Plant Fiber in the Diet: Soluble and Insoluble
Karen We hear a lot about the virtues of eating foods such as fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber and know that there are two kinds of fiber, soluble…
Plant Profile: Grayleaf Cranebill (Geranium cinereum)
Also called ashy cranebill, this semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial is native to the Pyrennes. It is a member of the Geraniaceae family that also includes the common bedding plant called geranium…
Genus: Armeria (Thrift) for the Garden
Thrifts are members of the plumbago family, Plumbaginaceae, that also includes leadwort (Ceratostigma) and statice (Limonium) . There are about fifty species but only a few are considered good garden…
Plant Profile: Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra) ‘Itallica’
Lombardy poplar is a deciduous, short-lived, male clone of Populus nigra. It is a native of Italy where it grows in moist areas and is a member of the willow…
Book Review: Apples Grow on a Tree
If you want to teach a child that fruits and nuts grow on trees, Mari Schuh’s book, Apples Grow on a Tree, is a possible option. It is a no…
Weeds and Their Control: Quickweed (Galinsoga parviflora)
Also known as gallant soldiers, this annual weed is a member of the daisy family, (Asteraceae) It is a native of South America but has spread to many other parts…
Plant Profile: Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa amurensis japonica)
Also known as Syringa reticulata, this deciduous tree or shrub is found growing in organically rich, well-drained soil in northern area where winters are very cold. It is a member…
Botanical Latin: Atropa
Atropa (AT ro pa) from the name of the Greek goddess Atropos, one of the three Fates. The name literally means ‘she who may not be turned (aside)’ The Three…
Plant Profile: Caucasian Comfrey (Symphytum caucasicum)
This coarse herbaceous perennial is native to the Caucasus Mountains where it grows in waste places, along roadsides, in scrub, and along streams. It is a member of the boarage…
Slow Food Nation: Slow Food Nation
Americans are familiar with fast-food but how about slow-food? The Slow Food Movement was founded in 1986 by Carlo Petrini in Italy and in his book, Slow Food Nation, he…