Name This Plant Game: House Plants 4
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…
Botany for Gardeners: The Stem-Tissues and Their Functions
Karen Stems carry out many functions, producing and holding up lateral stems, flowers and leaves, conducting food and water between the root and these parts, and storing food. In order to…
Plant Profile: Polyanthus Primrose (Primula hybrid)
A recent trip to a local dollar store resulted in the purchase of a bright yellow polyanthus primrose. How could I resist? Spring was in the air and the desire…
A Visit to the Chinese Garden at the Huntington, San Marino, California
After visiting gardens in China we looked forward to visiting the Chinese garden at the Huntington. In preparation, I read the book published by the Huntington, Another World Lies Beyond,…
Plant Profile: Sweet Violet (Viola odorata)
Native to Europe and Asia, the sweet violet is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the plant family Violaceae, that also includes pansies and johnny jump ups. It grows 4-10″ tall…
Name This Plant Game: House Plants 3
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…
Botany for Gardeners: Stems: Functions and Types
Plant stems are an important part of any garden. They vary in size, shape, color, and texture all of which add to the beauty of the garden. Stems may be…
Plant Profile: Silverberry (Elaeagnus x ebbingei ‘Gilt Edge’)
Variegated plants have a special gift for lighting up a dark area but this silverberry goes beyond that. The underside of its yellow and green leaves are covered with silvery…
A March Visit to the Getty Center Garden, Los Angeles, California
A visit to the Getty Center garden is always fun but is especially nice in March because the weather is cool and the garden is beginning to awaken. Many plants…
Plant Profile: Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus)
Native to an unknown place in the Mediterranean region, this cormous perennial belongs to the iris family, Iridaceae, that also includes gladiolus, crocosmia, and blue-eyed grass. It is sometimes called…