Book Review: The Value of Weeds
Karen Meyers In her book, The Value of Weeds, author Ann Cliff explores the beneficial potential of weeds and how we can use them. She begins with a discussion of the many…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Karen The dramatic foliage of this evergreen fern will attract the eye and beg for a closer look to see the unique nest formed in the center of the plant. The…
Plants for a Zoo Garden: Giraffe Thorn (Vachellia erioloba aka Acacia erioloba)
Armed with 3″ long thorns, this evergreen tree or shrub presents a great opportunity to introduce children to the unusual feeding habits of the giraffe. Yup, a giraffe can feed…
Plants of the Bible: Egyptian Balsam (Balanites aegyptiaca)
Egyptian balsam is a shrub or small tree native to much of Africa and parts of the the Middle East where it grows in arid and sub-arid tropics and subtropics…
Plant Profile: Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordata)
Native to Southeast Asia, this herbaceous perennial is known by many names including fish mint, rainbow plant, heart leaf and Chinese lizard tail. A member of the lizard-tail family, Saururaceae,…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)
Skunk cabbage may not be the first plant that comes to mind when considering plants for your plant zoo but it offers a lot and is ripe for consideration. Also…
Plant Profile: Giraffe Thorn (Vachellia erioloba aka Acacia erioloba)
Also known as camel thorn, this evergreen tree or shrub is native to the deep, dry sandy soils of southern Africa. It is a member of the pea family, Fabaceae,…
Plants for a Plants for a Plant Zoo: Chameleon Plant ‘Chameleon’ aka Variegata, Tricolor, ‘Court Jester” (Houttuynia cordata)
Don’t bother with the species if you want a chameleon plant in your garden as it is dull by comparison to the variegated cultivar ‘Chameleon’ aka Variegata, Tricolor, or ‘Court…
Plant Profile: Hens and Chicks (Sepervivum tectorum)
Native to the mountains of southern Europe and western Asia, this evergreen succulent perennial is a member of the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae, that also includes jade plant, kalenchoe, and Echeveria.…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Elephant Ear (Alocasia macrorrhiza)
For gorgeous foliage and a tropical look even in USDA Zone 4, try growing the tender perennial elephant ear. The gigantic upward pointing leaves are 3-6 feet long and carried…