Plant Profile: Beach Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis)
Karen A native of coastal meadows, bluffs, and dunes in the Northwest from Alaska to California, beach strawberry is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes cherries, lady’s…
Book Review: Forest Walking
Karen Meyers Forest Walking, by Perter Wohlleben and Jane Billinghurst, is a guide to enjoying the unique qualities of forests. Based on their visits to forests in North America from the Pacific…
Weeds and Their Control: Canadian Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
Canadian goldenrod is a herbaceous long-lived perennial and member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisies, yarrow, and lettuce. It is native to northeastern and north-central North America…
Plant Profile: Bell Agapanthus (Agapanthus campanulatus)
Also known as African bluebell, this deciduous clump-forming perennial is native to South Africa where it grows in the moist soils of grasslands, slopes, valley bottoms and cliffs. It is…
Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wine: Turnip Wine
Native to western Asia and Europe, white turnip (Brassaca rapa subsp. rapa) is a member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that also includes cabbage, broccoli, and stock. It is grown…
Plant Profile: Bishop’s Hat ( Epimedium perralderianum)
Native to mountain woodlands of northern Africa, this evergreen herbaceous perennial is a member of the barberry family, Berberidaceae, that also includes nandina, mahonia, and twinleaf. It grows up to…
Book Review: Our Little Farm
In his book, Our Little Farm, author Peter Wohlleben shares his decades long experience of sustainable living and the choices and adaptations he and his wife made along the way.…
Weeds and Their Control; Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)
Reed canary grass is a cool season rhizomatous bunch grass and a member of the grass family, Poaceae, that also includes bamboo, corn, and rice. It is native to North…
Plant Profile: Tricolor Daisy (Chrysanthemum carinatum aka Ismelia carinata)
Native to North Africa, this bushy cool weather annual is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes sunflower, yarrow, and lettuce. Plants grow 2-3′ tall and have…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Rose
Roses have been cultivated since 500 BC in Persia and China and were well-loved by the ancient Roman’s and Greeks. As Christianity spread through the Roman Empire the rose was…