Wildflowers: Poppies Native to the Southwest
Karen Meyers All of the poppies listed below are are native to the Southwest area and in the subfamily Papaveroideae of the family Papaveraceae; not included are plants that are not botanically…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Hollyhock Mallow (Malva alcea) The Virgin’s Bread
The link between the Virgin Mary and Malva alcea probably reflects a combination of its edible and medicinal qualities which suggested a symbolic association with Mary’s purity and role as…
Book Review: Plants That Eat Meat
Plants that Eat Meat, by Keisha Jones, introduces young readers to carnivorous plants and the methods they use to obtain prey. Written for children 1-9 years old in grades 3-4,…
Wildflowers: Iris Native to the Midwest
Iris is a genus of 310 species and is in the plant family Iridaceae that also included gladiolus, crocus and freesia. The plants are all perennial and grow from rhizomes…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum) Our Lady’s Fingers
The link between woodbine and the Virgin Mary rests on the physical characteristics of the plant and Christian legend. The tubular flowers resemble slender fingers and may symbolize Mary’s gentle…
Book Review: The Natural Soapmaking Handbook
The Natural Soapmaking Handbook, by Simi Khabra, creator of Muddy Mint Soap Co., blends practical information with artistic expression to create a comprehensive guide to soapmaking. It includes all the…
Wildflowers: Iris Native to the Southeast
Iris is a genus of 310 species and is in the plant family Iridaceae that also included gladiolus, crocus and freesia. The plants are all perennial and grow 2-79″ from…
Karen’s Therapy: self esteem exercise
Questions from Eleanor Roosevelt’s book, This is my Story Thursday, November 20, 2025 Wednesday November 19, 2025 (missing Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Monday, November 17, 2025 Sunday, November 16 (in…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Cowslip (Primula veris)
Primula veris is known as Our Lady’s Keys due to the appearance of its flower clusters and Christian legend. Early Christians thought that the drooping flower clusters resembled an old-fashion…
Plant Profile: Cape Anemone (Anemone tenuifolia aka A. capensis)
Native to South Africa, this evergreen subshrub is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes delphinium, clematis, and hellabore. It grows 12-24″ tall and has a short…