Plant Profile: Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)
Karen This large, gangly evergreen shrub is a native of China but grows especially well in southern United States where it is sometimes considered invasive. It is a member of the…
Flowering Shrubs for Containers
Flowering shrubs grown in containers can be used in many ways. They can line a driveway or walk, decorate a swimming pool, patio, deck or terrace, or screen off an…
Plant Profile: Rosa ‘Gemini’
The rose ‘Gemini’ has long pointed buds with large outer petals that reflex at the tips as they unfurl to form a flower with creamy white center surrounded by a…
Book Review: Language of Flowers: A Novel
Whether you are new to the language of flowers or well versed in it, Vanessa Diffenbaugh’s novel is intriguing and fascinating. During the Victorian era people used flowers to convey…
Weeds and Their Control: Ivyleaf Morning Glory (Ipomoea hederacea)
A native of tropical areas of South America ivyleaf morning glory has spread to North America where it is now found from Arizona to Florida, north to North Dakota and…
Plant Profile: Myrtle (Myrtus communis)
This upright evergreen shrub grown in the Mediterranean area since ancient times is especially popular in the coastal gardens of California and hot areas of Arizona. It is bushy, fine-textured,…
Cascading Plants for Containers
Whether you are planting a window box, hanging basket or urn, cascading plants can be an important part of the design. They give a gentle flow to the container and…
Plant Profile: Scotch Heather (Calluna vulgaris)
Caulluna vulgaris is the heather of literary fame associated with Scotland. It is a slow growing evergreen shrub, blooming in late summer and early fall on the moors of England,…
Book Review: Clara Caterpillar
Not everyone loves caterpillars but once you read Pamela Duncan Edwards’ charming book, Clara Caterpillar you might at least like them. In addition to a good story, Edwards gives the…
Weeds and Their Control: Common Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)
Hikers abhor this prickly perennial vine found in woodlands of the East Coast south to Florida and west to Michigan and Texas as it blocks their way and inflicts considerable…