Plant Profile: Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi)
Karen Originally from the Mediterranean region this annual is widely grown in India, Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. It is a member of the parsley family (Apiaceae) and related to…
Filipendulas for the Garden
Often called false spirea to which they are related, the Filipendulas are herbaceous perennials in the rose family (Rosaceae) and include meadowsweet, dropwort, and Queen of the Praire. The inflorescences…
Plant Profile: Bishop’s Weed (Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’)
Also called goutweed, this herbaceous perennial is native to Eurasia but has been introduced into the US where it is often used as a ground cover. It is a member…
Roses for Hanging Containers
Hanging containers present challenges for growing roses. They are limited in size (and weight), dry out quickly, usually need winter protection, and often occupy shady positions. You can work around…
Plant Profile: Quaking Grass (Briza maxima)
Native to the Mediterranean area, this annual grass has naturalized in many other parts of the world including western US. It has many common names including blowfly grass, rattlesnake grass,…
Book Review: My Secret Garden
British author, TV presenter, and professional horticulturalist, Alan Titchmarsh’s book, My Secret Garden, chronicles the development of his private garden on a four acre plot surrounding a Georgian home in…
Pros and Cons of Drying Herbs
u grow culinary herbs you probably relish the idea of having fresh seasonings for as you cook. There is nothing like fresh basil with mozzarella and tomatoes or fresh cilantro…
Plant Profile: Japanese Jack in the Pulpit (Arisaema sikokianum)
Also called cobra lily, this herbaceous perennial is indigenous to the island of Shikoiu, Japan where it grows in moist shaded woodlands. It is in the same genus as the…
Botanical Latin: Malacoides
Mal a COI des meaning soft, mucilaginous, resembling a mallow; refers to the softness of the leaves Used as a specific name, malacoides is part of the botanical name for…
Plant Profile: Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’
A hybrid of A. amellus x A thomsonii this perennial aster from Switzerland combines the large flowers of A. amellus and the long bloom time of A. thompsonii. The leaves…