Book Review: In Search of the Canary Tree
Karen Dr. Lauren E. Oakes, a conservation scientist, takes readers on her scientific and emotional and journey to Alaska to study the yellow cedar. Her research was a blend of ecology…
Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects: Caraway (Carum carvi)
Caraway is a biennial and a member of the carrot family, Apiaceae, that also includes celery, Queen Anne’s lace, and dill. It is native to moist meadows, arable lands, and…
Plant Profile: Rosa Perle d’Or
The small vermilion buds of this Polyantha rose open to large, long-stemmed clusters of 5-25 deep apricot flowers that fade to mother of pearl from the outside. The petals have…
Plant Profile: Hybrid Coral Bells (Heuchera x brizoides)
Hybrid coral bells are the result of crosses between Heuchera micrantha, H. sanguinea, and H. americana and vary primarily in size, flower color and heat-tolerance. The genus, Heuchera, is in…
The Language of Flowers: Sweet Alyssum (Alyssum maritimum aka Lobularia maritima )
Sweet alyssum is a low growing annual and member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that also includes cabbage, broccoli, and stock. It is native to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Azores,…
Plant Profile: Japanese Climbing Fern (Lygodium japonicum)
Japanese climbing fern is a perennial deciduous vine-type of fern and is one of 40 species of climbing ferns. It is native to eastern and southeastern Asia, India, and eastern…
Book Review: Raised Bed Gardening
There is nothing new about growing plant in raised beds but Simon Akeroyd’s book, Raised Bed Gardening, takes a fresh look at the subject and brings together ideas from many…
Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wines: Fine Brandy Shrub
Shrub is a term that can be applied to two different types of drinks The first goes back to 17th century England and refers to a combination of citrus juice…
Plant Profile: Mountain Avens (Geum montana)
Mountain avens is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes cherry, almond, and lady’s mantle. It is native to the Pyrenees, Alps, Corsica…
Plant Combination: Variegated Yucca (Yucca filamentosa) ‘Golden Sword’ and Honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida) ‘Baggesen’s Gold’
Year round color is supplied by this gold drenched duo. Both are evergreen and but have leaves that contrast in texture, form, and size. While the leaves of Yucca ‘Golden…