Croton varieties flaunt their vivid yellows, oranges, and reds in an array of leaf shapes. My Gold Dust Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Gold Dust’) is a speckled variety that brightens up my office windowsill with a pop of color. This fun plant displays random yellow spots on its dark green, ovate leaves as if yellow paint … Read more
When observing the land and trees absorbed by the invasive kudzu vine in the Southeast or fields covered by Himalayan Blackberry on the West Coast, it’s easy to see why environmentalists dislike aggressive non-native plants. The sheer enormity of them makes stewards of the land feel they must wage a war to defend the native … Read more
I have many favorites in my houseplant collection, but my pink-striped Lilac Tradescantia tops the list. It’s lovely to look at and one of the easiest plants to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginning and seasoned gardeners alike. Lilac is a small-leaved, trailing Tradescantia that grows 6 to 8 inches high and … Read more
Moon Valley Pilea is an eye-catching little houseplant, also known as Moon Valley Friendship Plant or Artillery Plant (Pilea mollis ‘Moon Valley’). It’s a member of the Nettle family, but don’t worry, it doesn’t sting like its cousins and is non-toxic and pet-friendly. Pilea mollis ‘Moon Valley’ is often sold as Pilea involucrata ‘Moon Valley,’ … Read more
I did a double-take the first time I saw a Purple Passion Vine. On closer inspection, I noticed that the dark green leaves were covered in tiny purple hairs that shimmered in the sun. This fascinating native of the Indonesian island of Java grows upright in its native habitat. The cultivar ‘Purple Passion,’ though, is … Read more
The popular Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) and its beautiful variegated cultivars are my favorite houseplants. I received my first Peperomia when I was ten and have loved them ever since. They’re perfect houseplants – attractive, easy to care for, adaptable to most household environments, and pet-friendly. Peperomias are native to Florida, Mexico, and islands … Read more
When Venus Flytraps were newly discovered in North and South Carolina in the 1700s, people were in awe of their carnivorous habit and snap-trap jaws. There was excited correspondence across the Atlantic, and they were first named Dionaea muscipula (Aphrodite’s Mousetrap) by John Ellis, a British naturalist. Venus Flytraps made quite an impression on the … Read more
From the backyard in an urban landscape to the shady understory of the forest floor, wild edible plants abound. In truth, we are surrounded by food and medicine that is readily available to us – the key is becoming familiar with such plants, one by one. One lovely plant to become acquainted with is the … Read more
Venus Flytraps are famous for their ability to catch insects and spiders with their amazingly sophisticated “snap-trap” jaws. These Carolina natives make fascinating houseplants that are a source of fun and interest for the whole family, and part of Flytrap care is knowing what and how to feed them. Like all green plants, Venus Flytraps … Read more
Mallow is a wild edible highly esteemed for its various food uses, and chances are, it’s already growing in your backyard. This hollyhock relative is widespread across the United States and is a wonderful edible plant to become acquainted with. While there are several mallow plants, this article specifically covers Malva neglecta, which is commonly … Read more
