Botanical Latin: Cucurbita
Karen Cucurbita (ku KUR bi ta) from the Latin cucurbita meaning gourd. This Latin word is used as the genus name for summer and winter squash, pumpkins and some gourds. Cucurbitae…
Plant Profile: Shieldleaf (Astilboides tabularis aka Rogeresia tabularis)
This clump-forming perennial is native to northern China and Korea where it grows in moist shady areas. It has large bright peltate leaves up to three feet across that are…
Book Review: The Garden Floor
How many gardeners focus on the garden floor? I for one, take itfor granted and assume it will be grass unless there is a compelling reason to do something else.…
Weeds and Their control: Beaked Corn Salad (Valerianella radiata)
This native annual is a common weed in the Southeast and parts of the Mid-West where it is found in disturbed areas such as abandoned fields, meadows, and waste areas.…
Plant Profile: Crimson Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus aka Melaleuca citrina)
Native to Australia, this broadleaf evergreen shrub is a member of the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, that also includes clove, allspice, and eucalyptus. Plants grow up to 18′ tall and have…
Yuccas for the Garden
Native to hot dry areas of North, South and Central America, yuccas are tough perennial shrubs and trees that have adapted to a variety of conditions and some even grow…
Plant Profile: Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum)
This deciduous small understory tree also is native to the the woodlands of southern Europe and western Asia and is believed to be native to Palestine. It is also called…
Book Review: Dream Plants for the Natural Garden
The allure of small, low maintenance gardens combined with water shortages and a desire for sustainability has led to a growing interest in “natural gardens”. Author’s Piet Oudolf and Henk…
Red Hybrid Tea Roses for Cutting
Roses that are good for cutting should have good form and color and be carried on fairly long stems that are neither too stiff nor too flexible. Fragrance, size of…
Plant Profile: Knapweed (Centaurea macrocephala)
Also known as hardheads, this vigorous perennial is native to the Caucasus and a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow, and lettuce. A relative of…