Book Review: Compost Science for Gardeners
Karen Gardeners all know that soil is one of the most important factors when growing flowers and vegetables and that a key ingredient in soil is organic matter. Compositing is one…
Weeds and Their Control: Mouse-ear Chickweed (Cerastium vulgatum)
Mouse-ear chickweed is a mat-forming, cool-season perennial and a member of the pink family, Caryophyllaceae, that also includes carnations, baby’s breath, and soapwort. It is native to Eurasia but is…
Plant Profile: Himalayan Winter Hazel (Corylopsis himalayana)
Native to the montane forests of Assam, East Himalaya, Myanmar, and Tibet, this deciduous shrub or small tree is a member of the witch hazel family, Hamamelidaceae, that also includes…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Aegean Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri)
Native to Greece, this perennial subshrub is often grown as an annual or biennial It is a member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that also includes cabbage, alyssum, and common…
Plant Profile: Lily of the Valley Tree (Clethra arborea)
This evergreen shrub or small tree is native to the semitropical forest of Madeira and is a member of the small plant family Clethraceae that is distantly related to azaleas.…
Book Review: A Swarm of Bees
Karen Meyers A Swarm of Bees by Claire Caprioli, is a fact filled book covering basic information about bees. Written for children 5-7 years old and in grades kindergarten to 2nd, it…
Book Review: Mia Mayhem and the Wild Garden
Mia Mayhem (aka Mia Macarooney) is an eight-year old superhero who attends Normal Elementay School, but then goes to a Program for In Training Superheroes, (aka Pits) after school. One…
Weeds and Their Control: Common Dayflower (Commelina communis)
Also known as Asian dayflower, this summer annual weed is a member of the spiderwort family, Commelinaceae, and is native to most of East Asia and northern parts of southeast…
Plant Profile: Fragrant Winter Hazel (Corylopsis glabrescens)
Native to Japan and Korea, this deciduous shrub is a member of the witch hazel family, Hamamelidaceae, that also includes loropetalum and fothergill. It grows 8-15′ tall and has a…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Common Stock (Matthiola incana aka Cheiranthus incanus)
This tender annual is native to coastal areas of southern Europe, from the Balearics to former Yugoslavia, and is a member of the mustard family, Cruciferae, that also includes turnip,…