Robby Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a low-growing, woody perennial that performs especially well in somewhat dry, sunny conditions. This herb is loved in the Mediterranean. It keeps its flavor when cooked and goes well with other Mediterranean flavors like garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes. Thyme plants have tiny bubble-shaped flowers in pink, lavender, or white in … Read more
As home gardeners, few things are more satisfying than nurturing carrots from seed to full maturity. But how do we know precisely when it’s time to harvest our carrots for peak flavor and storage potential? Since carrots can be finicky if harvested too early or left in the ground too long, it pays to learn … Read more
With its apple-like fragrance and pretty, daisy-like flowers, chamomile is a delightful herb. Derived from the Asteraceae plant family, chamomile varieties like German chamomile and Roman chamomile have long been used for their medicinal and wellness properties But can you eat chamomile leaves and flowers or use them in recipes? Let’s take a closer look … Read more
I got ready to till the soil over and found 5 Allium bulbs growing. Has anyones bulbs emerged? They are definitely not waiting for the Forsythia to bloom. Related Stories. Allium is a genus of flowering plants that includes over 700 species, including the culinary favorites like onions, garlic, leeks, chives and shallots When these … Read more
Aloe striatula, now named Aloiampelos striatula, is commonly known as Hardy Aloe or Striped-stemmed Aloe. It’s a large evergreen multibranched shrub with an upright form that slowly spreads into a rounded mass. Long, spiky, dark green succulent leaves spiral around its striped stem forming rosettes. At the end of spring, lovely yellow tube-shaped flowers that … Read more
Gravel gardens are the perfect solution for gardeners who dont want to spend too much time watering plants. Not only are gravel gardens strong, but they can also look nice when they are carpeted with alpines, sedums, and other drought-tolerant flowers. In sunny places, they’re great for making a Mediterranean-style space, but they can also … Read more
Bright red flowers bloom from late spring to fall; great for containers or the garden; lasts a long time; 12–14 inches tall; winter hardiness zones 7–9; plug Photo Credit Growing Colors. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love them! Plants that do best in full sun and well-drained soil and don’t mind being eaten by deer or … Read more
We grow more than 20 kinds of pumpkins and other squash on our farm every year, and we’ve tried more than 60 different kinds over the years. Our farm grows only food-grade pumpkins that can be used for cooking once their time as fall decorations is over. Additionally, many of the varieties we grow specialize … Read more
Oh, how I love succulents! And a succulent with lots of long-lasting flowers is just the cat’s meow. Enter the popular Kalanchoe blossfeldianas that are most commonly sold as indoor plants. In Santa Barbara, where I used to live (USDA zone 10), mine enjoyed the great outdoors year-round. This is about Kalanchoe Care indoors and … Read more
Convallaria majalis, or Lily of the Valley, is a delicate and pretty plant that grows a delightfully fragrant white flower. Despite its name, Lily of the Valley is not in the same family as lilies. Instead, it is in the same family as asparagus. It’s a hardy plant that quickly covers the ground and thrives … Read more