Deciduous Shrubs with Colorful Autumn Foliage
Karen We often associate fall color with trees but there are some outstanding deciduous shrubs that provide impressive displays of yellow, orange, red and purple foliage to the autumn scene. True,…
Plants of the Bible: Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)
Also called nard, nardin and muskroot, this aromatic herbaceous perennial is native to the montane and subalpine zones of the Himalayas where it grows on steep, grassy slopes. Growing 4-20″…
Butterflies in the Garden and How to Attract Them: Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
The Question Mark butterfly is in the genus with the common name of angelwings characterized by wings with ragged borders. They can be found east of the Rockies from southern…
Plant Profile: Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
Native to southern Europe, central and western Asia, and North Africa, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, that also includes basil, rosemary, and beebalm. Plants…
Plant Combination: Chrysanthemum and Praire Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)
For beautiful color in the garden during the fall, try a dark red mum like ‘Raquel’ and the grass, prairie dropseed. Early in the season the grass forms fine textured…
Plant Profile: Common Flax (Linum usitatissimum)
Native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean, common flax is an annual and a member of the flax family, Linaceae. Plants grow 12-36″ tall and have terete grayish-green branched stems…
Plants of the Bible: Myrrh Tree(Commiphora abyssinic)
This woody perennial tree or shrub is native to northeast Africa and the Arabian peninsula and is a member of the Torchwood family, Burseraceae, that also includes frankincense. Plants may…
Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wine: Orgeat
Orgeat is a sweet syrup made from almonds, sugar, and rose water or orange flower water. It has a strong almond flavor and is an essential component of a Mai…
Plant Profile: Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera)
Date palm is a tender evergreen tree that probably orginated in the Fertile Crescent and has been cultivated since 7,000 BC. It is a member of the palm family, Arecaceae,…
Weeds and Their Control: Yellow Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)
Also called butter-and-eggs, and wild snapdragon, yellow toadflax is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the plantain family, Plantaginaceae, that also includes snapdragon, foxglove, and turtlehead. It is native…