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Monarda is a genus that has a long history of being used as a medicinal herb. As the common name Bee Balm implies, it has also been used to soothe bee stings. But did you know the Oswego Indian tribe used this plant to make an herbal tea and they taught the early American settlers how... Continue Reading →
There are many species of beans in cultivation around the world, yet it is the common garden bean, Phaseolus vulgaris that takes on celebrity status as National Garden Bureau’s vegetable focus for 2021. One of the earliest cultivated plants, garden beans can trace their beginnings to Central and South America. Vining or climbing beans were an original... Continue Reading →
Looking for a book to give the gardener in your family this holiday season? Here are some of my favorites. One of my favorite gardening books is “The Well-Tended Perennial Garden” by Tracy DiSabato-Aust, first published in 1998. The most recent 3rd edition was published in 2017. I like this book because it’s written by a professional gardener... Continue Reading →
2020- The Year of Lavender This year the National Garden Bureau has chosen lavender as their perennial of the year. The “Lavender Lifestyle” is real! Everywhere you look, people are incorporating this multifaceted plant into their daily lives. It’s seen in gardens, as well as in kitchens and décor. It’s even a special part of health... Continue Reading →
This year the National Garden Bureau is promoting iris as their bulb of the year. Irises are among the easiest of perennials to grow from bulbs, roots or rhizomes. The genus includes some 250-300 species featuring showy flowers. In fact, the iris takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, which is also the name for... Continue Reading →
This year the National Garden Bureau features Lantana as its annual flower of the year. In the 18th century, lantana was a popular greenhouse plant in Europe and breeding efforts were extensive, resulting in hundreds of available selections. The most commonly available species, Lantana camara, is a tender plant winter hardy to zone 8. Although lantana is not... Continue Reading →
Acreage Life - Nebraska 