Soapworts for the Garden (Saponaria spp)
Karen Saponaria is a genus of annuals and perennials in the pink family, Caryophyllaceae, native to Europe and Asia. Of the thirty to forty species in the genus, three perennials are…
Plant Profile: Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera)
Creeping phlox is an herbaceous perennial native to southeastern US where it grows in the woodlands and moist areas of the Appalachian Mountains. It forms large mats of low growing…
Book Review: Outdoor Decoration and Style Guide
Most gardeners look forward to getting outside and enjoying the sunshine, fresh air, and the natural environment. “Outside” may mean a balcony, porch, terrace, or garden but wherever it is,…
Edible Flowers: Dianthus
The genus Dianthus includes three kinds of common garden plants: pinks (D. plumarius and related species) , sweet william (D. barbatus), and carnations (D. caryophillus). They are herbaceous biennials or…
Plant Profile: Crested Iris (Iris crestata)
This dwarf perennial is endemic to eastern US where it grows in woodlands, rocky hillsides, mountain ledges and along streams. It spreads by branching rhizomes and can quickly form substantial…
Flower Arrangements from the Garden: Bear’s Breeches (Acanthus mollis)
With tall flower spikes and handsome foliage, bear’s breeches is an outstanding evergreen perennial that makes a grand architectural statement in the garden or vase. The irregular flowers are white…
Plant Profile: Rosa ‘Crested Moss’
A sport of ‘Centifolia’, this moss rose differs from its parent in having a dense, leafy, bright green growth on the edges of its sepals. The growth is especially noticeable…
Book Review: Whats Wrong with My Vegetable Garden?
There is great satisfaction in harvesting and eating fresh vegetable from your own garden but anyone who has had a vegetable garden knows about the obstacles that must be overcome.…
Growing Plants from Seeds: Hardening Off Seedlings
Hardening is the term used to describe the process of gradually exposing young seedlings grown indoors to the rigors of outdoor living in the garden. When plants are grown in…
Plant Profile: Chameleon Spurge (Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’)
Chameleon spurge belongs to a huge genus that includes poinsettias as well as cactus-like plants. Like other Euphorbias the stem contains a milky sap that can be very irritating to…