Artichoke, Cynara scolymus

Artichokes, though often thought of as a vegetable, are actually the unopened flower bud of a thistle plant! This prickly cousin of sunflowers is cultivated for its edible bud, which is most commonly enjoyed cooked.

The anatomy of an artichoke can be a bit confusing at first. The bulbous part you see at the grocery store is actually a cluster of numerous spiky leaves called bracts. These aren't entirely edible - the outer ones are tough and fibrous, but the fun is peeling them back one by one to get to the good stuff.

Inside the bracts lies the heart, the most prized portion of the artichoke. This meaty core is the tastiest part and is absolutely delicious. There's also a fuzzy center called the choke, which needs to be removed before eating in larger artichokes (but is tender and edible in baby artichokes).

So how do you eat this unusual bud? Artichokes are typically steamed, boiled, braised, or roasted. Once cooked, you simply peel back the leaves, scrape the tender flesh off with your teeth, and discard the tough outer bract. The leaves lead you to the heart, the artichoke's most prized possession. Enjoy it on its own, or dip the leaves and heart in your favorite sauce, like melted butter, lemon aioli, or hollandaise.

Artichokes may seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you'll be a pro at dissecting this unique and delicious thistle bud.

Forbes' glory-of-the-snow, Scilla forbesii

The Cheerful Herald of Spring: Forbes' Glory-of-the-Snow (Scilla forbesii)

Forbes' glory-of-the-snow, also known as Scilla forbesii, is a delightful little bulbous perennial that lives up to its name.

Here's why this charming plant deserves a spot in your spring garden:

A Beacon of Hope:
Early Bloomer: Often defying winter's grip, Forbes' glory-of-the-snow emerges in very early spring, sometimes even pushing through light snow. These cheerful blooms signal the approaching warmth and longer days.
Vibrant Colors: The star-shaped flowers boast a captivating combination of bright blue petals with contrasting white centers, adding a pop of color to the often-bare spring landscape.

A Carpet of Charm:
Naturalizer: This low-growing plant readily multiplies through underground bulbs, forming a beautiful carpet of blue flowers across your garden beds.
Easy Care: A low-maintenance gem, Forbes' glory-of-the-snow thrives with minimal care. Plant the bulbs in well-drained soil in a sunny spot and enjoy their cheerful presence year after year.

Beyond the Basics:
Varieties: While the classic blue with white centers is the most common, there are also pink and giant blue varieties available to add further variety to your garden.
Companion Planting: These petite beauties pair well with other early bloomers like crocuses, grape hyacinths, and Siberian squill, creating a dazzling display of spring color.
Pollinator Magnet: The early blooms of Forbes' glory-of-the-snow provide a valuable source of nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, emerging hungry after a long winter.

Overall, Forbes' glory-of-the-snow is a delightful addition to any spring garden. It's a symbol of hope and resilience, bringing a burst of color and cheer as winter loosens its grasp. This easy-to-care-for plant offers long-lasting beauty and attracts valuable pollinators, making it a true garden gem.

Madeiran Squill, Scilla madeirensis

The Madeiran Squill, also known as the Giant Squill, is a captivating bulbous perennial that brings a touch of exotic elegance to gardens and greenhouses.

Here's a glimpse into its unique characteristics:

Origin Story:
--Native to the island of Madeira, located off the coast of Morocco, this plant thrives in the island's mild climate.
--Due to its preference for specific conditions and habitat loss, the Madeiran Squill is considered endangered in the wild.

Striking Appearance:
Showstopper Bulb: Unlike most bulbs hidden underground, the Madeiran Squill boasts a large, amethyst purple bulb, about 4 inches across, that adds visual interest even when not in bloom.
Lush Foliage: The plant features strap-like, fleshy, pointed leaves that can reach up to 12 inches long and often have attractive purple speckles.
Breathtaking Blooms: The true magic unfolds in late fall or early winter when a tall, 6-inch conical raceme emerges, packed with numerous tiny amethyst-colored flowers.

A Delight for Gardeners:
Favorable Conditions: Madeiran Squill thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil with moderate temperatures.
Container Friendly: This beauty can be grown indoors in a cool greenhouse or even as a houseplant, adding a touch of winter cheer to your home.
Easy Care: It requires minimal maintenance, making it a great choice for gardeners of all levels. After a brief summer dormancy, new leaves appear in fall, followed by the stunning winter blooms.

A Conversation Starter:
Rarity factor: Finding a Madeiran Squill for sale can be a challenge due to its endangered status, making it a unique addition to any plant collection.
Winter Wonder: While most plants rest during winter, the Madeiran Squill bursts forth with vibrant blooms, creating a delightful surprise in your garden.

Overall, the Madeiran Squill is a captivating bulb that offers a unique combination of beautiful foliage, striking blooms, and a touch of exotic charm. Its rarity and winter flowering habit make it a true conversation starter and a cherished addition to any garden.

Washington Hawthorn,Crataegus phaenopyrum

The Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum), is a broadly appealing deciduous tree renowned for its ornamental features, which include attractive white flowers, bright red berries, and glossy green foliage that turns to a striking array of colors in the fall. Native to the southeastern United States, this species is part of the Rosaceae family, which also includes roses, apples, and cherries.

Typically reaching heights of 20 to 30 feet with a similar spread, the Washington Hawthorn makes an excellent choice for residential landscapes due to its manageable size and round, spreading crown. The tree's bark is gray to reddish-brown and slightly flaky, adding to its visual interest throughout the year.

One of the most distinctive features of the Washington Hawthawn is its white flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer. These flowers not only add beauty to the landscape but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Following the bloom period, the tree produces small, bright red berries that persist into the winter, providing a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.

The foliage of the Washington Hawthorn is another point of interest. The leaves are small, ovate to diamond-shaped, and have serrated edges. In the fall, the leaves undergo a dramatic transformation, displaying a range of colors from orange to red to purple, adding a vibrant splash of color to the autumn landscape.

While the Washington Hawthorn is a hardy and adaptable tree, it does have a few requirements for optimal growth. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The tree is also relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for a variety of landscapes.

However, potential growers should be aware of the tree's thorny branches, which can make maintenance and placement a consideration. The thorns, while contributing to the tree's defense against browsing animals, can pose a hazard in areas where people or pets frequent.

In summary, the Washington Hawthorn is a versatile and attractive tree that offers year-round interest with its flowers, berries, foliage, and bark. With its moderate size and adaptability, it is an excellent choice for adding beauty and biodiversity to gardens and landscapes.

Pincushion Flower, Scabiosa atropurpurea

The Pincushion Flower, known scientifically as Scabiosa atropurpurea, is a captivating plant admired for its unique and ornamental blooms. Native to the Mediterranean region, this perennial, sometimes grown as an annual in colder climates, is cherished in gardens and landscapes for its aesthetic appeal and ease of care.

The Pincushion Flower gets its common name from the distinctive appearance of its blooms. The flowers are characterized by a central dome of tightly packed florets, surrounded by a fringe of petals, resembling a pincushion with pins sticking out. The color palette of Scabiosa atropurpurea ranges from deep purples and blues to softer pinks, whites, and even near-black hues, adding a splash of color and texture to garden settings.

Growing to about 1 to 3 feet in height, Scabiosa atropurpurea thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It's known for its long blooming season, often from late spring until the first frost, making it a valuable addition to perennial borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. The flowers are not only visually appealing but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, thanks to their nectar-rich composition.

Care for the Pincushion Flower is relatively straightforward. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, and occasional deadheading to remove spent blooms can encourage continued flowering throughout the season. While the plant is generally resilient, it's advisable to provide protection from strong winds and to mulch the soil to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

In addition to its ornamental value, Scabiosa atropurpurea has historical uses in traditional medicine and has been used in floral arrangements and bouquets for its striking appearance and long vase life. Whether planted en masse for a dramatic effect or used as a delicate accent in mixed plantings, the Pincushion Flower is a versatile and charming addition to any garden setting.

Shepherd's Purse, Capsella bursa-pastoris

Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a fascinating small herbaceous plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family, widely recognized for its distinctive heart-shaped seed pods that resemble a medieval purse, which is how it earned its common name. This plant is a common sight in many parts of the world, thriving in a variety of environments, from agricultural lands to urban areas, indicating its highly adaptable nature.

Description and Characteristics:
Shepherd's Purse is an annual or biennial plant, typically reaching up to 50 cm in height. Its leaves form a rosette at the base, with the basal leaves being oblong and often deeply lobed. As the stem elongates, the leaves become smaller, sessile, and less lobed. The flowers are small and white, resembling those of other members of the mustard family, and bloom from early spring to late fall. The most distinctive feature of Shepherd's Purse, however, is its seed pods. These are flat and triangular, resembling a heart or a purse, and contain numerous tiny seeds.

Habitat and Spread:
Originally native to Eastern Europe and parts of Asia, Shepherd's Purse has spread globally and can now be found in almost every part of the world. It is particularly adept at colonizing disturbed soils, making it a common weed in gardens, fields, and along roadsides. The plant prefers cool climates and is often one of the first to appear in the spring.

Ecological Impact and Uses:
While Shepherd's Purse is often considered a weed due to its prolific nature and ability to invade agricultural areas, it also has several beneficial properties. Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine to stem bleeding and as a treatment for various ailments, thanks to its supposed astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. The young leaves and shoots are edible and can be used in salads or as a cooked green, providing a peppery flavor similar to arugula.

Management:
In agricultural settings, Shepherd's Purse can be a nuisance, competing with crops for resources. However, its management is usually straightforward, involving regular weeding and soil disturbance. Due to its short lifecycle and heavy reliance on seed spread, controlling the seed bank in the soil can effectively reduce its presence.

In summary, Shepherd's Purse is a plant of contrasts: it is both a widespread weed and a plant with historical uses in both cuisine and medicine. Its distinctive seed pods make it easy to identify, and its ability to thrive in disturbed soils has enabled it to spread across the globe. Despite its invasive nature in certain contexts, Shepherd's Purse remains a plant with unique characteristics and benefits.

Purple Loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is a striking perennial plant known for its vibrant purple flowers. Originating from Europe, Asia, and northwest Africa, it has since become widespread across North America and other parts of the world, often as an invasive species. This adaptability speaks to the plant's resilience and ability to thrive in various environments, but also highlights the ecological challenges it can pose.

Description and Characteristics:
Purple Loosestrife stands tall, reaching heights of up to 2 meters, with a robust, upright growth habit. Its stems are square-shaped, a distinctive feature among plants. The leaves are lance-shaped, arranged in opposite pairs or whorls, and can vary in size. What truly sets Purple Loosestrife apart are its flowers. Blooming from June to September, the plant displays dense spikes of magenta-purple flowers, each consisting of 5-7 petals surrounding a yellow center. These vibrant blooms not only add a splash of color to the landscape but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Habitat and Spread:
Lythrum salicaria is highly adaptable, commonly found along riverbanks, in wetlands, and around lakes and ponds. It prefers moist, nutrient-rich soils but can survive in a range of conditions. Its ability to produce a large number of seeds, coupled with its capability to spread through root fragments, makes Purple Loosestrife a formidable invader. Once established, it can form dense stands that outcompete native vegetation, leading to a reduction in biodiversity.

Ecological Impact:
The ecological impact of Purple Loosestrife is significant, especially in wetland habitats. Its aggressive growth can lead to monocultures, displacing native plants, and consequently affecting the animals that depend on those native species for food and habitat. Efforts to control its spread include mechanical removal, chemical treatments, and the introduction of natural predators like certain beetle species that feed on the plant.

Uses and Benefits:
Despite its invasive status, Purple Loosestrife has been used in herbal medicine and as a source of dyes. Historically, its astringent properties made it a remedy for various ailments, including diarrhea and wounds. The plant's rich color was also extracted as a dye for fabrics. However, these uses are less common today, overshadowed by the plant's impact on ecosystems.

In conclusion, while Purple Loosestrife is admired for its aesthetic appeal, its invasive nature poses challenges to the environments it occupies. Managing its spread is crucial to preserving native biodiversity and maintaining the health of wetland ecosystems.