Plant Profile: Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Karen Purple coneflower is an herbaceous perennial native to central and eastern US where it grows in open woods, prairies, and meadows. It is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae,…
Plant Profile: Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)
A native of north America, this rhizomaceous perennial wildflower forms mounds of gray-green fern-like leaves that are pinnately divided into seven to nine narrow toothed leaflets. The plant is soft…
Plant Profile: Purple Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe involucrata)
Native to the fields and prairies of central US, this mat-forming herbaceous perennial is a member of the mallow family, Malvaceae, that also includes hollyhock, hibiscus, and coffee. It grows…
Six Purple-Flowered Plants that Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies
A garden a flutter with butterflies sipping nectar from the flowers on a sunny day is a beautiful sight. A visit of a hummingbird to the garden is a treat.…
Characteristics of a Meadow Garden
With the current interest in wildflowers, native plants, and environmental awareness, the meadow garden has become a popular topic. The image of a flower filled field on a sunny summer…
Characteristics of Informal Gardens
Chuck The carefree relaxed look of an informal garden is very appealing. But don’t be deceived into believing that this look comes naturally. The best informal gardens are carefully planned, executed…
Plant Profile: Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa tenuissima aka Nasellela tenuissima)
Also known as ponytail grass, finestem needle grass, fineleaved nassella and Argentine needle-grass this perennial grass is native to south-western US, northern Mexico and Argentina. It is a member of…
Plant Profile: Gooseneck Loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides)
Native to moist soils of China and Japan, this clump-forming herbaceous perennial is a member of the primrose family, Primulaceae, that also includes cyclamen. It grows up to 3′ tall…
Plant Profile: Mountain Bluet (Centaurea montana)
Also known as perennial bachelor’s button and montane knapweed, this clump forming herbaceous perennial is native to the upper montaine and sub-alpine zones of Europe where it grows in meadows…
Plant Profile: White Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri) ‘Whirling Butterflies’
Native to Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, this herbaceous perennial is a member of willowherb family, the Onagraceae, that also includes evening primrose, fushia, and clarkia. Plants have a taproot and…