Botanical Latin: Acacallis
Karen A ca CALL’ iss from the name of a nymph in Greek mythology. Acacaliss was the daughter of the Cretan King Minos and his wife Pasiphae, and the sister of…
Plant Profile: Rose ‘Belle Portugaise’
Long slender crimson buds up to four inches long open to large light pink flowers touched with salmon. The flowers are carried singly and are 4 to 6.5 inches across.…
Book Review: I, Fly
Most people dislike flies, an attitude leaned from childhood. Bridget Heos’ book, I Fly, introduces the readers to the common housefly with a whole new point of view that might…
Weeds and Their Control: Dead Nettle (Lamium purpurea)
Dead nettle is a winter annual that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae ) that includes herbs such as basil, lavender,…
Plant Profile: Kashmir Cypress (Cupressus cashmiriana)
Kashmir cypress is an evergreen coniferous tree native to Bhutan and adjacent areas in India. Considered one of the most beautiful of all coniferous trees, it is often associated with…
Tiarella for the Garden
Tiarellas, commonly called foamflowers, are popular perennials for shade gardens. . There are about six species five of which are native to North America and one to Asia. The plants…
Plant Profile: White Snake Root (Ageratina altissima aka Eupatorioum rugosum)
Also known as tall boneset and richweed, this herbaceous perennial is native to central and eastern North America where it grows in woods and thickets. It is a member of…
Book Review: Square Foot Gardening for Kids
Mel Bartholomew has been known for decades for his Square Foot Gardening books that present his unique approach to vegetable gardening. With this book Bartholomew extends his expertise to children…
Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wines: American Champagne
My paternal grandmother, Helen S. Wright, must have been fond of champagne as she collected several recipes for her book, Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wines published in 1909.…
Plant Profile: Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
This evergreen liana is a native of the tropical jungle from southern Mexico to Panama and is a member of the arum family (Araceae) that includes jack-in-the-pulpits, peace lilies, and…