Ten Interesting Facts about Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invictato)
Karen The aggressive behavior and painful sting of the red imported fire ant (RIFA) makes it an unwelcome guest in gardens, woods, and fields. In addition to the pain the RIFA…
Plant Profile: Wall Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys aka T. x lucidrys)
This broadleaf evergreen, creeping shrub is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. Its attractive aromatic foliage forms a low mound of dark green oval leaves with scalloped margins on…
How to Care for Bonsai: Orange Jasmine (Murraya paniculata)
This tropical evergreen tree or large shrub is native to southern China, India, and Indonesia. It is neither a citrus nor jasmine but is closely related to the former and…
Plant Profile: Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
With a name like ‘tree of heaven’ you might think that it could be a desirable resident of your garden, but keep in mind that it is also called “ghetto…
Book Review: Mole’s Hill: A Woodland Tale
No gardener likes moles but Lois Ehlert’s book, Mole’s Hill, might soften those negative feelings. Based on a folktale of the Seneca Indians, Mole’s Hill is set in the woodlands…
Plant Combination: White Garden Phlox and Artemesia ‘Powis Castle’
The white flowers of the phlox are complemented by the silvery tones of the artemesia in this fragrant combo that is especially pretty in moon light. The fine texture of…
Plant Profile: Peruvian Old Lady (Espostoa melanostele)
One of the most appealing cacti, Peruvian Old Lady comes from the subtropical mountain valleys of western Peru. In its natural habitat it slowly grows up to seven feet tall…
Heirloom True Lilies (Lilium spp.)
There are many good reasons to grow true lilies. They add height, fragrance, and elegance to the garden while being excellent cut flowers. Lilies go way back in history to…
Plant Profile: London Plane Tree (Platanus x acerifolia)
A large deciduous tree tolerant of pollution, compaction, and drought, London Plane tree was first popular as a street tree in the cities of Europe and later spread to cities…
Book Review: Appetite for Reduction: 125 Fast and Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes
If you are interested in healthy eating Isa Chandra Moskowitz’ book Appetite for Reduction: 125 Fast and Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes will be of interest. And let me state upfront,…