,white1 #bda 8,century plant10 miniature1 #ajb ,cephalocereus senilis 7,old ,man ,cactus71 #ajb ,ceramics1 as plant containers1 #ci1 #da ,cerastium1 #bfc ,ceratostigma plumbaginoides 7,leadwort71 #bfe ,ceropegia1 #aaj ,chaenomeles 7,cydonia7 7,japanese ,quince1 ,flowering ,quince71 #bdj-da ,chaenostoma fastigiatum 7,little ,stars71 #aaa 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#aig1 #bcc1 #bdb1 #bdi1 #bee1 #bgb1 #bhh1 #bic ,munstead lavendar1 #bfi ,muscari 7,grape ,hyacinth71 #bie-if ,mutations1 #aa-ab1 #bcd ,myosotis 7,forget-,me-,not71 #bfi ,myrsine africana 7,african ,boxwood71 #abd ,myrtus communis 7,greek ,myrtle71 #abd ,nagami kumquat1 #aah ,narcissus 7,daffodil73 #ag1 #fc1 #bhh1 #bif-ig2 fertilizing1 #big2 miniature1 #aee2 trumpet1 #aeb1 #big ,nasturtiums1 #bhd ,natal ,plum1 #aaj #8,needlepoint1' #aai ,nemophila 7baby blue eyes71 #bhd ,nepeta hederacea 7glechoma7 7,ground ,ivy71 #bgj ,nerve ,plant1 #aag #8,new ,dwarf ,compact1' #bhe ,new ,england1 #bfj ,new ,york ,city1 #baa1 #bac ,nicotine sulfate1 #bcb ,night-neutral plants1 #cj1 #cd ,notocactus 7,ball ,cactus71 #ajf ,nymphaea 7,pygmy ,water ,lily71 #bji ,oak1 #bcj ,oenothera 7,evening ,primrose1 ,sundrop71 #bgj ,offsets1 #ace2 in propagating1 #ij ,old lady1 #ajf ,old ,man ,cactus1 #ajb ,oleander1 #fc ,olive1 #fc ,oncidium pusillum1 #ab ,opuntia1 #ajf ,orchids3 #aj2 for bromeliad tree1 #gj2 cattleya1 #ag2 and electric lighting1 #bd1 #cg2 miniature 7dwarf71 #aa1 #ag1 #dd1 #ec1 #fc2 in ,new ,york1 #bc2 potting material for 7,see ,osmunda fiber7 #8,oriental ,music1' #ih ,osmanthus fragrans1 #fc ,osmunda fiber1 #dd1 #de1 #gj1 #ha1 #ib ,otaheite orange1 #aac ,overpotting1 #gi-hj ,oxalis1 #fc1 #abd-be ,pachysandra1 #bab ,pacific ,northwest1 plants shipped from1 #ia ,painted lady1 #ajc ,panda plant1 #aje #8,pansy1' #ajj ,pansy1 #bde2 hybrid1 #df ,parochetus communis 7,shamrock ,pea1 ,blue ,oxalis71 #abe ,parodia1 #ajf ,partridgeberry1 #ec1 #bbd ,parsley ,fern1 #bba ,pasque flower1 #bfa ,passiflora coccinea1 #fc #8,patens ,major1' #ic ,patient ,lucy1 #abj #8,patricia1' #bji #8,patty ,lou1' #adh #8,peach ,blossom1' #ic1 #bhg #8,peachblossom1' #bif #8,peacock1' #ajj ,peanut1 #fc ,peanut ,cactus1 #ajb ,peat3 #hf1 #ic1 #adj1 #adc1 #aif1 #bah1 #bcj1 #bcc1 #bed1 #bef1 #beh1 #bgi1 #bha2 ,michigan1 #bah2 moss1 #aae2 orchid1 #acf ,pelargonium hortorum 7,geranium71 #abf-bh ,pellaea 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#bfb #8,pink ,heather1' #bhb #8,pinkie ,dots1' #bid #8,pink ,radiance1' #ajh #8,pint ,size1' #bid ,pinus 7,pine71 #bdf 7,see also ,pine7 ,pipsissewa1 #aee1 #baf ,pitcher plant1 #fc #8,pixie1' #abi1 #bff #8,pixie ,gold1' #adh 8,plant rooms10 in contemporary homes1 #fd ,plant sources1 #eh ,plumbago1 #beb ,podophyllum peltatum 7,may ,apple71 #bbe ,poinsettias1 #cj1 #ajd ,poison ivy1 #bac #8,polaris1' #abf #8,pollyanna1' #bhf ,polyscias 7,aralia7 fruticosa1 #aca2 #8,elegans1' #aca2 #8,parsley1' #aca ,polystichum tsus-simense1 #aca ,pomegranate1 tree1 #fh ,ponderosa lemon1 #aac ,pools1 miniature3 #ff1 #aii-bjf1 #bbc-bd2 charcoal as purifier of1 #baj2 oxygenating plants for1 #bji #8,poppet1' #big ,poppy1 miniature1 #agh ,portulaca1 #bhe-hf ,portulacaria afra variegata 7,rainbow ,bush71 #ajf ,powder puff1 #ajf ,prayer plant1 #abb #8,pride1' #abf-bg #8,primrose ,pygmy1' #bhd ,primroses 7,see3 ,primula7 ,primula 7,primrose71 #ch1 #bef1 #bga-gb #8,prince ,valiant1' #abf ,propagating3 #aig-ih1 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