Weeds and Their Control: Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria)
Karen Native to Eurasia and North Africa, moth mullein was introduced into the US before 1818 and has naturalized in disturbed areas such as roadsides and fencerows in most of the…
Plant Profile: Large Flowered Tickseed (Coreopsis grandiflora)
Large flowered tickseed is a clump forming herbaceous perennial and a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes sunflower, daisy, and lettuce. It is native to southeastern US…
Shakespeare’s Garden: Peach
A native of China, the peach (Prunus persica) is a small deciduous short lived tree in the Rosaceae family and in the same genus as plums, cherries, almonds, and apricots.…
Plant Profile: Showy Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium reginae)
Also called pink and white lady’s slipper and queen’s lady’s slipper, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It is native to the northeastern quarter of…
Book Review: What’s in the Garden
From the very first page, What’s in the Garden is a hit. Author Marianne Berkes presents factual information about 12 fruits and vegetables in a way that captivates and engages…
Invasive Plants and Their Native Alternatives: Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
Common hawthorn is a thorny deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia It was introduced into the US and has become invasive in some…
Plant Profile: Indian Shot (Canna indica)
Indian shot is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the Cannaeceae family that is most closely related to ginger, banana, and bird of paradise. It is native to the…
Artemesia for the Garden
Artemesia is a genus of woody and herbaceous perennials and includes several well known plants such as tarragon, sagebrush, mugwort, and wormwood. It is a member of the aster family,…
Plant Profile: Milky Bellflower (Campanula lactiflora)
Milky bellflower is a bushy herbaceous perennial and a member of the Campanulaceae family that also includes balloon flower, lady bells (Adenaphora), and Lobelia. It is native to Caucasus, NE…
Book Review: Growing Perfect Vegetables
From the Mel Bartholomew Foundation of Square Foot Gardening fame comes this book about recognizing when fruits and vegetables are ripe, picking, and storing them. It is not about growing…