Varieties of Poinsettias for Christmas
Karen Florists, big box stores, and grocery stores offer a huge array of poinsettias every year but most of the ones you see are red, cream, or pink. Go to a…
Plant Profile: Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla syn. A. durior)
I have been looking for a perennial vine for a particular pot in my formal garden and I came upon Aristolochia macrophylla. It’s large, dark green heart-shaped leaves and vigorous…
How to Make and Inexpensive and Easy Outdoor Wreath
The homes that have wreaths or other outdoor decorations on their windows always seem to me to look like a scene from a Christmas card and I enjoy doing something…
Plant Profile: Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis)
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…