Plant Profile: Common Spreedwell (Veronica officinalis)
Karen Meyers Also known as heath speedwell, common gypsyweed, and Paul’s betony, this mat-forming herbaceous perennial is native to open areas in Europe and western Asia. It is a member of the…
Book Review: Green Farming
Green Farming is an introduction to farming in an environmentally friendly way, written for children 8-10 years old in grades 3-5. It is part of a series that introduces young…
Edible Mushrooms: Shaggy Parasol (Chlorophyllum rhacodes aka Lepiota rhacodes aka Macrolepiota rhacodes)
Found throughout Europe and North America, shaggy parasol is most common from the Rockies eastward in the US. It prefers light shade and rich soil and grows alone or in…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Water Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis scorpoides) “Eyes of Mary”
The small, delicate, blue forget-me-not flowers link the plant to the Virgin Mary. The modest, yet beautiful appearance of the flowers reflects Mary’s humility and the blue color symbolizes her…
Plant Profile: Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum aka Asperula odorata)
Also known as sweetscented bedstraw, this herbaceous perennial is native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa. It is a member of the coffee family, Rubiaceae, that also includes gardenia and…
Book Review: Houseplant Hookups: All the Dirt you Need to Find the Perfect Match
Agatha Isabel’s book, Houseplant Hookups, is a delightful spook on the online dating scene that blends humor and solid information. As Isabel points out, each potential plant match has its…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) “Mary’s Shawl”
The appearance and folklore of sage have led to an association between this herb and the Virgin Mary. The soft, velvety texture of the leaves brings to mind the protective…
Plant Profile: Longleaf Speedwell (Veronica longafolia aka Pseudolysimachion longifolium)
Also known as garden speedwell, this herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and Asia where it grows in grassy areas, meadows, steppes and woodland edges. It is a member of…
Book Review: Zen in the Garden
In her book, Zen in the Garden, author Miki Sakamota shares her thoughts and experiences in the Zen garden she and her husband established in the countryside not far from…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Sweet Majoram (Origanum majorana)
The link between the Virgin Mary and sweet majoram goes back to ancient times. In ancient Greece fragrant garlands of marjoram were given to newly weds to wear around their…