Book Review: Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable Trees
Karen Meyers Lulu Delacre’s book, Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable Trees, is a tribute to the diversity of the world of trees. Written for children 4-8 in grades preschool to three, Cool Green…
Weeds and Their Control: Russian Thistle (Salsola iberica aka S. tragus, S. kali, S. australis)
Karen This bushy annual weed is a member of the goosefoot family, Amaranthaceae, that also includes beet, cockscomb, and Gomphrena. It is native to southeastern Russia and western Siberia but was…
Plant Profile: Heartleaf Wild Ginger (Asarum arifolium aka Hexastylis arifolia)
This evergreen herbaceous perennial, also known as arrow-leaf wild ginger, is native to dry to mesic woodlands and forests of southeastern US and is a member of the pipevine family,…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)
Also known as “Candlemas bells” and “Mary’s tapers”, snowdrops are a symbol of hope, new beginnings, and purity. Their early bloom date is usually near February 2, the date of…
Plant Profile: Magellan Anemone (Anemone magellanica)
Native to southern South America, this rhizomatous herbaceous perennial is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes delphinium, clematis, and hellebore. It grows 6-8″ high and forms…
Book Review: The Power of Trees
In his book, The Power of Trees, well-known forester Peter Wohlleben, sets out his belief that “The future of forests and future of humanity are in inextricably entwined.” He sees…
Weeds and Their Control: Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias)
Cypress spurge is a fast growing herbaceous perennial and a member of the euphorbia family, Euphorbiaceae, that also includes poinsettia, caster oil plant, and cassava. It is native to Europe…
Plant Profile: Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
This herbaceous perennial is native to North America where it grows in prairies, dry rocky woods, tickets, and abandoned areas in most of the US. It is a member of…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)
Strawberries have a long history going back to Neolithic times and continuing into the rich heritage of ancient Greece and Rome and beyond. According to version of Greek mythology, strawberries…
Plant Profile: Beach Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis)
A native of coastal meadows, bluffs, and dunes in the Northwest from Alaska to California, beach strawberry is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes cherries, lady’s…