Bloom | Focus on Flowers - WFIU Public Radio

July 3, 2008

Red Geraniums

The annual geranium is one of our favorites for planting in pots to brighten decks, terraces and porches. It is actually a member of the Pelargonium genus and was introduced to England from South Africa during the 1600’s and introduced to the American colonies by John Bartram in 1760.

May 22, 2008

Spirea’s Assests

The classic Spiraea ‘Bridal Wreath,’ is a 6-8 feet deciduous shrub often planted in gardens as a hedge or accent. It may have been our grandmother’s favorite as its arching branches are covered with lacy white flowers in late spring/early summer.

May 1, 2008

Planning Ahead

Spring is a busy time for the gardener. There is a lot of tidying up to be done to ensure that the bulbs and perennial spring blooming plants show off their flowers to advantage.

January 24, 2008

Unseasonable Thoughts

Poet J. Barrie Shepherd writes about his longing for Spring during these long winter months.

December 6, 2007

Hydrangeas

White aluminium sulphate can be added to the soil to increase acidity; it really doesn’t always work well. However, those of us with lime in our soil can grow wonderful pink, white and red flowering hydrangeas that are also rewarding.

November 22, 2007

Shrubs for All Seasons

November is a month when the wind tosses around the leaves we forgot to rake and blows them against the legs of our shrubs. As we look at November’s desolate landscape it is a good time to assess our gardens. Do we have enough evergreens to provide shelter for the birds?

October 26, 2006

Revisions in Design

This would, of course, be a major strategic shift for me as I have been trying to have something always in bloom in every bed. But maybe shifting the focus of attention could be a way of cultivating the genius of the ground.