Plant Profile: Perwinkle (Vinca minor)
Karen Also called myrtle, this perennial evergreen vine is a member of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, that also includes milkweed, oleander, and bluestar. It is native from central and southern Europe…
The Best Pumpkins for Pumkin Pie
Not all pumpkins are created equal. True, they are all edible, but some make better pie filling that others. The most desirable traits for making pie are taste and texture.…
Plant Profile: Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)
Sweet William has charmed flower lovers for centuries and even in modern times Kate Middletown included it in her bridal bouquet to honor her groom. The fringed and toothed flowers…
Name This Plant Game: Medicinal herbs 1
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…
Quick Tip for Transplanting Perennials in Fall
On a recent trip to the local big box store during early November I found a nice little New York aster in the bargain bin. It had already finished blooming…
Plant Profile: Arend’s Saxifrage (Saxifraga x arendsii)
Of the many different kinds of saxifraga that exist the hybrids developed by the German nursery Arends, these are among the best and most readily available. The delicate flowers in…
Five Fall Blooming Perennials for the Cottage Garden
The traditional cottage gardener had plants that bloomed in the fall just as we do. Many of those plants are still favorites today although improved cultivars are taking their place.…
Plant Profile: Winter Heather (Erica carnea)
Winter heather is a low growing compact evergreen shrub that gets up to 12” tall and up to 24” wide so makes a very good ground cover. It grows slowly…
Name This Plant Game: Shrubs With Winter Interest 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…
Characteristics of Polyantha Roses
Known for their profusion of flowers, polyantha roses arose in France in the late 19th century. Their parentage is vague but probably involved a China rose and Rosa multiflora, the…