Ramps (Allium tricoccum) are a type of early blooming onion that grow in the soil-rich deciduous forests of North America. They can be found in high concentrations along the eastern U.S. where the Appalachian Mountains run, as well as the eastern Canadian province of Quebec. Here we'll take a closer look at ramps and reveal some of their many uses and properties. Some Interesting Facts About Ramps You might be surprised to…

Some plants and flowers emit a foul-smelling odor that's difficult to be around. Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is one such type of perennial wildflower that's notorious for its pungent odor, particularly if you bruise or break off a leaf.  Some people compare it to rotten meat.  But like most plants, there are both advantages and disadvantages to growing skunk cabbage. Appearance and Physical Characteristics Skunk cabbage begins to blossom in the early spring months. It's most…

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of visiting George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate in the beautiful State of Virginia. (I had not been there since 8th grade!)  This historic landmark was Washington's home as well as his resting place, and is the most visited historic home in America.  Over the years, it has been well preserved by The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association so tourists may come and learn history and marvel at its beauty. While there were many breathtaking structures…

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the NY Botanical Garden Orchid Show, where one plant seemed to stand out above the rest, and it's not even an orchid. Osa pulchra is a member of the coffee family Rubiaceae. Many other species of plants in the same coffee family possess trumpet-shaped flowers like Osa pulchra. However this plant has large, showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that are cotton-white against shiny green leaves. Unfortunately, however, it's also an extremely rare plant that's quite difficult to grow in…

Have you heard of the Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud) or Cercis chinensis (Chinese Redbud) before? These two medium to large sized plants bloom with bold pink/magenta-colored flowers that are a real treat to any garden or lawn. If you are looking for a colorful addition to your home's exterior, you simply can't go wrong with either of these choices. Here we'll take a closer look at both Cercis canadensis and Cercis chinensis, covering some…

Have you noticed water pooling up in areas of your garden after a good rain? This is an all-too-common problem that can lead to the destruction and downfall of an otherwise beautiful garden. These pools of water create the perfect breeding environment for bacteria and fungus to thrive, placing your plants at risk for both disease and drowning. In addition, excessive water can erode the soil, washing away all the long hours…

With Easter Sunday just days away, people everywhere are frantically trying to make last minute preparations. If you plan on having guests or family members over for the holiday, you should consider using some plants or flowers to bring a fresh new decorative element to your home. The vibrant colors and pleasing aromas they offer are sure to draw compliments from guests. If you are wondering which ones to choose, keep reading and I'll reveal the top 5 Easter-time plants and…

There are lots of houseplants which I love, but my favorite would have to be streptocarpella saxorum. The tongue-twisting name alone might dissuade some potential homeowners from growing this plant, but chances are you'll immediately fall in love after seeing it for the first time. It's also quite easy to grow, requires minimal light and maintenance, and it blooms year round. If you are looking for an easy-to-grow…

We have a purple clematis that climbs up the south side of our screen porch. It's  a summer blooming variety  so I prune it in the Spring. (Spring blooming clematis are usually pruned the previous fall.) I worked my way up from the bottom, clipping off dead wood right next to emerging buds. I was wearing my Womanswork "Digger" garden gloves  (in teal blue). When working with a tangle of vines and leaves and side shoots, it's easy to make…

Mother nature can be quite unpredictable to say the least. Sometimes in early Spring after bulbs have emerged from the ground and are beginning to flower, a sudden cold snap will bring temperatures down below freezing for a few days.  I always wonder what will happen to those delicate plants when temperatures fall so unexpectedly.  More often than not, I'm amazed at the resiliency of these hardy plants. The exact effect caused by a sudden cold snap…