Plant Profile: Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella)
Karen Meyers 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…
Book Review: Nature’s Best Hope
Nature’s Best Hope is Sarah L. Thomson’s middle grade adaption of Douglas W. Tallamy’s book by the same name. The author introduces the concept of Homegrown National Park that aims…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis)
In the Bible, mantles symbolize authority, responsibility, and the transfer of spiritual power as illustrated in the story of Elijah and Elisha. During the Middle Ages people, especially the monks…
Plant Profile: Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys)
Also known as bird’s-eye speedwell, and cat’s eyes, this herbaceous perennial is native to Europe where it is found in meadows, hedgerows, and open deciduous woodlands. It is a member…