Botanical Latin: Dentata
Karen Dentata (den TAY tuh) derived from the Latin dens, dentis (tooth), meaning toothed Often used as the specific epithet, dentata usually refers to the margins of the leaves. American chestnut,…
Plant Profile: Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)
Castor bean is native to Africa, Middle East and India but has naturalized all over the world in subtropical and tropical areas where it can be found in disturbed areas…
Ornamental Grasses as Valuable Garden Plants
Ornamental grasses have become increasingly popular in the last few decades. Before 1950 they were rare in American landscapes but since that time they have become a staple in American…
Plant Profile: Redflower False Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)
A native of Texas and northern Mexico, this evergreen perennial is also called, coral yucca, samandoque, and yellow yucca. It is not a yucca but related to them and to…
Book Review: Turkey Clause
The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is special and Wendi Silvano’s book, Turkey Clause, is the perfect bridge between the two holidays. It is aimed at children 3-5 years old…
Plant Profile: Rosa ‘Cramoisi superieur’
One of the first China roses bred in Europe, ‘Cramoisi superieur’ has cherry-red to crimson flowers that are cupped and borne singly or in loose clusters. The petals are paler…
How to Care for Bonsai: Myrtle (Myrtus communis)
This small evergreen tree is native to the Mediterranean and northern Africa. The ancient Greeks and Romans associated it with love and in Europe today myrtle is frequently included in…
Plant Profile: Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri)
Valued for its use as a Christmas tree, Fraser fir is native to a small region in the southern Appalachians. North Carolina produces most of the Fraser firs used as…
Book Review: How to Start a Home-Based Landscape Business
If you have ever considered starting your own landscape business Owen E. Dell’s book, How to Start a Home-Based Landscape Business, is a good place to start. Read it through…
Giving Thanks the German Way: Erntedankfest
Thanksgiving Day in Canada or the United States is a popular holiday but we are not the only countries to give thanks for good harvests in the fall. Germany has…