Botany for Gardeners: Stems: Functions and Types
Karen Plant stems are an important part of any garden. They vary in size, shape, color, and texture all of which add to the beauty of the garden. Stems may be…
Plant Profile: Silverberry (Elaeagnus x ebbingei ‘Gilt Edge’)
Variegated plants have a special gift for lighting up a dark area but this silverberry goes beyond that. The underside of its yellow and green leaves are covered with silvery…
A March Visit to the Getty Center Garden, Los Angeles, California
A visit to the Getty Center garden is always fun but is especially nice in March because the weather is cool and the garden is beginning to awaken. Many plants…
Plant Profile: Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus)
Native to an unknown place in the Mediterranean region, this cormous perennial belongs to the iris family, Iridaceae, that also includes gladiolus, crocosmia, and blue-eyed grass. It is sometimes called…
Name This Plant Game: House Plants 2
Chuck This simple game tests your gardening knowledge by identifying five plants shown in photos from a list of possible names. Photos of each plant are accompaned by a clue describing…
Botany for Gardeners: The Root-Factors that Influence Root Growth
A plant with a root that does not grow is a desperate plant. It can not get the water and nutrients it needs and so will die. As gardeners, we…
Plant Profile: Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Our farm in New Jersey includes a small mountain with a seven or eight acre grove of tulip trees growing on top. The trees large size, tall straight trunks, and…
A Visit to Victoria Peak, Hong Kong, China
One of the great places to visit while staying in Hong Kong is Victoria Peak, also known as Mount Austin, and located in the western half of Hong Kong. Whether…
Plant Profile: Broad-Leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius)
I admit up front that I have never deliberately grown dock. I have never had to because it has been a weed everywhere I have wanted some…and yes, it is…
Name This Plant Game: House Plants 1
This simple game tests your gardening knowledge by identifying five plants shown in photos from a list of possible names. Photos of each plant are accompaned by a clue describing…