Plant Profile: German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Karen Read the word “chamomile”, and I think tea and sleep but German chamomile is also a charming garden plant having a feathery foliage and bright white daisy-like flowers with gold…
Name This Plant Game: Trees 7
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…
Botany for Gardeners: The Root-Tissues and their Functions
Roots aid plant development and growth in many ways. They absorb water and nutrients, and serve as anchors, support for the stem, and storage organ of food and nutrients. Inside,…
Plant Profile: Snowbell ( Styrax japonicus)
A short allee of snowbells form the entrance of our formal rose garden. The small size and dainty texture of the trees standout against the Japanese Privet hedge that surrounds…
A Visit to the Live Market, Hong Kong, China
For a very interesting experience at zero cost, visit a live market in any large city. The vegetables, fruits, meats and fish for sale will boggle the nose as well…
Plant Profile: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare aka F. officinale)
Fennel is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the carrot family, Apiaceae, that also includes celery, sea holly, and dill. It is native to the shores of the Mediterranean…
Name This Plant Game: Trees 6
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…
Plant Profile: Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles x superba)
I first became interested in flowering quince because of a Japanese print I was given as a gift many years ago. The irregular branching pattern and the simple red flowers…
Botany for Gardeners: The Root-Systems
Roots are important to a plant for anchorage, absorption of water and nutrients, support of the stem, and storage of food and nutrients. Some plants need long roots that can…
Plant Profile: Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Tansy is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow, and lettuce. It is native to Europe and Asia but was introduced…