Genus Winter Hazels (Corylopsis sp)
Karen The genus Corylopsis consists of about 30 species in the witch hazel family, Hamamelidaceae, that also includes loropetalum and fothergill. They are native to eastern Asia, mainly China, but with…
Plant Profile: Japanese Star Anise (Illicium anisatum)
Native to Japan and Korea, this broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree is a member of the starvine family, Schisandraceae, consisting of 3 genera and 92 species. The plant grows…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Also known as Tuscan cypress, Persian cypress, Mediterranean cypress, and pencil pine, this evergreen coniferous tree is native to rocky mountain sites of the eastern Mediterranean region including parts of…
Book Review: OMFG, Bees!
Karen Meyers In spite of its irreverent name, OMFG, Bees!, Matt Kracht’s book is full of good information on bees. Covering a wide variety of topics about bees, Kracht manages to entertain…
Plant Profile: Japanese Flowering Apricot (Prunus mume aka Prunopsis mume)
Native to forests and stream sides of China, this deciduous tree is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes cherries, almonds, and lady’s mantle. It grows 15-20′…
Book Review: Gardening in Miniature
There is something enchanting about miniature scenes and Janit Calvo’s book, Gardening in Miniature, allows you to experience that enchantment with gardens. Her book provides guidance on all aspects of…
Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects: Angelica species
Angelica is a genus of plants consisting of about sixty species with a wide distribution in the Northern Hemisphere. Several are native to North America, including purple stem angelica (Angelica…
Plant Profile: Spring Adonis (Adonis vernalis)
Native to dry grasslands of Europe and Asia, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes anemone, delphinium, and hellebore. The plant forms a…
Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wines: Sage Wine
Herbal wines can be made from the leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots of any edible herb from lavender, elderberry, elderflower, chamomile, and parsley to ginger, aloe vera, tea, peppermint, and…
Plant Profile: Widow’s Iris (Iris tuberosa aka Hermodactylus tuberosus)
Also called snake’s-head, black iris, and velvet flower-de-luce, this herbaceous perennial is native to the Mediterranean region and a member of the iris family, Iridaceae, that also includes crocus, gladiolus,…