Wildflowers: Liatris Native to the Midwest
Karen Meyers 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…
Plant Profile: Giant Feather Grass (Stipa gigantea)
Karen Also known as golden oats, this perennial cool-season grass is native to the mountains of Spain and Portugal, and a member of the grass family, Poaceae, that also includes rice,…
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…
Plant Profile: Cape Scabiosa (Scabiosa africana)
A rare plant suitable only for West Coast gardens, this evergreen herbaceous perennial is native to the fynbos of South Africa and a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that…
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…
Plant Profile: Carmel Daisy (Scabiosa prolifera)
Native to the woodlands and shrublands of the eastern Mediterranean area, this annual is a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that also includes weigelia, Centranthus, and valerian. Plants grow…
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…
Plant Profile: Common Daisy (Bellis perennis)
Also known as lawn daisy and English daisy, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes chrysanthemum, dandelion, and lettuce. It is native to…
Book Review: Epic Salads
Epic Salads, by Jessica Prescott, presents a refreshing approach to salads making. Drawing from many culinary traditions, Prescott presents over 60 plant-based recipes that can fill many roles from snack…