Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)
Karen Also known as common poppy, field poppy, and Flanders poppy, this annual wildflower is native from Africa to temperate and tropical Asia and Europe, and is a member of the…
Book Review: Ancient Remedies
Karen Meyers Are you concerned about Big Pharma and the rising cost of medicines, dangerous side effects, false advertising, and addiction? If so, Josh Axe’s book, Ancient Remedies, may be of interest…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis)
Also known as bay laural, this aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree is native to the Mediterranean region and a member of the laurel family, Lauraceae, that also includes sassafras,…
Book Review: Herbs: Gardens, Decorations, and Recipes
Herbs by Emelie Tolley, celebrates herbs with their ability to stimulate the senses and bring joy to every aspect of life. With more than 450 photographs Tolley shares her visits…
Book Review: Growing Your Own Tea Garden
Author, Jodi Helmer, provides an introduction to raising your own tea in her book, Growing Your Own Tea Garden. She gives practical information on planning, planting cultivating, harvesting, drying, storing,…
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: How to Garden Indoors & Grow Your Own Food Year Round
Author, Kim Roman, presents a comprehensive guide to growing edible plants indoors in this easy to understand, well-organized book. Limited space and resources do not have to prevent most people…
Plant Profile: Ferula galbaniflua aka F. glummosa
Native to the mountains of Iran and Turkmenistan, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the parsley family, Apiaceae, that also includes carrots, celery, and poison hemlock. Growing from a…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Toad Flax (Linaria vulgaris)
Toad flax might not be the star of the show in any garden but it adds a lot of charm even growing in lean dry soil. True, it is a…
Plants of the Bible: Tumble Thistle (Guendelia tournefortii)
Native to the semi-desert areas of the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle-East this herbaceous perennial is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow and lettuce.…