Chayote, Sechium edule

Chayote (Sechium edule) is a type of squash native to Mesoamerica and widely cultivated in warm climates worldwide. It belongs to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) and is known for its light green, wrinkled, pear-shaped fruit. The entire plant is edible, including the fruit, shoots, leaves, and even the root.

Growing Chayote

Climate: Prefers warm, tropical, or subtropical climates but can grow in temperate regions with a long growing season.

Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8.

Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily).

Watering: Requires regular watering, especially in dry periods.

Propagation: Typically grown from whole mature fruits that sprout when stored in a warm place.

Support: A trellis or fence is ideal for climbing vines.

Uses

Culinary: Can be eaten raw in salads, cooked in soups, stir-fries, and stews, or stuffed and baked.

Medicinal: Traditionally used to support kidney health and reduce high blood pressure.

Nutritional Value: Low in calories, rich in fiber, vitamin C, and folate.

Chayote Root

How to Grow Chayote (Sechium edule) at Home

Chayote is an easy-to-grow, highly productive vine that thrives in warm climates. Here’s a step-by-step guide to growing it successfully in your home garden.

1. Choosing and Sprouting a Chayote

Buy a mature chayote fruit from a store or market. Look for one that is firm with no blemishes.

Store the fruit in a warm, dark place (like a kitchen counter or a paper bag) until a sprout emerges from the broader end. This may take 2–4 weeks.

Once sprouted, place the fruit in a shallow container with the sprout pointing upward, allowing it to grow until it’s about 6 inches long before planting.
2. Planting Chayote

Time: Plant after the last frost when the soil is warm (spring or early summer).

Location: Choose a spot with full sun and a strong support structure (trellis, fence, or arbor).

Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil with compost for added nutrients.

Spacing: Dig a hole about 4–6 inches deep and plant the whole fruit at a 45-degree angle with the sprout facing up. Space plants about 10 feet apart to allow for vigorous growth.
3. Caring for Chayote

Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, especially during flowering and fruiting.

Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing: Use compost or organic fertilizer every 4–6 weeks to boost growth.

Support: Train the vines onto a trellis to maximize air circulation and fruit production.
4. Harvesting

Timeframe: Chayote takes about 4–6 months to produce fruit.

When to Harvest: Pick when the fruit is light green, about 4–6 inches long, and still tender.

Yield: A single plant can produce dozens to hundreds of fruits in one season.
5. Overwintering (For Cooler Climates)

In colder regions, dig up the plant’s tuberous root and store it in a cool, dry place to replant in spring.

Alternatively, grow chayote in a large container and bring it indoors during winter.

Common myrtle, Myrtus communis

Myrtus communis, commonly known as common myrtle, is an evergreen shrub to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is valued for its aromatic foliage, white or pinkish flowers, and small blue-black berries.

Key Features:

Foliage: Glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves that emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed.

Flowers: White or pale pink, star-like with numerous stamens, blooming in summer.

Fruits: Small, dark blue to black berries that are edible and sometimes used in liqueurs or cooking.

Growth Habit: Typically grows 1.5–3 meters (5–10 feet) tall, forming a dense, rounded shrub.

Hardiness: Suitable for USDA zones 8–11.

Growing Conditions:

Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerates sandy and loamy conditions.

Watering: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry periods.

Pruning: Can be pruned to maintain shape or trained as a hedge.

Uses:

Ornamental shrub for Mediterranean or drought-tolerant gardens.

Used in hedges and topiary.

Essential oil extracted from the leaves has medicinal and aromatic uses.

The berries are used in some Mediterranean cuisines and liqueurs.

Myrtus communis can be a fantastic addition to a garden, especially if you’re aiming for a Mediterranean, aromatic, or structured design.

Here are some creative ways to incorporate it:

1. Hedges and Borders

Myrtus communis can be pruned into a formal hedge or left slightly informal for a softer look.

Use it to define garden beds, pathways, or property boundaries.

Plant it in a row with a spacing of about 50–80 cm (20–32 inches) for a dense hedge.
2. Specimen Plant

A well-maintained Myrtus communis can serve as a focal point in a garden, with its lush foliage and fragrant flowers.

Consider planting it in a large decorative container for patio or courtyard areas.
3. Mediterranean or Drought-Tolerant Garden

Pair it with olive trees, rosemary, lavender, and santolina to create a Mediterranean-style landscape.

Use gravel mulch to enhance its aesthetic and reduce water loss.
4. Fragrance Garden

Since its leaves and flowers are aromatic, place it near seating areas, walkways, or entrances for a sensory experience.

It works well near patios where the scent can be enjoyed up close.
5. Wildlife and Pollinator Garden

Its flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a valuable plant for pollinators.

The berries provide food for birds, adding ecological value to your garden.
6. Topiary and Bonsai

Myrtus communis responds well to pruning and can be shaped into small topiaries or even grown as a bonsai.

Use it for formal gardens or as a centerpiece in a structured design.
7. Companion Planting

Pairs well with drought-resistant plants such as lavender, sage, and cistus.

Also complements silver-leaved plants like artemisia and perovskia for contrast.

Sweet granadilla, Passiflora ligularis

Granadilla (Passiflora ligularis) is a type of passion fruit known for its sweet, aromatic pulp and jelly-like texture. It originates from South America and is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions.

Key Facts About Granadilla

Appearance: It has a round to oval shape with a smooth, orange-yellow rind speckled with white spots.

Taste: The pulp is sweet and mildly tart, with a tropical, floral flavor.

Nutritional Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.

How to Eat: Cut it open and scoop out the pulp with a spoon. It’s great in smoothies, desserts, or eaten fresh.

Growing Conditions: Requires a warm climate, well-drained soil, and support for climbing vines.

Growing granadilla (Passiflora ligularis)

can be very rewarding if you provide the right conditions for this tropical fruit vine. Here’s a guide to help you successfully cultivate granadilla:

1. Choosing the Right Location

Granadilla thrives in warm, subtropical, or tropical climates with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F – 77°F).

It needs full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

The plant grows as a climbing vine, so provide a trellis, fence, or other support structures.
2. Soil Preparation

Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

Loamy or sandy soil enriched with organic compost works best.

Avoid soil, as it can cause root rot.
3. Planting

You can grow granadilla from seeds or cuttings.

If using seeds:

Soak them in warm water overnight to improve germination.

Plant them in seed trays or pots first, keeping the soil moist.

Once seedlings reach 20-30 cm (8-12 inches), transplant them to their final location.

If using cuttings:

Take 15-20 cm (6-8 inch) cuttings from a healthy vine.

Dip them in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.

4. Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Water deeply 2-3 times a week, more frequently in dry conditions.

Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
5. Fertilization

Apply organic compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

Use a balanced fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Reduce nitrogen if there is excessive leafy growth but little flowering.
6. Pollination and Flowering

Granadilla flowers are self-fertile but benefit from bee pollination.

If natural pollinators are scarce, hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from one flower to another with a brush.

7. Pruning and Maintenance

Regular pruning encourages better growth and fruit production.

Remove dead or weak vines and trim back excessive growth.

Keep the plant well-ventilated to reduce disease risks.
8. Pest and Disease Control

Common Pests: Aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage them.

Diseases: Watch for fungal infections like powdery mildew or root rot. Ensure proper air circulation and avoid overwatering.
9. Harvesting

Granadilla fruits take 4-6 months to mature after flowering.

Harvest when the skin turns bright orange-yellow and the fruit feels slightly soft.

Pick gently to avoid damaging the vine.

Medlar, Mespilus germanica

Mespilus germanica, commonly known as medlar, is a small deciduous tree or large shrub in the Rosaceae family. It is native to southwest Asia and southeastern Europe and has been cultivated for centuries for its unusual fruit.

Key Features:

Leaves: Dark green, elliptical, and turn golden in autumn.

Flowers: White or pale pink, similar to apple blossoms, appearing in late spring.

Fruit: Small, brownish, and round, resembling a cross between an apple and a rosehip.

The fruit is inedible when fresh and needs to be bletted (softened by overripening) to develop its sweet, custard-like texture.

Size: Typically grows 3–6 meters (10–20 feet) tall and wide.

Growing Conditions:

Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil; tolerates a range of soil types.

Watering: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering.

Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 6–9.

Uses:

Ornamental: Attractive foliage and blossoms make it a good choice for gardens.

Culinary: The bletted fruit is used in jams, jellies, and desserts.

Historical Interest: Medlar trees have been cultivated since Roman times and were popular in medieval gardens.

Thicket shadbush, Amelanchier × spicata

Amelanchier × spicata, commonly known as dwarf juneberry or running serviceberry, is a small, multi-stemmed shrub in the Rosaceae family. It is a naturally occurring hybrid, likely derived from Amelanchier stolonifera and other species.

Key Features

Height & Spread: Grows 1.5–3 meters (5–10 feet) tall, spreading through suckers.

Leaves: Oval to oblong, finely serrated, emerging bronze in spring and turning green in summer.

Flowers: Small, white, five-petaled flowers bloom in early spring, attracting pollinators.

Fruit: Dark purple to black berries ripen in summer, edible and loved by birds.

Fall Color: Leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Adaptable to various soil types but thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Water: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering.

Hardiness: Zones 3–7, making it ideal for cold climates.

Uses in Landscaping

Excellent for hedgerows, wildlife gardens, and naturalized plantings.

Provides year-round interest with flowers, fruit, and fall color.

Great for erosion control due to its suckering habit.

Western mountain ash, Sorbus scopulina

Sorbus scopulina, commonly known as western mountain ash, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to western North America. It belongs to the Rosaceae (rose) family and is known for its attractive clusters of bright red-orange berries and pinnately compound leaves that turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, or red in the fall.

Key Features:

Size: Typically grows 6-20 feet (1.8-6 m) tall.

Leaves: Pinnate with 9-13 leaflets, serrated edges, and a vibrant fall color display.

Flowers: White, showy clusters bloom in late spring to early summer.

Fruit: Small, round, bright red to orange berries that persist into winter, providing food for birds and wildlife.

Habitat: Found in mountainous regions, along streambanks, and in open woodlands.

Growing Conditions:

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Adaptable but thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soils.

Water: Moderate moisture needs; tolerates drought once established.

Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 3-7.

Ecological & Garden Use:

Attracts birds and pollinators.

Adds seasonal interest with spring flowers, summer greenery, fall foliage, and winter berries.

Suitable for naturalized plantings, woodland gardens, or erosion control.

Incorporating Sorbus scopulina

(western mountain ash) into your landscape can enhance biodiversity, provide year-round interest, and add natural beauty.
Here are some effective ways to integrate it into your garden or naturalized space:

1. Wildlife-Friendly Planting

The bright berries are a valuable food source for birds, especially in winter. Plant Sorbus scopulina near bird feeders, in woodland edges, or as part of a wildlife-friendly garden.

Pair it with other native shrubs like elderberry (Sambucus), serviceberry (Amelanchier), or chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) to create a diverse habitat.
2. Fall Foliage Showcase

Western mountain ash provides brilliant fall color, making it a great addition to an autumn-themed garden.

Plant alongside maples (Acer), sumacs (Rhus), and quaking aspens (Populus tremuloides) to create a striking fall display.
3. Woodland & Naturalized Gardens

Use it in native woodland plantings or along the edges of forests and meadows.

Works well in understory plantings with conifers like Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) or ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa).
4. Streambank & Erosion Control

Its adaptability to moist soils makes it ideal for stabilizing slopes and streambanks.

Pair with willows (Salix), dogwoods (Cornus), or alders (Alnus) for a functional and attractive riparian buffer.
5. Specimen or Small Group Plantings

Use as a focal point in a small garden or courtyard where its seasonal beauty can be appreciated.

Plant in clusters of three or five to create a naturalistic effect in larger landscapes.
6. Mixed Shrub Borders

Combine with native perennials and shrubs for a layered, visually appealing design.

Works well with Oregon grape (Mahonia), ninebark (Physocarpus), and currants (Ribes).

European crab apple, Malus sylvestris

Malus sylvestris, commonly known as the European crab apple, is a wild apple species native to Europe. It is a deciduous tree or large shrub that can reach up to 10 meters (33 feet) in height. The tree is valued for its small, tart apples, which are an important food source for wildlife and can also be used for making jellies, cider, and preserves.

Characteristics:

Leaves: Oval, serrated edges, and dark green.

Flowers: White or pale pink, appearing in spring, and highly attractive to pollinators.

Fruits: Small (2-4 cm in diameter), yellow-green apples with a tart taste.

Bark: Rough and fissured, dark brown or gray.

Habitat: Grows in woodlands, hedgerows, and grasslands, preferring well-drained soils.

Ecological Importance:

Provides nectar and pollen for bees and other insects.

The fruits are a valuable food source for birds and mammals.

Can hybridize with domestic apple trees (Malus domestica), influencing cultivated varieties.

Uses:

Often used in hedgerows and traditional orchard settings.

A hardy rootstock for grafting cultivated apples.

Historically used in herbal medicine.

European crab apple seeds

Caring for Malus sylvestris

(European crab apple) is relatively straightforward, as it is a hardy and resilient tree. Here are some key care guidelines:

1. Planting Requirements:

Location: Prefers a sunny or partially shaded spot.

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerates a range of soil types, including clay and loam.

Spacing: Allow sufficient space for growth, as it can reach up to 10 meters (33 feet) in height and spread.
2. Watering:

Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering in dry periods.

Newly planted trees should be watered regularly until they establish strong roots. 3. Pruning:

Requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches.

Light pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain shape and promotes airflow, reducing disease risk.

4. Fertilization:

Generally not necessary if planted in good soil.

If growth is slow, apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring.

5. Pest Disease Management:

Common pests: Aphids, codling moth, and apple scab.

Diseases:Can be susceptible to apple scab and powdery mildew; ensure good air circulation and avoid excessive moisture on leaves.

Preventative care: Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
6. Wildlife and Pollination:

Attracts bees and butterflies with its spring blossoms.

Provides food for birds and mammals with its fruit.

Can cross-pollinate with domestic apple trees, enhancing fruit production.