GENERAL GARDENING·Medicinal Plants 12 Reasons Everyone Should Start Growing Lemon Balm Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a fragrant herb from the mint family that has been cherished for centuries for its calming effects, subtle citrus aroma, and wide range of medicinal and culinary uses. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just beginning to build your … Read more
Green onions, also known as scallions or spring onions, are a versatile and flavorful addition to any dish. Whether you sprinkle them over a salad, use them as a garnish, or incorporate them into a stir-fry, their crisp texture and mild onion flavor can elevate your culinary creations. While they are readily available in grocery … Read more
I will never forget the day I saw olives for the very first time growing on a tree. I had spent a lazy morning walking the streets of a rural Italian town. After that, I came upon a grove of trees heavy with black and green olives. They were ripe and plump, shiny with dew. … Read more
Plantago major, commonly known as broadleaf plantain or greater plantain, is a hardy little plant that grows in lawns, gardens, pathways, fields, and disturbed ground across much of the world. Many gardeners consider it nothing more than a stubborn weed. But for generations, people have eaten its young leaves and used the plant in traditional … Read more
Morel mushrooms are a type of fungi known for their rich, meaty flavor and are classified in the Fungi kingdom, not the Plantae kingdom, meaning they lack roots and seeds. They are traditionally foraged in spring, hidden beneath forest leaf litter and thriving on decaying wood. Despite their elusive nature, you can cultivate morel mushrooms at home by simulating … Read more
Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) is one of a few bamboo plants that can grow inside. Most bamboos require a lot of sun and humidity to grow well, which is not easy to achieve for indoor plants. Many confuse “lucky bamboo” plant (Dracaena species), a smaller bamboo-looking plant that grows in water, as an easy-growing indoor bamboo plant, but it is not a … Read more
Jackfruit trees are large tropical evergreens native to India known for their immense fruit, which tastes like a mix of pineapple and banana. These trees grow quickly, often producing fruit within three years when planted in spring. With a straight trunk, reddish-brown bark, and glossy green leaves, jackfruit trees display showy green flowers primarily in … Read more
People usually recognize different cherry species by their beautiful delicate flowers and bright red fruits on a medium-sized tree. A lesser-known member of the genus is the Nanking cherry, a very useful and just as attractive plant that grows as a bushrather than a tree and reaches a small size of 6 to 10 feet … Read more
Water lilies (Nymphaea) are jewels of the aquatic world. They and closely-related lotus (Nelumbo) are rooted in soil, emerging above the water surface, appearing as if they were floating. The flowers are round and centered around a radial notch. The plants are symbolic in ancient and modern times, celebrated for their beauty, and immortalized in art and religion. … Read more
The yellow pear tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Yellow Pear’) is one of the older small fruit types, first developed in Europe in 1805. Plants produce masses of 1 1/2 to 2 inch, pear-shaped, lemon colored fruits. This reliable, indeterminate, heirloom tomato adds flavor and color to your culinary efforts all season long. With few seeds and mild (low-acid) … Read more
