Plants for a Mary Garden: Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)
Karen Meyers Also known as “Candlemas bells” and “Mary’s tapers”, snowdrops are a symbol of hope, new beginnings, and purity. Their early bloom date is usually near February 2, the date of…
Plant Profile: Magellan Anemone (Anemone magellanica)
Karen Native to southern South America, this rhizomatous herbaceous perennial is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes delphinium, clematis, and hellebore. It grows 6-8″ high and forms…
Book Review: The Power of Trees
In his book, The Power of Trees, well-known forester Peter Wohlleben, sets out his belief that “The future of forests and future of humanity are in inextricably entwined.” He sees…
Weeds and Their Control: Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias)
Cypress spurge is a fast growing herbaceous perennial and a member of the euphorbia family, Euphorbiaceae, that also includes poinsettia, caster oil plant, and cassava. It is native to Europe…
Plant Profile: Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
This herbaceous perennial is native to North America where it grows in prairies, dry rocky woods, tickets, and abandoned areas in most of the US. It is a member of…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)
Strawberries have a long history going back to Neolithic times and continuing into the rich heritage of ancient Greece and Rome and beyond. According to version of Greek mythology, strawberries…
Plant Profile: Beach Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis)
A native of coastal meadows, bluffs, and dunes in the Northwest from Alaska to California, beach strawberry is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes cherries, lady’s…
Book Review: Forest Walking
Forest Walking, by Perter Wohlleben and Jane Billinghurst, is a guide to enjoying the unique qualities of forests. Based on their visits to forests in North America from the Pacific…
Weeds and Their Control: Canadian Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
Canadian goldenrod is a herbaceous long-lived perennial and member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisies, yarrow, and lettuce. It is native to northeastern and north-central North America…
Plant Profile: Bell Agapanthus (Agapanthus campanulatus)
Also known as African bluebell, this deciduous clump-forming perennial is native to South Africa where it grows in the moist soils of grasslands, slopes, valley bottoms and cliffs. It is…