Van Gogh produced nearly a dozen paintings of sunflowers. They’re among his most celebrated works. It’s easy to see why. The sunflower is sturdy and delicate, bold and intricate, and grows like a weed in sun-drenched Southern France. It will grow like...
50,000 years ago, prehistoric humans gathered around fires to keep themselves warm, ward off predatory animals, and cook their food. Fast-forward to today. Little has changed, except the animal predators are gone from urban landscapes. People still gather around...
Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) were first cultivated in Sicily for their sweet fragrance and butterfly-like flowers in hues of white, pink, red, violet, and purple (among others). Introduced to England in the late 17th century, these climbing annuals later became a...
Calendula is more than a pretty face — it’s a common ingredient in herbal teas, home remedies, and skincare products. The sun-loving “pot marigold” is beautiful and edible, and its ability to attract pollinators makes it a beneficial garden plant,...
Move over to Canada; there’s a new maple tree in town! Only this tree is far from new in any sense. The graceful Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), native to Japan, Korea, and China, has been cultivated for centuries in Asia. It was introduced to the USA following...
