Plant Profile: Eastern Mosquito Fern (Azolla caroliniana)
Karen Native to North America, this annual aquatic fern is also known as fairy moss and is a member of the Salviniaceae, a small family of about 20 ferns. The plants…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Cock’s Comb (Celosia argentea var. plumosa)
Cock’s comb will add vivid color and long bloom time to your garden with little effort on your part. Growing 6-30″ tall, plants produce feathery spikes that are 4-12″ long…
Plant Profile: Calico Kitten (Crassula pellucida variegata)
Indigenous to South Africa, calico kitten is an evergreen succulent shrub and member of the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae, that also includes sedum, jade plant, and hens and chicks. It grows…
Plants of the Bible: Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus)
Also called grass rush, this aquatic perennial is native to in Eurasia and Africa where it grows in the margins of still and slowly moving water. It is a member…
Drought Tolerant Plants: Shrubs and Trees Grown for Foliage
Shrubs and trees are versatile and can be an important part of the garden. They can provide structure, define beds, serve as a backdrop or focal point, add color, create…
Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wines: Anise-Seed Cordial
Most Mediterranean countries have favorite anise flavored spirit. Think Absinth and Anisette in France, Sambuca in Italy, and Ouzo in Greece. The drinks are made from anise seed which made…
Plant Profile: African Sheepbush (Pentzia incana aka Chrysanthemum incanum)
Native to South Africa and Namibia, this aromatic subshrub is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes sunflower, yarrow, and lettuce. The plants form dense bushy mounds…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta)
Revive the garden in late summer to fall with the unusual orchid-like flowers of this herbaceous perennial. The 1 ‘ long flowers are carried singly or in clusters of 2-3…
Plant Profile: Tiger Claw (Erythrina variegata)
Also called Indian coral tree, this deciduous tree is native to warm coastal areas of tropical and subtropical India and Malaysia. It is a member of the bean family, Fabaceae,…
Plants of the Bible: Winter Crocus (Crocus hyemalis)
Native to rocky areas and undergrowth of Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria, this perennial corm is a member of the iris family, Iridaceae, that also includes gladiolus, crocosmia, and blue-eyed…