Plants

Crocosmia, also known as montbretia, is a small genus of summer-blooming perennials in the iris family, Iridaceae. It is native to the grasslands of southern and eastern Africa, commonly South Africa to Sudan. One species is endemic to Madagascar. The group of about 11 species and more than 400 cultivars are characterized by arching stems … Read more

Hydrangea, commonly named the hortensia, is a genus of more than 70 species of flowering plants native to Asia and the Americas. By far the greatest species diversity is in eastern Asia, notably China, Korea, and Japan. The majority of hydrangeas are bushy or shrubs in nature, ranging from 1 to 3 meters (3 feet … Read more

Artichoke plants, scientifically known as Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus, are a type of thistle that belongs to the Asteraceae family. They are commonly consumed as a vegetable. The edible portion of the plant consists of the flower buds before the flowers come into bloom. Artichokes are native to the Mediterranean region and are believed by … Read more

Asparagus, a perennial plant with the scientific name Asparagus officinalis is a vegetable grown for its edible shoots. It has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia but is now cultivated in many parts of the world with suitable climates. The edible part of the asparagus … Read more

Wandering Jew, also known as Tradescantia zebrina or inch plant, river spiderwort, speedy Henry, wandering willie and wandering trad is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America, where it grows in the wild as a perennial herbaceous plant. It is a member of the spiderwort family, Commelinaceae. which also includes houseplants like the Oyster … Read more

Leeks botanically classified as (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum) and sometimes Allium porrum are vegetables belonging to the Allium genus, which also the onion, garlic, shallot, scallion, chives, and Chinese onion. Leeks usually have a mild, onion-like flavor. They are biennial plants (requiring two growing seasons) but are usually grown and harvested as an annual. Leeks … Read more

Euphorbia milii, also known as the Crown of Thorns, Christ plant, or Christ’s thorn is a succulent shrub with many woody, branched, and densely spiny stems. It is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, native to Madagascar. It can also be found in gardens and homes all over the world. It’s … Read more

“Natchez” crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia “Natchez”) is a unique hybrid variety of Crape Myrtle Tree because of its snowy white flowers. It was developed by Dr. Donald E. Egolf, at the United States National Arboretum in Washington, D.C and was introduced to the market in the 1970s. Dr. Egolf began his work on developing the Natchez … Read more

The Muskogee Crape Myrtle, also known as Lagerstroemia ‘Muskogee’, is a popular cultivar of the Crape Myrtle tree. It was developed by the United States National Arboretum in Washington D.C and given the name of the native American Indian tribe ‘Muskogee.’It is a hybrid of Lagerstroemia fauriei and Lagerstroemia indica. The breeding work that led … Read more

The Japanese lilac, scientifically known as Syringa reticulata, is a species of flowering plant in the family Oleaceae (which also contains privet and forsythia).  Also referred to as the Japanese tree lilac, it is a deciduous tree or large shrub in nature. It is native to Japan and China where it naturally occurs in forests, … Read more