Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)
Karen Also known as common poppy, field poppy, and Flanders poppy, this annual wildflower is native from Africa to temperate and tropical Asia and Europe, and is a member of the…
Plant Profile: Purple Anise (Illicium floridanum aka I. mexicanum)
Also known as Florida anise tree and poison bay, this broadleaf evergreen shrub is a member of the starvine family, Schisandraceae, consisting of 3 genera and 92 species. It is…
Book Review: What’s Wild Outside Your Door?
In his book, Whats Wild Outside Your Door? , author Peter Wohlleben explores the natural world that is present all around us. According to Wohlleben, you don’t have to travel…
Genus Winter Hazels (Corylopsis sp)
The genus Corylopsis consists of about 30 species in the witch hazel family, Hamamelidaceae, that also includes loropetalum and fothergill. They are native to eastern Asia, mainly China, but with…
Plant Profile: Japanese Star Anise (Illicium anisatum)
Native to Japan and Korea, this broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree is a member of the starvine family, Schisandraceae, consisting of 3 genera and 92 species. The plant grows…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Also known as Tuscan cypress, Persian cypress, Mediterranean cypress, and pencil pine, this evergreen coniferous tree is native to rocky mountain sites of the eastern Mediterranean region including parts of…
Book Review: OMFG, Bees!
Karen Meyers In spite of its irreverent name, OMFG, Bees!, Matt Kracht’s book is full of good information on bees. Covering a wide variety of topics about bees, Kracht manages to entertain…
Plant Profile: Japanese Flowering Apricot (Prunus mume aka Prunopsis mume)
Native to forests and stream sides of China, this deciduous tree is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes cherries, almonds, and lady’s mantle. It grows 15-20′…
Book Review: Gardening in Miniature
There is something enchanting about miniature scenes and Janit Calvo’s book, Gardening in Miniature, allows you to experience that enchantment with gardens. Her book provides guidance on all aspects of…
Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects: Angelica species
Angelica is a genus of plants consisting of about sixty species with a wide distribution in the Northern Hemisphere. Several are native to North America, including purple stem angelica (Angelica…