Honeywort, Cerinthe major
Are you familiar with Cerinthe major, an herbaceous plant from the meadows and grassy plains of southern Italy and Greece? To learn more about this unusual flower grown as an annual in our climate, read this article…
Articles
Blackberry Lily, Belamcanda chinensis or Iris domestica
Flowers that resemble an exotic lily, leaves like an iris, seed clusters that look like a blackberry, and lots of different names – put them all together and what do you get? The former Belamcanda chinensis, of course! For a more extensive explanation of this plant and its new name, read this article…
Japanese Forest Grass, Hakonechloa macra
There are few grasses that perform well in the shade that also have ornamental value. One of the best is Japanese Forest Grass or Hakone Grass, Hakonechloa macra. Learn about this perennial grass in this article…
Yellow Corydalis, Corydalis lutea
Corydalis lutea is a small plant that forms neat mounds of finely cut, delicate-looking light green to blue-green foliage and bright yellow flowers. If you’re interested in learning more about this pretty perennial, sometimes called yellow corydalis, read this article…
Nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus
Looking for an easy-to-grow, warm-season annual flower with brightly colored flowers? Nasturtium is the common name of Tropaeolum majus, a welcome addition to any sunny garden. To find out more about this spicy annual, read this article…
Iris pallida
Iris are blooming (or will be soon), but for most the flowers are the only time we notice the plants. Iris pallida, however, is more known for its attractive foliage than the pale blue flowers. Find out more about this pretty herbaceous perennial plant by reading this article…
Velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti
Weeds are an unfortunate part of every garden. Velvetleaf is one common species that occurs primarily in the southern half of the state. Learn more about this rather distinctive and conspicuous weed in this article…
General Approaches to Insect Control
There are several general approaches to insect pest management. Learn about the major categories of control, including cultual, physical, biological, chemical and more in this article by entomologist Dan Mahr…
Pasque Flower, Pulsatilla vulgaris
Spring has sprung, and the earliest flowers are finally opening. Pasque flower is one of the first to bloom. Learn more about this pretty herbaceous perennial plant in this article…
Lettuce Shows
Lettuce is a great plant for adding interesting foliar color and texture to beds and containers. Learn more about how to make a show of your lettuce in this article…
Snowdrops, Galanthus spp.
The delicate white flowers and early bloom of these perennial bulbs (even pushing through the snow in cold areas) have given them the common name of snowdrops. Several of the 19 or so species of Galanthus are planted as ornamentals, with most hardy to zone 5, but some to zone 2. Learn more about this hardy group in the amaryllis family in this article…
Love-in-a-Mist, Nigella damascena
With unique flowers in blues and white, love-in-a-mist is an old-fashioned, self-seeding annual that is right at home in a cottage garden. This charming plant only blooms for a month or two, but can be seeded in successive plantings for a flowering display for most of the growing season. To learn more about this easy flower, read this article…
