Invasive Plants and Their Native Alternatives: European Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia)
Karen Also known as rowan, this deciduous shrub or small tree grows up to 40’ tall and is native to light woodlands in almost all of Europe, parts of Asia, and…
Plant Profile: Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Rose of Sharon is a vigorous deciduous shrub growing 8-10’ tall and is a member of the mallow family, Malvaceae ,that also includes okra, cotton, coffee, and hollyhock. It is…
Book Review: Plantlab
Author Matthew Kenny presents a cookbook that shows how artistic and accessible a plant-based cuisine can be. The book, Plantlab, immediately catches the eye with its bold vibrant color photographs…
Weeds and Their Control: Alligator Weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides)
Alligator weed is a perennial native to South American but spread to many parts of the world including the US where it is invasive and considered a Federal Noxious Weed.…
Plant Profile: Hall’s Milkweed (Asclepias hallii)
This herbaceous perennial,also known as purple silkweed, is a native of Rocky Mountain West from Wyoming to southern Arizona, west to Nevada where it grows in prairies and along roadsides.…
Edible Flowers: Squash (Cucurbita pepo)
The flowers of zucchini are most commonly used but the blossoms of other summer or winter squash may be used interchangeably. Squash is a warm weather crop and can be…
Plant Profile: Tatarian Daisy (Aster tataricus)
Tatarian daisy is a herbaceous perennial native to southern Siberia, northern China, Mongolia, Koreas, and Japan where it grows in wetlands and meadows. It is a member of the aster…
Book Review: The Heirloom Life Gardener
The cofounders of Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, Jere and Emilee Gettle, offer readers The Heirloom Life Gardener , a book about their adventures in gardening with heirloom seeds. Subjects…
Growing Plants from Seed: Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Dill is an annual in the celery family (Apiaceae) and native to the Mediterranean and southern Russia. It is a tall, 3-4 foot, beautiful plant and deserves a place in…
Plant Profile: Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii)
Pacific madrone is an evergreen tree native to the west coast of North America from British Columbia to California. It is a member of the heather family, Ericaceae that also…