Facts about the “Partridge in a Pear Tree”
Karen The partridge in a pear tree is a familiar image at Christmas time especially during the twelves days afterward commemorated by the famous song. But have you ever thought about…
Plant Profile: Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus/Dolichos lablab)
Vines are an excellent way of producing a lot vegetation in a small space because they can grow vertically and hyacinth bean is one of the best annual vines. True,…
Name This Plant Game: Medicinal Herbs 7
Chuck This simple game tests your gardening knowledge by identifying five plants shown in photos from a list of possible names. Photos of each plant are accompaned by a clue describing…
History of Christmas Greens: Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Few plants evoke images of the South like southern magnolia. The tall evergreen trees are native from coastal Virginia to Florida and west to Texas and Oklahoma and it is…
Plant Profile: River Birch (Betula nigra)
A native of low woods, streamsides, and riverbanks in the eastern part of the United States, from southern New England to northern Florida and west to Oklahoma and Kansas, river…
Winter Solstice for Gardeners
The winter solstice isn’t just for gardeners, of course, but it does have special significance for their plants. The day of the winter solstice is the shortest day and longest…
Plant Profile: Joseph’s Coat (Amaranthus tricolor)
Amaranthus tricolor is not for the timid. Its very bright, perhaps gaudy, colors are sure to catch the eye and enliven any border. Frankly, I love it. Plant several tall…
Name This Plant Game: Medicinal Herbs 6
This simple game tests your gardening knowledge by identifying five plants shown in photos from a list of possible names. Photos of each plant are accompaned by a clue describing…
Flowers for Holiday Arrangements: Scarlet Plume (Euphorbia fulgens)
For a unique and festive look in holiday arrangements, try Euphorbia fulgens. You probably won’t find it at your local grocery store but it is available from florists, although you…
Plant Profile: Mediterranean Spurge (Euphorbia characias)
If you know this shrubby perennial by its common name, Mediterranean spurge, you probably know that it thrives in dry hot climates. And you can probability guess that it languishes…