The Story of the Common Hyacinth
Karen The familiar hyacinth plant appears in spring with its heady fragrance and is loved by some, scorned by others. It became very popular in Holland during the 18th century and…
Plant Profile: Crabapple (Malus hybrids)
The ornamental crabapple is a beautiful spring flowering tree that brings color and delicacy to the garden when it blooms and has attractive fruits enjoyed by birds in the fall…
Book Review: Fabulous Flowers: Mini-Quilts in Dimensional Applique
If you like crafts and flowers Sharon Baker’s book Fabulous Flowers is a book worth having. In it, Baker shares her enthusiasm and knowledge of making fabric flowers for use…
Botany for Gardeners: Taxonomy of Dicots-Identifying the Pea Family (Leguminosae)
The Pea Family is the third largest land plant family and includes many important and beautiful herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees. Beans, alfalfa, and peanuts are important food crops, lupine,…
Plant Profile: Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Bearberry is a low growing, fine textured evergreen shrub that is native to northern parts of Europe, Asia and North America. It is a member of the heath family, Ericaceae,…
Tools for Pruning
If you have a garden you are probably going to face a pruning job at some time. Some plants require constant pruning, others only need an occasion clip. Pruning is…
How to Care for Bonsai: Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
There are over 40 kinds of boxwood, most of which are varieties of English boxwood, Buxus sempervirens. Japanese boxwood (B. microphylla) is also a good choice for bonsai but Buxus…
Plant Profile: Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas)
Valued for its bright yellow flowers, Cornus mas is a spring time favorite. It is a small multistemmed deciduous tree with a round shape and dense compact branching that reaches…
Book Review: American Horticultural Society Plant Propagation
Gardeners interested in increasing their plants will find this book a treasure trove of information. It includes everything you need to know about plant propagation from a general overview to…
Weeds and Their Control: Prickly Sida (Sida spinosa)
The origins of prickly sida are obscure but the general feeling is that the plant is a native of tropical America. It has spread to many semi-tropical and tropical areas…