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
Karen 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…
Book Review: Your Eco-Friendly Yard
Author Tom Girolamo presents an innovative approach to creating an environmentally friendly sustainable landscape. He points out that since we have many demands on our time and financial resources, why…
How to Scarify Annual and Perennial Seeds
Have you every bought a packet of seeds that recommended nicking the seeds or soaking them overnight in water before sowing? Morning glory, moon vine, and lupine seed need this…
Plant Profile: Woolly Yarrow (Achillea tomentosa )
This semi-evergreen, mat-forming perennial is native to the lowlands of Europe and western Asia and is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, goldenrod and lettuce.…
History of Valentine’s Day Flowers
Flowers and candy seem to pop into mind at the thought of Valentine’s Day but it was not always so. Florists view Valentine’s Day as one of the most profitable…
Book Review: Whole in One
Author and chef Ellie Krieger sets out to produce a collection of healthy recipes that are both tasty and delicious but are also cooked in just pot, sheet pan, or…
Plant Profile: Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)
Agrimony is a perennial herb native to Europe and sothwestern Asia where it grows in moist woods, damp meadows, pastures, and along stream banks. It is a member of the…
Book Review: Culpeper’s Color Herbal
For historians and herbalists alike, this book is informative as well as entertaining. It gives a brief account of almost 400 herbs from the perspective of a 16th century herbalist…