Edible Flowers: Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
Karen A native of southwestern China, this hollyhock is a member of the mallow family, Malvaceae, and related to hibiscus, cotton, okra, and cacao. It may be an annual, biennial, or…
Plant Profile: Corsican Hellebore (Helleborus arguitifoliius )
Corsican hellebore is a clump-forming perennial native to Corsica and Sardinia where it grows in a variety of habitats from woodlands to roadsides, streambeds, and exposed mountain tops. It is…
Shakespeare’s Garden: Cypress
The Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is an evergreen conifer tree native to southern Europe and western Asia, including Persia where a 4000 year old tree still grows. The dark gray-green…
Plant Profile: Korean Goat’s Beard (Aruncus aethusifolius)
Korean goat’s beard is a clump forming perennial and a member of the rose family (Roseaceae). It has dark green pinnately compound leaves that are fern-like and form a mound…
Book Review: RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Design
Whether you want to redesign an existing garden or create a whole new garden, The RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Design can guide you through the process. Filled with ideas and…
Plant Combinations: Garden Phlox ‘Laura’ (Phlox paniculata ‘Laura’) and Rue (Ruta graveolens)
The fine delicate foliage of the rue appears in the spring adding a lovely blue green color to the garden. It is followed later in the summer by the purple-blue…
Plant Profile: Dusky Cranebill (Geranium phaeum)
Also called morning widow or black widow, dusky cranesbill is a herbaceous perennial native to Europe. It belongs to the geranium family (Geraniaceae) and is part of the group called…
Garden Plants for Flower Arrangements: Fern Leaf Yarrow (Achillea filipendula) ‘Gold Plate’
Although there are several good cultivars and hybrids of A. filipendula, ‘Gold Plate is probably the best for flower arranging. It boasts deep yellow flowerheads up to six inches across…
Plant Profile: Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida)
Pale purple coneflower is a herbaceous perennial native to the eastern half of the US where it grows in open areas on a variety of soils. It is a member…
Book Review: Eddies Garden
Involving children in planting a garden is a wonderful way of building family ties and inspiring a love of plants and growing flowers and vegetables. Sarah Garland’s book, Eddie’s Garden,…