A Visit to Victoria Peak, Hong Kong, China
Karen One of the great places to visit while staying in Hong Kong is Victoria Peak, also known as Mount Austin, and located in the western half of Hong Kong. Whether…
Plant Profile: Broad-Leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius)
I admit up front that I have never deliberately grown dock. I have never had to because it has been a weed everywhere I have wanted some…and yes, it is…
Botany for Gardeners: The Root-Modifications
When someone says the word “root” you probably think of a big brown hairy mass or a long brown tapered object. But these are only two of the many kinds…
Plant Profile: Weeping Leucothoe (Leucothoe fontanesiana)
Leucothoe is one of the rare plants that really loves the shade and is beautiful growing with azaleas, rhododendrons, and other ericaceous plants with its graceful arching stems, leathery shiny…
A Visit to the Summer Palace, Beijing, China
If you expect to visit a lovely lake side garden be prepared for disappointment; the lake and scenery are beautiful IF you can see them but the place is jammed…
Plant Profile: German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Read the word “chamomile”, and I think tea and sleep but German chamomile is also a charming garden plant having a feathery foliage and bright white daisy-like flowers with gold…
Botany for Gardeners: The Root-Tissues and their Functions
Roots aid plant development and growth in many ways. They absorb water and nutrients, and serve as anchors, support for the stem, and storage organ of food and nutrients. Inside,…
Plant Profile: Snowbell ( Styrax japonicus)
A short allee of snowbells form the entrance of our formal rose garden. The small size and dainty texture of the trees standout against the Japanese Privet hedge that surrounds…
A Visit to the Live Market, Hong Kong, China
For a very interesting experience at zero cost, visit a live market in any large city. The vegetables, fruits, meats and fish for sale will boggle the nose as well…
Plant Profile: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare aka F. officinale)
Fennel is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the carrot family, Apiaceae, that also includes celery, sea holly, and dill. It is native to the shores of the Mediterranean…