Plant Profile: Oregano (Oreganum vulgare var. hirtum)
Karen There are probably very few people who have not tasted oregano. It is an important herb in the cooking of many countries including Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Greece, Italy Mexico, and…
Name This Plant Game: Trees 1
Chuck This simple game tests your gardening knowledge by identifying five plants shown in photos from a list of possible names. Photos of each plant are accompaned by a clue describing…
How To Build and Install A Sundial In Your Garden
Many people think of sundials in the garden as nothing more than decorations or historical curiosities. However, sundials can be a great addition to your garden. They can be beautiful…
A Visit to Yuhuayuan, the Imperial Garden in the Forbidden City, Beijing, China
No trip to Beijing is complete without a visit to the Forbidden City but don’t count on seeing the Imperial Garden. The shear size of the Forbidden City is overwhelming…
Plant Profile: Common Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Common sage is a perennial subshrub and a member of the deadnettle family, Lamiaceae, that also includes basil, mint, and beebalm. It is native to the southern Mediterranean coast including…
Name This Plant Game: Gymnosperms 5
This simple game tests your gardening knowledge by identifying five plants shown in photos from a list of possible names. Photos of each plant are accompaned by a clue describing…
Winterizing Plants: Using Anti-Transpirants To Prevent Water Loss
In our North Carolina formal garden we grow boxwood plants in large concrete pots. Although these plants are hardy in this geographic area they are susceptible to winter damage when…
Plant Profile: Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
One of the outstanding conifers in my garden is Japanese cedar. There are many varieties, including dwarf forms, and each offers something special. For Christmas greens, you can’t beat var.…
A Visit to Master of the Nets Garden (Wang Shi Yuan) Suzhou, China
A visit to Suzhou is a “must do” for any visitor to China who likes gardens. Gardens have been part of Suzhou’s landscape since the Song dynasty, 1000 years ago.…
Plant Profile: Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
Also known as cilantro and Chinese parsley, coriander is a warm weather annual and a member of the carrot family, Apiaceae, that also includes celery, parsley, and Queen Anne’s lace.…