Plants of the Bible: Caper (Capparis spinosa )
Karen Also called flinders rose, this broad leaf evergreen creeping shrub is native to arid and semi arid regions of the Mediterranean, East Africa, Madagascar, parts of Asia, Himalayas, the Pacific…
Butterflies in the Garden and How to Attract Them: American Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis)
The American lady butterfly is a common sight in open areas such as gardens, meadows, roadsides and vacant lots in North America. It is at home in southern US to…
Plant Profile: Silver Vein Creeper (Parthenocissus henryana)
Also called Chinese Virginia creeper, this deciduous climber is native to China where it grows on moist rocks, clifts, and hillsides. It is a member of the grape family, Vitaceae,…
Plant Combination: Sage (Salvia nemorosa) ‘Lubecca’ and Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum var. striatum
The pale pink flowers of bloody cranesbill var. striatum spread out at the feet of sage ‘Lubecca’ with its spikes of violet-blue flowers in spring. Interest is further provided by…
Plant Profile: Jouin Clematis (Clematis x jouiniana) ‘Praecox’
This deciduous semi-shrub/climber is a hybrid between C. vitalba and C. heracleifolia var. davidiana and is a member of the buttercup family, ‘Ranunculaceae, that also includes monkshood, columbine, and hellebore.…
Plants of the Bible: Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Dill is a cool weather annual native to northern Africa and the Arabian peninsular but is widely grown in Europe where its seeds and leaves are used as a culinary…
Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wines: Sham Champagne
The word champagne suggests a bubbly beverage made from grapes, specificall a French wine made to in Champagne, France, from Pinot noir, Chardennay, or Pinot meunier grapes. When my paternal…
Plant Profile: Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
This vigorous deciduous woody vine, also known as woodbine, is native to eastern and central North America south to Mexico where it grows in a variety of habitats including forests,…
Weeds and Their Control: Heal-All (Prunella vulgaris)
Also called carpenter’s weed and wild sage, heal-all is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, that also includes thyme, basil, and ajuga. It is native…
Plant Profile: Chinese Hydrangea Vine (Schizophragma integrifolium)
Chinese hydrangea vine is a woody deciduous climber native to rocky hillsides and forest edges of western and central China. It is a member of the hydrangea family, Hydrangeaceae, that…