Acknowledgments  xiii

Introduction  xv

Note to the Reader  xxi

One: Seasonal Flowers  

Garden Resolutions  1

Flowers for Christmas Time  3

Flowers Greet the New Year  5

Winter Flowers  7

The Green Winter  8

A Hard Winter  9

Bamboo  11

Storm Damage  13

The Merry Month of May  14

Tender Perennials for Hot-Weather Gardens  16

Flowers in the Fall Border  18

Fragrance in the Garden  19

Fall Additions to the Border  21

Sow Hardy Annual Seeds During September  22

Planting Annuals in Autumn  24

Late-Blooming Flowers  25

The Gardening Year Is Just Beginning  27

Two: Perennials and Annuals  

Planting in Relays  29

Badge of Gardening Includes Black Knees  31

Gardening Surprises  33

The Law of Supply and Demand  34

Variegated Foliage  36

Selections for the Rock Garden  38

Tropical Plants  39

Annuals  41

Sweet Peas  43

Peony  45

Tree Peonies and Others  46

Clematis also Flowers in Shade  48

Beautiful Lilies  49

Asteromoea mongolica-- Kalimeris pinnatifida  51

Hellebores  53

The Christmas Rose and Other Hellebores  54

Giridlian . . . A Master of Plants  56

Night-Blooming Cereus  58

The Dividends of Fall Planting  59

Savannah Lands of East Carolina  61

Petasites  62

Three: Bulbs, Corms, and Tubers  

Planting Bulbs, Corms, and Tubers  65

Bulbs Through the Seasons  66

Some Early Spring Bulbs  68

Daffodils Need Early Start  70

Specialty Bulbs  72

Crown Imperials  73

Lycoris radiata  75

Amaryllis Family  77

The Surprise Lily  78

Lilies Grow Where None Were  79

Garden Casualties  81

Four: Trees and Shrubs  

Planting for Ice Storms  83

Plants for Parking Strips  85

Flowering Trees for the City  86

Street Trees  88

Trees with Colored Bark  90

Witch Hazels  92

Flowering Cherries  93

Serviceberries and Sloes  95

Dogwoods  97

Buckeyes  98

Eucalyptus  100

Honey Locust  102

Osmanthus  103

Hollies  105

Conifers  106

Firs and Cedars  108

Flowering Shrubs  110

March-Flowering Shrubs  111

Viburnums and Other Flowering Shrubs  113

June-Flowering Shrubs  114

Viburnums  116

Pyracanthas  118

Nandinas  119

Hydrangeas  121

Sasanquas  122

Camellia saluenensis  124

E. A. Bowles's Lunatics  125

Five: Vegetables and Herbs, Climbers and Creepers  

Fall Vegetables  129

Two Vegetable Gardens  130

Mrs. Hobbs and Her Herbs  132

Sweet Woodruff  134

Dandelions  136

Vines Are Useful Tools  137

Smilax  139

Clematis Hybrids  140

Akebia and Rosa banksiae  142

Ground Covers  144

Ground Covers Pose Problems  146

Tiny Creepers  148

Six: Gardeners and Gardens  

Wing Haven  151

Importance of Garden Details  152

Steps in Your Garden  154

Walks and Paths  156

Terraces and Patios  158

Water in the Garden  159

Mr. Krippenndorf's Garden  161

Physic Garden at the Country Doctor Museum  162

Mr. Busbee's Garden  164

A Visit to Italy's Oldest Botanic Garden  166

Colette's Mother's Garden  167

The Splendor of Royal Gardens  169

Gotelli's Collection of Dwarf Conifers  171

The Scented Garden  172

The Gardens of a Soldier's Wife  174

Pioneer Seedsman  176

Young Belgian Guided Southern Horticulture  177

Meet Caroline Dormon  179

She Talks to the Birds  181

The Hunt Arboretum  182

Seven: Gods, Legends, and Rituals  

The Gods of the Garden  185

The Ash, a Symbol in History  187

The Tale of the Magical Hawthorn Tree  189

The Holy Thorn Blooms for Royalty  190

The Christian Year Parallels the Garden Year  192

Holiday Wreaths  194

The Advent Wreath  196

Legend and Lore of the Christmas Tree  197

International Christmas Trees  199

The Flowers of the Trinity  201

The Flowers of Passiontide  203

The Story of the Passion Flower  205

Rituals of the Palms  206

Rogation Days-- The Blessing of the Crops  208

Eight: Bits and Pieces  

Asafetida  211

Feeding the Birds  213

Honey  214

Organic Gardening  216

Pruning  218

Pruning Should Be Done Every Day  219

Historic Flower Arrangements  221

Bouquet Carried Messages  223

Pomanders  224

Creatures Add to a Garden  226

Index  229

“Ms. Lawrence's voice is delightful—and not just for its contagious enthusiasm. Often her seemingly incidental asides become small quaint observations.”—William Scheick, Texas Gardener’s Seeds

“Gardeners will want it for the advice, but those who do not dig in the dirt will enjoy these short, informative and conversational essays.”—Cliff Bellamy, Durham Herald-Sun

"I knew Lawrence well enough from previous books that, rather than jumping about to read columns of particular interest first, I began at the beginning and went through to the end. It was stopping that was disappointing, for Lawrence's writing is so filled with wit, color, interesting stories of plants and gardeners and Lawrence's own likes and dislikes that I want more. I marked the book in a shameful way, underlining and writing notes in the margins. I want to be able to savor my first pleasure again and again in future readings."—Tony P. Wrenn, Free Lance-Star (Fredericksburg, VA)

“[I]nformative and often lyrical.”—Mae Woods Bell, Rocky Mount Telegram

“[T]he columns constitute an invaluable resource for nature lovers and others who relish literary allusions. . . . As inspiring today as when they were first published, the columns collected in Beautiful at All Seasons showcase not only Lawrence’s vast knowledge but also her intimate, conversational writing style and her lifelong celebration of gardens and gardening.”—Susan Farrington, The Sanford Herald

"The book is extremely enjoyable and a must for every gardener on the planet as well as for those who simply wish to embark once again on a lovely journey with Elizabeth Lawrence."—Anita Stone, The Pilot (Southern Pines, NC)

“This collection is possessed of many virtues. Though the columns were written decades ago, they are not dated, offering ideas, descriptions, and tips that are valid both now and in the future. One virtue is that the collection can be used as a reference book for plants that will easily snuggle into Southern gardens, from peonies and hellebores to hydrangeas and smilax. . . . But more—much more—recommends this book than its undoubted value as a reference volume. Lawrence's way with words enchants.”—Janet Lembke, The News and Observer

“This slender volume, packed with grace, renders it all for you in a marvelous package.”—Blue Ridge Business Journal

“This book is filled with unusual facts. If you're not even a gardener, you will enjoy reading about these plants and herbs. . . . This book is a real treasure.”—Mary Rice Patterson, The Salisbury Post

“Lawrence displays the virtues of a dedicated plantswoman: she is generous, patient, watchful and above all curious as she delves into the histories of her favorite plants or consults her favorite experts . . . on the more arcane aspects of plant lore.”—Jennifer Potter, Times Literary Supplement

“Fifty years after her columns for the Charlotte Observer were first published, Elizabeth Lawrence inspires a new generation of garden enthusiasts. Her vast knowledge of plants delights both novice and experienced gardeners.”—Southern Accents

“[This] attractive book offers information and advice on a wide range of plants and a myriad of gardening topics. Armstrong and Wilson’s choice to arrange the essays in the book by subject matter provides the reader a valuable resource on plant material to which he/she may return over and over. The book’s exhaustive and helpful index augments its practical usability.”—Deborah Moore Clark, Carolina Landscape

“Fans of Elizabeth Lawrence will want to get their hands on Beautiful at All Seasons. . . . Those unfamiliar with Lawrence will find themselves enchanted with her thoughtful and conversational writing, akin to a modern day blog.”—American Gardener

“Beautiful at All Seasons is to be sipped, as wine; not gulped, as soda pop. One or two pieces an evening will do very well; reading wherever the book falls open yields pleasure. A word of caution: Dirty fingernails may result. Sharing Lawrence’s zest for gardening is sure to stir an urge to stick a spade, and fingers, in the soil."—Bryan Haislip, Winston-Salem Journal

“Reading these essays is like picking through a box of fine chocolates, each one to be savored, carefully nibbled and melted in your mouth. . . . Reading Lawrence reminds us that gardening is a way to connect to our community, our history and traditions and ultimately to the world around us. This is one for the bedside table.”—David Bare, Winston-Salem Journal

“Here are revealed Lawrence’s wide gardening interests—plant culture, lore and literature, flowers of the church calendar, and correspondence with literary luminaries. . . . Elizabeth had a graceful writing style—warm, engaging, and conversation-like.”—Bobby J. Ward, The Rock Garden

“It is the clearly personal tone which makes [Lawrence’s] columns worth reading, much as one might talk to a colleague. One can agree or disagree but the chat is never dull.”—Judith Taylor, Garden Gazette

“Ms. Lawrence's voice is delightful—and not just for its contagious enthusiasm. Often her seemingly incidental asides become small quaint observations.”—William Scheick, Texas Gardener’s Seeds

“Gardeners will want it for the advice, but those who do not dig in the dirt will enjoy these short, informative and conversational essays.”—Cliff Bellamy, Durham Herald-Sun

"I knew Lawrence well enough from previous books that, rather than jumping about to read columns of particular interest first, I began at the beginning and went through to the end. It was stopping that was disappointing, for Lawrence's writing is so filled with wit, color, interesting stories of plants and gardeners and Lawrence's own likes and dislikes that I want more. I marked the book in a shameful way, underlining and writing notes in the margins. I want to be able to savor my first pleasure again and again in future readings."—Tony P. Wrenn, Free Lance-Star (Fredericksburg, VA)

“[I]nformative and often lyrical.”—Mae Woods Bell, Rocky Mount Telegram

“[T]he columns constitute an invaluable resource for nature lovers and others who relish literary allusions. . . . As inspiring today as when they were first published, the columns collected in Beautiful at All Seasons showcase not only Lawrence’s vast knowledge but also her intimate, conversational writing style and her lifelong celebration of gardens and gardening.”—Susan Farrington, The Sanford Herald

"The book is extremely enjoyable and a must for every gardener on the planet as well as for those who simply wish to embark once again on a lovely journey with Elizabeth Lawrence."—Anita Stone, The Pilot (Southern Pines, NC)

“This collection is possessed of many virtues. Though the columns were written decades ago, they are not dated, offering ideas, descriptions, and tips that are valid both now and in the future. One virtue is that the collection can be used as a reference book for plants that will easily snuggle into Southern gardens, from peonies and hellebores to hydrangeas and smilax. . . . But more—much more—recommends this book than its undoubted value as a reference volume. Lawrence's way with words enchants.”—Janet Lembke, The News and Observer

“This slender volume, packed with grace, renders it all for you in a marvelous package.”—Blue Ridge Business Journal

“This book is filled with unusual facts. If you're not even a gardener, you will enjoy reading about these plants and herbs. . . . This book is a real treasure.”—Mary Rice Patterson, The Salisbury Post

“Lawrence displays the virtues of a dedicated plantswoman: she is generous, patient, watchful and above all curious as she delves into the histories of her favorite plants or consults her favorite experts . . . on the more arcane aspects of plant lore.”—Jennifer Potter, Times Literary Supplement

“Fifty years after her columns for the Charlotte Observer were first published, Elizabeth Lawrence inspires a new generation of garden enthusiasts. Her vast knowledge of plants delights both novice and experienced gardeners.”—Southern Accents

“[This] attractive book offers information and advice on a wide range of plants and a myriad of gardening topics. Armstrong and Wilson’s choice to arrange the essays in the book by subject matter provides the reader a valuable resource on plant material to which he/she may return over and over. The book’s exhaustive and helpful index augments its practical usability.”—Deborah Moore Clark, Carolina Landscape

“Fans of Elizabeth Lawrence will want to get their hands on Beautiful at All Seasons. . . . Those unfamiliar with Lawrence will find themselves enchanted with her thoughtful and conversational writing, akin to a modern day blog.”—American Gardener

“Beautiful at All Seasons is to be sipped, as wine; not gulped, as soda pop. One or two pieces an evening will do very well; reading wherever the book falls open yields pleasure. A word of caution: Dirty fingernails may result. Sharing Lawrence’s zest for gardening is sure to stir an urge to stick a spade, and fingers, in the soil."—Bryan Haislip, Winston-Salem Journal

“Reading these essays is like picking through a box of fine chocolates, each one to be savored, carefully nibbled and melted in your mouth. . . . Reading Lawrence reminds us that gardening is a way to connect to our community, our history and traditions and ultimately to the world around us. This is one for the bedside table.”—David Bare, Winston-Salem Journal

“Here are revealed Lawrence’s wide gardening interests—plant culture, lore and literature, flowers of the church calendar, and correspondence with literary luminaries. . . . Elizabeth had a graceful writing style—warm, engaging, and conversation-like.”—Bobby J. Ward, The Rock Garden

“It is the clearly personal tone which makes [Lawrence’s] columns worth reading, much as one might talk to a colleague. One can agree or disagree but the chat is never dull.”—Judith Taylor, Garden Gazette

“All gardeners will welcome this splendidly edited collection of essays by Elizabeth Lawrence. They will delight in her elegant prose and subtle humor and will marvel at her breadth of knowledge of plants and literature. I could hardly put it down.”—Nancy Goodwin, author of Montrose: Life in a Garden

“A new book of garden essays by the incomparable Elizabeth Lawrence is a cause for celebration. A page a day will keep the garden—and you—happy.”—Emily Herring Wilson, author of No One Gardens Alone: A Life of Elizabeth Lawrence

“Southern gardeners and beyond will welcome the availability of a new trove of Elizabeth Lawrence’s renowned Charlotte Observer columns. Her writing style is personal and conversational and literary in approach, engaging and warm.”—Bobby J. Ward, coeditor of A Garden of One’s Own: Writings of Elizabeth Lawrence

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