Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects: Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)
Karen March marigold is a herbaceous perennial native to the Northern Hemisphere where it is found growing in marshes, stream edges, and other wet areas. It is a member of the…
Plant Profile: Mediterranean Sea Holly (Eryngium bourgatii)
Native to Morocco, Lebanon, Turkey, France, and Spain, this rosette-forming herbaceous perennial is a member of the parsley family, Apiaceae, that also includes dill, celery, and Queen Anne’s lace. It…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
Native to maritime habitats of Europe and western temperate Asia, asparagus is a herbaceous perennial and member of the Asparagaceae plant family that also includes yucca, hosta, and spider plant.…
Plant Profile: Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis)
Summer savory is an annual and a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, that also includes rosemary, thyme, and beebalm. It is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.…
Book Review: The Little Flower Recipe Book
Karen Meyers Florist, Jill Rizzo, explores the world of miniature arrangements in her book, The Little Flower Recipe Book. With a love of the natural garden look, she presents 149 examples of…
Poisonous Plants: Four-O’Clock (Mirabilis jalapa)
Native to the dry tropical regions of North, Central, and South America, this herbaceous perennial, also known as marvel of Peru and is a member of the plant family Nyctaginaceae…
Plant Profile: Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria aureae)
Native to Chile, this tender perennial is a member of the Alstroemeriaceae plant family and a popular cut flower of the floristry industry. It is the hardiest and most vigorous…
Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wines: Red and White Gooseberry Wine
Most gooseberries in the US are either Ribes uva-crispa (European gooseberry), Ribes hirtellum (American gooseberry), or a variant of one of these. Fruit from European gooseberries are larger and reportedly…
Plant Profile: Lace Aloe (Aloe aristata)
Also called torch plant, this tender succulent perennial is native to South Africa and Lesotho and is member of the Asphodelaceae plant family that also includes red hot poker, foxtail…
Book Review: Me, Toma and the Concrete Garden
In his book, Me, Toma and the Concrete Garden, Andrew Larsen looks at the growth of a friendship, a garden, and community spirit. When Vincent spends the summer in a…