A Tall Texan

I have fallen in love with a tall Texan, and, if that isn’t enough to scare the relatives, my Texan is very prone to falling over. At the moment it is very hard to keep this handsome individual grounded, though he hardly drinks at all. I have sworn to find a way. The name of … Read more

Lindheimer’s Beeblossom

I love to walk—in my neighborhood, my town and wherever I vacation.  I never wear headphones or talk on my phone, because I like to save my senses for the small worlds that I encounter on my way.  Good suburbanite that I am, I always take stock of the neighbors’ gardens.  But I am also … Read more

Sneezewort

Yarrow—Achillea–a plant cultivated in gardens for a very long time, has garnered a host of nicknames, some of which are worthy of Harry Potter.  Among the more colorful monikers are soldier’s woundwort, herbe militaris, bloodwort, nose bleed, devil’s nettle, old-man’s-pepper and—my favorite–stenchgrass.  Combine those bloody nicknames with the fact that Linnaeus, in the midst of … Read more