They may not be the magic beans of "Jack and the Beanstalk" fame, but these fancifully named beans are pretty amazing in their own right. The very name "Dragon Tongue beans" seems like something straight out of a fairy tale, but I can assure they that they perform very well in the real world. Read More
At first glance, this plant looks like a fungus, but its real identity is much more interesting! Read More
Dictamnus, commonly known as a gas plant, is an interesting specimen to include in your perennial garden. Read More
I have never seen a plant so aptly named as the Flamboyant Tree. Even in the colorful world of tropical plants, the Delonix regia stands out as particularly colorful and eyecatching. They are the Flamenco dancers of the tree world! Read More
Gardeners quickly learn to identify their favorite plants, even when they are not in bloom. Just as importantly, however, we need to learn to identify plants that cause irritation and allergic reactions! Read More
As spring matures and edges into early summer, many gardeners will encounter baby birds in their yards. Do you know what to do if you find a baby bird out of the nest? Read More
It was the summer of 1816, and settlers were pushing westward into new, largely unsettled areas of the United States. Among these early settlers was a family with a now well-known name: Lincoln. Read More
Poor little posies, what did they ever do to deserve an unfair association with something as horrible as the Great Plague? Read More
Even in the gardening world, we should remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Such was the case with the promise that the leaves of citronella geraniums, also known as Mosquito Plant, would repel the mosquitoes that find me so very irresistible! Read More
As a gardener, I tend to have an eye for beauty. Nothing restores my peace of mind like a perfect bloom, or a stunning sunset. However, gardening has one key element in common with real estate. It's all about location, location, location. Read More
As gardeners, many of us are familiar with impatiens, a staple annual in many shady flower beds. New Guinea impatiens, however, are a near relative that can thrive in partial sun as well as mostly shady areas. Read More
Plant this colorful, sturdy plant now for a burst of bright, citrusy color in the summer and fall garden! Planting them in late spring and early summer allows them to get established. Read More
If you live in the southern part of the United States, or in certain regions of Mexico or Central America, you may be lucky enough to stumble upon a very exotic looking flower, called the Spider Lily. Read More
It began with the memory of a search for gold. We were so near to the location of mining claims held by the Golden Nonesuch Mining Corporation, which was once held by my husband's family, that he couldn't resist a trek up a rough, winding Montana mountain road in that general direction. We didn't get far enough to reach the mining claims, but I did discover a little treasure of my own, bearing the common name of Western Blue Virginsbower. Read More
February has arrived, and with it continual reminders that Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching. As our thoughts turn to the subject of love, let's focus our attention on a captivating plant with the intriguing name "Love Lies Bleeding." Read More
Autumn presents a conundrum to the composting gardener. At no other time of year do we have access to such a prolific array of organic materials with which to build our compost piles. At the same time, with winter fast approaching, it becomes more difficult to provide the conditions under which those organic materials decompose into that fabulously rich, earthy medium that gardeners call compost. Don't despair! There are steps you can take to provide the proper conditions for your garden and kitchen waste to continue its progression into compost, even during the dead of winter! Read More
A little over a year ago, I stumbled across a little plant in a pot at a botanical garden plant sale. It immediately brought back childhood memories of the same plant growing in a pot in my parents' living room. As a child, I was fascinated by the way the plant, which my mother called a Piggyback Plant, would reproduce. Instead of setting seed or sending out runners, it formed dozens of tiny plantlets along the jagged edges of the leaves. When I found a specimen again as an adult, I had to purchase it! I thought it would be interesting for my own kids, as well as in the classroom. Let me introduce you to this fascinating plant! Read More
Spring is a difficult season for gardeners. We alternate between elation and concern as we watch the weather forecasts. Warmer temperatures and longer days give us hope that winter is past, while late freezes and storms cause anxiety for the plants that have already begun to emerge from their winter dormancy. Spring-flowering trees and shrubs are particularly at risk when the temperatures plummet. Read More
You've probably noticed how the dry, cold air of winter plays havoc on our skin, hair, and lips. We suffer chapped and peeling lips and skin, and dry, static-y hair. Our house plants suffer from the dry air in our houses, as well. Read on for some simple ideas to add humidity to your house and offer relief for the people and plants alike! Read More
Autumn brings us many gifts, particularly in the realm of color. On November 14, 1840, we were presented with a uniquely colorful gift: the artist, Oscar-Claude Monet. I believe part of my long fascination with the works of Monet is rooted in the fact that he bore such an obvious love for nature and gardens. Read More
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