“Isn’t that a weed?” I asked, staring at the gangly plant growing with vigor between the cracks of the patio. The white flowers dangled from tall stems that waved in the wind. My friend shrugged and chuckled. “One person’s weed is another person’s wildflower.” She reached down and tore off one of the leaves spread
Growing Food From Scraps
“Don’t throw that out,” my friend scolded (I was about to compost the core of a lettuce head)! “Why not?” I asked. “It’ll grow more lettuce and provide you with an economical source of food. Most produce can easily be regrown, so to speak. Leafy veggies, root crops, and many others.” I was keen to
The Scaredy-Cat Plant
“What’s that horrible smell?” I pinched my nose. As always, my friend’s sunroom was filled with plants of every description. But there was a new one that caught my attention, and I leaned in for a closer look. “It smells like skunk.” “You just brushed against the leaves of my latest addition. It’s called a
Orchids That Are Actually Weeds
“Did you know this little treasure is actually a weed?” A friend was showing me the latest addition to her orchid family. “In countries like Cuba” she continued, “this Epidendrum radicans hybrid is invasive. It takes over lawns and gardens.” “Like dandelions?” She chuckled at the comparison. I guess one man’s trash is another’s treasure.
Edible Wildflowers
“Some tea?” My friend asked as we lounged in her plant-filled sunroom. “Dandelion?” “Why not?” She poured … and left the fragrant, yellow flower remnants floating in our mugs. Dandelion tea is good for everything from gut health to your immune system. It’s an excellent source of potassium, which helps kidneys filter out toxins. In
Butterfly Gardens Around the World
“This is interesting.” My friend looked up from her gardening magazine — yes, she subscribes to the real thing. A paper copy (as do I). It’s much better than surfing the net. “What’s that?” I looked up from an issue I’d found on the table next to me. “Butterfly gardens,” she answered, pausing to read
Ponytail Palm
“You know those hats the young girls wear?” my friend asked. “The ones with the opening for a ponytail?” She pointed at an addition to her garden collection. “Here’s a plant that looks just like that.” The tall, spikey leaves stretched upward before spanning out in every direction, much like a ponytail escaping a hat.
All About the Acianthera Nikoleae
Featured image is the Dresslerella caesariata, not the Acianthera Nikoleae. Since this is a newly discovered species, not that many images are available. Take a look at the Internet Orchid Species Encyclopedia and OrchidRoots.com to see photos. “Are those warts on the leaves?” I asked my friend, admiring her latest orchid. “That can’t be good.”
Starfish Snake Plant
“Come see my newest succulent.” My friend greeted me at the door. She is always trying to grow something new, so I wasn’t surprised to be invited (yet again) to study a plant. I followed her to the sunroom and looked where she pointed. “Oh my!” I exclaimed. “That is something, isn’t it? What’s it
Old Trees
“Did you know there’s an 800-year-old oak tree in Kent, England? It’s called Majesty or the Fredville Oak.” “And what about that sycamore tree near Hadrian’s Wall?” I replied. “That one’s only famous because it starred with Kevin Costner in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” my friend countered. “Great movie,” I sighed. “And so was
Bitter Melon
“What is that?” I asked, pointing to the spikey, green gourd-like side dish on my plate. “Bitter melon,” my friend answered simply. We were sharing dinner at her place for a change, enjoying foods from the garden and the local market. “It doesn’t grow locally, but I found it at the small Chinese market downtown.
Pinecone-Like Orchid
“Look at this!” I was having tea with a buddy, looking through some garden magazines. Much better than the internet — I think so, anyway. “Oh my,” I replied. “That looks like a pinecone made of flowers.” “Orchids, actually,” my friend proclaimed. “It’s called the pinecone-like orchid, or pinecone-like raceme dendrobium.” She looked at me
All About the Dragon Flower
“How many names does it need?” I asked. “I don’t know,” admitted my gardening friend (who loved all manner of trivia). “But this plant has quite a few — dragon flower, snapdragon, toadflax, dog flower — not sure about the last two, but I have to agree the face of the flower looks something like
Exploring the Pigsqueak Plant
“What was that plant you gave me last year? I can never remember the name.” My friend, Susan, pointed to a plant in her garden. “The Bergenia?” I nodded. “Yes. It’s sprouting a stem — I didn’t think it flowered.” “It does, but only briefly. Like a pig’s squeak,” she explained. “Which just happens to
Unusual Exotic Plants
“Did you know there’s a shrub in India that blooms once every 12 years?” (My friend was sharing more gardening trivia.) “I read about it somewhere,” I replied. “What’s it called?” “The kurinji shrub. When it blossoms, the hillsides turn a bluish purple.” “Must be a sight to behold.” “Like that a plant that stinks
Ghost Pipe Flower
“Ready for a ghostly encounter with a flower? Let’s see if we can find one.” “Find one?” I asked (always intrigued with her ideas). “A ghost flower.” She half whispered, eerily. “A what? “A ghost flower.” She said it louder this time. “It’s a parasitic plant that doesn’t need chlorophyll since it feeds off nutrients
An Introduction to the Judas Tree
“Imagine a tree that grows flowers right on its trunk!” My friend looked over my shoulder at the image. “Much like that tree that grows fruit on its trunk — what was it called?” “The Brazilian grape tree or jabuticaba,” I said. “Some similarities, I guess, as this one has multiple edible parts, too.” “And you
Homestead Stories: Types of Irises
I’m not sure I have a favorite iris. They’re all so different, and unique. There are many varieties from bearded irises to the invasive yellow iris. There are also wild irises, which complement the domestic irises that populate many gardens. And the array of colors that sparkle on the blooms, it’s like a rainbow.
Homestead Stories: Peonies
“It’s kind of like a May flower,” my friend said thoughtfully. “It’s considered the birth flower for the month of May and represents the values of honor, romance, and beauty.” “It is beautiful,” I agreed. “I love the pink and yellow peony in your front patch.” “I divided a clump and potted one for you,”
Homestead Stories: Blood Oranges
“There’s something wrong with your oranges. Would you like me to get another bag?” The lad packing my groceries spoke with concern. “These are fine, thank you.” “But they’re all dark and bruised.” “They’re called blood oranges. And they are delicious.” Years ago, a student introduced me to blood oranges. I had never heard of
Homestead Stories: Snowdrops, the First Flowers of Spring
Did you know there’s a flower that pokes its bud through the snow, impatient for spring? They’re called snowdrops, galanthus nivalis. They’re one of my favorite flowers, especially since they’re a sure sign that spring is on the way. But did you also know that there’s more than one type of snowdrop? And there are snowdrops that actually grow in the autumn!
Homestead Stories: Parrot Tulips
“Is something wrong with your tulips?” It was late spring, and I was admiring the colorful display of tulips in my friend’s garden. “They appear rather ruffled.” “They’re supposed to be ruffled,” came the answer. “They’re called parrot tulips, and the ruffled edges make them look like a parrot’s feathers.” “Ruffled,” I repeated. “Yes. They’re
Homestead Stories: Weird Trees
“Look at this tree!” I passed the image to my friend. It was a blustery, rainy day, and a good time to sit indoors and plan our next gardening adventure. I was looking for unusual trees to add to my ever-expanding forest, though I knew many of the “unusual” trees wouldn’t do well in my
9 Of The Best Decorative & Festive Christmas Plants
Have you started decorating your house for Christmas? Hung a holly wreath? Dangled some mistletoe over the entryway, decorated a Christmas tree, and bought your poinsettia? Or did you choose different Christmas plants? Are they all real? Or plastic? Personally, I prefer real. There’s nothing like the smell of pine from a real tree to
Homestead Stories: Dynamite Tree
“I need at least one of these trees,” I decided. “A dynamite tree. A tree that can kill in multiple ways — and I don’t mean by falling on a person. Though that could definitely kill as well.” “Why would you want that?” my friend inquired. “It might blow up in your face.” She had
Homestead Stories: Autumn Crocus
“I haven’t seen those for a few years. Tulips in autumn? Strange, isn’t it?” “Actually,” my friend replied. “They’re not really tulips.” “But the flower is shaped like a tulip, and it’s so tall.” “It is tall, but the flower hasn’t fully opened. This is an autumn crocus. It is strange, however, that you don’t
Homestead Stories: Rare Orchids
I love orchids. I have dozens lining my plant stands in the sunroom, and I nurture the wild orchids that pop up, unexpectedly, on my property, but they are just a few of the varieties that exist in the world. There are orchids of all shapes, sizes, and colors, and some that look like animals
Homestead Stories: A Colorful Zinnia Extravaganza
I have a couple of gardens that do well in the spring when the sun isn’t as intense but come late July everything dries up. It doesn’t matter how much I water those gardens (which I do sparingly as I don’t want to use up precious well water), the sun is just too intense. The
Homestead Stories: The Many Shades of Sunflowers
I had just transplanted my sunflower seedlings when a friendly neighbor popped over. “Don’t forget to stake them up,” she suggested — always full of useful advice. “And place plastic forks all around them. Squirrels will dig up seedlings in search of the seed.” “Nasty squirrels,” I grumbled. She was right about them. I use
Homestead Stories: Pollinator-Friendly Plants
“It’s that time of year again.” My friend groaned as we made our garden rounds. “What time?” I asked. “Springtime,” she said. “Time to clean up the yard. Everything comes to life.” “Even humans.” “Especially gardening-type humans.” She chuckled at my joke. “But we have to be careful,” I added. “You’ve always told me to
Homestead Stories: The Rainbow Tree
I love my trees, and I’m always looking for something unusual or different from forests around the world. Imagine my delight to discover a tree that grows in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. It is cleverly called the rainbow tree. Actually, rainbow eucalyptus or Eucalyptus deglupta, to be more accurate. It’s also known
Homestead Stories: Black Produce
“I’ve read about black apples,” I said as we were served at our favorite restaurant. “But black carrots and black potatoes?” “You’ll be pleasantly surprised,” the server replied. My vision of black produce was of the kind long past the edible stage and well on the way to the compost pile. I poked at the
Homestead Stories: Cottage Gardens
“Your garden reminds me of an English cottage garden.” A student’s mother had stopped to chat as she dropped off her child for piano lesson. “So pretty, colorful, and full of life. Just like you.” Also disorganized and random, I thought to myself — before thanking her for the compliment. I guess that’s the appeal
Homestead Stories: Black-Skinned Apples
What’s your favorite apple? I have many favorites: Braeburn, McIntosh, Snow, Northern Spy, Wolf River, Cortland, or Cox’s Orange Pippin. I don’t think there’s an apple I don’t like, though I have to admit I’m not partial to Granny Smith. Here are a few I’ve tried and enjoy regularly. One apple I’ve never considered trying,
Homestead Stories: Orchids That Look Like Birds
I love my orchids. I have all shapes, sizes, and colors of orchids, and I know there are a lot more to consider adding to my collection. I’ve written about the more common orchids and I’ve written about some of the more unusual orchids. However, I think I’m most intrigued by the orchids that look
Homestead Stories: The Rare Middlemist Red
What makes a plant rare? Or anything for that matter? Well, it’s rare if there are only a few examples in existence. The Middlemist red (scientifically identified as unspecified Camellia), a deep pink, rose-like flower — not red as its name suggests — with lush green foliage, was imported as a luxury item from China
Homestead Stories: Growing Vegetables Indoors
The growing season is too short and I long for fresh vegetables year-round. Whilst most supermarkets have fresh produce (at a price depending on where it came from), there’s nothing quite like growing one’s own food, indoors or out, and enjoying the benefits of the harvest. I have had considerable success growing lettuce and herbs
Homestead Stories: Common Burdock
My friend passed the paper, and I read the headline: “Invasive Weed Killing Animals — Wow! That’s scary. What else does burdock kill?” “Just about everything in its path by the sound of it.” “We seem to have a lot of invasive plants taking over.” “The powers that be always have a great plan,” my
Homestead Stories: Fungus Gnat
“Not again,” I groaned. Perhaps I should have said, “Gnat again?” It seemed every time I opened a new bag of potting soil, my house became infested with these fruit fly-like critters. I know fungus gnats are not harmful, but they multiply fast. It had only been a week since I opened a new bag
Homestead Stories: Skeleton Flowers
“Oh my! Those petals are translucent — why is that?” It was eerie. Once again, I was visiting my friend and enjoying the array of plants in her garden. She had something new to show me, something uncommon. “Diphylleia grayi.” I could always count on her to be technical in answers, especially when it came
Homestead Stories: Japanese Knotweed
“It’s so pretty.” I heard the comment of a nearby, daily walker. “Why is she pulling it?” I wanted to stop what I was doing and explain, but I was making progress — well, sort of — and I didn’t want to lose momentum. It was a nasty job, pulling invasive weeds and this weed
Homestead Stories: Pachysandra – Pretty Ground Cover or a Blight to Eliminate?
“Help!” I complained. “What is this plant? It’s taking over my garden!” My friend, always a great resource, had once again come to my aid. “I think that’s pachysandra. Very invasive. Pretty little flowers and a great, fast-growing ground cover, but it takes over quickly. Worse than periwinkle and lily of the valley.” “Okay. So
Homestead Stories: The Story Behind Lungwort
“Now that’s a lovely patch of color for spring.” I was wandering a friend’s garden. “What did you say it’s called?” “Lungwort,” my friend replied. “Although I’ve heard some people call it boys and girls together.” I had to chuckle. Two very unlikely names. “Why lungwort?” “Lungwort for the lung-shaped leaves and the fact it
The Many Varieties Of Mint
The little, red squirrel was determined, I’ll say that much. He, I assume it was a he because he couldn’t take a hint and go away, kept jumping on the patio door window and trying to climb inside. He wanted to join me while I watched the evening news. I don’t know why; there was
32,000 Years and Counting: Re-Seeding the World’s Oldest Plant
Have you ever wondered what grew on the planet before the Ice Age? There must have been plants of some description. How else would the prehistoric creatures have survived? Whatever happened to these plants? Was it the overgrowth of plant life that pushed the planet into ice? Is it possible that some of the plants
Homestead Stories: Stunning and Exotic Baobab Trees
“It’s not a frequent bloomer,” I noted, talking to myself as I studied the website. My hope was to someday follow a dream of a garden tour in Brazil, and to see the beautiful baobab trees (among other plants). With current travel restrictions in place, my dream may be on hold for some time, but
Homestead Stories: Kalanchoe, The Eye-Catching Geometric Succulent
“Is that a real flower?” I asked, studying the display of succulents in my friend’s garden window. “Of course,” she replied (sounding a little miffed). “You know I don’t go in for fake flowers. Or fake anything, for that matter.” “But it’s almost too pretty to be real,” I insisted. “What is it?” The geometric
Homestead Stories: Goatsbeard
“That’s a lovely astilbe.” I paused to study an addition to my friend’s garden. “It’s new, isn’t it? How did you get it to grow so quickly?” “Actually,” she said (with her usual sly grin). “It’s not astilbe — although it does sort of resemble it. It’s known as goatsbeard, but some call it buck’s
Homestead Stories: The Delicate Donkey Tail Succulent
“Oh my!” I exclaimed as I stood with a friend admiring her latest garden addition. She was more creative than I and loved to experiment with uniquely new things. “What did you say it was called?” “It’s a donkey tail succulent,” she said — once again happy that she had impressed me with a new
Homestead Stories: The Festive and Whimsical Candy Cane Flower
It’s been one of those years. The pandemic of 2020, the uncertainty of life and all we hold dear, and even my garden struggled through the drought of early summer and flooding of early fall. I needed something positive to consider and plan for spring. Thoughts of my spring garden are what get me through
