Plant Profile: Dragon Arum (Dracunculus vulgaris)
Karen Dragon arum goes by numerous name such as snake lily, voodoo lily, stink lily and black dragon. It is a tuberous herbaceous perennial, a member of the arum family (Araceae),…
Weeds and Their Control: Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris
Puncturevine, also known as goatshead and devil’s thorn, is an annual that is very widespread in the world and US but is especially adapted to growing in dry climates such…
Plant Profile: Tasmanian Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica)
This large evergreen tree fern is endemic to Australia where it grows in moist areas such as the creek beds and gullies of woodlands. It is the most common tree…
Book Review: Essential Guide to Cultivating Mushrooms
Growing mushrooms is tricky and very different from growing plants. Stephen Russell’s book, The Essential Guide to Cultivating Mushrooms, aims to provide the basic methods of mushroom cultivation so small…
Grasses for Rain Gardens
Rain gardens can be an important part of a water conservation program. Their efficacy is related to the plants they employ as the plants soak up water, filter it, cleanse…
Plant Profile: Dianthus ‘Mrs. Sinkins’
Bred in Berkshire, England in 1883 by Mr. Sinkins, this old fashioned pink has evergreen foliage that is grass-like and silvery-green. The double white flowers with green centers appear in…
Garden Plants for Flower Arrangements: Japanese Angelica Tree (Aralia elata)
This deciduous small tree or shrub is native to eastern Russia, Japan, China and Korea but is grown in the US where it has become invasive in some areas due…
Plant Profile: Corncockle (Agrostemma githago)
Corncockle is an upright annual belonging to the carnation family, Caryophyllaceae, that also includes pinks, baby’s breath, and campion. It is native to Europe where it grows in disturbed sites…
Book Review: The Bee-Friendly Garden
We often hear about the sad plight of honeybees and the need for doing something abut it. The Bee-Friendly Garden by Kate Frey and Gretchen LeBuhn is a great source…
Plant Combination: Rose ‘Crepuscule’ and German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Growing herbs and roses together have a long tradition and this duo combines a lovely Noisette rose with the familiar herb, German chamomile known for the tranquilizing tea made with…