Image Credit: Park Seed Black Prince Snapdragon – Heirloom “This dragon looks like it might really snap. A wonderful heirloom reselected for modern vigor and bloom power, ‘Black Prince’ Snapdragon is a glorious snapdragon with blooms of darkest crimson and bronzy foliage that complements the fresh greens of the spring or fall garden beautifully. “The…
Category: Cottage Garden Living
Anemone – Delicate Windflower – Passed Down from Antiquity
ANEMONE. Image Credit: Bluestone Perennials Anemone Robustissima Japanese Anemone, Windflower Vigorous and Extremely Hardy “Soft pink single, cup-shaped flowers float above attractive deep green foliage. The most adaptable of the Japanese Anemone. From late summer to fall, there is no flower quite like it in the border for providing late season color. The hardiest to zone…
Aloes — Including Sandalwood in the Bible and Aloe Vera
There are hundreds of types of aloe, and aloe vera is one of many varieties. The aloe that is mentioned in the Bible was probably sandalwood–a fragrant plant. “Aloes are mentioned both in the OT and NT in connection with incense, scent or perfume (Num 24:6; Ps 45:8; Prov 7:17; Song of Solomon 4:14; and John 19:39). The perfume…
Plant Encyclopedia
ENCYCLOPÆDIA OF PLANTS. ACACIA.—In the deserts of Arabia the finest tree is the Acacia Seyal, which is reputed to be the Shittah tree of the Old Testament. The timber of this tree was termed Shittim, translated by some as “incorruptible wood.” In Exodus xxv. it is recorded that the Ark of the Lord was made of Shittim wood, overlaid within…
Plants of the Fairies & Woodland Nymphs
Illustration by Arthur Rackham “Old Mr. Salford was a crab-apple of an old gentleman who wandered all day in the Gardens.” Barrie Illustration by Arthur Rackham “The fairies have their tiffs with the bird.” Barrie Illustration by Arthur Rackham “The fairies have their tiffs with the bird.” Barrie Plants of the Fairies and Naiades. Centuries before…
Planning in My Garden and in My Writing
A peek into my garden on October 8, 2024 – This spot is the view directly out from my screened porch A peek into my garden on October 8, 2023 – This spot is the view directly out from my screened porch–BEFORE I created the garden there. What a difference a year makes–IF you plan…
Balloon Flower – Another Violet Blue Bloom to Accentuate Other Plants in My Cottage Garden
Today, I planted a Balloon Flower in My Garden, and I Hope that This Beauty Survives the Mississippi Heat Here. Yesterday, I wrote about Mealycup Sage, which also has blue violet blossoms. I love all the tones of violet in my garden. The violets are excellent accents and/or backdrops for all they other flowers growing…
Another Parable of the Soil: Prepare Your Soil – Plant in Faith – Lessons from My Garden
This time last year, I was spreading one of several truck loads of garden soil to create raised beds in my garden. I had lived in my current house for 6 months, and I had just begun my efforts to transform the barren field behind my house into a natural haven. View from my screened…
Growing Comfrey in My Cottage Garden – Red Violet Flowers – A Plant with Healing Properties
Today, I planted Comfrey in My Garden ,and I Can’t Wait to Watch This Beauty Grow. Yesterday, I wrote about Mealycup Sage, which is more of a blue violet in color tone, Comfrey is red violet. I love all the tones of violet in my garden. The violets are excellent accents and/or backdrops for all…
Salvia farinacea – Mealycup Sage – A Violet Blue Perennial to Add Accents & Filler to My Cottage Garden
What a Great Day! My friend gave me two wonderful perennials to plant now in early October for glorious color in next year’s garden. She gave me some of the blue Mealycup Salvia and the yellow Stella d’Oro plants from the following bed. I am thrilled. Blue Violet and Golden Yellow are complementary colors, and…