Plants for a Mary Garden: Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Karen Also called myrtle and the Virgin flower this perennial evergreen vine is a member of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, that also includes milkweed, oleander, and bluestar. It is native from…
Plant Profile: Hairy Sunflower (Helianthus hirsutus)
This herbaceous perennial is found from south-central Canada, through eastern and central US to northeastern Mexico where it grows in open forests, woodlands edges, prairies, grasslands, savannas, and disturbed sites…
Book Review: We Garden Together
Karen Meyers Jane Hirschi and the educators at CitySprouts present directions for 20 activities to learn about nature in their book, We Garden Together. Guided by their mission to cultivate wonder and…
Weeds and their Control: Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)
Smooth sumac is spreading deciduous shrub and a member of the cashew family, Anacardiaceae, that also includes smoke tree, mango, and poison ivy. It is native to northeastern US, occurs…
Plant Profile: Many Flowered Sunflower (Helianthus x multiflorus)
Many-flowered sunflower is a hybrid from a cross between the annual Helianthus annus and perennial Helianthus decapetalus. It is a perennial and member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Common Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Also known as maypop, wild apricot, and wild passion vine this perennial deciduous flowering vine is native to Southeastern US where it grows near riverbanks and in thickets and disturbed…
Plant Profile: Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum)
This clump forming herbaceous perennial is native to the rocky limestone soils of alpine areas in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy. It is a member of the aster family,…
Book Review: Cannabis for Creatives
Author Jordana Wright investigates the relationship between cannabis use and artistic expression in her book, Cannabis for Creatives. Using interviews and anecdotes she explores the different experiences of various artist…
Weeds and Their Control: 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…
Plant Profile: Stiff Twinspur (Diascia rigescens)
Also called bride’s saddle, this spreading, semi-evergreen, tender perennial is a native of South Africa where it grows in damp places on grassy mountain slopes or in full sun in…