Book Review: Big Book of Garden Designs
Karen Planning a garden from scratch is intimidating and a good book on garden design is a big help. Sunset’s Big Book of Garden Designs is one such book. It contains…
Weeds and Their Control: Rough Cinquefoil (Potentilla norvegica)
Rough cinquefoil, also called Norwegian cinquefoil, is an annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial native to Europe and Asia but is found in the eastern half of the United States and…
Plant Profile: Tarayo Holly (Ilex latifolia)
A native of China and Japan where it is often seen planted around temples, Tarayo holly is also known as lusterleaf holly. It’s large coarse leathery leaves are glossy dark…
Rose Garden Themes: Mythology-Greek Olympians
A garden that includes roses named for the Greek Olympian gods has some good modern roses to choose from but will have to borrow from Roman Olympian to be complete.…
Plant Profile: Japanese Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys verticillata)
This evergreen conifer native of Japan is the only member of its genus and family making it a fossil tree. With no close relatives, Japanese umbrella pine is very distinct…
Book Review: Oliver’s Fruit Salad
Most kids need some encouragement to eat a variety of food and this book puts a positive spin on eating fruit. Aimed at children from kindergarten to second grade, it…
Weeds and Their Control: Hairy Galinsoga (Galinsoga ciliata)
Hairy galinsoga is an annual weed that is native to Mexico and South America but is now found on the east, mid-west, and west coast of the United States. It…
Plant Profile: Boxleaf Azara (Azara microphylla)
This broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree is native to Chile and Argentina where it grows in the understory or margins of woodlands. The glossy, dark green, oval leaves are…
How to Care for Bonsai: Powderpuff Tree (Calliandra haematocephala)
This small tree or bush is evergreen and a member of the legume family with bipinately compound leaves that close up at night or during times of drought. In spring…
Plant Profile: Athel Tree (Tamarix aphylla aka T. articulata )
This evergreen tree is a native of northern and central Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia where it is found growing along water courses. It is a member…