Potatoes are a delicious and versatile vegetable to grow in your garden. But keeping potato plants properly identified can be tricky when weeds invade Several common weeds share similar characteristics with potato plants, making it easy to mix the two up. Being able to spot the differences between potatoes and weedy look-alikes will help ensure … Read more
With its upright spikes of colorful flowers on green, toothed foliage, veronica makes a distinctive statement in the garden. However, there are several other plants that bear a resemblance to veronica in terms of growth habit, leaf texture, or floral display. While they share some visual qualities, each plant has unique features that set it … Read more
With its petite leaves and pleasing aroma thyme is a beloved herb for many chefs and home gardeners. But with over 100 varieties it can be tricky to distinguish different types of thyme plants. This article will help you identify thyme through photos and provide tips for cultivating these versatile herbs yourself. Common Thyme The … Read more
Plants with hairy, fuzzy, or downy leaves can add unique texture and visual interest to gardens. The soft hairs, scientifically known as trichomes, come in many shapes and forms from fine velvet-like coatings to woolly tufts. Beyond aesthetics, they serve a variety of functions for plants such as insulation, moisture retention, and deterring pests. If … Read more
Trumpet vines are fast growing vines that produce beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers during the summer months. After the flowers fade the vines develop long, bean-like seed pods. Inside these pods are dozens of flat, round seeds with thin, papery edges. Knowing what trumpet vine seeds look like and when to harvest them allows you to collect … Read more
When we think of plants, the color green usually comes to mind. After all, most plants have green stems, leaves, and flowers. But the plant kingdom contains a surprisingly diverse array of species that break out of the green mold. Let’s explore some of the most striking and unusual non-green plants that add splashes of … Read more
Garlic is a popular bulbous crop that adds delicious flavor to many savory dishes But what does a garlic plant actually look like as it progresses from planting to harvest? Here is an overview of the key visual growth stages of a typical garlic plant Planting Stage Garlic is grown from individual cloves broken off … Read more
With its iconic lobed leaves and vines that eagerly cling to surfaces, English ivy (Hedera helix) is one of the most recognizable plant species This adaptable plant comes in many forms, from cultivated varieties to wild overgrowth Let’s explore the diverse appearances of English ivy through photos. The Classic Ivy Profile The English ivy we … Read more
Exploring Black Bugs with Vibrant Green Spots While many bugs come in solid shades of black, brown, or metallic colors, some exhibit eye-catching contrast with vibrant green spots. These black beetles and other insects with splotches of emerald, lime or forest green stand out in nature. Let’s take a closer look at some of the … Read more
Sunflowers are one of the most popular flowers grown in home gardens. Their bright, cheerful yellow petals and tall sturdy stems make them stand out in any landscape. However some weeds resemble sunflowers and can sneak into your garden unnoticed. Learning to identify these sunflower look-alikes will help you keep them from taking over your … Read more