Plant Profile: Purple heart (Setcreasea pallida/Tradescantia pallida)
Karen Although experts can’t agree on a name for purple heart they do agree that it is one of the toughest plants for the South. Give it high heat and humidity…
History of Christmas Greens: Holly (Ilex spp.)
Christmas would not be the same without boughs of holly decorating the mantle, chandeliers and tables. Both English (Ilex aquifolium) and American Holly (I. opaca) are used, each with their…
Plant Profile: Creeping Zinnia (Sanvitalia procumbens)
When you see this plant for the first time covered with flowers you can’t help wonder how it ever got the name “zinnia”. Creeping is understandable, as it is very…
The Food of the First Thanksgiving
What would Thanksgiving be without turkey and pumpkin pie? Most Americans will eat turkey at their annual feast and many will also enjoy pumpkin pie. In addition, most Thanksgiving dinners…
Five Plants to Grow for Fall Berries
When the leaves fall in autumn and the first frost sweeps over the garden I always wish I had more plants that produce ornamental berries. The berries can provide color…
History of Christmas Greens: Cedar
Of all the Christmas greens you can buy, Cedar can cause the most confusion. Several different greens are sold as cedar and none of them are true cedars. True cedars…
Plant Profile: Rose Mallow (Lavatera trimestris)
Check out the botanical name on this one because there are several plants that go by the name rose mallow. This plant is a large, bushy annual with the flowers…
Three Cornicopias for a Fall or Thanksgiving Arrangement
The cornucopia is a familiar symbol of Thanksgiving, so how about putting three cornucopias together for a large and smashing arrangement to grace the sideboard or serving table. The autumn…
Plant Profile: Perwinkle (Vinca minor)
Also called myrtle, this perennial evergreen vine is a member of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, that also includes milkweed, oleander, and bluestar. It is native from central and southern Europe…
The Best Pumpkins for Pumkin Pie
Not all pumpkins are created equal. True, they are all edible, but some make better pie filling that others. The most desirable traits for making pie are taste and texture.…