Plant Profile: Dotted Gayfeather (Liatris punctata)
Karen Also known as dotted blazingstar and narrow-leaves blazingstar, this herbaceous perennial is native to the central plains of the US from Canada to northern Mexico. It is a member of…
Plant Profile: Crown Vetch (Securigera varia aka Coronilla varia)
Also called purple vetch, this herbaceous perennial vine is native to Europe, southwest Asia, and northern Africa but was introduced into the US for soil improvement and erosion control in…
Plant Profile: Golden Tickseed (Coreopsis tinctoria)
Known by several names including golden coreopsis, plains coreopsis, and calliopsis, this annual is native to much of the US especially the Great Plains and South where it grows in…
Plant Profile: Chinese Winter Hazel (Corylopsis platypetala)
Native to South-Central and Southeast China, this deciduous shrub is a member of the witch hazel family, Hamamelidaceae, that also includes fothergill and loropetalum. Although it grows 8-10 feet in…
Book Review: The Herb Gardening Handbook
Author Andrew Perry in his book The Herb Gardening Handbook, presents a beginner’s guide to growing and harvesting herbs. As founder of Urban Herbs, an online retailer of unusual and…
Drought Tolerant Plants: Annuals and Perennials with Blue, Lavender and Purple Flowers
Water is essential for plant growth but plants vary greatly in their need for it. Since the amount of water on earth is finite but the demand is not, we…
Book Review: Growing Flowers
Karen Meyers In her book, Growing Flowers, flower farmer and florist, Niki Irving, shares her expertise on creating a cutting garden and using its bounty to make beautiful arrangements. Aimed a newbies,…
Plant Profile: Corkscrew Willow (Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’)
Also known as Hankow willow, curly willow, dragon’s claw willow and globe willow, this multi stemmed deciduous tree is a member of the willow family, Salicaceae, that also includes aspen,…
Book Review: Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden
Floret Farms’ Cut Flower Garden, by florist and flower farmer, Erin Benzakein, provides all the basics for growing, harvesting and arranging flowers year round either for home use or to…
Plant Profile: Japanese Anemone (Anemone tomentosa)
Earlier to flower and hardier than other Japanese anemones, this herbaceous perennial is native to open grassy slopes in northern China. Also known as windflower, it is a member of…