Wildflowers: Lady Ferns (Athyrium sp.) Native to the Pacific Coast
Karen Meyers Athyrium is a genus of 180 species of terrestrial ferns, so strictly speaking is not a wildflower because it produces no blooms. It is native to moist woodland and forest…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Old Man’s Beard (Clematis vitalbo) Our Lady’s Modesty, Virgin’s Bower
Clematis vitalbo symbolizes many attribute of the Virgin Mary and the link rests on folklore that probably sprung from the appearance and nature of the plant. The white flowers symbolize…
Book Review: Nosh
In her book, Nosh, Micah Siva, present over 80 plant forward recipes that combine traditional Jewish cuisine with a modern, healthy approach to cooking. She draws from many sources and…
Wildflowers: Liatris Native to the Southwest
Often known as gayfeathers or blazing stars, these herbaceous perennials are a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, zinnia, and lettuce. They are native to North…
Book Review: The Ikaria Way
The Ikaria Way, by Diane Kochilas, is a collection of contemporary recipes inspired by the traditions of the Greek island, Ikaria, known for the longevity of its population. With the…
Wildflowers: Liatris Native to the Midwest
Often known as gayfeathers or blazing stars, these herbaceous perennials are a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, zinnia, and lettuce. They are native to North…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Yellow Bedstraw (Galium verum) Lady’s Bedstraw
The link between Galium verum and Mary arises out of early customs and legend. The dried stems and flowers of the plant were traditionally used to stuff mattresses especially for…
Book Review: Killer Plants
Killer Plants by Louise and Richard Spilsbury offers a look at deadly plants and the way they kill their victims. Written for children 8 – 13 years old, in kindergarten…
Wildflowers: Liatris Native to the Southeast
Often known as gayfeathers or blazing stars, these herbaceous perennials are a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, zinnia, and lettuce. They are native to North…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)
Several different legends connect Ornithogalum umbellatum to the Virgin Mary. The most well-known says that after a bright star guided the Magi to the manger where Mary tended to the…