Plant Profile: Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis)
Karen Also known as bay laural, this aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree is native to the Mediterranean region and a member of the laurel family, Lauraceae, that also includes sassafras,…
Name This Plant Game: Culinary Herbs 5
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…
Identification of Some Common Conifers by Silhouettes
I am always amazed when the head gardener can identify a tree as we speed down the highway. He only needs to catch sight of the silhouettes and he can…
Plant Profile: Chinese Trumpetvine (Campsis grandiflora)
The trumpetvine that grew on a fence and tree on the property line of our Annapolis home always attracted a lot of hummingbirds when it bloomed but the head gardener…
Royal Wedding Bouquets
With the announcement of the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton everyone began to speculate on the date of the wedding, where it will be held, and who will…
Plant Profile: Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint is not for the faint of heart. It is a garden thug and needs a stern hand to keep it under control. I thought I could control it by…
Name This Plant Game: Culinary Herbs 4
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 Leaf-Texture
Texture is one of several leaf characteristics that is used for plant identification, but it is even more important in garden design. Leaves may be leathery, hairy, smooth and shiny,…
Plant Profile: Climbing Hydrangea ( Hydrangea anomala)
If you like to watch grass grow you might find this vine fascinating. It is a good plant and I have grown it in two different gardens but it is…
How to Make a Pinecone Turkey for Thanksgiving
This was good year for pine cones and they are everywhere. I could not resist doing something with them for Thanksgiving and what could be more appropriate than cone turkeys?…