Ten Tips for Growing Broccoli
Karen The cool weather of spring and fall invites the planting of broccoli, a vegetable that is tasty, versatile, and good for you. A ½ cup of cooked fresh broccoli contains…
Plant Profile: Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
Pussy willow is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to moist and wet soils of northern regions of North America including parts of the US. It is a member…
A Visit to Ham House, Richmond, Surrey, England
The stately Stuart period Ham house and garden sit on the backs of The River Thames in the outskirts of London offering a glimpse of 17th century life. The mansion,…
Plant Profile: Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum)
One of the most endearing wild flowers is the dogtooth violet also called trout lily. The yellow nodding flower with its recurved petals and long brown stamens is borne singly…
Plant Profile: Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
When the weather is cold and bleak the attractive arching green stems of winter jasmine promise one of the first harbingers of spring; bright yellow flowers borne about a month…
A Visit to Glamis Castle, Glamis, Angus, Scotland
Glamis Castle, known for being the childhood home of the mother of Queen Elizabeth II and the birthplace of her sister, Princess Margaret, has been in the Strathmore family for…
Plant Profile: Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox)
Native to China, this deciduous shrub is a member of the spicebush family, Calycanthaceae. The plant grows up to 15′ tall and has dark green, almond shaped leaves that are…
The Story of the Olympic Bouquet, Vancouver, 2010
When the winners are given their medals at the Olympic Games, do you look at the bouquets? I do. Every medallist gets one and this year at the winter games…
Plant Profile: Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica)
Early blooming evergreen shrubs are very special for year round interest in the garden and Pieris japonica is one of the best. Its large drooping clusters of small, waxy lily-of-the-valley-like…
A Visit to Scotney Castle and Gardens, Lamberhurst, Kent, England
Perched high on a hill Scotney New Castle overlooks a beautiful view of the ruins of Scotney Old Castle in the valley below. The Old Castle was built c.1378-80 and…