Black Velvet Rose Geranium seeds should be started indoors in early spring. Once the weather warms up in late spring to early summer, and night time temperatures are steadily above 10°C (50°F), the curious little seedlings can be transplanted outdoors....
Continue ReadingPlectritis is a member of the honeysuckle family that is native to western North America, from Vancouver Island to southern California. LatinPlectritis congestaFamily: Caprifoliaceae DifficultyEasy but slow Season & ZoneExposure: Full sun to partial shade TimingDirect sow in early spring,...
Continue ReadingDouglas Asters are somewhat inconspicuous plants until they burst into bloom at the end of summer. This perennial is an important food source for skipper butterflies and many other late season pollinators. LatinSymphyotrichum subspicatumFamily: Asteraceae DifficultyModerately challenging Season & ZoneExposure: Full sun to...
Continue ReadingSalvia is a close relative of conventional sage, but is grown for its handsome blue flowers rather than as a culinary herb. It is a member of the mint family. LatinSalvia longispicata x farinaceaFamily: Laminaceae DifficultyEasy but slow Season & ZoneExposure:...
Continue ReadingSquirrel Tail Grass begins the season as a fairly unremarkable grassy plant, but once the warm weather and long days of summer arrive, it sends up remarkable, silky, silvery grey panicles on 60cm (24") stems. These bend with the wind and retain their ornamental value until frost.
Continue ReadingFenugreek is an annual herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. Seeds found in ruins in modern day Iraq were carbon dated to 4000 BCE. It grows best in fertile soil in full sun. Learn more about how to...
Continue ReadingAfrican Violets have been much loved as houseplants since Victorian plant hunters first encountered them growing in Tanzania. They are incredibly diverse, but excellent for indoor growing. They are generally undemanding and thrive best in dappled light.
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