The Precious May Rose and Where It’s Grown

The exquisite May rose, also known as the Rose de Mai is a rare and coveted flower that has been cherished for centuries for its beauty and intoxicating fragrance. Though the May rose was first cultivated in ancient Persia, today the flower is synonymous with the French perfume town of Grasse. Let’s explore the history … Read more

can you grow english cucumbers

Even though I love Greek salads, I’ve ruined a few by adding cucumbers with tough skins and big, chewy seeds. Fortunately, making a tender Greek salad instead — with fresh, homegrown cucumbers — is simple. Now, I just include a few English long cucumbers in my garden each year. Even though I love Greek salads, … Read more

Pushing the Limits: How Cold Can Oregano Tolerate?

Oregano is well known as a hardy herb, but just how cold can it tolerate before succumbing to frigid temperatures? This Mediterranean plant thrives in hot, sunny climates but can also survive through freezing winters in many regions. Understanding oregano’s cold hardiness and employing a few winter care tips allows you to grow this versatile, … Read more

Testing Seed Viability with the Simple Water Float Method

Starting plants from seed can be an economical way to grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables. However planting old or non-viable seeds is frustrating and wastes time and effort. Testing your seeds before planting is important to ensure success. One of the easiest methods for checking seed viability at home is the water float test. How … Read more