Odd, seldom-seen annual flowers are always a thrill to grow from seed, even if only a few plants come from a packet. In a dozen years of adventuring with annuals, I have found that several unusual, rarely-grown flowers are beauties, well suited to our drought-ridden, Midwestern gardens. Try dividing your packets of seeds, as I … Read more
The chamomile plant is a collective term that describes a group of flowering plants that belong to the composite family, known as “Asteraceae”. Although the plant exists in a variety of species, the two most popular ones are the Roman (perennial) and German chamomile (annual), which are known scientifically as “Anthemis nobilis” and “Matricaria recutita” … Read more
Today’s greatest gardening bargain is a packet of zinnia seeds. From it, you’ll get specialty shop style and big box store dependability both at a cut-rate price. For a galaxy of color from July until frost, zinnias are unsurpassed. Despite drought, disease, and insects that might overpower other plants, they thrive in almost any soil. … Read more
Bidens (Bi’dens), most commonly known as Spanish needles, is a generic name for several flowering plants belonging to the Asteraceae family. The name, Bidens, comes from an amalgamation of two Latin words – “Bis,” which means “two,” and “Dens,” which means “tooth.” The name refers to the flowers or fruits of these plants that barbed … Read more
Torenia fournieri is a delicate-looking summer annual that produces small, attractive flowers. The plant is native to Asia and part of the Linderniaceae family. There are close to two hundred species in this family, but the torenia is one of the more popular choices. It is typically grown in garden flower beds to add color … Read more
Godetia, pronounced [go-DEE-sha], is an annual with pale apricot flowers. It belongs to the Onagraceae family of flowering plants called the willow herb or evening primrose family. The scientific name is clarkia amoena, pronounced [KLAR-kee-uh, am-oh-EN-uh], but people typically call it “farewell to spring” or the godetia flower. Clarkia amoena is native to the western … Read more