Genus Genistas for the Garden
Karen Genista is a genus of more than 144 species of shrubs and small trees in the pea family, Fabaceae, that also includes lupines, mimosa, and black locust. They are native…
Plant Profile: Australian Blackwood ( Acacia melanoxylon)
Also known as hickory, mudgerabah, and Tasmanian blackwood, this evergreen tree is native to southeastern Australia including Tasmania, and is a member of the legume family, Fabaceae, that also includes…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Carob (Ceratonia siliqua)
Carob tree, also called St. John’s-bread and locust bean, is an evergreen tree and member of the pea family (Fabaceae) that also includes beans, lupines, and mimosa . It is…
Plant Profile: Indian Abelia (Abelia triflora aka Zabelia triflora aka Linnaea triflora)
Also called Himalayan abelia, this evergreen to deciduous shrub is a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that also includes weigela, pincushion flower and teasel. It is native to eastern…
Book Review: Gus and Button
Gus and his dog Button live in a beige monochromatic town made entirely of mushrooms where life seems very dull and boring. When something bright green drops into the town…
Book Review: Bees
Karen Meyers Bees,by Joyce Markovics, presents basic information about bees suitable for children in grades 3-4. It covers topics from life cycle, pollination, and honey production, to communication in the hive, threats…
Weeds and Their Control: Russian Knapweed (Rhaponticum repens)
Russian knapweed is a woody , rhizomatous perennial and member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes sunflower, yarrow, and lettuce. It is native to Eurasia but was introduced…
Plant Profile: Golden Wattle (Acacia longifolia)
Also known as long-leaved wattle, acacia trinervis, aroma doble, coast wattle, sallow wattle, and Sydney golden wattle, this flowering broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree is endemic to coastal areas…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Chickpea (Cicer arientinum)
Also known as carbanzo bean, chickpea is an annual in the legume family, Fabaceae, that also include lupine, acacia, and scotch broom. It was domesticated about 7500 years ago and…
Plant Profile: Abelia schumanni (aka Linnaea parvifolia)
Native to the deep valleys of mountain forests in China, this evergreen to deciduous shrub is a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that also includes weigela, pincushion flower and…