SPIDER PLANT What is it about plants with the word “spider” in their common names? There are several of them, including: “spiderwort” or Tradescantia virginiana; cleome, with its big, colorful spidery flowers; and that old household favorite, spider plant or Chlorophytum comosum. The common theme–other than a plant, leaf or flower form that looks … Read more
REAL LIFE AND COUNTRY LIVING Sometimes, when it is too hot outside, or the garden chores seem onerous, I seek escape. My friends and family know that I am addicted to garden magazines and shelter magazines with garden sections. When I seek escape, I turn to my magazine pile and for a few minutes … Read more
PLANTAIN In many parts of America, it is possible to eat fried plantain while sitting near a bed of plantain lilies and wondering what product to use to rid the lawn of common plantain. How can the same word describe hostas, edible relatives of the common banana and garden weeds? The plantain phenomenon is … Read more
PAINTED TONGUE I have a lot of horticultural “book learning”, but I think that I gain even more knowledge from hands-on gardening in my own little domain. I also try to visit other gardens as often as possible. That’s what I did last week on a trip to Cornish, New Hampshire. Those who have studied … Read more
