Plants of Colonial Williamsburg: Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Karen Also known as cilantro and Chinese parsley, coriander is a warm weather annual and a member of the carrot family, Apiaceae, that also includes celery, parsley, and Queen Anne’s lace.…
Language of Flowers: Aloe
Aloe is a genus of succulent plants consisting of about five hundred species and belonging to the Asphodelaceae family that also includes day lily, fox tail lily, and red hot…
The Language of Flowers: Pheasant’s Eye (Adonis autumnalis aka A. annua)
Also called red Morocco, blooddrops, red chamomile, rose-a-ruby and soldiers-in-the-green, this colorful annual is a member of the buttercup family, Ranuncluaceae, that also includes anemone, hellebore, and nigella. It is…
Plants of Williamsburg: Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor aka Poterium sanguisorba)
Salad burnet is a herbaceous perennial and member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes cherry, pyracantha, and lady’s mantle. It is native to Europe, northern Africa, western Asia…
Language of Flowers: Dwarf Almond (Prunus glandulosa aka Amygdalus pumila?)
The double flowered dwarf almond is a small deciduous shrub growing 2.5′ high and a member of the rose family, Rosaceae that also includes peaches, lady’s mantle and pyracantha. It…
The Language of Flowers: Common Locust (Robinia psuedoacacia)
Common locust is a medium sized deciduous tree growing forty to one hundred feet tall with attractive blue-green pinnately compound leaves and beautiful loose pendent clusters of very fragrant creamy…
Plants of Colonial Williamsburg: Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Balm, is a herbaceous perennial and member of the mint family, Labiatae, that also includes basil, rosemary, and ajuga. It is native to the Mediterranean area, North Africa and central…
The Language of Flowers: Rose Acacia (Robinia hispida)
Rose acacia is a flowering deciduous shrub and a member of the pea family, Fabaceae, that also includes mimosa, lupine, and alfalfa. It is native to eastern and central US…
The Language of Flowers: Introduction
The language of flowers, also called florography, refers to the use of flowers and plants to secretly communicate with others. It is the result of the a blending of traditions…
History of Vegetables: Biretta Vermelha Pepper (Capsicum baccatum)
Also known as Nepalese Bell, Chapeau de Frade (friar’s cap), and orchid pepper, this unique pepper from Brazil is one of a group of peppers known as Aji’s that are…