These two Hidcote English Lavender plants grow in two large plastic pots in my garden. French lavender is too tender to survive the Philly winters. I have mostly native plants in my garden, but I make exceptions for roses, lavenders, and … [Read More...]
Recent Posts
Northern Blue Flag in full bloom.
One of my favorite native flowers in my garden. … [Read More...]
Little green caterpillar
This brilliant green caterpillar was asleep (diapause) in a pot of asters. I was repotting plants for the spring native plant on April 30th. I don't know what species it is even my caterpillar guide couldn't tell … [Read More...]
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana L.)
Common name: Eastern Red Cedar Scientific name: Juniperus virginiana L. Family: Cypress Family (Cupressaceae). Native floristic province: Eastern woodlands Native range: The distribution of red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) spans the U.S. east of the … [Read More...]
Sustainable Living
Seasonal Autumn Foods for Sustainable Living
Autumn is the time of the richest bounty. The food that has been growing all summer is ready for harvest. Through the late summer into autumn, now is … [Read More...]
Seasonal Foods for Summer
Summer foods are fresh and simple. It is easy to eat whole healthy foods from local growers with farmer's markets nearby. In Philadelphia, we have … [Read More...]
Seasonal Foods for Spring
Late winter and early spring can be a hard, hungry time. Winter stores of food are dwindling and gardeners have not start to produce fresh … [Read More...]
How Earth Works
Why Trees Shed Leaves in the Fall
We humans think we understand why trees shed leaves in the fall. As the leaves stops making chlorophyll, the tree seals off the old leaf and then … [Read More...]
The Order of a Storm: The Patterns that Lead to Rain
Storm clouds follow a pattern. If you know one of the patterns, you can predict a storm days in advance. The storm pattern I am about to describe … [Read More...]
The Smell of Rain
I woke up to the smell of rain. I walked in my garden and breathed deeply of the scent of good Earth. Moist dewy air filled my lungs. The rain hadn't … [Read More...]
Land Ethics
Words Before All Else
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swJs2cGNwIU A new year begins. I think it fitting to begin the year with words of thanksgiving. The Words That Come … [Read More...]
Miscegenation for Plants and Animals
The article was one of those pieces you don't expect to be offensive. But once I read the summary, I was torn whether to read on. I did because it … [Read More...]
Why Native Plants?
There are misconceptions among people who don't know what native plants are and why they are so important. I think the first misconception is that … [Read More...]