Plants for a Mary Garden: Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum)
Karen The Madonna lily has been revered since ancient times and was considered a symbol of beauty, fertility and wealth. The ancient Egyptian dedicated it to Isis, the goddess of motherhood…
Plant Profile: Dusty Miller (Centaurea cineraria)
Also called silver dust, this herbaceous annual or tender perennial sub-shrub is native to the Island of Capraia in Italy and is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that…
Book Review: The Hidden Life of Trees
Karen Meyers Peter Wohlleben’s book, The Hidden Life of Trees, presents a unique look at the forest ecosystem. He argues that the trees are interconnected with communication and social interactions and that…
Weeds and Their Control: Common Bird’s-Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
This herbaceous perennial, also known as eggs and bacon and birdsfoot deervetch, is native to the grasslands of Eurasia and North Africa. It was introduced to the US from Europe…
Plant Profile: Rose Verbena (Glandularia canadensis aka Verbena canadensis)
Rose verbena is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the verbena family, Verbenaceae, that also includes teak and lantana. It is native to open clearings, meadows, fields, glades, waste…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Iris (Iris sp.)
Iris is a genus of herbaceous perennials mostly found in the temperate Northern Hemisphere from Europe to Asia and across North America. They grow from creeping rhizomes in moist environments…
Plant Profile: Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides)
Native to the woodlands of Europe, Turkey and the Caucasus, this bushy evergreen herbaceous perennial is a member of the spurge family, Euphorbaceae, that also includes rubber plant, croton, and…
Book Review: The Heartbeat of Trees
The Heartbeat of Trees by Peter Wohlleben explores the relationship between humans and nature. The author blends scientific knowledge and and his personal experience as a forester to explain the…
Weeds and Their Control: Foxtail Barley (Hordeum jubatum)
Foxtail barley is a short-lived cool season perennial and a member of the grass family, Poaceae, that also includes corn, bamboo, and rice. It is also known by several other…
Plant Profile: Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa)
Also called devil’s-tongue and Indian fig, this perennial cactus is native to eastern US from coastal Connecticut to the Florida Keys west to the lower Great Lakes, to the dry…