Self-Cleaning Floribunda Roses
Karen Self-cleaning roses are a boon to gardeners that dislike deadheading but want the attractive bushes and abundance of blooms that deadheading brings. The bloom, fade, drop their petals and form…
Plant Profile: Mediterranean Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites)
Also called donkey tail, this succulent perennial is native to southeastern Europe and Asia Minor where it is found in grassy and rocky areas. It is a member of the…
Beneficial Insects and how to Attract Them: Praying Mantids
Mantids, also known as praying mantises, are a group of insects that include about twenty different species in North America where they live grasselands, meadows shrublands, and gardens . The…
Plant Profile: Star Astilbe (Astilbe simplicifolia)
Star astilbe is a dwarf herbaceous perennial native to Japan. It is a member of the saxifrage family, Saxifragaceae, that also includes Bergenia, coral bells (Heuchera), and foamflower (Tiarella). The…
Book Review: The Book of Gardening Projects for Kids
Encouraging kids to get outside and enjoy the natural world is not always easy especially now that ipads have become common toys for them. Whitney Cohen and John Fisher’s book,…
Perennials with Fine Textured Foliage for Shade
When designing a garden shady areas present problems and many are best solved by the use of plants with handsome foliage to make up or the dearth of flowers. The…
Plant Profile: Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)
Showy milkweed is a herbaceous perennial native to Northwest and north central US where it can be found in sunny moist to dry sites including savannas, prairies, roadsides, abandon fields,…
Botanical Latin: Calendula
Calendula (ca LEN du la) from the Latin word calendae meaning the first day of the month The genus Calendula is a member of the family Asteraceae and includes 15-20…
Plant Profile: Rose Pierre de Ronsard aka Eden
The large, cupped-shaped, flowers are full of petals and have a charming old fashioned look. They are carried singly and have a large number of creamy petals with deep pink…
Book Review: Food Rules
Are you confused by “the latest” information on the benefits of consuming coffee, red wine, or butter? Do you wonder about probiotics, folic acid, or gluten? You are not alone…