Collecting Seed: Spider Flower (Cleome hasslerana)
Karen Spider flower is an annual native to southern South America but grown widely in the US for the large unusual flowerheads that feature long stamens that give a spider web…
Plant Profiles: Kafir Plum (Harpephyllum caffrum)
Kafir plum is an evergreen tree native to Eastern parts of Southern Africa from the Cape through Mozambique and Zimbabwe where it is found on forest river banks. It is…
Gardens of Spain: Paseo del Parque, Malaga
The ancient Phoenicians founded the city in 770 BC, the Romans and Arabs subsequently occupied it, and now all of Europe knows of the delights of Malaga. Sad to say,…
Plant Profile: Cupids Dart (Catananche caerulea)
Cupid’s dart is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the aster family,Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow and lettuce. It is native to Mediterranean Europe and northern Africa where it grows…
Book Review: Starting Out with Native Plants
Growing native plants even in a small urban garden can benefit wildlife and significantly contribute to biodiversity. Author, Charlotte de la Bedoyere, in her book, Starting Out with Native Plants,…
Plant Combination: Wallflower (Erysimum linifolium) ‘ Bowle’s Mauve’ and Marsh Spurge (Euphorbia palustris)
Like chartreuse flowers? Try this marsh spurge paired with the deep lavender wall flower ‘Bowle’s Mauve’ for a spring combination in a sunny border. The marsh spurge does double duty…
Plant Profile: European Hackberry (Celtis australis)
Also known as nettle tree, European hackberry is a medium to large deciduous tree native to southern Europe, North African and Asia Minor. It has a straight trunk, many small…
Botanical Latin: Edulis
ED u lis: Latin meaning edible Edulis is used as a specific or varietal name for animals such a the edible blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, fungi such as Boletus edulis,…
Plant Profile: Elephant Ear (Alocasia macrorrhiza)
Also called giant taro, this tender herbaceous perennial is native to tropical areas from India to Queensland, Australia where it grows in the understory and along streams. It grows very…
Book Review: Small Spaces Big Ideas
You might think your backyard, patio, or balcony is too small for a garden but author Philippa Pearson will prove you wrong with her book, Small Space Big Ideas. In…