Weeds and Their Control; Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)
Karen Meyers Reed canary grass is a cool season rhizomatous bunch grass and a member of the grass family, Poaceae, that also includes bamboo, corn, and rice. It is native to North…
Plant Profile: Tricolor Daisy (Chrysanthemum carinatum aka Ismelia carinata)
Karen Native to North Africa, this bushy cool weather annual is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes sunflower, yarrow, and lettuce. Plants grow 2-3′ tall and have…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Rose
Roses have been cultivated since 500 BC in Persia and China and were well-loved by the ancient Roman’s and Greeks. As Christianity spread through the Roman Empire the rose was…
Plant Profile: Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera)
Also called upright prairie coneflower and Mexican hat, this clump-forming herbaceous perennial is native to much of North American where it grows in prairies, plains, and disturbed areas. It is…
Book Review: Mushrooms
Written for children 8-12 in grades 3-4, Mushrooms, by Joyce Markovics, introduces young readers to mushrooms and their importance to the environment. Markovics covers many topics regarding mushrooms and shows…
Weeds and Their Control: Wood Rose (Merremia tuberose)
Also known as Spanish arborvine, Spanish woodbine, and yellow morning-glory, wood rose is a perennial twining woody vine. It is a member of the morning-glory family, Convolvulaceae, that also includes…
Plant Profile: Silverleaf Sunflower (Helianthus argophyllus)
This annual sunflower is native to Texas where it grows in sandy areas near the seacoast. It is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow,…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum)
The Madonna lily has been revered since ancient times and was considered a symbol of beauty, fertility and wealth. The ancient Egyptian dedicated it to Isis, the goddess of motherhood…
Plant Profile: Dusty Miller (Centaurea cineraria)
Also called silver dust, this herbaceous annual or tender perennial sub-shrub is native to the Island of Capraia in Italy and is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that…
Book Review: The Hidden Life of Trees
Peter Wohlleben’s book, The Hidden Life of Trees, presents a unique look at the forest ecosystem. He argues that the trees are interconnected with communication and social interactions and that…