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Rahmlow, H. J. (ed.) / Wisconsin horticulture
Vol. XXX (September 1939/July-August 1940)
Wisconsin horticulture, vol. 30, no. 10: June, 1940, pp. [273]-304
Page 292
2V I S C 0 N S I N 11I ) R T I t LU I T U R F, Mrs. C. E. Strong I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host of golden daffodils, Beside the lake, beneath the trees. Fluttering and dancing in the breeze." --Wordsworth. T HEY were not beside a lake lut on a rocky bank-one cold morning in May - with black clouds threatening rain-and at once the sun seemed to shine. We stopped finding fault with the weather and found a host of pleasant things to think and talk about, especially daffodils-white, cream, yellow and golden shades -with their long season of bloom. One variety interested me specially, first because of its size and beauty, and then its name-John Evelyn, an Incom- parabilis. It was 4 to 6 inches across, with a nearly flat, grace- fully frilled cup fully 2 inches in diameter. The pure white of the perianth enhances the richly flut- ed and curved yellow cup. A very tame description, considering the beauty of the flower. John Eve- lyn for whom this daffodil was named, was an English writer born at Wotten in Surrey in 1620 -died there in 1720. He publish- ed numerous works, amongst them treatises on gardening. He advocated the use of fruits and vegetables in salads, using herbs and even the petals of flow- ers for seasoning and garnish- ment. The petals of the Tagetes Marigold he recommended as be- ing good to look at as well as good tasting in various salads. I am glad to be able to agree with this gardener of three hun- dred years ago-and am sure you will agree with me as to the beauty of the John Evelyn daffo- dil. HERE AND THERE IN GARDENS T HERE has been considerable winter killing of climbing roses-many of them had to be pruned almost to the ground. Floribundas were not frozen at all. In my own garden the rabbits pruned the Floribundas until one more bite would have caused them to disappear entirely. They served the Brooms in the same way-in spite of the Brooms be- ing protected with wire guards. How they manage it is a mystery to me. Good Shrubs Japanese Cherries lived nicely and at this time, May 10th, are well set with buds. Redbuds and Amelanchier Canadensis are also covered with buds. Magnolias Soulangeana and Stellata where grown in this vicinity, have thrived. Azalea Mollis are alive to the tips and well set with buds. Comus Kousa, which I have had hopes of seeing in bloom some day-decided life was not worth living in the spot last given, too dry I think. Well-we will just have to try once more. BUT - three Crepe Myrtle bushes planted last spring, have evidently decided to live-as the roots are plump and green, tops are frozen. However they will bloom on new growth, SO--we arc hoping. Several varieties of Vitex are alive to the tips, both in shelter- ed and exposed situations. Tree Peonies are well set with buds. Japanese Iris came thru nicely with no protection as did Chrys- anthemums. Even Aladdin lived in protected situations. Good Perennials Yellow Delphiniums lived and are coming strongly. It will be nice to see this attractive Del- phinium in gardens again. Bud- dleia lie de France seems to be a very hardy variety, growing al- most as strongly as a Lilac. Forsythias were a disappoint- ment in general this spring. We may have to take an old garden- er's advice and tie them up with corn stalks. "It's not handsome for a covering, but it's effective," he used to say. There should be good showings of Canterbury Bells this season, judging by the thrifty groups seen in many gardens. We should grow more of the perennial va- rieties. Baron Solemacher straw- berries are very much alive in spite of the warning that their hardiness was doubtful. Plan For Fall Bloom You will want to start planning your fall garden now-be sure to order the fall asters and chrys- anthemums now, and keep a sharp pencil and note book in 292 June, 19401
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