Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Use Lemon Balm in herbal teas as well as adding handfulls to regular sweet tea. It gives a container of sweet tea a nice, fresh lemony flavor without having to buy lemons or lemon juice.

This plant is in the mint family and grows with all the vigor and zest you would expect from a mint. The foliage makes an interesting enhancer against other plants but it needs to be planted either in shade or around hardy shrubs that won't be overwhelmed by its growth habits.

Very invasive, however it is said to have medicinal uses. Fresh or dried leaf tea was used as a folk remedy for fevers, painful menstruation, headaches, colds and insomnia. Used as a mild sedative. The leaves were pulverized for treating sores, tumors and insect bites.

While it is used in tea breads & herbal teas, and as a garnish for fish dishes & lemonade, the lemon scent is more in line with lemon furniture polish than true lemon. It does, however, make a nice perennial addition to the herb garden, either as part of a lemon-scented herb collection or as a part of a shady bed.

In order to keep this plant from becoming an invasive pest, remove all the flowers before they fade & set seed.

Lemon balm is a wonderful herb grown for its strong lemon flavor and aroma. Plants grow up to two feet tall with white unnoticeable flowers. The leaves can be used in teas, salads, and cooking. Its leaves will loose flavor after drying so it’s best to use fresh.

Plants grow quickly and it spreads to form large clumps, which some gardeners consider to be invasive. Deadheading after flowering is recommended because seedlings can be a nuisance to control. It grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

Amazon can provide any need for Lemon Balm (#ad). (I will receive compensation if you buy).

Propagation Methods:
-From nonwoody stem cuttings
-Seed Collect: Allow seedheads to dry on plants

Additional info:
-This plant attracts bees, butterflies and birds
-Flowers are fragrant
-Drought-tolerant; suited for xeriscaping
-normal Water Needs; Water on a regular basis; do not over water
-Requires constant moist(not wet) soil; do not let dry out between watering
-Self-sows In a free manner; deadhead if you do not want unwanted seedlings next season
-Bloom Time: Mid Summer-Early Fall
-Hardiness: USDA Zone 4a - 9b

Forsythia Sage

Forsythia Sage

salvia madrensis

This plant is from Northeastern Mexico that blooms in the fall or winter in mild areas. Grows to about 6 feet and seems to be invasive in some regions. May die back in the cold winter but with mulch will come back profusely. Some say grows best in part shade, some say in full sun. Hummingbirds love this salvia if they stay late in the fall. Try propagating from softwood cuttings or simple layering.

Synonyms: salvia madrensis

As the spring season approaches, I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to a beautiful and versatile plant that is sure to enhance your garden: Forsythia Sage. This plant is a member of the Salvia family, and it has a lot to offer in terms of both beauty and functionality.

Let's start with its appearance. Forsythia Sage has an abundance of vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in the early spring. These flowers sit atop tall, sturdy stems and provide a striking contrast to the plant's dark green foliage. As the flowers fade, they give way to attractive seed heads that can add texture and interest to your garden throughout the summer.

But Forsythia Sage isn't just a pretty face. It is also an incredibly useful plant to have in your garden. This plant is known for its ability to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for a healthy and thriving garden. And because Forsythia Sage is drought-tolerant, it can thrive in a variety of conditions, making it ideal for gardeners with different levels of experience and expertise.

In addition to its pollinator-friendly qualities, Forsythia Sage is also a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. The plant's leaves and flowers contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for conditions such as arthritis, headaches, and menstrual cramps.

So how can you incorporate Forsythia Sage into your garden? The possibilities are endless. This plant is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. It looks great as a border plant, mixed in with other flowering perennials, or even in a container garden. And because it is a low-maintenance plant, it is perfect for busy gardeners who want to add some beauty and functionality to their outdoor spaces without a lot of extra work.

In conclusion, Forsythia Sage is a plant that every gardener should consider adding to their collection. Its stunning appearance, pollinator-friendly qualities, and medicinal properties make it a true standout in any garden. So why not give it a try this spring? Your garden (and your body) will thank you.

Happy gardening! Amazon can provide any need for Forsythia Sage (#ad). ( I will receive compensation if you buy).

Caladiums

Caladium bicolor

'Carolyn Wharton'

Normally a tropical plant but can be grown in most of southern USA.

Caladium is actually a variety of blooming plants in the arum family. It is usually identified through the popular names elephant ear, Heart of Jesus and Angel Wings. You can find more than one thousand termed cultivars of Caladium bicolor in the primary South American perennial.

The variety Caladium contains 7 species, that are native of Brazil and also to nearby regions of South and Central America. It will grow within open regions of the woodland as well as on slopes of streams and also turn inactive throughout the dry period. The actual wild plants mature to 14 to 40 inches (38 to 95 cm) in height, with leaves largely 5 to 15 inches (16 to 44 cm) in length and width.

Farming and Functions

Many species tend to be developed as decorative plants because of their huge, arrow head shaped leaves noticeable in various designs in pink, white and red, to some degree resembling the not related coleus, and been around in farming in Europe ever since the 19th century. The 2 varieties most generally grown are known as fancyleaved and lanceleaved. The first kind may be the more normally noticed and is the original caladium of development. The leaves tend to be heart-shaped. These offers lance-head-shaped leaves. The majority of Caladiums in farming grow to approximately 25 inches (65 cm) in heigth and 25 inches (65 cm) widespread, even though dwarf types have reached cultivation.

Quite a few cultivars are picked, a lot of them, 130 produced from C. bicolor. The lanceleaved types are produced of C. schomburgkii.

Caladiums develop from solid swollen underground bulb-shaped stem and may be spread by separating the tubers. These are sturdy just to the USDA hardiness zone 11; in cooler locations, they're usually developed as raw bulbs or as house plants.

Throughout their growing time, they require significant amounts of water and must not be permitted to dry up. Many types favor part to total shade, though sun-resistant kinds have reached cultivation. Around 95% of most caladium bulbs are usually come from Lake Placid, Florida.

Inside temperate locations, they need to be removed prior to the 1st frost. The corms become dried out and stashed away because of the winter season any time temps drop to 60 F (16 C), and kept reasonably dried out over the winter with temperatures somewhere between 55 F (12 C) and 60 F (17 C).

Many components of the plant are usually deadly. These must not be consumed and could aggravate delicate skin.

Community Exhibits

Each and every August, an event is done in Florida, the place to find most our planet's caladium areas. The favorite function is a visit to the areas of caladiums, the merchandise of neighborhood farmers. Just about every July from 2003, a Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida, have exhibited the Florida Caladium Showcase, one of the most important outdoor and indoor show of these plants, which includes brand new types.

Amazon can provide any need for Caladiums (#ad). (I will receive compensation if you buy).

Tulips

Darwin Hybrid Tulips

Tulipa 'Gudoshnik'

Picture is of tulip farm located close to Seattle Washington.

As the weather starts to warm up, many of us are excited to start planning our garden for the upcoming season. If you're looking for a colorful and easy-to-grow flower, tulips may be the perfect choice for you. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newcomer to the hobby, tulips are a fantastic addition to any garden.

Tulips are one of the most popular spring-blooming flowers, and for good reason. They come in a variety of colors, from pale pastels to bold, bright hues, and their unique trumpet-shaped blooms add a touch of elegance to any garden. But tulips aren't just pretty to look at – they're also incredibly easy to care for.

One of the great things about tulips is that they're very adaptable to a variety of growing conditions. They thrive in well-draining soil and prefer full sun or partial shade. Tulips should be planted in the fall, before the ground freezes, in order to establish healthy roots before the winter months. They should be planted about 6-8 inches deep and spaced about 4-6 inches apart.

Tulips are also very low-maintenance once they're planted. They don't require much water, especially once they begin to bloom, and they don't need to be fertilized. In fact, over-fertilizing can actually harm the bulbs, so it's best to avoid it altogether.

One thing to keep in mind with tulips is that they tend to have a shorter blooming period than some other flowers. Most tulips will bloom for about 2-3 weeks, depending on the weather and other growing conditions. However, if you plant a variety of tulips with different bloom times, you can extend the flowering period and enjoy tulips in your garden for several weeks.

When it comes to choosing which tulips to plant, there are endless options to choose from. Some popular varieties include:

Single Early Tulips: These are the classic tulips that bloom in early spring. They come in a variety of colors and are great for adding a pop of color to your garden.

Darwin Hybrid Tulips: These tulips are known for their large, sturdy blooms that come in a wide range of colors. They're also very long-lasting and can bloom for several weeks.

Fringed Tulips: These tulips have unique fringed edges on their petals, which adds an extra touch of texture and interest to your garden.

Parrot Tulips: These tulips have ruffled petals that are often two-tone in color, giving them a unique and striking appearance.

Double Late Tulips: These tulips have full, fluffy blooms that come in a range of colors. They're great for adding a touch of romance to your garden.

No matter which type of tulip you choose, they're sure to add a beautiful touch to your garden. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even mix and match different varieties to create a truly unique and eye-catching display.

In addition to their beauty and ease of care, tulips also have a rich history and cultural significance. Tulips originated in Turkey and were first brought to Europe in the 16th century. They quickly became a popular and valuable commodity, with prices skyrocketing during what is now known as "Tulip Mania" in the Netherlands in the 17th century. Today, tulips are a symbol of love and are often associated with the Netherlands, where they're still grown in vast quantities.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a beautiful and easy-to-grow flower to add to your garden this spring, tulips are an excellent choice. With their wide range of colors, adaptability to different growing conditions, and low-maintenance care, tulips are sure to bring joy and beauty to your outdoor space. So why not give them a try and see how they can transform your garden?

Happy planting! Amazon can provide any need for Tulips. (I will receive compensation if you buy).

Lemon Verbena

Lemon Verbena

Aloysia triphylla

As we approach the summer season, I want to share with you all a plant that I believe deserves more attention than it currently receives: Lemon Verbena.

Lemon Verbena, also known as Aloysia citrodora, is a perennial shrub that is native to South America. It is a member of the Verbenaceae family, which includes other popular herbs such as mint and basil. The plant is well known for its lemony fragrance, which is released when its leaves are crushed.

But Lemon Verbena is more than just a pretty scent. It has a wide range of culinary and medicinal uses that make it a valuable addition to any garden.

Firstly, Lemon Verbena is an excellent herb to use in cooking. Its lemony flavor pairs well with everything from fish and chicken to desserts and teas. You can use the fresh leaves to make a tasty vinaigrette or marinade, or add them to your favorite baked goods for a citrusy twist.

In addition to its culinary uses, Lemon Verbena is also a popular ingredient in traditional medicines. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, anxiety, and insomnia. The plant is thought to have calming and relaxing effects on the body, making it a popular ingredient in teas and aromatherapy products.

But the benefits of Lemon Verbena don't stop there. The plant is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body and protect against oxidative stress. Some studies have even suggested that Lemon Verbena may have anti-cancer properties, although more research is needed in this area.

So how do you grow Lemon Verbena in your garden? The plant is relatively easy to care for, and can be grown either in a pot or in the ground. It prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, and should be watered regularly but not over-watered. Lemon Verbena is hardy in USDA zones 8-11, but can be grown as an annual in colder climates.

To harvest Lemon Verbena, simply clip off the leaves as needed. The plant can be harvested throughout the growing season, but it is best to pick the leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavor.

In conclusion, Lemon Verbena is a versatile and valuable herb that every gardener should consider growing. From its delicious flavor to its medicinal properties, this plant has so much to offer. So why not give it a try in your garden this summer? Happy planting! Amazon can provide any need for Lemon Verbena (#ad). (I will receive compensation if you buy).

Lady Banks Rose

Lady Banks Yellow Rose

Rosa banksiae 'Lutae'

Photo taken March 26, 2010. Beautiful presentation, little aroma, this rose will only bloom once this year. The show, though, is spectacular. BE SURE TO CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE.


The Lady Banks Yellow Rose, Yellow Banksia, Rosa banksiae 'Lutea'

Rosa banksiae, typically called the Lady Banks' Rose, truly a species of Rosa indigenous to central and western China, they will grow in the mountains located at altitudes of 1700 feet.

It's a rushing shrubby liana developing intensely more than other shrubs to 3.5 ft. high. Contrary to many roses, it really is almost thornless, although might have a few prickles up to 5 millimeters long, especially upon stout, sturdy limbs. The leaves are generally evergreen, 5 to 7 cm long, along with 3 to 5 leaflets 2-5 cm long which has a serrated perimeter. The plants are compact, 2 to 3 cm in diameter, white-colored or soft yellow.

There are 2 types:

Rosa banksiae var. Flowers are semi-double or double, along with several petals exchanging many or the many stamens; a cultigen created inside the Chinese home gardens.

Rosa banksiae var. normalis Regel. Blossoms are single, with 5 petals; the pure wild type of the species.

The rose is given its name after Lady Banks, a wife of the prestigious botanist Sir Joseph Banks.

Cultivation and functions

Rosa banksiae has probably been evolved in the gardens of China for centuries. The species had been unveiled in European countries by William Kerr, who was directed on the plant-hunting trip by Sir Joseph. He acquired the very first Lady Banks' Rose, eventually called the 'white Lady Banks' coming from the well-known Chinese Fa Tee nursery in 1807. The quantity of additional types were eventually found developing in China, The white, small flowered R. banksiae var. normalis is actually regarded as the "wild" kind; 'banksiae Lutea', the 'yellow Lady Banks' Rose, possibly the most well-liked and R. banksiae 'Lutescens', the rose with gentle yellow blooms. All of Lady Banks' roses are generally claimed to smell of violets to various amounts.

Usually will be 6-8 ft.(1.8-2.4 m) but will get to much more.

Have been claimed to be growing from USDA Zone 6a to USDA Zone 11.

Propagation Methods are from softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings, by grafting and budding.

Even though it flowers for just a couple of weeks in early spring, the creamy clusters of scentless, double yellow-colored or white-colored blossoms almost cover the plant. Almost evergreen and thornless, it is very energetic.

Amazon can provide any need for Lady Banks Rose (#ad). ( I will receive compensation if you buy).

Wildflowers

The yellow wildflowers give off a honey aroma-intoxicating!

Wildflowers in southcentral Texas. Just south of San Antonio, Tx. Picture taken March 10, 2010. We have been overcome with the aroma of honey with these wildflowers. I have added several photos taken at the same time. These grow right up to my house.

Please click on photo to enlarge

This is taken at my front yard.

Each wildflower (or wild flower) is really a flower which grows in the wild, which suggests that it was never deliberately seeded or selected and planted. However "wildflower" fields of several blended varieties can be bought in seed packages. The word "wildflower" is made hazy by professional seedsmen that have an interest in marketing much more flowers or seed products more expensively compared to whenever tagged with just its name and/or source. The word means the plant most likely is not a hybrid or a chosen cultivar which is by any means not the same as the way in which it seems like in the wild like a native plant, quite possibly when it is growing where it might not normally.

Native plant is often a name to explain plants endemic (indigenous) or naturalized to some offered region in a geologic period.For example plants which have produced, happen naturally, or been with us for several years in an location.

A few native plants get modified to restricted, uncommon surroundings or really severe environments or extraordinary soil conditions. Even though some kinds of plants for these reasons occur just inside a limited range (by virtue of originating or occurring naturally), some could live in varied places or by adaptation to various surroundings.

Amazon can provide any need for Wildflowers (#ad). ( I will receive compensation if you buy).