Let’s have a blooming good summer We can have IF we start now.
If just one person in each residence in our area will plant one packet of flower seed or put out one box of plants and care for them: we will have a bright and cheerful neighborhood all summer.
IF you don’t have space in the yard, use a porch box or a window box or a couple of urns or just large clay pots.
IF you think there is nothing for children to do, start them on gardening. It is one of the most rewarding hobbies. One can start very young and continue through to old age. Also it is a healthy and relaxing pleasure which brings beauty and joy to everyone within its view.
IF you have only a north side or area without sun try Coleus (Rainbow mixed). They are very colorful plants. Grow all of these according to directions on packet.
IF you like more convenience try the little planter boxes that will be in the store soon. All you have to do is to set the planted box on the window-sill and water and you will have from 12 to 25 plants to set out after frost danger is past (about 49¢ to 79¢ each):
IF you have plenty of time and space do add a few perennials — Mums, Iris, Lilies, Dahlias and Cannas. A neighbor or friend will be glad to share a few plants with you.
IF you will; PLEASE TRY.
Seed racks are on display in the garden departments of retail stores now. Prices from 8¢ to 25¢ per packet. Most summer blooming annuals should be planted now to have plants ready to put outside soon after Easter.
The easiest to grow in this area and provide blooms all summer until late fall are Petunias, Zinnias (large or small), Salvia, Snapdragon, Dianthus, Phlox (Subletta), Marigolds (large or small), Cosmos, Portulaca (sun-moss), Verbenas; and for vines on fence or arbor, Sweet peas and Scarlet runner beans.
Originally published in The Paper, March 1972.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1972_03.pdf, printed page 4.
