Book Review: Discovering Dahlias
Karen Meyers Erin Benzakein, author and farmer-florist, presents a guide for growing and arranging dahlias, in her book, Discovering Dahlias. After introducing the great variety in dahlia size, form, and color, the…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons are one of the best plants for a plant zoo because they are as interesting as they are beautiful. To seize the interest of your kids or grandkids take…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Bunny Tails Grass (Lagurus ovatus)
Karen The blooms of this perennial grass are just plain cute and are bound to attract children of all ages along with their parents. The plant grows 1-2′ tall and has…
Plant Profile: Woolly Bluecurls (Trichostema lanatum)
Native to dry slopes of south coast ranges of California and northern Baja, this evergreen shrub is a member of the deadnettle family, Lamiaceae, that also includes mint, rosemary, and…
Genus Erysium (Wallflowers) for the Garden
Often called wallflower or blister-cress, Erysimum is a genus of about 150 species in the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that also includes cabbage, alyssum, and stock. The plants may be annuals,…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Native Americans smoked it in ceremonial pipes, modern Americans use it for many things from treating urinary tract problems to skin lightening, but bearberry is most valued as an outstanding…
Trees for Watersides
A weeping willow tree planted beside a pond inspired Monet’s picture and still holds the attention of the thousands of tourists who visit Monet’s garden at Giverny. Water features can…
Plant Profile: Alpine Wallflower aka Kotschy Erysimum (Erysimum kotschyanum)
Native to Asia Minor, this evergreen herbaceous perennial is a member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that also includes cabbage, broccoli, and alyssum. The plant forms a tuft of foliage…
Plant Profile: Aegean Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri aka Cheiranthus cheiri.)
Native to Greece, this perennial subshrub is often grown as an annual or biennial. It is a member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that also includes cabbage, alyssum, and common…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Cock’s Comb (Celosia argentea var. plumosa)
Cock’s comb will add vivid color and long bloom time to your garden with little effort on your part. Growing 6-30″ tall, plants produce feathery spikes that are 4-12″ long…