Plant Profile: Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
Karen Coltsfoot is not the most popular medicinal herb but it may be the oddest; it produces its flowers long before it produces leaves but doesn’t produce any stem leaves. In…
Book Review: The Flower Gardener’s Bible
The phrase that first pops into my head when thinking about this book is “user friendly’. The authors, Lewis and Nancy Hill, have a casual, friendly style of writing that…
Five Best Spring Bulbs for Cut Flowers
As beautiful as spring bulbs are in the garden, they can be beautiful cut flowers. I plant some that I never cut and others for the sole purpose of cutting…
Plant Profile: Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
A native of woodlands, damp meadows, and open and forested highlands in Canada and northeastern United States, Goldenseal was used by the American Indians to treat many problems from loss…
Late Spring to Early summer Perennials for the Cottage Garden
As spring moves into summer more and more perennials begin to bloom and can take over the job of providing color in the garden. As the bulbs begin to fade…
Plant Profile: Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
A native of Egypt and the Mediterranean anise has been known since ancient times. In the sixth century BC it was recommended for controlling epileptic seizures but by Roman times…
Book Review: Flowers: The Book of Floral Design
This large, handsome book might be mistaken for a coffee table book, but it is far more. It is full of creative ideas and practical suggestions for arranging flowers that…
Flowers for Arrangements: Boronia heterophylla
If you like heather or heath you will probably like boronia. Boronia has small bell-shaped flowers that are usually hot pink or purple and are borne close to stems covered…
Plant Profile: Lily Leek (Allium moly)
A native of southern Europe, lily leek has long enjoyed a rich past. It is said to be the “Moly” that saved Ulysses from the charms of Circe as described…
Plant Profile: Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
This native of Europe and Asia has a long history rich with folklore and myth but it is also a striking garden plant. Growing 5-8 feet all, it commands attention…