Plant Profile: Japanese Primrose (Primula japonica)
Karen Picture a shady glen with lots of moisture. Then put a large drift of Japanese primroses into the picture and you have created a beautiful scene. Japanese primroses are not…
Garden Journal: March 27, 2011
I griped and grumbled last fall when the head gardener dragged me outside in the cold to plant our bulbs but right now I am glad he did it. The…
Plant Profile: Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum)
I planted a clump of garlic chives in my vegetable garden and within a couple of years had garlic chives growing all over my patio, 30 feet away. The garlic…
Botany for Gardeners: The Stem-Tissues and Their Functions
Stems carry out many functions, producing and holding up lateral stems, flowers and leaves, conducting food and water between the root and these parts, and storing food. In order to…
Plant Profile: Polyanthus Primrose (Primula hybrid)
A recent trip to a local dollar store resulted in the purchase of a bright yellow polyanthus primrose. How could I resist? Spring was in the air and the desire…
A Visit to the Chinese Garden at the Huntington, San Marino, California
After visiting gardens in China we looked forward to visiting the Chinese garden at the Huntington. In preparation, I read the book published by the Huntington, Another World Lies Beyond,…
Plant Profile: Sweet Violet (Viola odorata)
Native to Europe and Asia, the sweet violet is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the plant family Violaceae, that also includes pansies and johnny jump ups. It grows 4-10″ tall…
Botany for Gardeners: Stems: Functions and Types
Plant stems are an important part of any garden. They vary in size, shape, color, and texture all of which add to the beauty of the garden. Stems may be…
Plant Profile: Silverberry (Elaeagnus x ebbingei ‘Gilt Edge’)
Variegated plants have a special gift for lighting up a dark area but this silverberry goes beyond that. The underside of its yellow and green leaves are covered with silvery…
A March Visit to the Getty Center Garden, Los Angeles, California
A visit to the Getty Center garden is always fun but is especially nice in March because the weather is cool and the garden is beginning to awaken. Many plants…