Town & Country Gardens

Welcome to Town & Country Gardens!

2008-09-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

February gardens, around us.
For more February features, please, click on FEBRUARY, in CONTENTS section, top right side of this page.
CREDITS
Clockwise, from top left: Lettuce in the garden, Austin/USA (©adamrice/ CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), English Gardens, Regent's Park London/UK (©tonyhall / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), February's harvest, Adelaide/Australia (©donkeycart / CC BY-NC 2.0), Ostern Frühling Spring Schnee, Dresden/Germany (©Apfelherz/ CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), Ecureuil dans un jardin de Grenoble, Grenoble/France (©gelinh/ CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), Cerisier en fleur, Nantes/France (©Stéfan/ CC BY-SA 2.0)

Till Next Month,
Town & Country Gardens
Back to FEBRUARY - CONTENTS page.
References
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, M. Garofalo, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, Victoria Shaad, Wikipedia, W. D. Williams, Wikipedia

Hello & Welcome,

2008-09-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

From my garden here, in beautiful North Carolina to all the fellow gardeners in America and around the world.

Creating a garden of any type, shape or size may not necessarily be an easy task, - it is however, a most rewarding one, I find.

Regular, physical work gives that good old feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Gardens have no sell-by date;
they do not go out of fashion.
Instead, they influence individual followers and sometimes, whole generations.

As gardens mature, each season brings new highlights that stimulate senses and break down monotony of daily existence.

From the Biblical Garden of
Eden, flamboyant Hanging Gardens of Babylon, formal and spiritual gardens of Europe and Far East, through to simplest, humblest, and yet, practical kitchen patches full of tomatoes and other daily staples, - gardens are an unique way of personal expression, that defines our
cultures and civilizations.

Most of all, no matter
what they are called, gardens are made to be enjoyed not just by their creators, but by all of us, family members, friends, passers by.

Is gardening close to your heart?

Whether you already grow your own garden, or have just begun thinking of having one, one day – Town & Country Gardens forum would be delighted to have you join our company.
Why not, share thoughts, practical knowledge and stories from your garden with other like-minded souls.
Let’s grow!
-together we can make a difference.

Town & Country Gardens (TCG)

Feedback
contact.tcg.now@gmail.com
References
Find more about: Biblical Garden of Eden, from Wikipedia, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, North Carolina from North Carolina Department of Commerce, North Carolina from Wikipedia
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors:
blogger, bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, NatashaP, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Rita Crane Photography
Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W. D. Williams, Wikipedia

A Few Garden Thoughts

2008-09-19T05:22:00.000-07:00

The first thought that comes to my mind is about National Park. Could National Park be considered a garden?

Back in the early 1800s, British introduced concept of creating a National Park, but it's actually Americans who did it. Yellowstone, the first National Park had been created in 1872, and the rest as they say is history.

Today, areas of exceptional, natural beauty, protected as National Parks exist all around the world, and many of us have seen at least one such park in our lifetime.

Fauna, flora and other great assets such as natural water reserves and unique rock formations, exist side by side there.

We can call ours water, butterfly or rock garden, and only hope that the master gardener out there, - our Mother Nature would approve.

Here is my second thought:
- where flowers bloom, so does hope… (Lady Bird Johnson)

Once again, I came across this quotation, and just as I do, passing beautiful wildflowers brightening our highways, again and again, I marvel at how simplest are the most ingenious ideas.

Miss Johnson’s beautification projects, that established custom of planting flowers in cities and along highways by all States of America, belong to that category.

It may have taken president’s wife to pioneer and pass the spirit of sharing and appreciation of a flower, wild or otherwise. It is to all of us however to take up that challenge.

No patch too small; - let’s keep creating gardens whenever and wherever we can!

Last thought that comes to my mind, and certainly not the least one, is about Botanical Garden.

The very first documented one, Botanical Garden of Pisa, had been created by Luca Ghini under Cosimo Medici’s patronage, in 1544.

It introduced practice of documenting plant specimens by their occurrence, appearance and of course, individual characteristics and properties. It also made possible to see real plants from local and exotic places in one, easy to access location.

Since then, custom of studying one’s native plants, understanding their importance in our ecosystem and indeed, our own daily lives, has led us to better appreciation of floral beauty and diversity of our planet.

Nature preservation; -from herbariums, through propagation, to protection, flourished and spread from that very first botanical garden in Italy to other countries and continents around the world.

Find more about parks, gardens and wildflowers from our References, below.

Feedback
contact.tcg.now@gmail.com
References
Find out more about - parks, gardens and wildflowers:
Botanical gardens around the world, from Wikipedia, Botanical Garden of Pisa, from Wikipedia, National Parks around the world, from Wikipedia, National Parks in America, from National Parks Service, Wildflowers, from L. B. J. Wildflower Center/Texas University. If you happen to visit or live near by, -see Atlanta Botanical garden: http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org/home.do, Locate Atlanta Botanical Garden on Google maps: http://maps.google.com/maps?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4GGIC_enUS249US257&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=0,0,5301500036046990940&fb=1&split=1&dq=atlanta+botanic+garden&daddr=1345+Piedmont+Ave+NE,+Atlanta,+GA+30309&geocode=4122519537467095695,33.787760,-84.373817&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=1&ct=directions-to
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors:
banlieusardises, blogger, bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), Doug Delaney
flickr, Google Maps, Jasmine&Roses, L. B. J. Wildflower Center/ Texas University, M. Risenhoover
National Parks Service, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams, Wikipedia

Town & Country Gardens Reference A - Z

2008-08-31T12:37:00.000-07:00

A
Aconite, Winter
Adonis
Allium schoenoprasum
Allium tuberosum
American Beautyberry
American Wisteria
Anemone
Anemone Hepatica
Apple Blossom, Clematis
Apple Pancakes, Recipe
Apple Tree
Apricot Vine
April, Beautify Me, Please!
April, Consider This...
April, Contents
April, Cover Page
April, Flora Now
April, Gardener's Sources...
April Poetical
April, To Do
April, What's Cooking?
Arabis
Arum, Italian
Arum italicum
Auld Man's Bell
Auricula
Avocado, Cucumber n Lemon Grass Soup Recipe
Azalea

B
Barberry, Japanese
Basil, Classic Herbs
Basil, Propagate
Bat houses
Beautyberry (American, Japanese)
Beautify Me, Please!, April
Beautify Me, Please!, May
Bell, Wood
Bellis perennis
Berberis thunbergii
Bergenia
Bergenia cordifolia
Betula papyrifera
Bigleaf Hydrangea
Birch, White
Bird, and bat houses
Bluebells
Blue Buttons
Bone Soup
Bone Stock
Bradford Pear
Brunswick Stew

C
Callery Pear
Callicarpa (americana, japonica)
Camellia
Candied Nuts
Candied Pecans
Candleflower, Orange
Cape Jasmine
Carnation
Cauliflower, Potato & Chive Soup, Recipe
Cherry, Ornamental
Chicken Katsudon, Recipe
Chicken Liver Crostini with Sage
Chili, recipe
Chimonanthus praecox
China Pink
Chinese Chives
Chinese Leeks
Chinese Peony
Chinese Wisteria
Chives
Chives, Propagate
Christmas Rose
Classic Herbs, Basil
Classic Herbs, Garlic Chives
Classic Herbs, Onion Chives
Classic Herbs, Rosemary
Clematis
Clove Pink
Coast Silk Tassel
Common Bluebell
Common Gardenia
Common Juniper
Common Lilac
Common Pasque Flower
Common Peony
Communis, Juniperus
Consider This, May
Cookies, Gingerbread, recipe
Container Garden
Contents, January
Contents, April
Contents, May
Consider This..., April
Contents, March
Convallaria majalis
Cookies, Pecan
Cornus
Corylopsis
Cover Page, April
Cover Page, February
Cover Page, March
Cover Page, May
Cowslip
Cowslip Bush
Cranberry Drops
Creole, Shrimp
Crocus
Crown Imperial
Crown Imperial Fritillaria
Crown Imperial Lily
Cuckoo Pint
Custard Lily
Custard Pie
Custard Tart

D
Daffodils
Daisy
Dane's Blood
Daphne
Daylily
Dianthus
Dicentra spectabilis
DIY Project - Islamic Garden
DIY Project - Organic Kitchen Garden
Dogwood
Dughu Shahi
Dutchman's Trousers

E
English Bluebells
Eranthis hyemalis
Erica
Espalier, How To
Euphorbia
Events, Gardening

F
False Hellebore
February, Contents
February Cover Page
February, Flora, Now
February, Indoor Activities
February, Outdoor Tasks
February Poems
February To Do
Fishcake
Flat Chives
Flora Now, April
Flora, Now, February
Flora, Now, January
Flora Now, March
Flora Now, May
Flowering Dogwood
Flowering Moss
Flower-of-Death
Food, and sustainability
Forget-Me-Not
Forsythia
Fragrant Granadilla
Fragrant Wintersweet
French Hydrangea
Fritillaria
Fritillaria imperialis
Fritillary
Fuchsia
Funkia

G
Galanthus nivalis
Garden, Container
Garden, Parterre
Garden, Raised Beds
Garden, Row by Row
Garden Styles - Islamic Garden
Garden Thoughts
Gardener's Sources..., April
Gardeners' Tip, May
Gardenia
Gardenia augusta
Gardening, Events
Gardeners' Sources, May
Gardens around us, January
Garlic & Chive Butter, Recipe
Garlic Chives
Garrya elliptica
Gazpacho Soup Recipe
Georgian Snow Rose
Giboshi
Gingerbread Cookies, recipe
Golden Bells
Granadilla
Groundhog poem
Gwenllian laurustinus

H
Hamamelis
Hardiness Zones
Hazel, (Winter,Spike Winter, Buttercup Winter, Fragrant Winter)
Hazel, Witch
Heartleaf Bergenia
Heather, Winter Flowering
Hellebore
Helleborus
Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus
Hepatica
Herbes de Provence, Seasoning Mix
Higan Cherry
Holly
Home
Honeysuckle, Winter
Hortensia
Hosta
How to grow tomatoes in zones 4-5
Hyacinth, Common Grape
Hyacinth
Hyacinth, Wild
Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Hyacinthus orientalis
Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla

I
Ikleel Al Malik
Ilex
In the Garden, January
Iris, Winter
Iris unguicularis
Islamic Garden, DIY Project
Islamic Garden, Garden Styles
Italian Arum

J
Jack Frost, January Poem
January
January, Flora, Now
January, Contents
January gardens around us
January, In the Garden
January Morn
January Poem
January Poem, Jack Frost
January, To Do
January, To Do, Indoors
January, To Do, Outdoors
January, What's Cooking
Japanese Barberry
Japanese Beautyberry
Japanese Cherry
Japanese Wisteria
Jasminum nudiflorum
Jasmine, Winter
Juniper
Juniperus communis

K
Kaiserkrone
Kaiser's Crown
Keizerskroon
Kentucky Wisteria
Kitchen Garden Part2, How To, Layout, Types
Kitchen Garden, Organic, DIY Project

L
Ladder-to-Heaven
Lady's Eardrops
Laurestine
Lemon Dailily
Lemon Day-lily
Lemon Lily
Lenteklokje
Lenten Rose
Leucojum
Leucojum vernum
Lilac
Lily Constancy
Lily-of-the-Valley
Liverleaf
Lonicera fragrantissima
Lords-and-Ladies
Lyre Flower

M
Magnolia
Mahonia
Mahonia aquifolium
Maiden Pink
Maki Style, Sushi
Malus domestica
March Contents
March Cover Page
March, Flora Now
March Poetical
March To Do
March, What's Cooking
Marzenbacher
May
May, Beautify Me, Please!
May Bells
May, Consider This
May, Contents
May, Cover Page
May, Flora Now
May, Gardeners' Sources
May, Gardeners' Tip!
May Lily
May, New Garden Perspective?
May Poetical
Maypops
May, What's Cooking?
May, To Do
Mimosa, Poem
Mophead Hydrangea
Moss Phlox
Mountain Phlox
Mountain Grape
Mountain Rosebay
Muscari
Myosotis scorpioides
Myrtle, Creeping

N
Narcissus
New Garden Perspective?, May
New Year's Resolutions
Nuts, Candied

O
Ocimum basilicum
Onion Chives
Orange Candleflower
Oregon Grape
Organic Kitchen Garden, DIY Project
Organic Way
Oriental Cherry
Oriental garlic
Ornamental Cherry
Ornamental Pear
Our Lady's Tears
Oxlip

P
Paeonia
Paeonia lactiflora
Paeonia officinalis
Parterre Garden
Pasque Flower
Passiflora
Passionflower
Passion Flower
Passion Vine
Peach Tree
Pecan Cookies
Peony
Pecans, Candied
Periwinkle
Pesto
Phlox
Phlox stolonifera
Phlox subulata
Pie, Custard
Pie, Pumpkin
Pigsqueak
Pink
Pinks
Pistou
Plantain Lily
Poems, February
Poem, Jack Frost
Poem, January Morn
Poem, Mimosa
Poetical, April
Poetical, May
Polyanthus
Pork & Fried Egg Spring Rolls
Prawn Wontons with Garlic Chives, Recipe
Primrose
Primula
Propagate Basil
Propagate Chives
Propagate Rosemary
Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis'
Prunus persica
Pulsatilla vulgaris
Pumpkin Black Bean Soup
Pumpkin Pie
Puschkinia
Pussy Willow

Q

R
Raised Beds Garden
Recipe, Apple Pancakes
Recipe, Avocado, Cucumber n Lemon Grass Soup
Recipe, Bone Soup
Recipe, Bone Stock
Recipe, Brunswick Stew
Recipe, Candied Nuts
Recipe, Cauliflower, Potato & Chive Soup
Recipe, Chicken Katsudon
Recipe, Chili
Recipe, Gingerbread Cookies
Recipe, Cranberry Drops
Recipe, Fishcakes
Recipe, Garlic & Chive Butter
Recipe, Gazpacho Soup
Recipe, Pesto
Recipe, Pistou
Recipe, Prawn Wontons with Garlic Chives
Recipe, Pumpkin Black Bean Soup
Recipe, Pumpkin Pie
Recipe, Sesame Chicken Salad
Recipe, Shrimp Creole
Recipe, Shrimp & Lemongrass Gravy
Recipe, Sushi, Maki Style
Recipe, Thai Chicken Soup
Recipe, Vietnamese Meatballs
Recipe, Waldorf Salad
Rhododendron
Rhodora
Rock Cress
Rosebud Cherry
Rosemary
Rosemary, Propagate
Row by Row, Garden

S
Salade Paysanne
Salix discolor
Scorpion Grass
Seasoning Mix, Herbes de Provence
Semdinli Tulip
Sesame Chicken Salad
Shelair
Shrimp Creole
Shrimp & Lemongrass Gravy, Recipe
Shrimp Spring Rolls
Silk Tassel, Coast
Snowdrift
Snowdrops
Snowflake, Spring
Soup, Bone
Spiraea
Spring Poem
Spring Adonis
Spring Rolls
Spring Snowflake
Spurge
Squill, Striped
Squirrel's Corn
Stardrift, Early
Stew, Brunswick
Stock, Bone
Sushi, Maki Style
Sustainability
Sweet Basil
Sweet Breath of Spring
Sweet William
Syringa vulgaris

T
Tabbouleh
Tabbouli
Tabbula
Tabouleh
Tabouli
Taxus baccata
Thai Chicken Soup
Thoughts, Garden
To Do, April
To Do, January
To Do Indoors, January
To Do Outdoors, January
To Do, March
To Do, May
Tofu Spring Rolls
Tomatoes, how to grow in zones 4-5
True Forget-me-not
Tulip
Tulipa
Tulip Tree

U
Useful material, wine crates

V
Valentine's PoemsVenus' Car
Viburnum tinus
Vietnamese Meatballs, Recipe
Vietnamese Style, Spring Rolls
Vinca
Viola odorata
Violet

W
Waldorf Salad
Water Forget-Me-Not
Water Scorpion Grass
Welcome Message
What's Cooking?, April
What's Cooking, February
What's Cooking, January
What's Cooking, March
What's Cooking?, May
White Birch
Wild Passionflower
Willow, Pussy
Windflower
Wine crates, useful material
Winter Aconite
Winter Cherry
Winter Flowering Heather
Winterhazel
Winter Honeysuckle
Winter Iris
Winter Jasmine
Wintersweet, Fragrant
Wisteria
Wisteria floribunda
Wisteria frutescens
Wisteria macrostachya
Wisteria sinensis
Witch Hazel
Wood Bell
Wort, Liver, Kidney, Penny
Written in March

X

Y
Yellow Dailily
Yellow Day-lily
Yew
Yuki-Yanigi

Z
Zhi Zi
Zones, Hardiness

Hardiness Zones

2008-08-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

Perhaps, apart from wire grass and other common weeds, most plants require certain climatic conditions to be able to survive and do their best.

Here, in America we have a system that helps gardeners find plants suitable for their local climatic conditions. It is called Hardiness Zone Map. It divides North American territory into areas with common, average minimum temperatures.

Accordingly, plants available in nurseries and described in gardening books, are also labeled with their growing requirements as suitable for a particular zone.

It is not a perfect system due to lack of indication of average maximum temperatures a plant will tolerate. But, all the same, it is a helpful guide, easy to obtain, and use as reference to identify particular area or plant growing prospects.

To identify your local hardiness zone, find your area's average minimum temperature, and see in which below category (zone) does apply.

ZONE _1 – avg. min. temp. (below -46°C) or (-50°F)
ZONE _2 – avg. min. temp. (between -46° to -40°C) or (-50° to - 40°F)
ZONE _3 – avg. min. temp. (between -46° to -40°C) or (-50° to - 40°F)
ZONE _4 – avg. min. temp. (between -46° to -40°C) or (-50° to - 40°F)
ZONE _5 – avg. min. temp. (between -46° to -40°C) or (-50° to - 40°F)
ZONE _6 – avg. min. temp. (between -46° to -40°C) or (-50° to - 40°F)
ZONE _7 – avg. min. temp. (between -46° to -40°C) or (-50° to - 40°F)
ZONE _8 – avg. min. temp. (between -46° to -40°C) or (-50° to - 40°F)
ZONE _9 – avg. min. temp. (between -46° to -40°C) or (-50° to - 40°F)
ZONE 10 – avg. min. temp. (between -46° to -40°C) or (-50° to - 40°F)
ZONE 11 – avg. min. temp. (between -46° to -40°C) or (-50° to - 40°F)

These zone classifications, where relevant, will feature in Town & Country Gardens postings.

Please, look at our References section, below. It features graphical illustration of hardiness zones in America and around the world.

Feedback
contact.tcg.now@gmail.com
References
Look at the graphical illustration of hardiness zones in America and other parts of the world: Africa, Australia, China, Europe, Japan, New Zeland, South Africa, South America, USA & North America
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors:
Aboc-sha, Co., Australian Government, Dept. of the Environment,Water, Heritage and the Arts, blogger, bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, backyardgardener, jelitto, pacificbulbsociety, richters, iVillage & gardenweb, Jasmine&Roses, liddlewonder, NIWA Shane Kelley/Kelley Graphics, The United States National Arboretum/USDA, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, USDA, W. D. Williams, Wikipedia

Upcoming Gardening Events...

2008-08-30T10:28:00.002-07:00

LET US KNOW ABOUT GARDENING EVENTS IN YOUR AREA!
Send your information to Town & Country Gardens (contact.tcg.now@gmail.com) and promote your gardening community, free of charge!
We will keep updating this page, throughout the year.

AUSTRALIA
Silvan, Melbourne, Victoria,(Tesselaar Tulip Festival, Sept. 15-Oct.13, 2011)
BELGIUM
Brussels,(Flower Carpet)
Brussels, (Royal Greenhouses Open to the Public)(April, 16 - May, 8, 2011).
Meise, National Botanic Garden of Belgium (Variety of Events)
Seneffe, (Tapis de Fleur )(Aug.26-28, 2011).
Tournai, (Big Annual Flower Market).
CANADA
VanDusen Botanical Gardens, Vancouver, BC (map) (Variety of Events)
FRANCE
Villandry, Chateau Villandry (map)(Variety of Events)
Villandry, Chateau Villandry (map)(The Vegetable Garden Weekend)
HOLLAND
Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, Holland (map) (Keukenhof Gardens
IRELAND
National Botanic Gardens of Ireland (variety of events)
JAPAN
Tokyo, (See Tokyo Flower Calendar, for displays) (source: Tokyo Metropolitan Parks Association)
Tokyo,(Variety of Events) (source: Showa Kinen Park)
Tokyo, (Historical Park, see any time! ) (source: Tokyo Metropolitan Parks Association)
Tokyo, (Historical Park, see any time! ) (source: Tokyo Metropolitan Parks Association).
UNITED KINGDOM
Country-wide, (Variety of Events by National Trust)
London, (RHS February London Flower Show).
London, (RHS Chelsea Flower Show).
Cardiff, (RHS Flower Show)
Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire, UK (map)(Variety of events)
Chelsworth, Suffolk, UK (Chelsworth Open Gardens), .
Birmingham, (BBC Gardeners’ World).
Hampton Court, (Hampton Court Palace Flower Show).
Tatton Park, (RHS Show Tatton Park).
Sandringham, (Sandringham Flower Show).
Sissinghurst, Kent, UK, (map) (Variety of Events)
Knowlesley, (Knowsley Flower Show).
Malvern Spring, (Malvern Spring Gardening Show)
USA
Country-wide, (Variety of Events).
Alabama, (Variety of Events).
Arizona, Chihuly - Desert Botanical Garden (Variety of Events)
DC, Washington, Smithsonian - Horticulture Services Division (Variety of Events)
DC, Washington, US Botanic Garden - (Variety of Events)
Florida, Homestead, Redland International Orchid Festival(Orchid Sale & Show).
Georgia, Atlanta Botanic Garden (Variety of Events).
Illinois, Lisle, The Morton Arboretum (Variety of Events)
Mississippi, Jackson (American Daffodil Society Convention)
New Jersey, Edison, (New Jersey Flower & Garden Show).
New York, Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Variety of Events)
New York, New York Botanic Garden (Variety of Events).
North Carolina, Duke Gardens, Durham (Variety of Events).
North Carolina, (Variety of Events).
North Carolina, Greensboro, Greensboro Farmers Market, (Herb Festival).
Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, (Pennsylvania Garden Expo).
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Philadelphia Flower Show).
Tennessee, Memphis, Memphis Botanic Garden(Variety of Events)
Tennessee, Nashville, The Annunal Nashville Lawn & Garden Show).
Texas, Austin, (Heart O' Texas Orchid Society's Annual Orchid Show & Sale).
Virginia, Richmond, (Maymont Flower & Garden Show).
Washington, Bellevue Botanical Garden (map) Variety of Events
West Coast, (Variety of Events) (source: Pacific Horticulture).
Feedback
contact.tcg.now@gmail.com
References
Special Thanks
Special thanks to these Town & Country Gardens contributors:
AHS, Alabama Tourism Department, Belgian Tourist Office in the Americas and GlobeScope, bulabean, Chateau Villandry, Chatsworth House, dive-angel (Karin), Google Maps, Heart O'Texas Orchid Society, Herbal Thyme Herb Guild, Journal Publicationa Inc, Keukenhof Gardens, MAC Events LLC, Nashville Garden Show, NC Dept. of Commerce, Tourism Division, Pacific Horticulture, Philadelphia Flower Show
RHS, Rita Crane Photography, Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane.
Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., Tesselaar, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society,

January Contents

2008-01-29T10:31:00.000-08:00

JANUARY GARDENS AROUND US
JANUARY POETICAL
JACK FROST
BEST NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
FOOD & SUSTAINABILITY
IN THE GARDEN
BIRD & BAT HOUSES
JANUARY TO DO
FLORA, NOW
ISLAMIC GARDENS
D.I.Y. PROJECT
WINE CRATES, USEFUL MATERIAL
WHAT'S COOKING?
References
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Helga Kopp, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane.
Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams

January Poem....

2008-01-29T10:30:00.000-08:00

The door was shut, as doors should be,
Before you went to bed last night;
Yet Jack Frost has got in, you see,
And left your window silver white.

He must have waited till you slept;
And not a single word he spoke,
But pencilled o'er the panes and crept
Away again before you woke.

And now you cannot see the hills
Nor fields that stretch beyond the lane;
But there are fairer things than these
His fingers traced on every pane.
-Gabriel Setoun, Jack Frost

Go back to JANUARY CONTENTS page

Feedback
contact.tcg.now@gmail.com
References
See more of January themed poems and quotations, compiled by Michael P. Garofalo: http://www.egreenway.com/months/monjan.htm
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors:
blogger, bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), flickr
Jasmine&Roses, Linda6769, Michael P. Garofalo, Rita Crane Photography, Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website.
TMR Davies, W.D. Williams, Wikipedia

In the Garden...

2008-01-29T10:28:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Christmas and New Year’s festivities behind; -here comes January, with a new chapter in our lives, and in our gardens.

I love January. Most days, I like to wrap up, go, and breathe fresh Winter air, outside. I did it as long as I can remember.

My childhood walks used to be in the world of curiosity, fun, and fantasy. Each outing, felt like a major life event, then. I enjoyed marking freshly fallen snow with my footsteps, all going in strange directions. I looked for animal footprints, tried to identify birds I came across, and most of all, dreamt of being an explorer in a new land, - nameless, cold and remote.

A few Winters have passed since then . . . I still like watching for signs of snow, and wildlife. Deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, occasional coyote; blue jays, robins, doves, snowbirds, bluebirds and Canadian geese can all be seen here, in North Carolina, in January.

I also like exploring. New area of my exploration is small, yet close. It's called Our Garden. I enjoy seeing daily changes that occur there, and record brief, unique moments in its life with my camera. Most of the time, I just like to look at my plants and see what needs pruning, what looks sick or simply overwhelmed with last night's acts of nature, such as ice. All these reasons, do make my visits not just pleasurable but plain necessary, too.

Our January garden can be quite an uplifting experience, I find.

Started in the Fall, kitchen garden section, does rather well in the middle of Winter. It is located just outside our kitchen windows, convenient to access any time, any day.

We harvest greens such as broccoli, spinach, parsley, onion tops, sorrel, radishes, cabbages, kale, and love to make them into salads.

From gardener's perspective, Winter gardening, in North Carolina (we are in zone 7 (1)) is actually more manageable and rewarding than the Summer one.

We hardly bother to water the soil, there are no bugs to worry about or to ruin the crop, and the greens we pick, do grow greener, fresher and healthier.

Some of the frames we used for growing Summer crop are now left to rest and recover. We covered them with lots of mulch. As they become available, we bury organic kitchen waste, and add some clean wood ashes, to help break down the mulch and condition the soil, in time, for the next season's planting.

All busy, busy, busy, and that's just the beginning!

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(1) Find out more about Hardiness Zones
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January To Do

2008-01-29T10:26:00.000-08:00

INDOORS
OUTDOORS

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Linderhof, Locate Linderhof Palace
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Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., Stacy Borden, Stacy Borden, Stacy Borden, TMR Davies, W.D. Williams, WVJazzman, Wikipedia

January To Do - Indoors

2008-01-29T10:23:00.000-08:00

January is really great, when it comes to enjoying comforts of home, and spectacular Winter scenery outside.

It is also good for reflecting on gardening "ups" and "downs", one experienced last season.

Turn these "lessons learnt" from knowledge that came into wisdom that lingers (1), and use it constructively in better garden management, during new growing season.

Get prepared; draft your own To Do list, based on these personal observations. Here, is Town & Country Gardens', January indoor activities selection, for your consideration and benefit.

January To Do...
* Mark gardening events in your calendar.
* Start garden journal.
* Read recent gardening books, and blogs.
* Order seeds, and bare-root plants.
* Plant more flower bulbs for home decoration.
* Prune "leggy" looking plants, such as geraniums, root the cuttings.
* Divide and re-pot plants that need more growing space.
* Prepare meal with produce preserved or freshly harvested from your garden.
* Start container herb garden.
* Make birdhouses, and other garden inspired, projects.
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(1) This thought has been inspired by Alfred Lord Tennyson, who said "knowledge comes, wisdom lingers: http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/27584.html

January To Do - Outdoors

2008-01-29T10:22:00.000-08:00

Despite of some misconceptions, there is actually plenty to do in a garden, in January.

Some things may seem obvious; broken equipment in need of repair, missing tools that must be replaced, -the list could probably go on, and on. On the other hand, there is another category of garden "to dos" that becomes
apparent only during one's daily, on-site inspections.

Whether it's stormy, snowy, or wet; -no matter where you live, see your plants often. Keep in shape, and take frequent walks. They will be good for you and for your garden. Observe your plants grow and see if there are any early signs of trouble that need addressing. See Town & Country Gardens' January TO DO below.
January To Do...
* Clean, repair (or replace) garden tools & equipment.
* Tidy your greenhouse.
* Prune (2) Muscadine (and other) vines, fruit trees (apple, pear, plum, avocado), fruit shrubs (blueberry, currant, gooseberry), and Summer flowering ones, e.g. roses.
* Test and condition the soil
* If diseased, spray or prune your plants .
* Mulch garden to stop frost bites.
* Minimize plant damage , shake off heavy snow.
* Plant (1) bare-root trees, shrubs and vines.
* Prune (2) Japanese maples, ornamental grasses, evergreens (3).
* Use wood ashes to condition your garden soil (4)
Plant these in NC
(1) this of course can be done, as soon as you can work the soil.
(2) Concentrate on removing growth that is dead, dying or diseased, before doing aesthetics.
(3) Pruning evergreens is not really necessary, unless one wishes to achieve a better, more compact shape.
(4) Moderate use of wood ashes will condition the soil with potassium, phosphorus and other nutrients. It will also neutralize acidic soils, which is great for some plants. Woodland plants, such as rhododendron, blueberry, juniper, mountain laurel, heather, azalea, holly, etc., do actually like acidic soil, so please avoid putting wood ashes next to these plants.

Caution
Ashes from any treated wood are not suitable, because they may contaminate soil and plants with heavy metals and other harmful components. Use untreated wood ashes, only.

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Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams

January - Flora, Now....

2008-01-29T10:20:00.000-08:00

Nature has undoubtedly mastered the art of winter gardening and even the most experienced gardener can learn from the unrestrained beauty around them (V. A. Simeone)
BEAUTYBERRY
COAST SILK TASSEL
CHRISTMAS ROSE
CROCUS
FRAGRANT WINTERSWEET
HOLLY
JAPANESE BARBERRY
SNOWDROPS
VIBURNUM
WHITE BIRCH
WINTER ACONITE
WINTER FLOWERING HEATHER
WINTER HONEYSUCKLE
WINTER IRIS
WINTER JASMINE
WITCH HAZEL
YEW
JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS FROM L.B. Johnson's Wildflower Center

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blogger, bulabean, ccullen222. Have a look at his Chelsworth Open Gardens website.- "first village to open its gardens, going for over 40 years, supposed to be prettiest village in England....(all for charity of course)". Make plans to see it. It's for good cause, and great fun, no doubt!, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, L. B. J. Wildflower Center/Texas University, Rita Crane Photography, Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams

What's Cooking?

2008-01-29T10:05:00.000-08:00

CHILI
BONE SOUP & STOCK
BRUNSWICK STEW
GINGERBREAD COOKIES
CANDIED NUTS
SUSHI, MAKI STYLE
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Berberis

2008-01-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
Origins
Native to Asia & Japan.
Type
Perennial (deciduous).
Hardiness (see References, below)
Zones 4 - 8.
Bloom
Spring, Summer.
Fruit
Late Summer, Fall, Winter.
Height
2 - 8 ft (0.6 - 2.5 m).
Cultivation
Sun or shade, most soils, very adaptable. Prune in late Winter.
Propagation
From seeds or by tip cuttings.

Other
Great woodland garden/shady garden plant. It's leaves and berries are edible. Berries, rich in vitamin C, can be used to make jellies and candies; leaves, are sometimes used as tea.

This attractive shrub can be a vigorous grower. Indeed, some consider it an invasive weed, these days. See your state regulations before planting.

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Betula

2008-01-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

White Birch - (Betula papyrifera)

Origins
Native to North America.
Type
Perennial (deciduous).
Hardiness (see References, below
Zones 2 - 6.
Bloom
Spring, Summer.
Fruit
Fall, Winter.
Height
65 ft (20 m).
Cultivation
Full sun, well drained, acidic, moist soil.
Propagation
From seeds (not reliable) or by tip cuttings.
Other
Attractive, flaking white bark. American Indians used it as writing, and canoe covering material. Prune in dormant season when the sap is not flowing.
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Callicarpa

2008-01-28T10:25:00.000-08:00

Beautyberry (Callicarpa)
Origins
Native to Americas, Asia, Australia.
Type
Perennial (deciduous).
Hardiness (see References, below) Zones 5 - 10.
Bloom
Spring, Early Summer.
Fruit
Summer, Fall, Winter,
Early Spring.
Height
4 - 6 ft (1.2 - 1.8m).
Cultivation
Full sun/ partial shade, average water needs. For abundant berries, cut back annually.
Propagation
Easy; by layering, seeds or often by tip cuttings. Remove bottom leaves dip in root hormone and place in light sandy soil. Keep sheltered and water frequently.

Other:
Please note, not all of these Beautyberries are frost hardy in zones 5 - 10. Avoid disappointment and check particular variety for its hardiness requirements before acquiring it.

Attracts birds, particularly Northern Bobwhites.
White berry variety: C. america var. lectea:

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Chimonanthus

2008-01-28T10:15:00.000-08:00

Fragrant Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox)

Origins
Native to East Asia.
Type
Perennial (deciduous).
Hardiness (see References, below)
Zones 6 - 9.
Bloom
Winter, Early Spring.
Height
10 - 15 ft (3 - 4.5 m).
Cultivation
Sun or partial shade, rich, well-drained soil, average water needs. Pruning is not necessary. However, if you wish to grow it as a compact shrub, cut branches back to about 10-12 inches above the ground in late Winter, after flowering.
Propagation
By seed or cuttings (take these in Summer).

Other
Fragrant blooms!

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blogger, bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Keyecsc. Great looking plant, above, had been grown and photographed by Keyecsc. Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., W.D. Williams, Wikipedia

Crocus

2008-01-28T10:05:00.000-08:00

Crocus (Crocus)
Origins
Native to Europe, North Africa, Middle East, Asia.
Type
Perennial (herbaceous).
Hardiness(see References, below) Zones 4 - 8.
Bloom
Winter, Spring.
Height
2 - 4 in (5 - 10 cm).
Cultivation
Full sun, rich, well-drained soil.
Propagation
By offsets removed from parent bulb after flowering, in late Spring.

Other
Most famous in this family, Crocus sativus, is a source of the world's most expensive spice, saffron (made of dried stigmas of the flower).

Apart from culinary uses, crocus has long been established as a medicinal plant in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It is believed to be a good remedy for improving liver function and in menstrual problems. It is also used as a colorant in various foods and drinks.

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Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., W.D. Williams, Wikipedia

Eranthis

2008-01-28T10:03:00.000-08:00

Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis)
Origins
Native to Europe, Asia, Japan.
Type
Perennial (herbaceous).
Hardiness(see References, below)
Zones 4 - 8.
Bloom
Winter, early Spring.
Height
4 - 6 in (10 - 15 cm).
Cultivation
Sun or partial shade. Moist soil.
Propagation
By division of clumps, after flowering and before their leaves fall.

Other
Perfect woodland garden plant, particularly around the deciduous trees.

CAUTION - All parts (including seeds) of aconite are poisonous, grow for ornamental displays, only.

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Erica

2008-01-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

Winter Flowering Heather (Erica)

Other Names
Heather.
Origins
Native to Asia, America, Europe, North Africa.
Type
Perennial (evergreen).
Hardiness(see References, below)
Zones 4 - 7.
Bloom
Fall, Winter, Spring.
Height - 5 - 8 in (12 - 20 cm).
Cultivation - Sun or partial shade, well drained soil, average water needs. Prune in late Spring, after flowering.
Propagation - By layering or by cuttings (take these in mid-late Summer).

Other
Perfect woodland and ground cover plant. It has long been used in traditional medicine for colds, diarrhea and urinary problems. Flowers are used in flavoring teas, whiskey, liqueurs, desserts and honey.
Do not use it during pregnancy.

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Galanthus

2008-01-28T09:25:00.000-08:00

Common Snowdrop(Galanthus nivalis)
Origins
Europe, Asia Minor.
Type
Perennial (herbaceous).
Hardiness (see References, below)
Zones 4 - 7.
Blooms
January, February, March.
Height
Up to 9 in (20 cm). Cultivation
Full or partial sun, average water needs. Snowdrops like sun in Winter, and shade during Summer months. Try planting them around deciduous (leafy) trees to provide well for these needs. In addition, their fallen leaves, will also keep Snowdrop bulbs moist, sheltered and thriving.
Propagation
By division of bulb offsets. Plant late Summer or early
Fall. Snowdrops bulbs like being moist not dry, and will do best planted immediately after acquisition.

Often referred to as Harbingers of Spring, Snowdrops create spectacular displays, year after year!

A great Winter highlight in any, not just woodland style garden. For unspoiled, snow white blooms, try inter planting them with creeping thyme or other evergreen ground covers.

Caution
Bulbs are toxic.
For fragrance, try these varieties:
Galanthus Brenda Troyle
Galanthus S. Arnott

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Garrya

2008-01-28T09:15:00.001-08:00

Coast Silk Tassel (Garrya elliptica)
Origins
Native to West Coast of North America.
Type
Perennial (evergreen).
Hardiness (see References, below) Zones 7 - 10.
Bloom
Late Fall, Winter.
Height
8 ft (2.5 m).
Cultivation
Sun, partial shade or full shade.
It will tolerate most well-drained soils. Prune in Spring, if necessary.
Propagation
By seed (you will need male and female plants to get seeds), by layering or by cuttings (take these in Summer).

Other
Perfect for coastal gardens. A xeriscape (drought resistant) plant.

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Hamamelis

2008-01-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
Origins
Native to North America, Europe, East Asia.
Type
Perennial (deciduous).
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zones 4 - 9.
Bloom
Fall, Winter.
Height
Approx. 50 ft (15 m).
Cultivation
Rich, moist soil. Sun or partial shade. Cut-back after blooming time.
Propagation
From seeds (germination takes years), or by division of suckers.

Other
Witch Hazel produces highly ornamental and fragrant blooms.
Its essence was, and still is used in remedies for bruises, sore muscles, inflammations, in form of eye drops, skin creams, and other products widely available in pharmacies .

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Helleborus

2008-01-28T08:25:00.001-08:00

Hellebore (Helleborus)
Other Names
Christmas Rose, Lenten Rose, Helleborus.
Origins
Native to Europe, Mediterranean, Turkey, Caucasus. Some species can be found in China and Syria.
Type
Perennial (evergreen).
Hardiness
(see References, below)
Zones 3 - 9.
Blooms
December, January, February, March, April.
Height
2 - 8 in (5 - 20 cm).
Cultivation
Partial or full shade. Moist alkaline or clay soils.
Propagation
From seeds or by division. Hellebore plant may take a little time to get settled, but when it does it will start self-propagating.
Other
In the past, various parts of the plant had been used to make remedies to treat mental disorders. These days, it is found medicinally useful in treating some heart conditions.

Caution
Hellebore is toxic, - please, use it as a garden accent, only.
It is not suitable for making your own home-made remedies.

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Ilex

2008-01-28T08:23:00.002-08:00

Holly (Ilex)
Origins
Native to Africa, Americas, Asia & Europe.
Type
Perennial (evergreen).
Hardiness(see References, below)
Zones 6 - 9.
Bloom
Spring.
Fruit - Fall, Winter.
Height - Up to 65 ft (20 m).
Cultivation - Sun or partial shade, rich, moist, well-drained soil. Prune in Spring.
Propagation - By seed or by cuttings (take these in Summer).

Other - Perfect for hedging. Leaves have long been used in remedies for fever, constipation and other ailments. In South America, roasted leaves of Holly are often brewed as tea.

CAUTION
Do not eat berries, - they are harmful.

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Iris

2008-01-28T08:22:00.000-08:00

Winter Iris
(Iris unguicularis)
Origins
Native to Mediterranean countries of Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa.
Type
Perennial (herbaceous).
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zones 7 - 9.
Bloom
Winter, Spring.
Height
Approx. 6 in (15 cm).
Cultivation
Easy to grow. Full sun, most soils, average water needs.
Propagation
By rhizome division.
Other
Produces clamps of attractive blooms in Winter and early Spring.

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Jasminum

2008-01-28T08:20:00.001-08:00

Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
Origins
Native to China.
Type
Perennial (deciduous).
Hardiness (see References, below)
Zones 6 - 10.
Bloom
Fall, Winter, Spring.
Height
Up to 10 ft (3 m).
Cultivation
Sun or partial shade. Average soil and water needs.
Propagation - By cuttings or by layering.
Other - Very fragrant blooms. Good for screening.

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Lonicera

2008-01-28T08:17:00.001-08:00

Winter Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima)

Other Names
Sweet Breath of Spring.
Origins
Native to Far East.
Type
Perennial (evergreen in warmer, deciduous in cooler climates).
Hardiness(see References, below)
Zones 4 - 9.
Bloom - Winter. Fruit - Summer. Height - Up to 8 ft (2.5 m).
Cultivation - Sun or partial shade. Most soils.
Propagation - By seeds or by tip cuttings (take these in Summer).
Other - Very fragrant blooms. Good for screening.

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Viburnum

2008-01-28T08:15:00.000-08:00

Viburnum (Viburnum tinus)
Other Names
Gwenllian laurustinus, Laurestine.
Origins
Native to Mediterranean, Azores, and Canary Islands, Europe.
Type
Perennial (evergreen).
Hardiness (see References, below) Zones 7 - 10.
Bloom
Winter.
Height
Approx. 11.5 ft (3.5m).
Cultivation
Full sun or partial shade. Tolerates most soils.
Propagation
Seeds or tip cuttings. Cuttings easier and faster, -take these in July or August.

Other
Fast growing shrub, valued for its fragrance and beautiful Winter blooms and foliage.

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References
Find more about: Viburnum from Wikipedia, Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors:
Anne Miek Bibber, Beyondis, blogger, bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, MantisXxl, Sóller Botanic Garden (Spain), Sóller Botanic Garden (Spain), Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., W. D. Williams, Wikipedia

Taxus

2008-01-28T07:25:00.000-08:00

Yew (Taxus baccata)
Origins
Native to Europe, North West Africa & South West Asia.
Type
Perennial (evergreen).
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zone 6.
Fruit
Fall, Winter.
Height - Approx. 32 - 65 ft (10 - 20 m).
Cultivation - Sun or shade, well drained soil.
Propagation - By seeds (not recommended; -it may take several years for a seed to germinate) or by tip cuttings.
Other - Seeds attract birds, especially waxwings and thrushes. Yews are perfect for hedges, topiaries and year-round interest. Because they are toxic, they are pretty much deer and other animals resistant.
Caution
This magnificent looking conifer is toxic, particularly its foliage (fresh or dry), and it had been recorded that ancient European warriors chose to poison themselves with yew rather than surrender to the enemy. These days, yew extract is used more constructively in medicine, -to treat cancers, gout, arthritic and urinary problems by professionals. Please, do not use it as a home-made remedy.

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References - Find more about: Yew trees from Wikipedia, Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors:
blogger, bulabean, David Shand, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., W. D. Williams, Wikipedia

Garden Styles - Islamic Garden

2008-01-27T02:05:00.001-08:00

Faith and geography, are probably the two, most significant factors in Islamic Garden design.
Refuge from hot, sunny and dry weather, -Islamic garden expresses perception of heavenly life and its comfort. Orderly, yet comfortable environment, it is created by clever usage of clean, man made structures, classic layout and elaborate planting approach.
In its simplest form, Islamic garden is of rectangular shape, surrounded either by wall or house, boldly separating it from the world outside. Inside, irrigation channels, enable water flow into the garden, sustain its life and feed centrally placed fountain or other type of water reservoir. They also divide the garden into smaller symmetrical sections, all in simple, geometrical shapes.
Layout, water and walled exterior are thus pivotal in Islamic garden design.
Plants bring final completeness to these gardens. Spear-like cypresses and ground covers, create perfect, year round canvas for highlighting seasonal horticultural displays.
Trees, such as dates, olives and almonds bring fruit and shade. Flowers provide finishing touch with their fragrance and eye pleasing beauty.
Sometimes referred to as Paradise Gardens on Earth, Islamic gardens became inspiration to artists and gardeners alike. Today, they still hold strong appeal and prove an asset, a safe haven, to enjoy nature, family, friends, and most of all, - one's good fortune.
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References
Find more about Famous Islamic Gardens in:
India (Shalimar Gardens (Srinagar), Taj Mahal (Agra)), Pakistan ( Shalimar Gardens (Lahore)), Spain (Alhambra & Generalife Gardens), Islamic Gardens
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to these Town & Country Gardens Contributors:
Arch Net Digital Library, blogger, bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, MizieB, Rita Crane Photography, Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., Sir Cam, TravellingInSpain, TMR Davies, W. D. Williams, Wikipedia

DIY Project: Islamic Garden

2008-01-27T01:05:00.000-08:00

Comfort and privacy, so often found in Islamic gardens, hold strong appeal not just to Muslims, but also to people of many different religious orientations these days. From large to the smallest backyard sized one, any garden could easily be transformed into an Islamic style garden. Below, are a few simple implementation steps.
(1) Begin with designating a flat, rectangular shaped area in your garden. Clean and level the ground. Test and condition the soil.

(2) Choose water feature (2.1) and install it in the center of the designated garden area. A simple pool or fountain will be perfectly fine.

If water channels are not easy to implement, use some cool, paving stones or gravel to create walking paths (2.2) and divide garden sections, instead.

(3) Erect walled (3.1) garden boundary. If your new garden area happens to be in your backyard with fence and house enclosing it, -then, this is all
you need! If not, - consider framing it with a high, fast growing evergreen hedge such as Leyland Cypress. Lattice like walls covered with ivy or other climber could also be a good alternative.

If you like, -try something less formal. Build a shorter 2 or 3 ft high wall, that will still define the boundary, and also enable you to enjoy better view
over your new garden, - whether from the house or other parts of your garden.

(4) Make flower beds (4.1). Simple geometrical shapes such as squares, rectangles or triangles, placed symmetrically are of crucial consideration. I found, these herbs and flowers, were a popular choice in Islamic gardens: anemones, bluebells,
chamomile, colchicum, coriander, cornflowers, crocuses, cumin, daffodils, elecampane, geraniums, hyacinths, hollyhocks, irises, jasmine, lavender, lilies, love-in-the-mist, Madonna lily, mallow, marjoram, marshmallow, mint, mugwort, narcissus, night scented stocks, poppies, roses, rosemary, rue, saffron, southernwood, thyme, tobacco flowers, tulips, violets, wallflowers.

Please remember; - before you make any selection, check that your choice flowers are suitable for propagation in your climatic (hardiness) zone.

(5) Plant tall, evergreens such as Italian cypress ones, along the pathways. They will create vertical points of interest, as well as the feeling of order and tidiness. Islamic gardens are neat; -random planting would therefore be out of place. Position your trees at the same distance, and symmetrically, along the garden dividing paths or water channels (5.1).

Here, in North Carolina, we happen to have abundance of cedars. I think they will make perfect choice for my garden. They are fragrant, fast growing evergreens and they are ideal for using as a topiary of any size or shape, including tall column-like ones. Since they grow everywhere, they are easy to acquire, - and free of charge!

(6) Plant trees along the walls. They will bring shade, fruit and blooms to enjoy throughout the year (6.1). Here, are a few examples of trees and shrubs good to include: Almond, Apple, Apricot, Banana, Cherry, Conifers, Cypress, Date, Fig, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Myrtle, Mulberry, Oleander, Olive, Orange, Plane Tree (oriental or other), Pear, Plum, Pomegranate, Willow. Selection, as you see, is rather broad, and easy to meet any needs, be it climatic conditions or personal taste and preferences.

(7) Choose and plant the ground cover. Grass and clover are often mentioned as suitable ones, and you might like to follow this traditional approach. Of course, these days, we are blessed with other alternative, -if not better options. These might include dwarf Mondo grass (no need to mow it!), Irish (or other type) moss, or “walk on me” creepers, such as thyme. These, are all good alternatives, to add to your garden. They are also frequently easier to maintain than grass or clover.

(8) Last but not least, - place some comfortable seating under the trees; -time to rest and surround yourself with beauty, fragrance and peace of your own Paradise Garden.

Final Thought As usual, and as with most ventures (not just horticultural ones), please remember: small is beautiful! -Islamic gardens are scalable. Establish a most simple layout and as you get confident with the maintenance, add new garden areas, or as they are sometimes referred to as “garden courtyards”, following the same, garden design principles.

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References
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to these Town & Country Gardens Contributors:
blogger, bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography, Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W. D. Williams

Brunswick Stew

2008-01-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

Winter favorites are often hearty meals, such as Brunswick Stew.
Here, in Virginia and North Carolina, -it is one of the seasonal staples. From Fall, and all through the Winter, Brunswick Stew happens to be the meal one makes, - be it to feed family or raise money for local Fire Department.

Like with other, extremely popular dishes, recipes vary from home to home. Chicken, venison, turkey, sometimes pork, rabbit and even squirrel can all be used in Brunswick Stew, depending on local area's preferences.In our case, we love to use our own home canned tomatoes. Home comfort food at its best, easy to make and delicious. Recipe below, calls for cooked, leftover turkey meat.

Ingredients - (Makes 22 cups of stew).
5 cups turkey meat, cooked and cut into medium sized chunks,
2 cups celery stalks, chopped,
1 onion, chopped,
4 cups tomatoes (canned), chopped,
4 cups Lima beans,
2 (15 ½ oz.) cans of cream style corn,
4 cups potatoes, washed, peeled, and cubed,
3 bay leaves,
1 Tbsp olive oil,
8 cups stock (see Bone Soup & Stock),
1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped,
salt, pepper to taste,

Method
(1) Warm olive oil and begin sauteing by adding onions. Let them sweat for a few minutes, then add potatoes, Lima beans, tomatoes and parsley.
(2) Cover the vegetables with stock and simmer for about 30-40 minutes.
(3) Add turkey meat and cream style corn to the stew. Bring to boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for a little longer.
(4) Season, cool, refrigerate.

Please, note: - it is not customary to serve stew the same day, it was cooked. As grandma used to put it, -it improves with age. Best serve it the following day (after it's been refrigerated over night, first).

SERVING
Re-heat desired portions, and serve with cheese crackers, garlic bread, salad, etc., and freeze rest of the batch for future use.

Other Notes
(1) If you are not familiar with cups, assume an empty, 15 ½ oz. size can to have 2 cups capacity (1 cup=8oz.)

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References
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors:
blogger, bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W. D. Williams

Bone Soup & Stock....

2008-01-25T08:05:00.000-08:00

Some of you may have heard the Stone Soup Story; -we have a Bone Soup home tradition.
Ours, happens to be household of committed turkey eaters. We like it because it's healthy, tasty and economical; -one turkey can go a long, long way.
Well, it all begins with roasted turkey, eaten hot, then cold, and then, when we simply cannot manage another cut, we usually decide it's time to make Bone Soup!
Good soup must have good stock, and good stock needs bones. Roasted turkey bones, make very flavorsome stock. Once the stock is ready, we like to proceed and make Bone Soup, and just as in Stone Soup story, our Bone Soup's ingredients may differ, because we like to utilise ingredients we already have. Carrots, celery, garlic, sometimes mushrooms, broccoli, or for extra flavor, even tomato juice we made in the summer, will all at some point feature. It's always handy to have a nice cup of soup waiting whenever one fancies one. Here is how you do it.
BONE SOUP STOCK (Makes about 16-20 cups)
(1) Remove, all meat, dice and reserve it for future use.
(2) Put bones, and any jellied juices left from roasting into a stock pot.
(3) Cover the bones with cold water.
(4) Add 2 or 3 bay leaves. If you wish, you may add other seasonings, such as peppercorns, thyme, carrot or onion. However, I find leftover turkey already flavorsome enough, as it is.
(5) Put your stock pot on the stove and bring it to boil, and as it begins to, -reduce temperature to simmer and leave it uncovered for about 1 hour.
(6) Remove from the heat and let it cool a little, then remove bones and sieve the stock through a cheese cloth to remove any impurities.
(7) Freeze the stock for later, or use it straight away to make Bone Soup.
BONE SOUP
Ingredients - (Makes about 10 cups of soup).
1 medium size onion, peeled and finely chopped,
1 cup (about 3) celery stalks, thinly sliced,
10 garlic cloves (about 1 head) peeled and finely sliced crosswise,
1 cup (about 3 medium) carrots, sliced or chopped,
1 cup (about 6 medium) mushrooms (white or brown, fresh or dried, cleaned and sliced,
1 cup cooked turkey meat leftovers, cut into small chunks,
Fresh ginger, peeled and cut into matchsticks for garnish,
Onion chives or any other herb, you happen to have handy to use as garnish,
1 Tbsp olive oil,
Salt & Pepper.
Method
(1) Begin by heating olive oil on medium heat; add chopped onions, celery, carrots and mushrooms, cover the pot and let them "sweat" for a few minutes on medium-low heat.
(2) Add turkey to the pot.
(3) Cover with stock and simmer for about 30 minutes.
(4) Season with salt and pepper pour to the bowls and garnish with ginger and greens.
SERVING
Serve with garlic bread or cheese toast, and freeze any leftover soup for future consumption.
Notes
(1) Soups, just like stews are always best re-heated and served next day.
(2) Ginger is really good to have with your meal (and not just with "oriental" dishes). It will improve your digestion and make you feel light.
(3) Greens for garnish, are what's in season in our garden, onion or garlic chives, parsley, sometimes fresh thyme or cilantro (fresh coriander), etc., are all used making the same dish a little more varied and interesting, each time.
(4) Dry mushrooms are usually already sliced so use them as they are.
(5) On a really cold day, it's always nice to sprinkle some crushed Cayenne Peppers over the soup, to make it a little hotter!
Other Notes
(1) If you are not familiar with cups, assume an empty, 15 ½ oz. size can to have 2 cups capacity (1 cup=8oz.)
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References
Find more about the Stone Soup Story
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography, Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W. D. Williams

Candied Nuts

2008-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

We grow pecans, so this recipe calls for pecans; however, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, etc., are all good alternatives, too. Candied Nuts are very quick and easy to make, and very yummy, indeed!
CANDIED PECANS (2 cups)
Ingredients
2 cups, pecan (or walnut) halves, or whole, shelled almonds (or hazelnuts),
2/3 cup, sugar,
4 Tbsp, butter (unsalted),
1 tsp, cinnamon powder,
1 tsp, almond essence.
Method
(1)Warm butter (low heat) in a pot, and add sugar to it.
Keep stirring while sugar melts.
(2) Add cinnamon, almond essence and nuts to the mixture and stir well to enable each piece coat evenly. Cook, stirring for 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool a little.
(3) Cover cookie sheet with aluminum foil, spray oil over it. Put sugar and cinnamon coated nuts on prepared cookie sheet. Let it cool well and they are ready to go!
Notes
For extra flavor, briefly roast your ready to eat nuts for 3-4 minutes in the oven (low heat, but be careful, nuts burn easily!)
Other Notes
If you are not familiar with cups, assume an empty, 15 ½ oz. size can to have 2 cups capacity (1 cup=8oz.)

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References
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors:
blogger, bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography, Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W. D. Williams

Sushi - Maki Style

2008-01-25T07:59:00.000-08:00

Sushi and sashimi are quite popular on our menu. North Carolina deep sea fishing provides not just lot's of fun, but also great variety of top quality seafood, notably tuna.

This recipe calls for smoked salmon, which is handy when we run out of tuna, or happen to have guests who hesitate eating raw fish.

It tastes great, and is easy to implement any time, any place. Friend who gave us this recipe, also recommends that cooked shrimp (clean and shelled) or other smoked fish, such as smoked eel will all do fine.

SMOKED SALMON WITH AVOCADO & CUCUMBER SUSHI(About 24 pieces)
Ingredients
1 packet, smoked salmon cut into thin strips,
1 medium sized, salad cucumber, seeds removed, cut into thin strips,
1 ready to eat, yet still firm avocado, peeled and cut into thin strips,
1 cup cooked and cooled "sushi" rice (e.g. Nishiki brand), see cooking instructions on the packaging.
2 Tbsp, rice vinegar,
4 sheets of Roasted Seaweed for wrapping,
Soy Sauce,
Wasabi Paste,
Pickled ginger (optional)
Equipment
1 large size chopping board, or other clean, comfortable and smooth surface.
1 bamboo mat for forming perfect sushi rolls, we have one, but I used a single bamboo skewer before and results were just as good (see picture at the top of this recipe)
1 very sharp knife for cutting sushi rolls,
dishes for serving seasoning sauce, sushi rolls and ginger,
chopsticks.
Method
(1) Cook rice as per instructions on the packaging. Remove to a mixing bowl. Season with rice vinegar and let it cool.
(2) Take one wrapper, put it on the bamboo mat. Make a vertical layer of rice,
topped by strips of salmon, cucumber and avocado on the wrapper.
(3) Using mat shape it into a roll. Moisten basting brush in water and wet edge
of the wrapper to help it seal well and keep nice shape.
(4) Cut sushi roll into 5-6 smaller ones and continue making sushi till ingredients are all utilized.
(5) Pour little soy sauce into a shallow bowl and mix it with wasabi paste and use it as dipping sauce for your sushi rolls.
Notes
Pickled ginger is usually used as a condiment to cleanse one's palette between eating different types of sushi. I like it even if it's served with just one type, though.

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References - Find out more about, how to roll sushi from cookingguide, and how to make different types of sushi from cookingwithdog
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors:
blogger, bulabean, cookingguide, cookingwithdog, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, YouTube, W. D. Williams

Dear Visitor,

2008-01-24T11:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our February issue of Town & Country Gardens!
Whatever your gardening circumstances, -we hope, Town & Country Gardens will bring something new, worth learning, remembering, and applying in your own garden, and garden related projects.
February is for Valentine's, as it also is for a groundhog, cute looking creature, even if it can be a bit of a nuisance in a garden.
See our poetical selection and get into the spirit of the month!
Find out which plants are great to grow for foliage, blooms and fragrance in your area, this month. Read our special feature on Organic Gardening & Food. They are great for you, your garden, and the environment. Over the incoming months, and as the new year advances, so will Town & Country Gardens.
It is our aim to become help & reference point on how, when, why do certain gardening tasks, to get the best of one's garden, and effort put into it.
We hope, you will find them all interesting. If you do, -please, bookmark Town & Country Gardens for your future use, and reference, and recommend us to your friends, and family. If you feel really adventurous, -join our fan club.
Visit us often, and get in touch, we would love to see your feedback!
Thank You.
Town & Country Gardens
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Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Meredith Farmer, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., Spotted drum, TMR Davies, W. D. Williams

February Contents

2008-01-24T11:07:00.000-08:00

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home (Edith Sitwell)
FEBRUARY GARDENS AROUND US
FEBRUARY COVER PAGE
FEBRUARY POETICAL
FEBRUARY TO DO
FLORA, NOW
ORGANIC WAY
D.I.Y. PROJECT
TERRARIUMS
WHAT'S COOKING?
Feedback - contact.tcg.now@gmail.com
References - Find out more about Chicago Botanic Garden from: Chicago Botanic Garden, Wikipedia, Google Maps, see the garden's location
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Google Maps, Dr. Julia Targ, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., W. D. Williams, Wikipedia

February Poetical Selection...

2008-01-24T10:10:00.000-08:00

Was it the smile of early spring
That made my bosom glow?'
Twas sweet, but neither sun nor wind
Could raise my spirit so.
Was it some feeling of delight,
All vague and undefined?
No, 'twas a rapture deep and strong,
Expanding in the mind!

Anne Bronte, In Memory of A Happy Day in February

I'm a little groundhog, it's my day.
Wake and stretch, go out and play.
Down in my burrow, down so deep,
Time to wake, from my long winter's sleep.
Grumble, grumble, scratch, scratch,
Grunt, grunt, yawn.
I'll eat my breakfast in your front lawn.
I'm a little groundhog, it's my day.
Wake up and stretch, go out and play.

Author Unknown

If apples were pears
And peaches were plums
And the rose had a different name.
If tigers were bears
And fingers were thumbs
I'd love you just the same.

Valentine's Day Songs and Poems

To each and every friend of mine
I'll send a lovely valentine.
Mom, Dad, Sis, and Brother, too.
Will receive a heart that says,
"I love you."

Author Unknown

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Feedback - contact.tcg.now@gmail.com References - See more of January themed poems and quotations, compiled by Michael P. Garofalo
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, CanTeach, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Gator_5, Jasmine&Roses, Michael P. Garofalo, Mike_tn, Mississippi_Snopes, ::reflecting truth::, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., W.D. Williams

February To Do...

2008-01-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

INDOORS
OUTDOORS
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References
See interesting comment, author Martin James kindly added:
"What is now Blenheim Park was formerly the Royal Park of Woodstock Manor. It was given to John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, after he defeated the French in 1704 at the battle of Blindheim (English - Blenheim)
A sum of money was voted by Parliament to build a Palace. The architect for this was Sir John Vanbrugh, and his scheme included the construction of a Grand Bridge across the River Glyme (a small tributary of the River Thames).
Vanbrugh and Sarah, John Churchill's wife, did not agree, and many of their disagreements centred on the Grand Bridge. The original plan was for the Bridge to contain rooms and an arcade at a higher level, however Sarah stopped further work before it was completed. The window openings for the various rooms can still be seen, and there are also entrance doorways, Work on the Bridge ceased in 1712.
When constructed, there was no lake for the Grand Bridge to cross! All it crossed was a small river in an ornamental canal. It was not until 1770 that the celebrated landscape gardener 'Capability' Brown created the lake by damming the river. This created something fitting for the Grand Bridge to cross, but flooded the lower rooms of the Bridge."
- Thanks Jim.
If you would like to see more stunning pictures taken at Blenheim, click here, , Locate Blenheim with Google Maps, Find out more about Blenheim Palace
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: Blenheim Palace,
blogger, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Google Maps, Jasmine&Roses, Martin James, Martin James, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams

Indoor Activities

2008-01-24T07:22:00.000-08:00

For a gardener, another word for February, could, I guess, be word "steady" as in "ready, steady, go!"
In some areas Winter may still look, like it will never end, yet, a stone throw away, the first signs of Spring are all out there, to enjoy, and to remind us, of busy times to come.
See what's good to do indoors, this month.
January To Do...
* Order seeds.
* Begin sowing indoors.
Seeds good to start now, are:
- Tomato,
- Beet,
- Lettuce,
- Onion,
- herbs (Sage, Parsley, Chives, Basil),
- flowers (Impatiens, Lobelia, Salvia, Verbena)
* Take cuttings of Lavender, Rosemary, and other garden plants you may have, and
begin rooting them, indoors.
* Fertilize, divide, re pot your houseplants.
* Get pots and other garden containers cleaned and ready for Spring planting.
* Prepare meal with produce preserved or freshly harvested from your garden (yes, you can!).
* force Chicory from roots.
* Last, but not least, make, and send your Valentines!
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References
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, dflora_pix, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Jaxpix50, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., tim89er, TMR Davies, W.D. Williams

Outdoor Activities...

2008-01-24T06:56:00.000-08:00

January To Do...
* Service the tools.
* Test, and condition the soil, add lime to your vegetable patch.
* Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and vines (1).
* Plant Horseradish root (1).
* Force Rhubarb.
* Plant Asparagus.
* Milder climates; sow seeds, last week in February:
__-Beets,
__-Peas,
__-Lettuce,
__-Cress,
* Milder climates, plant these plants, last week in February(1): Cauliflower, Cabbage family, Kale, Lettuce,Potatoes,
* Mulch garden, to keep off frost bites.
* Minimize plant damage, shake off the snow.
* Use wood ashes, to condition your garden soil (2).
* Insulate cold frames with mulch, polystyrene, or other suitable insulator, make coldframe lid covers, too.
Plant these in NC
(1) this of course can be done, as soon as you can work the soil.
(2) Moderate use of wood ashes will condition the soil with potassium, phosphorus and other nutrients.
It will also neutralize acidic soils, which is great for some plants. Woodland plants, such as Rhododendron, Blueberry, Juniper, Mountain Laurel, Heather, Azalea, Holly, etc., do actually like acidic soil, so please avoid putting wood ashes next to these plants.
Caution
Ashes from any treated wood are not suitable, because they may contaminate soil and plants with heavy metals and other harmful components. Use untreated wood ashes, only.
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References
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Micheo, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams

Flora, Now...

2008-01-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

ADONIS
BLUEBELL
COMMON JUNIPER
DAPHNE
DAFFODILS
FLOWERING DOGWOOD
HYACINTH
ITALIAN ARUM
MAGNOLIA
MAHONIA
ORNAMENTAL CHERRY
PRIMULA
PUSSY WILLOW
SPRING SNOWFLAKE
- FEBRUARY WILDFLOWER SELECTION FROM L.B. Johnson's Wildflower Center
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References
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, L. B. J. Wildflower Center/Texas University, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., snow23, TMR Davies, W.D. Williams

Salix discolor

2008-01-24T06:50:00.000-08:00

Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
Origins - N. America.
Type
Perennial (deciduous).
Hardiness (see References, below - Zones 4 - 8.
Bloom
February, March.
Height
12 - 36 ft (3.6 - 12 m).
Cultivation - Sun, moist soils. Cut back every few years.
Propagation - From seeds, or by tip cuttings.
Other - Supplies food to bees, waterfowl, finches, cardinals, and butterflies. Makes good nesting place for birds. Bark and other parts are used in medicinal remedies.
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References - Hardiness Zoness
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, dela7, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Girlypie, Jasmine&Roses, mulysa_may, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams

Prunus

2008-01-24T06:49:00.000-08:00

Ornamental Cherry Tree (Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis')
Other Names
Japanese Cherry, Higan Cherry, Rosebud Cherry, Winter Cherry,
Oriental Cherry.
Origins
Native to Japan & S.E. Asia.
Type
Perennial (deciduous).
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zones 4 - 8.
Bloom
November, till March.
Fruit
May follow after flowering. Not edible to humans, - but it may attract variety of birds.
Height
20 - 30ft (6 - 10 m).
Cultivation - Tolerant plant; sun or semi-shade, rich well drained soils, it will also grow in clay soils.
Propagation - By cuttings (take green ones in early Summer, and semi-ripe in late Summer), by grafting in Spring.
Other - Most attractive, abundant pink and white, fragrant blooms!
Try inter planting with ground covering blooms, such as bluebells, snowdrops, and evergreen creepers, for spectacular Winter garden extravaganzas!
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References - Find more about: Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: algo, blogger, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Jim Mayes, NYBG, NYBG, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams

Magnolia

2008-01-24T06:48:00.000-08:00

Magnolia (Magnolia)
Other Names - Tulip Tree.
Origins
Native to N. & S. America, S.E. Asia.
Type
Perennial (deciduous).
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zones 4 - 9.
Bloom
Late Winter, Spring, Summer.
Height
10 - 70ft (3 - 20 m).
Cultivation
Sun or semi-shade, rich neutral to acid soils. Needs protection from cold. Magnolia virginiana will tolerate wet soil.
Propagation
By cuttings (take green ones in early Summer, and semi-ripe in late Summer, early Fall).
Other
One of the most attractive flowering trees to enjoy. Fragrant blooms! Great variety of colors, shapes and sizes to choose from. Extract of flowers, flower buds and bark have long been used in traditional and standard medicine to combat fevers, colds, allergies, bacteria and digestive problems.
Please, note -
Not all magnolias are tolerant zones 4-9. See References below, NC State University lists several popular varieties of magnolias, with great pictures and detailed fact sheets for each type.
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References - Find more about: Magnolias from NC State University, Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, magaciappi, Layne Russell, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., Rod Lewis, TMR Davies, W.D. Williams, Wikipedia

Narcissus

2008-01-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

Daffodils (Narcissus)
Origins - Europe.
Type
Perennial (herbaceous).
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zones 3 - 9.
Bloom
January, February, March, April, May, depending on their location.
Height - 2 ft (60 cm).
Cultivation
Very easy to grow! They like
sunny location, rich soils. Keep them moist between planting time in the fall and late Spring (their growth season). For best results, plant bulbs in September, when the soil cools down a little. Daffodil bulbs like mulch! After a few years, each bulb will turn into a clump. It is a good practice to dig these clumps out,
divide them into bulbs and re-plant to the soil, again.
Other
Their beauty and deep fragrance inspired artists and gardeners alike. In Greek mythology, Narcissus was the name of a beautiful youth, whose self-admiration led him to a tragic end. The flower, named after Narcissus, was found growing around the
place of the youth's death.
These days, word Narcissus commonly refers to a flower.
Word narcissistic, with the same background, refers to one's self-absorption, a personality disorder.
Daffodil bulbs are toxic, and can cause severe skin irritation, and poisoning. Find out more about Daffodils, in References, below.
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References - Find more about Daffodils from americanmeadows, NC State University, Wikipedia, American Daffodil Society, Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Little Acorn, luke shore, Paul Schatzkin, philipstokes40, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams

Mahonia aquifolium

2008-01-24T06:46:00.000-08:00

Mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium)
Other Names
Oregon Grape, Mountain Grape.
Origins
Native to N. & C. America, E. Asia.
Type
Perennial (evergreen).
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zones 5 - 8.
Bloom
Fall, Winter, Spring.
Fruit - Fall.
Height
3 - 6ft (1 - 2 m).
Cultivation
Sun or semi-shade, likes rich, well drained soils.
Propagation
By semi-ripe cuttings taken in Summer and early Fall.
Other
Mahonias look attractive all year round, and particularly during Winter. Fragrant blooms! Berries are edible. They are often used in pies, preserves and sometimes made into juices and wines. Medicinally, Mahonia had been described as herb of the blood, good liver tonic and for treatment of some skin conditions.
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References - Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, janeannesley, Michiel Thomas, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., sew-and-sew, TMR Davies, W.D. Williams

Daphne

2008-01-24T06:45:00.000-08:00

Winter Daphne (Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata')
Origins
Native to Europe N. Africa, Himalaya & Asia.
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zones 7 - 9. Other Daphnes (e.g. Daphne genkwa) can be hardy 5-7, though.
Bloom
December, January, February, March.
Height
10 - 70ft (3 - 20 m).
Cultivation - Sun or semi-shade, rich neutral to acid
soils.
Propagation
By seeds, by cuttings (take green ones in early Summer, and semi-ripe in late Summer), by grafting (graft in Winter), by layering (best in Spring).
Other
Very attractive shrub; variegated leaves, pink, fragrant bloom! Name Daphne comes from Greek mythology (it means laurel), name of a nymph, pursuit by Apollo (after he was struck with Eros' arrow). She was saved by turning into a laurel (plant's leaves do resemble laurel leaves). Despite of Daphnes' medicinal (external & internal) uses, there are some plants in this genus, that are toxic, and we do not recommend this plant for any home made remedies.
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References - Find more about: Hardiness Zones, Myth of Daphne from Wikipedia
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, colbugspotter, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, macfudge1, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams

Leucojum

2008-01-24T06:43:00.000-08:00

Spring Snowflake (Leucojum vernum)
Origins
Native to S. Europe, W. Russia.
Type
Perennial (herbaceous).
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zones 3 - 9.
Bloom
February, March.
Height
6 - 12 in (15 - 30 cm).
Cultivation
Sun or semi-shade, rich neutral to acidic soils.
Propagation - By clump division.
Other
Fragrant blooms!
Caution - all parts of the plant are toxic, if digested. Grow for ornamental reasons, only.
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References
- Find more about: Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, flora.cyclam, Jasmine&Roses, m-klueber, m-klueber, piet g, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., silviaON, TMR Davies, W.D. Williams

Primula

2008-01-24T06:42:00.000-08:00

Primrose (Primula)
Other Names
Primula, Cowslip, Auricula, Oxlip, Polyanthus.
Origins
Native to N. Hemisphere, but can also be found in Ethiopia, Indonesia, New Guinea and S. America, S.E. Asia.
Type
Perennial (herbaceous).
Hardiness (see References,
below)
Zones 3 - 9.
Bloom
Late Winter, Early Spring.
Height
2 - 8 in (5 - 20 cm).
Cultivation
Easy; sun or semi-shade, rich, well drained, neutral soils. Invigorate good growth, through regular division of the plant.
Propagation
By division (late Spring or Early Fall).
Other
A most attractive, and very popular (town & country) little plant. Available in great variety of colors, shapes and sizes, in cultivated as well as wild forms. Some, come with fragrant blooms, e.g. Primula 'Bon Accord Cerise', and Primula 'Crathes Crimson'.
Primulas have long been used in medicinal remedies in treatment of rheumatism, gout, healing of the wounds. Wild primulas' (Cowslip) blooms have been used to make wine. Modern day herbals do confirm flowers' sedative and anti-inflammatory action.
Evening Primrose is not a true primula.
Please, note - Not all primulas are hardy in zones 3-9. There are practically hundreds of varieties available these days and some of them are more hardy than others. Always check with supplier, to be sure.
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References - Find more about: Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: ajr595, blogger, coffee obsessive, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, machiavelliBE, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams, whatkatiedid.next, William Richardson

Cornus

2008-01-24T06:41:00.000-08:00

Flowering Dogwood Tree (Cornus)
Other Names - Dogwood.
Origins
Native to Eastern USA & Canada.
Type
Perennial (deciduous).
Hardiness (see References, below - Zones 5-8.
Bloom
Late Winter, Spring, Summer.
Height
30ft (approx. up to 10m).
Cultivation
Semi-shade, rich moist, acid soils.
Propagation
By seeds, softwood cuttings (take late Spring or early Summer), by grafting in sheltered (greenhouse) conditions, in Winter.
Other
Highly decorative tree with either ivory or pale pink blooms.
Wood of this tree is very hard. In the past, it was often used to make tools, such as fork teeth, golf club heads or butchers blocks. etc.
Dogwoods' extracts were also used in medicinal remedies such as tonics for tension headaches, indigestion, diarrhea or vomiting.
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References - Find more about: Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., SGN&F, TMR Davies, W.D. Williams, webchick

Arum

2008-01-24T06:40:00.000-08:00

Italian Arum (Arum italicum)
Other Names
Cuckoo Pint, Lords-and-Ladies, Orange Candleflower.
Origins - Europe.
Type
Perennial (herbaceous).
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zones 5 - 9.
Interest - Attractive, variegated foliage in late Winter, bloom in the Spring, fruit in Summer and Fall.
Height - 6 - 12 in (15 - 30 cm).
Cultivation - Sun for better blooms; semi-shade for foliage, rich neutral to acidic soils. Regular clump division required.
Propagation - By clump division.
Other - For extended interest, inter plant with hostas.
Please, note - Arums make great woodland plants; -particularly in temperate climates. Hot climates may promote vigorous growth, though. Handle with care, parts of this beautiful plant may cause skin irritation. Grow as a garden accent, only.
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References - Find more about: Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, bluedot11, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams

Adonis

2008-01-24T06:39:00.000-08:00

Adonis (Adonis)
Other Names
Spring Adonis, False Hellebore.
Origins
Native to Europe & Asia.
Type
Perennial (herbaceous).
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zones 4 - 7.
Bloom
Late Winter, Spring.
Height
4 - 15 in (10 - 40 cm).
Cultivation - Sun or semi-shade.
Light soil with good
drainage.
Adonis plants like shelter provided either through mulching or fallen leaves, in the neighbourhood of deciduous trees. May need protection from slugs and snails (attract, or rather, distract these with beer).
By the end of Summer, Adonis plants will go to rest.
Flowers, leaves and stalks will effectively disappear, till their next growing season in late Winter. So, remember to mark your plants before it happens, and avoid any accidental damage.
Propagation - By division in early Fall.
Other - Pretty, desirable bloom, named after Adonis, handsome youth from Greek myth, (see more information in References, below). This charming little plant has medicinal uses in treatment of certain heart conditions. It is not however, suitable for home made remedies, professional use only. Best, grow for spectacular garden displays. Some countries have legal restrictions on growing these plants. Check your local regulations, to avoid disappointment.
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References - Find more about: Myth of Adonis from Wikipedia, Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, coniferconifer, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., Tim Waters, TMR Davies, W.D. Williams, Wikipedia

Hyacinthoides

2008-01-24T06:38:00.000-08:00

Common Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
Other Names
Bluebell, English Bluebell, Wild Hyacinth, Wood Bell, Auld Man's Bell.
Origins
Native to Europe, inc. Ireland & British Isles.
Type
Perennial (herbaceous).
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zones 4 - 9.
Bloom
Late Winter, Spring.
Height
6 - 12 in (15 - 30 cm).
Cultivation - Semi-shade, rich, neutral to acidic soils. Average water needs.
Propagation - By division of bulb offsets and clumps.
Other - Delicately fragrant, these woodland flowers change any location into magic wonderland!
Caution - in some countries (e.g. Britain), wild Bluebells are protected, by law. Best, enjoy these great bloom displays and leave them just as they were when you came. Use nursery supplies for your own needs. Parts of the plant are toxic, so handle with care. Other species include: Hyacinthoides hispanica (Spanish Bluebell), Hyacinthoides italica (Italian Bluebell). Please note, -other, also highly attractive flowers, such as Scottish and Virginia Bluebells, are not closely related. Scottish Bluebells (Campanula rotundifolia) belong to genus: Campanula, family: Campanulaceae. Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) belong to genus: Mertensia, Family: Borage.
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References - Find more about: Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Homdaum, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., snappybex, TMR Davies, W.D. Williams

Juniperus

2008-01-24T06:37:00.000-08:00

Common Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Other Names - Juniper.
Origins
Northern Hemisphere.
Type
Perennial (evergreen).
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zones 2 - 8.
Interest - Very decorative, year-round foliage, attractive looking cones (male and female plants produce, differently shaped ones) in Spring/Early Summer, followed by fruit that lasts all through the Winter.
Height - 1.5 - 40ft (0.5 - 12 m).
Cultivation - Sun or semi-shade, most soils, wet, dry, and even, exposed conditions.
Propagation - By seeds (slow, may take years to germinate) or by cuttings (take these in early Fall).
Other - Highly ornamental and adaptable shrub, desirable in any garden. Native American Indians used it to treat several health conditions (both, internal and external), and so, do professional aromatherapists, these days.
Juniper berry is well recognized for its qualities as a spice. Its deep, pungent aroma, found irresistible to many (including the author), had been widely utilised to flavor drinks (gin, sodas, vodkas, syrups, beer, liquors, etc.), and foods, such as Polish Hunter's Stew (Bigos), potatoes, venison, smoked sausages, etc.
Caution - juniper does not necessarily make good companion to everybody. People with allergies, may suffer bad reactions on contact (mainly through pollen).
Also, other types of junipers, e.g. Red Cedar, while highly appreciated as a tree and wood, can in fact, be toxic and dangerous. Be safe, and get your spicing juniper berries from reputable food stores, rather than harvesting your backyard trees that may look like the right kind.
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References - Find more about: Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, dive-angel (Karin), esta_ahi, flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams