Insects and their Control: Blister Beetles (Epicauta spp.)
Karen The common name “blister beetle” is given to 7,500 species of beetles in the Meloidae family that secret cantharidin, a chemical that causes blistering of the skin. They have a…
Plant Profile: Blue Throatwort (Trachelium caeruleum)
Native to the western Mediterranean, this tender evergreen perennial is commonly grown as an annual in temperate climates. It forms a clump of stems bearing narrow, dark green to reddish…
Rose Garden Themes: Beverages- Liqueurs
There are many liqueurs but there only a few roses named for them. There are even fewer roses that are readily available but I could not resist including two that…
Plant Profile: Chinese Flame Tree (Koelreuteria bipinnata)
This small deciduous tree native to China is grown as a shade tree as well as for its showy yellow flowers in summer and its lovely rose pink seed capsules…
Book Review: Encyclopedia of Planting Combinations
One of the most enjoyable aspects of gardening is planning plant combinations but it can also be the most frustrating. Tony Lord’s book, Encyclopedia of Planting Combinations, is a very…
Weeds and Their Control: Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
The origin of purslane is somewhat obscure. It appears to be indigenous to North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia but archaeological evidence suggests that it may have…
Plant Profile: Seedbox (Ludwigia alternifolia)
Seedbox, also known as rattlebox, is a herbaceous perennial native to eastern North America where it is found in wet areas such as swamps and marshes. The common names come…
How to Care for Bonsai: Mastic Tree (Pistacia lentiscus)
This evergreen shrub or small tree is native to the Mediterranean where it is cultivated as an ornamental and for its resin. The resin, called mastic, is harvested primarily from…
Plant Profile: Castor Aralia (Kalopanax septemlobus)
This relative of ivy is the only member of the family (Araliaceae) that is a large hardy tree. A native of China, Korea and Japan this deciduous tree has a…
Book Review: Buy the Right Wine Every Time
If you are overwhelmed by the prospect of selecting a wine when confronted with a huge choice in the market place, Tom Stevenson’s book may offer you a viable solution.…