Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis)
Karen 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…
Plant Profile: Night Scented Stock (Matthiola longipetala aka Cheiranthus longipetalus)
Native to Eurasia, this cool weather annual is a member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that also includes cabbage, broccoli, and Alyssum. It may be upright or sprawling, and has…
Plant Profile: Tuberose (Polianthus tuberosa aka Agave amica)
Native to Mexico, this tender perennial is in the asparagus family, Asparagaceaea, that also includes bluebell, yucca, and hosta. With a tuberous rhizome, the plant grows 2-3′ tall and forms…
Plant Profile: Chilean Glory Flower (Eccremocarpus scaber)
Also known as Chilean glory creeper, this half hardy perennial vine is native to the Chilean Andes and is a member of the trumpet vine family, Bignoniaceae, that also includes…
Plant Profile: Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium aka Phyllitis scolopendrium)
This perennial evergreen fern is a member of the spleenwort family, Aspleniaceae, that also includes maiden-hair fern, bird’s nest fern, and eared lady fern. It is native to central and…
Plant Profile: Perez’ Sea Lavender (Limonium perezii)
Also known as marsh rosemary and sea foam, this herbaceous perennial is native to the coasts of the Canary Islands but is valued as a garden plant worldwide. It is…
Garden Tools: Transplanter Trowel
Karen Meyers This trowel, made especially for transplanting, features a long narrow blade that is gently curved and pointed at the tip. Some transplanters blades have two sharp edges, while others may…
Plant Profile: Four-O’Clock (Mirabilis jalapa)
Native to the dry tropical regions of North, Central, and South America, this herbaceous perennial, also known as marvel of Peru, is a member of the family Nyctaginaceae that also…
Plant Profile: Sky Lupine (Lupinus nanus)
Also known as field lupine, dwarf lupine, ocean-blue lupine and Douglas’ annual lupine, this native of western US grows on slopes and open or disturbed areas of California, Nevada, and…