Showy stonecrop (Hylotelephium spectabile) is a deciduous herbaceous perennial in the Sedum family. They are drought-tolerant succulents with thick, fleshy leaves. Showy sedum fit into the “upright” category, standing 20 to 50 cm tall. When the Sedums bloom … Continue reading →
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a cool-weather perennial herb that emerges in spring, provides a mild onion-flavoring for meals, and deters pests in the vegetable garden. They can easily be grown from seed or from dividing the root mass. They do … Continue reading →
Decades ago we planted creeping thyme (Thymus spp.) in the garden. Over the years it has multiplied and we have taken a number of rooting sections each year and have planted them in various spots in the yard, particularly … Continue reading →
Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium) is an evergreen shrub native to our area. It is not often seen in home gardens, but it is a good candidate for natural spots on slopes. We have a number of hard-to-get-to sloped areas … Continue reading →
In spring we plant cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) seeds in a row in the “greens” garden early. If it is the same spot as last year, there are often some volunteers nearby from seed dispersed late summer. I try to choose … Continue reading →
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is an annual herb in the Asteracaea family. It readily grows from seed and usually reseeds in abundance. These low-growing plants can be attractive in masses when flowering but look more weedy later in the season. … Continue reading →
When we fertilize our gardens we are adding needed nutrients. Nitrogen is the primary ingredient, provided to assist plants in the production of chlorophyll to support photosynthesis, allowing plant cells to build. Nitrogen is needed to produce green leaves, … Continue reading →
Gazanias (Gazania rigens) are warm-weather (Zones 9 – 11) summer-flowering herbaceous perennials in the daisy family. They bring vibrant colors (oranges, yellows, pinks, and reds) to the home garden. They also called African daisies since they are native to South … Continue reading →
The traditional method of propagating perennial seed follows these steps: harvest the seed when it is mature Clean the seed and remove all other material Give the seed some time to dry and be dormant In early spring or late … Continue reading →
Culinary herbs are planted in various locations in the home garden, many near vegetable beds, but some are also in borders and rock gardens. Most are grown for use in the kitchen, but some are supported for their decorative … Continue reading →
