Weeds and Their Control: Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris)
Karen Also called wild chervil, this herbaceous biennial or short lived perennial is a native of Europe, western Asia and parts of Africa but is a common weed in parts of…
Plant Profile: Persian Onion (Allium aflatunense)
Persian onion is a bulbous perennial native to central Asia. It is a member of the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) that also includes agapanthus, daffodils, and snow drops. The fleshy, strap-shaped…
Abelmoschus for the Garden
Abelmoschus is a genus of annuals and herbaceous perennials native to tropical Africa, Asian, and northern Australia and belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae, that also include cotton, hollyhock, and…
Plant Profile: Green Dragon (Arisaema dracontium)
Green dragon is an herbaceous perennial native to eastern North America where it grows in damp forests. It is a member of the arum family, Araceae, that also includes Jack…
Book Review: Five-Plant Gardens
One of the most difficult things about gardening is choosing good plant combinations. The gardener has to consider growing conditions as well as such factors as the bloom time, color,…
Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wine: Cock Ale
When reading the book written by my paternal grandmother’s on home made wines I could hardly believe that she had this one. My grandmother had a wicked sense of humor…
Plant Profile: Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)
Also known as false dragonhead, this rhizomatous herbaceous perennial is native to North American and a member of the deadnettle family, Lamiaceae, that also includes mint, coleus, and lamb’s ear.…
Plant Combination: Dwarf Greenstripe Bamboo (Arundinaria viridistriata) and Hosta montana ‘Aureomarginata’
A shady or partly shady area of the garden with moist soil is perfect for this handsome combination. In spring and early summer the yellow variegation of the hosta echoes…
Plant Profile: Millot’s Knotweed (Polygonum miletti aka Persicaria miletti)
This clump-forming herbaceous perennial is native to western China and Nepal where it grows in scrub and on cliff ledges. It is a member of the knotweed family, Polygonaceae, that…
Book Review: Chez Panisse Fruit
Alice Waters, owner of the restaurant Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, brings her considerable experience with fresh, locally grown, organic produce to her book, Chez Panisse Fruits. The book provides…