Late Spring to Early summer Perennials for the Cottage Garden
Karen As spring moves into summer more and more perennials begin to bloom and can take over the job of providing color in the garden. As the bulbs begin to fade…
Plant Profile: Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
A native of Egypt and the Mediterranean anise has been known since ancient times. In the sixth century BC it was recommended for controlling epileptic seizures but by Roman times…
Book Review: Flowers: The Book of Floral Design
This large, handsome book might be mistaken for a coffee table book, but it is far more. It is full of creative ideas and practical suggestions for arranging flowers that…
Flowers for Arrangements: Boronia heterophylla
If you like heather or heath you will probably like boronia. Boronia has small bell-shaped flowers that are usually hot pink or purple and are borne close to stems covered…
Plant Profile: Lily Leek (Allium moly)
A native of southern Europe, lily leek has long enjoyed a rich past. It is said to be the “Moly” that saved Ulysses from the charms of Circe as described…
Plant Profile: Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
This native of Europe and Asia has a long history rich with folklore and myth but it is also a striking garden plant. Growing 5-8 feet all, it commands attention…
Book Review: Amercian Rose Society Encyclopedia of Roses
This is the one book in my library I would never give up. Even if I no longer grew roses I would keep this book just so I could look…
Characteristics of Informal Gardens
Chuck The carefree relaxed look of an informal garden is very appealing. But don’t be deceived into believing that this look comes naturally. The best informal gardens are carefully planned, executed…
Medicinal Herbs for the Cottage Garden
When the colonists came to America they brought various herbs with them. Many were medicinal and very important to their health, or at least they thought so. Some of the…
Plant Profile: False Hellebore (Veratrum viride)
False hellebore is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the Melanthiaceae family that also includes Trillium. It is native to eastern and western North America and grows in wet…