Tips And Ideas For Flower Gardening

MAGNOLIA

A member of the Magnoliaeceae family, this large and varied genus consists of around 100 species of deciduous and evergreen trees as well as countless cultivars, and occurs naturally throughout Asia and North America. The leaves are usually large, oval, and smooth edged. The handsome flowers are generally large, fragrant, and solitary and vary in shape from almost flat and saucer-like to a narrow goblet shape. They occur in shades of white, yellow, pink, or purple. The flowers are primitive, pollinated largely by beetles, and their simplicity, often seen to advantage on bare limbs before the foliage appears, contributes to their appeal. The fruits that follow are often pink or red, conelike, showy clusters, with colorful seeds. Magnolia takes its name from the French botanist Pierre Magnol (1638-1715).

Cu LT I VAT ION

Generally fast growing, magnolias prefer light shade and sheltered spots in the garden away from the wind and late frosts. Although some species are lime tolerant, most prefer well-drained acid soils that are rich in humus. Propagate from cuttings in summer, by sowing seed in autumn, or by grafting in winter.

LEFT:-Magnolia x loebneri is a prolifically flowering deciduous small tree or large shrub, adaptable to a wide range of soils.

 BELOW :-The state flower of Louisiana and Mississippi, the magnificent blooms of Magnolia grandiflora are large, creamy white, saucer- shaped, fragrant, and appear in early summer.

MALUS

The apples and crabapples comprise a large genus of 35 species of deciduous flowering and fruiting trees. They belong to the rose family and are widely cultivated throughout the temperate regions of the world. The leaves are soft "apple" green and are generally simple and tooth-edged. The flowers grow in clusters that vary in color from white to deep rose pink and bold reddish purple. The cultivated apple is one of the most widely grown of all edible fruits and historical evidence shows that the Egyptians grew them as early as 1300 B.C. While not all crabapples are edible—some being too bitter—the species and cultivars are greatly, appreciated as ornamental trees.

CULTIVATION

Very frost hardy, Malus trees prefer a cool moist climate and full sun, protection from strong winds, and fertile, well-drained, loamy soil. Cultivated apples need pruning in winter and regular spraying to protect against a variety of pests and diseases. Propagation is by budding in summer or grafting in winter.

BELOW LEFT: - An ornamental crabapple, Malus 'Indian Summer' is a deserved favorite with its rosy pink flowers, persistent red fruit, and good disease resistance.

BELOW:-The edible apple, Malus x domestica features a range of forms, flowers, and fruits. 'Shakespeare', below, bear’s pink-flushed blooms that are paler inside.