Book Review: At Home with Nature
Karen Meyers Why do people love their lawns, or or keep them in spite of their high maintenance, expense and monotanous appearance. In his book, At Home with Nature, author, architect, and…
Plants for a Mary Garden: English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia aka L. officinalis) ” Mary’s Drying Plant”
Lavender has been valued for its scent, flavor and medicinal properties since ancient times. Called nard in the Bible, it is most frequently associated there with its desirable fragrance. Mary…
Book Review: Katya’s Book of Mushrooms
Katya’s Book of Mushrooms, by Katya Arnold, is an introduction to mushrooms aimed at children 10-14 years old. It is not a a field guided intended for use in identifying…
Plant Profile: Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella)
Also called firewheel and sundance, this hairy annual is native to northern Mexico and southern and central US from Arizona east to Florida, and the Carolinas and north to Nebraska…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Common Daisy (Bellis perennis)
Common daisy is often included in Mary gardens although it is most closely associated with Mary Magdalene rather than with the Virgin Mary. Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus’ most…
Book Review: The Good Garden
Chris McLaughlin’s book, The Good Garden, outlines a sustainable approach to gardening that respects the long-term health of the environment and emphasizes biodiversity, conservation, and stewardship. The author covers all…
Plants for a Mary Garden : Sea Thrift ( Armeria maritima) Our Lady’s Cushion
Armeria maritima is associated with the Flight into Egypt by the Holy Family which is described in the Gospel of Matthew (2: 13-15). According to this account, after the birth…
Book Review: 100 Plants to Feed the birds
Laura Erickson’s book, 100 Plants to Feed the Birds, offers information and plants lists for creating a bird-friendly landscape in your own backyard. By planting a variety of native species,…
Weeds and Their Control: White Clover (Trifolium repens)
Native to meadows and woodlands of Europe and Central Asia, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the legume family, Fabaceae, that also includes beans, lentils, and lupines. Although not…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
This short lived tender perennial is native to southern Europe and North Africa but has naturalized in much of Europe where it is grown as an annual. . It is…