Wildflowers: Iris Native to the Midwest
Karen Meyers Iris is a genus of 310 species and is in the plant family Iridaceae that also included gladiolus, crocus and freesia. The plants are all perennial and grow from rhizomes…
Plant Profile: Grassleaf Scabiosa (Scabiosa graminifolia)
Karen Native to rocky slopes in southern Europe, this evergreen perennial is a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that also includes weigelia, Centranthus, and valerian. Plants grow up to 18″…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum) Our Lady’s Fingers
The link between woodbine and the Virgin Mary rests on the physical characteristics of the plant and Christian legend. The tubular flowers resemble slender fingers and may symbolize Mary’s gentle…
Plant Profile: Orange Sneezeweed (Helenium hoopseii)
Also known as owl’s claws, this clump-forming perennial a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow and lettuce. It is native to western United States from…
Book Review: The Natural Soapmaking Handbook
The Natural Soapmaking Handbook, by Simi Khabra, creator of Muddy Mint Soap Co., blends practical information with artistic expression to create a comprehensive guide to soapmaking. It includes all the…
Wildflowers: Iris Native to the Southeast
Iris is a genus of 310 species and is in the plant family Iridaceae that also included gladiolus, crocus and freesia. The plants are all perennial and grow 2-79″ from…
Karen’s Therapy: self esteem exercise
Questions from Eleanor Roosevelt’s book, This is my Story Thursday, November 20, 2025 Wednesday November 19, 2025 (missing Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Monday, November 17, 2025 Sunday, November 16 (in…
Plant Profile: Sweet Scabiosa (Scabiosa atropurpurea)
Also known as mourningbride, and mournful widow, this annual is a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that also includes weigelia, Centranthus, and valerian. It is native to the Mediterranean…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Cowslip (Primula veris)
Primula veris is known as Our Lady’s Keys due to the appearance of its flower clusters and Christian legend. Early Christians thought that the drooping flower clusters resembled an old-fashion…
Plant Profile: Cape Anemone (Anemone tenuifolia aka A. capensis)
Native to South Africa, this evergreen subshrub is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes delphinium, clematis, and hellabore. It grows 12-24″ tall and has a short…