Edible Flowers: Scented Geranium (Pelargonium)
Karen Scented geraniums are species are cultivars characterized by fragrant leaves. They are all in the genus Pelargonium and should be distinguished from true geraniums that are in the genus Geranium…
Plant Profile: Himalayan Honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa)
Also called Himalaya nutmeg, flowering nutmeg, and pheasant berry, this deciduous thicket-forming shrub is a member of the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) and native to woodlands in the Himalaya and southwestern…
Shakespeare’s Garden: Crowflowers
The crowflower of Shakespeare has been various identified as ragged robin ( Lychnis flos-cuculi), buttercup (Ranunculur spp), and common bluebell or scilla (Hyacinthoides nonscripta) but ragged robin is the most…
Plant Profile: Rose Nastarana
Clusters of pointed buds open to pale pink flowers that quickly fade to white. The stamens make little petaloids that give a unique look to the flowers. Long slender hips…
Book Review: Rondale’s Basic Organic Gardening
Organic gardening has been around for over forty years but although it is becoming increasingly popular many people are still unfamiliar with what it actually involves. Deborah L. Martin’s Rodale’s…
Growing Plants from Seed:Snapdragon (Anthirrhinum major)
Snapdragons are tender perennials that are usually grown as annuals. They need cool temperatures to grow well and are usually planted in the spring in USDA zone 7 and north,…
Plant Profile: Kashmir Rowan (Sorbus cashmiriana)
This deciduous flowering tree is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae) and is native to the Himalayas. Although it is a short lived tree it is grown as an…
Gardens of Singapore: Gardens by the Bay
Singapore can be considered a garden city but it has two outstanding gardens and one of these is Gardens by the Bay. Located near the port area and accessible by…
Plant Profile: Barberry (Berberis valdiviana)
This native of Chile is a large evergreen shrub and resembles a holly. The shiny dark green leaves are pointed, and leathery. They are about three inches long and almost…
Plant Profile: Long-Leaved Lacebark (Hoheria sexstylosa) ‘Stardust’
Also called ribbonwood, this compact evergreen tree or shrub is a member of the mallow family (Malvaceae) and endemic to New Zealand and the Kermadec Islands where it grows in…