Plant Profile: Caucasian Daphne (Daphne caucasica)
Karen Native to the Caucasus, this deciduous shrub is a member of the Thymelaeaceae, a plant family of just under 900 species, most of which are unfamiliar to North American gardeners.…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus)
Laurustinus is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to shrubland and wooded rocky slopes of the Mediterranean area of Europe and northern Africa. It is a very attractive plant…
Plant Profile: Night Gladiolus (Gladiolus tristis)
Also known as sad-flowered sword lily, marsh Afrikaner, ever-flowering gladiolus and evening flower, this tender perennial is native to southern Africa and is a member of the iris family, Iridaceae,…
Book Review: Beer: A Global Journey through the Past and Present
Karen Meyers Beer is nothing new! It was invented over 10,000 years ago and has been influencing society since then to modern times, according to anthropologist John W. Arthur, author of Beer:…
Common Diseases of Corn and Their Control: Smut
Caused by the fungus Ustilago maydis, this disease can affect all above ground parts of the plant but is most economically significant when it attacks the ears. It causes the…
Plant Profile: Dragon Fruit (Selenicereus undatus aka Hylocereus undatus)
Also known as pitaya, Belle-Of-The -Night, Cinderella Plant, Honolulu Queen, and Jesus in the Cradle (to mention just a few names), this lithophytic or hemiepiphytic perennial vine is a cactus…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: 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,…
Plant Profile: Flowering Tobacco (Nicotiana alata)
Also called jasmine tobacco, sweet tobacco, winged tobacco, tanbaku, and Persian tobacco, this annual or tender herbaceous perennial is native from southern Brazil to northeastern Argentina and is a member…
Book Review: Herbs: Gardens, Decorations, and Recipes
Herbs by Emelie Tolley, celebrates herbs with their ability to stimulate the senses and bring joy to every aspect of life. With more than 450 photographs Tolley shares her visits…
Common Diseases of Corn and Their Control: Northern Corn Leaf Blight
Northern corn leaf blight is caused by the fungus Exserohilum turcicum, and first appears on the lower blades at the time of silking or at full maturity It is characterized…