Plants for a Plant Zoo: Deer Fern (Blechnum spicant aka Struthiopteris spicant )
Karen A shady nook is always made more appealing by lush green vegetation that looks soft and inviting. Deer fern is a good plant to use in the shade with its…
Plant Profile: Lizard’s Tail (Saururus cernuus)
Native to swamps and shallow water of eastern North America, this perennial emergent water plant is also known as water dragon and swamp lily. It is a member of the…
Plants of the Bible: Common Rush (Juncus effusus)
Also known as soft rush and mat rush, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the rush family, Juncaceae, that includes plants resembling sedges and grasses. Common rush is native…
Weeds and Their Control: Kudzu (pueraria lobata)
Kudzu is a deciduous woody vine and a member of the legume family, Fabiaceae, that also includes peas, beans, and lupines. It is native to Japan and was introduced into…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Few plants have flowers that are as appealing as common foxglove. The 2-3″ long blooms that cover the 4-5′ tall flowering stalks are purple with enticing spots inside and appear…
Plant Profile: Alpine yellow Fleabane (Erigeron aureus)
Native to the Cascades and Rocky Mountains of northwestern North America, this short-lived herbaceous perennial is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow, and sunflower.…
Plants of the Bible: Plant Profile: Syrian Marjoram (Origanum syriacum aka O. maru aka Majorana syriaca)
Also known as bible hyssop, Syrian oregano, and Lebanese oregano, this tender perennial herb is native to the Middle East and is a member of the deadnettle family, Lamiaceae, that…
Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wines: Port
Port is generally thought to be a Portuguese fortified wine that is sweet and often served with dessert. Although other port-style wines are produced in Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, India,…
Plant Profile: Common Ladybells (Adenophora confusa)
Native to China, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the bellflower family, Companulaceae, that also includes lobelia and balloon flower. The plants grow 2-2.5′ tall and have fleshy roots…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
The unique orange and blue flowers of bird of paradise never fail to catch the eye and add a touch of the exotic to the surroundings. From spring to fall…