Plant Profile: Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum)
Karen Sea holly is an evergreen herbaceous perennial and a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae) that includes Queen Anne’ lace, dill, and parsley. It is a native to Europe where…
Book Review: When Spring Comes
When the leafless trees, gray skies, and cold temperatures make winter days seem bleak and endless, the prospect of spring is joyous even though the wait may be long. Kevin…
Butterflies in the Garden and How to Attract Them: Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
The viceroy can be found through out most of the US, southern Canada and northern Mexico where it inhabits moist open or shrubby areas such as land around lakes, along…
Plant Profile: Eastern Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana var salicifolia)
Native to eastern US from New Jersey to Florida and west to the Mississippi River , this herbaceous perennial is a member of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) that also includes…
Six Best White Old Garden Roses
Picking the “best” roses is an objective process and in this case, the ratings of the American Roses Society have been used. Every year the American Rose Society enlists the…
Garden Plants for Arrangements: Periwinkle (Vinca major)
This trailing perennial vine is native to the Mediterranean area where it grows in woodlands and hedgerows as well as on river banks. It is a member of the dogbane…
Book Review: The Bold Dry Garden
Located about twenty five miles west of San Francisco in Walnut Creek, California, is the Ruth Bancroft Garden known for its incredible collection of cacti and succulents. The garden is…
Garden Plants for Flower Arrangements Golden Alder (Alnus incana) ‘Aurea’
This small deciduous tree offers winter interest with its colorful shoots in shades of reddish yellow or orange. In late winter or early spring pink tinged catkins appear and are…
Plant Profile: Love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) ‘Fat Spike’
Also commonly known as tassel flower, this annual is native to India, Africa, and Peru, and a member of the Amaranth family (Amaranthaceae), a diverse family that also includes beets,…
Botanical Latin: Hypericum
Hypericum (hy PER i cum): The genus name, Hypericum, is from the Greek word hypereidon and is derived from hyper, meaning above, plus eikon meaning picture. The plant was believed…