Best Blue Ornamental Grasses for the Garden
Karen Blue is a very valuable color in the garden both complementing and blending colors together. The glaucous blue foliage of grasses can add special shades of blue as well as…
Plant Profile: European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
Like other members of the genus, European ash is not especially ornamental but is a large deciduous tree that does well in inhospitable places. Growing up to 80’ tall, it…
Book Review: The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree
Apples are a favorite fruit of many children but do they know where they come from? Do they realize that apples grow on trees that bloom in spring? Probably not.…
Weeds and Their Control: Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
This trailing or climbing perennial is a native of Eurasia introduced into North America by 1739 and now found in all states except Alaska. It is classified as a noxious…
Plant Profile: Norway Maple (Acer plantanoides)
Some of us have fond memories of “helicopters” swirling down from maple trees, breaking them open and sticking them on our nose. If you share this memory you may have…
How to Care for Bonsai: Fuchsia
The unique flowers of fuchsias are eye-catching for both their color and distinct teardrop-shape. Most species of Fuchsia are deciduous shrubs or small trees and come from the subtropical areas…
Plant Profile: Monkey Flower (Mimulus ringens)
Also called Allegheny monkey flower or square-stemmed monkey flower, this herbaceous perennial is native to North America where it grows in wet soils such as wet meadows, swamps, stream and…
Book Review: The Complete Flower Arranging Book
Whether you are a novice or experienced flower arranger, The Complete Flower Arranging Book by Susan Conder, Sue Phillips, and Pamela Westland, will add to your skills and increase your…
Pest Control: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Beneficial Bacterium
One of the tools available to the organic farmer is Bacillus thuringiensis, commonly known as Bt. It is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces a protein that is toxic to…
Plant Profile: Swamp Goldenrod (Solidago patula)
Swamp goldenrod, also known as rough leaf goldenrod, is a herbaceous perennial native to eastern United States where it grows in wet lands such as swamps, bogs, and shores of…