Shakespeare’s Garden: Narcissus
Karen Narcissus is a genus in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) and also includes plants known as daffodils and jonquils. The narcissus that Shakespeare is referring to is probably Narciss pseudonarissus also…
Plant Profile: Rose ‘Alba Maxima’
Also known as the ‘Jacobite Rose’,’ Great Double White’, ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Rose’, and’Cheshire Rose’ this rose is very old and dates back to before 1499. The flowers have a…
Book Review: It’s a Good Thing There Are Butterflies
Butterflies add life and beauty to the garden thereby enhancing everyone’s experience there. Children are especially attracted to butterflies and Lisa Herrington’s book, It’s a Good Thing There Are Butterflies,…
Ten Interesting Facts about Woodlice (Sowbugs and Pillbugs) and How to Control Them
Woodlice can be a pest in the garden when the eat young seedlings. Altough sowbugs and pillbugs look very much alike, those that roll up into a ball when distubed…
Plant Profile: Bronze Leaf Rodgersia (Rodgersia podophylla)
Rodgersia podophylla is a clump forming rhizomateous perennial native to Japan and Korea where it lives in moist soil along streams and in shaded woodlands. It is a bold plant…
Weeds and Their Control: Annual Knawel (Scleranthus annuus)
Annual knawel is an annual in the pink family ( Caryophyllaceae) and native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Also known as German knot weed, it has spread throughout the…
Plant Profile: Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi)
Originally from the Mediterranean region this annual is widely grown in India, Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. It is a member of the parsley family (Apiaceae) and related to…
Filipendulas for the Garden
Often called false spirea to which they are related, the Filipendulas are herbaceous perennials in the rose family (Rosaceae) and include meadowsweet, dropwort, and Queen of the Praire. The inflorescences…
Plant Profile: Bishop’s Weed (Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’)
Also called goutweed, this herbaceous perennial is native to Eurasia but has been introduced into the US where it is often used as a ground cover. It is a member…
Roses for Hanging Containers
Hanging containers present challenges for growing roses. They are limited in size (and weight), dry out quickly, usually need winter protection, and often occupy shady positions. You can work around…