North American Nature Vanguard
Shallow-rooted plants occupy a vital and often underappreciated role in the landscape. While deep-rooted plants are celebrated for their drought resilience and soil-building contributions, shallow-rooted species have their own set of qualities that make them indispensable in a wide range of landscaping situations — and understanding when and where to use them is one of … Read more
The Leyland cypress (Cupressus × leylandii) is one of the most widely planted and instantly recognisable conifers in the world, particularly across the United Kingdom, Western Europe, and North America. It is a hybrid tree, resulting from a cross between the Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and the Nootka cypress (Cupressus nootkatensis), first recorded at Leighton … Read more
Small acorns may lack the dramatic size of their larger counterparts, but they are equally important and arguably more abundant in the natural world. Typically no bigger than a fingernail, these tiny nuts are produced in remarkable quantities by certain oak species, carpeting the ground beneath their canopies each autumn. Their small size makes them … Read more
Lilies are elegant flowering plants known for their large, trumpet-shaped blooms and often strong fragrance. Belonging to the genus Lilium, they grow from bulbs and return year after year, making them popular perennials in many gardens. Their petals can be smooth or recurved, and they typically stand tall on upright stems. These plants come in … Read more
Boxwoods, known as the “oldest garden ornamental for man” by the American Boxwood Society, have a long history dating back to ancient Egypt where they were used as decorative plants as far back as 4000 BC. This plant was introduced to North America from Amsterdam, in Europe in the 1600s. Boxwoods grew in popularity, becoming … Read more
Kiwi fruits, often simply called “kiwis,” belong to the genus Actinidia and are best known for their vibrant green or golden flesh, tiny black seeds, and refreshing sweet-tart taste. The most widely cultivated species is Actinidia deliciosa, though others like A. chinensis (gold kiwifruit) and A. arguta (hardy kiwiberry) also play significant roles in commercial … Read more
Botanical Classification Calathea zebrina, commonly known as the Zebra Plant, is a member of the Marantaceae family, a group of tropical plants often referred to as prayer plants due to their leaves’ diurnal movement. It belongs to the genus Calathea, which includes numerous species valued for their ornamental foliage. This herbaceous perennial is distinguished by … Read more
As one of the most easily recognized tropical plants, Bird of Paradise gets its common name from its unusual flowers, which resemble the beak and head plumage of a bird in flight. Native to South Africa, where it also is called the crane flower, Bird of Paradise type plants are popular in conservatory plantings, as … Read more
Beech trees, part of the Fagus genus, genus of about 10 species of deciduous ornamental and timber trees in the family Fagaceae native to temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They can grow to be quite tall, with mature trees reaching over 40 meters. Beech trees are also known for holding onto their dead leaves throughout the winter, a phenomenon called marcescence. Beech trees … Read more
The African Lily (Agapanthus), commonly known as Lily of the Nile or Blue Lily, is a striking perennial plant celebrated for its vibrant, globe-shaped clusters of blue, purple, or white flowers and lush, strap-like foliage. Native to Southern Africa, this elegant plant has captivated gardeners worldwide with its bold blooms and versatility in landscapes, containers, … Read more