1941: Garden Hints

“Flowers, shrubs and trees add much to the beauty of a home, and well landscaped grounds, with flower gardens, give an artistic setting to even a small cottage,” reads a section titled “Garden Hints” in Elaine Allen’s Watkins Household Hints (Newark: J. R. Watkins Company, 1941). With this in mind, I tackled my garden last weekend, planting and digging (what’s with this mysterious root system I have underground?) and potting the pots on my deck. I’m certainly no expert gardener, still occasionally confused by the difference between annual and perennial, but I’m trying. Luckily I’ve got the Watkins book to help. Here are a few other tips I read:

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Ashes–To Use On Garden Soil
Screened wood ashes from the fireplace are satisfactory to be used as a fertilizer, especially ashes from oak and hickory wood. Store in a dry place and use for garden fertilizer.

Flower Beds–To Plant
The morning sun is best for growing plants. Plan garden site accordingly.

Hands–To Protect While Gardening
Wear a pair of white cotton gloves from the ten cent store. Use Watkins Hand Lotion to keep hands soft and white.

Tools–For Home Garden
All that is required for a small garden is a spade, hoe, steel rake and a line fastened to ten stakes for seeding rows.

Trees and Shrubbery–To Plant
For landscape planting of the home grounds, consult a landscape architect or get advice from a reliable nursery. Successful planting requires expert knowledge of trees and shrubs.
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I’ve definitely followed that last bit of advice. I’ve got a tree being delivered and planted (by the pros) this weekend, which should finish up the yard quite nicely!