Plant Profile: Chinese Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Karen Also called tropical hibiscus, this evergreen perennial is a popular landscape plant in warm climates but also makes a good container plant in cool areas. The large shiny dark green…
Book Review: In the Green Kitchen: Techniques to Learn by Heart
Alice Waters’ philosophy of using sustainable, seasonal, local ingredients and cooking them simply to produce delicious, healthful meals is very appealing. This concept underlies her book, In the Green Kitchen,…
Plant Combination: Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) and Dwarf Camomille (Anthemis punctata aka A. punctata subsp. cupaniana)
The appeal of simple white and yellow daisies is used here to create a charming combination with cypress spurge for the late spring garden. The acid yellow green bracts of…
Plant Profile: Western Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanus)
The name only tells half the story. Yes, the plant does have a distinct skunk smell but its very large green leaves and bright yellow sheaths make it a knockout…
Ornamental Grasses: Forms
Ornamental grasses that grow in clumps vary in form from stiff and upright to relaxed and floppy. When classifying grasses by form only the foliage is considered, not the flowering…
Plant Profile: Frangipani (Plumeria rubra)
A native of central America, this small semi-evergreen tree is widely grown around the world where it is found in parks, cemeteries, and temples. Its distribution in the United States,…
Book Review: Little Owl Lost
A little owlet separated from his mommy makes a great story for young children. Written for young children two to five years old, Chris Haughton’s book, Little Owl Lost, retells…
Plant Combination: Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis) and Winter Daphne ( Daphne odora)
Plants blooming in winter are unusual for most of us in United States Zone 7 so finding a combination is a luxury. This one is not easy to put together…
Plant Profile: Sulfur Flower (Eriogonum umbellatum)
Sulfur flower, a wild buckwheat, is native to western North America where it can be found in many habitats including sagebrush scrub, meadows, and sub-alpine forests. It is member of…
How to Select a Tree for the Patio
When choosing a tree for a patio you should consider several factors; function, size, tree needs, and upkeep. Shade is probably the most common reason people want a tree in…