Plant Profile: Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Karen Dill is a cool weather annual and a member of the carrot family, Apiaceae, that also includes celery, sea holly, and Queen Anne’s lace. It is native to northern Africa…
Plant Profile: Lacebark Pine (Pinus bungeana)
We had a specimen lacebark pine on the front lawn of our Annapolis home and it gave us a great deal of pleasure for many years. It was one of…
Plant Profile: Aloe (Aloe vera aka Aloe barbadensis)
Best known as aloe vera, this evergreen succulent perennial is a member of Asphodelaceae family that also includes daylily (Hemerocallis), red hot poker (Kniphofia), and foxtail lily (Eremurus) Its origin…
Plant Profile: Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
Native to East Asia, this fast-growing woody evergreen vine is a member of the mulberry family, Moraceae, that also includes banyan, osage orange, and rubber plant. It grows up to…
Plant Profile: Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Also called English thyme, this well branched aromatic evergreen shrub is native to the western Mediterranean region to southern Italy. It is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, that…
Plant Profile: Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla syn. A. durior)
I have been looking for a perennial vine for a particular pot in my formal garden and I came upon Aristolochia macrophylla. It’s large, dark green heart-shaped leaves and vigorous…
Plant Profile: Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis)
Also known as bay laural, this aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree is native to the Mediterranean region and a member of the laurel family, Lauraceae, that also includes sassafras,…
Plant Profile: Chinese Trumpetvine (Campsis grandiflora)
The trumpetvine that grew on a fence and tree on the property line of our Annapolis home always attracted a lot of hummingbirds when it bloomed but the head gardener…
Plant Profile: Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint is not for the faint of heart. It is a garden thug and needs a stern hand to keep it under control. I thought I could control it by…
Plant Profile: Climbing Hydrangea ( Hydrangea anomala)
If you like to watch grass grow you might find this vine fascinating. It is a good plant and I have grown it in two different gardens but it is…