Plant Profile: Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Karen Also known by many other names including gloriosa daisy, this native of eastern and central North America is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow,…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Gallic Rose (Rosa gallica)
Rosa gallica is probably the oldest rose in existence. Native to southern and central Europe, it was first domesticated by the ancient Greeks and Romans and most modern roses can…
Plant Profile: Coyotillo (Karwinskia humboldtiana)
Native to the prairies, plains, meadows, pastures, and savannas of southern and western Texas as well as much of Mexico, this evergreen shrub or small tree is a member of…
Book Review: Dinner for Everyone
Karen Meyers Mark Bittman’s book, Dinner for Everyone, present a novel approach to everyday cooking. Bittman presents 100 classic main dishes from all over the world and includes such favorites as gumbo,…
Poisonous Plants: Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum)
A native of Greece and western Asia, the opium poppy is a member of the poppy family, Papaverceae, that also includes bleeding heart and corydalis. It is the oldest poppy…
Plant Profile: Black Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
Also known as stinking nightshade, this herbaceous annual or biennial is native to rocky, arid areas of Europe and Asia and is a member of the Solanaceae, nightshade family, that…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Field Pansy (Viola arvensis)
Also called johnny jump up, this herbaceous annual is native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, and a member of the violet family, Violaceae. The ancient Roman naturalist, Pliny…
Plant Profile: California Goldfields (Lasthenia californica)
Native to a variety of habitats in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, and Baja California, this herbaceous annual is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes sunflower,…
Book Review: 40 Projects for Building Your Backyard Homestead
David Toht’s book, 40 Projects for Building Your Backyard Homestead offers directions for a variety of projects to aid in sustainable homesteading. The projects were chosen with simplicity of construction,…
Garden Tools: Transplanter Trowel
This trowel, made especially for transplanting, features a long narrow blade that is gently curved and pointed at the tip. Some transplanters blades have two sharp edges, while others may…