Plant Profile: Trailing Milkweed (Sarcostemma hirtellum)
Karen Trailing milkweed is a perennial vine native to southwestern United States and northeastern Mexico where it lives in hot desert areas. It is vigorous and quickly climbs over shrubs, and…
Water Gardens: Oxygenators
Call them oxygenators or submerged, these plants are essential for the good health of a pond especially if you have fish. Typically, they are rooted in pea gravel or the…
Plant Profile: Rosa ‘Mutabilis’
With a name that suggests its uniqueness, ‘Mutabilis’, meaning “changing”, has flowers that start out light yellow and turn orange, pink and finally crimson. At any given time flowers of…
Book Review: St. Patrick’s Day
When March 17th arrives each year many people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, especially the Irish. But even if you are not Irish the holiday inspires happiness and joy. Why? Gail…
Plant Combination: Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata) ‘Perfecta’ and White Cone Flower (Echinacea purpurea) ‘White Swan’
This middle of the border combination of white on white features a delicate white cloud of baby’s breath and the large, sturdy daisy-like flowers of white cone flower. Although the…
Plant Profile: Meyer Lemon (Citrus x meyerii)
Meyer lemon is native to China where it is a popular patio and container plant. Brought to the United States in 1908 by Frank Meyer, it is believed to be…
Weeds and Their Control: Tall Buttercup (Ranunculus acris)
Tall buttercup is a perennial weed native to central and northeastern Europe and is now found in most of the United States where it is considered a noxious weed in…
Plant Profile: Blue Wheat Grass (Agropyron magellanicum)
A native of high elevations in Chile and Argentina, blue wheat grass is a cool season, clump forming perennial grass. Its metallic blue foliage is outstanding and may be the…
Book Review: About Fish
If you are lucky enough to have a stream or pond on your property you might have fish that add to the life and interest of the place. Fish certainly…
Plant Combination: Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) ‘Saphirsprudel’ and Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
For a combination that last all through the growing season consider blue oat grass ‘Saphirsprudel’ and Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’. The pair get going early in spring as new growth emerges.…