Book Review: Mushrooms
Karen Meyers Written for children 8-12 in grades 3-4, Mushrooms, by Joyce Markovics, introduces young readers to mushrooms and their importance to the environment. Markovics covers many topics regarding mushrooms and shows…
Weeds and Their Control: Wood Rose (Merremia tuberose)
Karen Also known as Spanish arborvine, Spanish woodbine, and yellow morning-glory, wood rose is a perennial twining woody vine. It is a member of the morning-glory family, Convolvulaceae, that also includes…
Plant Profile: Silverleaf Sunflower (Helianthus argophyllus)
This annual sunflower is native to Texas where it grows in sandy areas near the seacoast. It is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow,…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum)
Native to the Balkans and Middle East this herbaceous perennial bulb has been cultivated for at least 3,000 years dating back to the Bronze age Minoans on the island of…
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
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…