Understanding whether a garden is healthy throughout the growing season can be a challenge, particularly when starting a new garden. It can be disheartening and confusing to see plants looking sickly, stop growing or not reach their full potential in one area of the garden, but bloom and flourish in other areas. Luckily there are … Read more
Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) is one of the parent plants used to create 250 different types of strawberries available to growers and consumers today. The wild strawberry plant is identical in appearance to cultivated plants with three leaves and white, five-petaled flowers on drooping stems that emerge from the crown. Wild strawberry is an everbearing type that spreads in open, … Read more
Nothing beats baking fresh fruit tarts from a tree you cultivated in your backyard orchard. But what if you live in a chilly location? Will the harsh weather mean poor growth and pitiful harvests? Fortunately, there are a fair few cold-hardy species to choose from. These expert-recommended fruit trees that grow in cold climates are a good … Read more
Key Points Herb gardens are a staple for many gardeners. Not only are herbs fairly easy to grow, but you also get the added benefit of being able to harvest them on a regular basis for your cooking—and say goodbye to wasted store-bought herbs that go off in your fridge. But if you’re considering adding mint to your … Read more
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a hardy perennial plant readily cultivated across most of North America. It features square stems and gray-green leaves that range from triangular to oval, blooming from late spring to early fall with small, white flowers tinged with purple. Known for its rapid growth and ability to spread, catnip can become invasive … Read more
Mango tree (Mangifera indica) are rewarding yet somewhat tricky to grow, forming dense canopies of long, oblong leaves and producing white flowers from December to March. They flourish in tropical and warmer subtropical climates like California, Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, where frost is not a threat. Planted in the spring, mango trees are generally fast-growing … Read more
Common mallow, scientifically known as Malva sylvestris, is an herbaceous plant that has been traditionally valued for its medicinal properties. While often considered a common weed, this unassuming plant offers an array of health benefits that have captured the attention of herbal medicine enthusiasts and practitioners alike. Nutrient-Rich Composition Common mallow is a rich source of various … Read more
Not enough people remember—or even know—the power and importance of the mullein stalk. Often overlooked as just another tall roadside plant, mullein has quietly stood as one of nature’s most versatile and beneficial herbs for centuries. From traditional medicine to practical everyday uses, this humble plant deserves a return to the spotlight. A Plant Rooted … Read more
Anemones, also called windflowers, are part of the Anemone genus and are known for their delicate, vibrant flowers that grow on long stems from dense leaf clusters. These perennials thrive in moist soil and need full to partial sunlight in moderate climates. All parts of anemone plants contain protoanemonin, a toxic compound, making them somewhat … Read more
Iceland poppies (Papaver nudicaule) are flowering perennials that thrive in subarctic regions, but are often planted as annuals in warmer climates. The foliage is feathery and grows from fuzzy, leafless flower stems. Poppy flowers are brightly colored with four paper-thin, silky, and ruffled petals. The specific variety Iceland poppies can range in color from red to pink, orange, … Read more