Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are very controversial. A perennial weed with a long, strong taproot, it has been called “the nail in the earth” for its long taproot, which draws nutrients and moisture from deep in the ground. It was surprising to find out that “At one time there were no dandelions in North America. They … Continue reading To Weed or Not to Weed →

Tulips are one of the most popular spring-flowering plants in the world. Native to Eastern Turkey and the foothills of the Himalayas, the name is derived from the Turkish word “tulpend” or turban head covering, which the flower resembles. Many cultivated varieties of tulips were widely grown in Turkey long before they were introduced to … Continue reading Tiptoe Through the Tulips →

The official “First Day of Spring” was this past Tuesday, March 19. Also known as the Vernal Equinox, it is the astronomical beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, spring blooms are a couple of weeks early, at least in the Greater Boston area. The lack of freezing winter weather is … Continue reading Welcome Spring Hellebore Blooms! →

Houseplants definitely belong in our homes. They are ornamental plants adapted for growing indoors and are sometimes called pot or potted plants. The most common are exotic plants native to warm, frost-free parts of the world. According to a 1989 NASA study, houseplants can help improve air quality by removing cancer-causing chemicals like formaldehyde and … Continue reading The Benefits of Houseplants →