Edible Flowers: Violets, Johnny Jump Ups, and Pansies (Viola spp)
Karen These three members of the genus Viola are spring blooming plants known for their pretty five petaled flowers. The common violet (V. odorata) also known as sweet violet is a…
Plant Profile: Miner’s Lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata)
Miner’s lettuce is a rosette-forming annual native to Western North America from British Columbia to California and Mexico where it grows is moist disturbed areas. It is a member of…
Weeds and Their Control: Spiny Pigweed (Amaranthus spinosus)
Spiny pigweed is an annual native to tropical America but has spread into the eastern US and California where it inhabits disturbed areas including cultivated fields, roadsides, and lawns. In…
Plant Profile: Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum)
Sea holly is an evergreen herbaceous perennial and a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae) that includes Queen Anne’ lace, dill, and parsley. It is a native to Europe where…
Book Review: When Spring Comes
When the leafless trees, gray skies, and cold temperatures make winter days seem bleak and endless, the prospect of spring is joyous even though the wait may be long. Kevin…
Butterflies in the Garden and How to Attract Them: Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
The viceroy can be found through out most of the US, southern Canada and northern Mexico where it inhabits moist open or shrubby areas such as land around lakes, along…
Plant Profile: Eastern Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana var salicifolia)
Native to eastern US from New Jersey to Florida and west to the Mississippi River , this herbaceous perennial is a member of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) that also includes…
Six Best White Old Garden Roses
Picking the “best” roses is an objective process and in this case, the ratings of the American Roses Society have been used. Every year the American Rose Society enlists the…
Garden Plants for Arrangements: Periwinkle (Vinca major)
This trailing perennial vine is native to the Mediterranean area where it grows in woodlands and hedgerows as well as on river banks. It is a member of the dogbane…
Book Review: The Bold Dry Garden
Located about twenty five miles west of San Francisco in Walnut Creek, California, is the Ruth Bancroft Garden known for its incredible collection of cacti and succulents. The garden is…