climbing vines

Corkscrew Vine

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Thomas Jefferson collected many things, including plants.  But there was one specimen that he could never lay hands on: Vigna caracalla or corkscrew vine.  Writing to one of his plant suppliers, Jefferson described the flowering vine, a member of the legume or Fabiaceae family, as “the most beautiful bean in the world.” I think of … Read more

Saint Vitus Riparia Dance

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When I am doing battle with the English ivy at home, I am convinced there is nothing worse.  It inveigles its way into the garden beds, climbs the sides of the house and races up and over the perimeter fence.   Some days it scales the trees faster than the squirrels.  If you tear it off … Read more