Few plants have everything— neat foliage, fragrant, attractive flowers, the possibility of fruit, and the case of culture. Yet the one which comes closest to this perfection, in my opinion, is Carissa grandiflora, specifically its variety, Nana compacta, the dwarf, spineless Natal plum. Carissa Grandiflora’s Striking Features This particular variety of carissa has dark, shiny, … 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
While every region has its peculiarities, its special challenges, and its particular plants, the region I call Chicago-Minneapolis Axis tests and proves a gardener like no other. To begin with, it makes him face up to the dismaying truth that means temperatures and average annual frost dates, beautiful things on paper, are useless meteorological abstractions. … Read more
It is later than you think! During thaws along the Ohio River the sap is already stirring. Starting Seeds Indoors The inexperienced gardener should not attempt to start seeds indoors unless a really sunny window is available. Poor transplants make slower progress in the garden than do seedlings sown directly where they are to grow. … Read more
Among the most beautiful American plants is a sturdy and distinctive shrub native in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and southward through the Blue Ridge. This is mountain stewartia (Stewartia ovata), and fortunately enough, it has a variety that is even more beautiful. With their high Appalachian background, both these shrubs are dependably hardy, … Read more
Although the name “Perennial” connotes permanence, we must admit that many perennials fit the classification in varying degrees. Some kinds are anything but enduring unless pampered or sprayed relentlessly. Others bloom themselves to death and fade away. Yet many persevere, and these are the subject of our present concern. In early spring, the curious reddish … 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
Commonly called the Jerusalem sage, Phlomis fruticosa [FLOW-miss, froo-tih-KOH-suh] is a flowering plant in the sage (Lamiaceae) family. It’s a small shrub with evergreen foliage and attractive yellow flowers. The Jerusalem sage is native to parts of the Mediterranean region, including Greece, Italy, Cyprus, and Albania. It’s also become a popular ornamental plant and naturalized … Read more
Corydalis Lutea [kor-ID-ah-liss, LOO-tee-uh] is an easy plant to cultivate featuring a neat mound of ferny green foliage and delicate yellow flowers. This plant belongs to the Pseudofumaria genus and the Papaveraceae (poppy) family of plants. It’s native to the foothills of the Alps in Switzerland and Italy, but commonly grown around the world. The … Read more