Topics
Special Series
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Wanted: Citizen Scientists—No Experience Necessary: Get Involved in Research Projects
Researchers at universities, advocacy groups, and government agencies are increasingly relying on the work of volunteers to collect information from the field. The work of volunteers is especially valuable in gathering data for large-scale, long-term research projects like those tracking changes in the distribution of native and invasive species and the impacts of climate change.
By Beth Hanson -
The Savage Garden
Hardly a revolutionary horticultural practice, the jardin sauvage is based in part on permitting unplanned growth, such as that of self-seeding flowers that find their own cultural niche.
By Nancy Seaton -
Sustainable Cut Flowers: A Buyer’s Guide
I consider myself a socially responsible consumer, and suddenly I just wasn't sure what I was buying into when I purchased cut flowers. I thought these issues would be worth exploring, so I traveled to Ecuador with a tape recorder, a camera, and a definite bias.
By Amy Stewart -
Bonsai Moves Indoors
Even though the art of bonsai has traditionally been practiced on hardy plants outdoors, since the middle of the last century, growing bonsai indoors has become increasingly popular. If you'd like to begin cultivating bonsai in your home but are not in the market for a cool greenhouse that can accommodate cold-hardy northern trees, the tropical and subtropical bonsai found in the southern U.S., most of South and Central America, Taiwan, southern China, Southeast Asia, and India are much more promising options to start with.
By Pat Lucke Morris -
What’s in a Name?—A Primer on Plant Taxonomy
You might think of scientists as mild mannered, and those who choose to study flora as likely to be calmer than, say, nuclear physicists. But things can get pretty heated when botanists gather to talk about plants—particularly when names are at stake.
By Elizabeth Peters -
A Late-Season Garden
Many gardeners feel compelled to prune back perennials and grasses in the fall, and some plants do indeed need to be cleaned up. But those with beautiful and interesting ornamental elements can help your garden make the transition from autumn to winter.
By Joan McDonald -
Designing A Hummingbird Garden: 15 Ways to Keep Them Coming
Hummingbirds prefer openings in the forest and forest edge, and so are readily drawn to suburban and rural gardens that offer a mix of tall trees, shrubs, and patches of meadow and lawn.
By Stephen W. Kress -
Hardy Terrestrial Orchids
There is a hardy terrestrial orchid for practically every conceivable setting: woodland landscapes, lightly shaded perennial borders, stream banks, rock gardens, cold alpine houses, and cool-grown household terrariums.
By Scott D. Appell -
Herbes de Provence: An Elegant, Potted-Garden Design
Longing to visit Provence, that beautiful and charming region in the south of France, to bask in its warm sunlight, taste its delicious cuisine, and see the sloping vineyards and colorful scenery that charmed Cezanne and Van Gogh? Well, you can capture some of the ambience of Provence by growing its famous culinary herbs in your garden.
By Joan McDonald and Janet Otranto -
Elegant Epimedium—Foliage and Flowers of Subtle, Sophisticated Beauty
You'll never fall in love at first sight with Epimedium the way you might swoon over roses or peonies. But once you get to know this genus—and appreciate its reliability, durability, and sophisticated good looks—I guarantee you'll enjoy a long-lasting relationship.
By Barbara Blossom Ashmun
