Genus: Illicium for the Garden
Karen Illicium is a genus of 40- 50 species of broadleaf evergreen shrubs and small trees and belong to the the starvine family, Schisandraceae. They are found principally in east and…
Plant Profile: Littleleaf Lilac ‘Superba’ (Syringa pubescens subsp microphylla ‘Superba’)
Native to China, this flowering deciduous shrub is a member of the olive family, Oleaceae, that also includes privet, jasmine and forsythia. The shrub is bushy, grows up to 7′…
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: 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…
Plant Profile: Nippon Daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum aka Chrysanthemum nipponicum)
Also called Montauk daisy and Japanese chrysanthemum, this deciduous flowering sub-shrub is native to cliffs and rocky sites in the coastal regions of Japan and is a member of the…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Periwinkle (Vinca major and V. minor)
These perennial evergreen vines are a member of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, that also includes milkweed, oleander, and bluestar. They are native to Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia. There…
Book Review: The Botanical Bible
Karen Meyers If you are interested in plants or just appreciate their beauty or usefulness, The Botanical Bible is sure to appeal. Written by Sonya Patel Ellis, writer, editor, and artist who…
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: Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum)
Also known as tailflower, painter’s palette, oilcloth flower, and laceleaf this evergreen herbaceous perennial is native to the rainforests of Colombia and southwestern Ecuador and a member of the arum…
Book Review: Flower Chef
Florist, Carly Cylinder, shares the secrets of success in her book, The Flower Chef, a comprehensive guide to flower arranging. She aims to make floral design easy and accessible to…