I always enjoy visiting Molbak’s Nursery in Woodinville, and over the holidays the poinsettia display was exceptional. Who would have guessed that the first United States ambassador to Mexico would bring back this lovely plant in 1828? None other than Joel Roberts Poinsett, who brought cuttings back to his greenhouse in South Carolina. I really liked these displays, especially the pairings with other plants. … Continue reading Poinsettias
On the Ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, nine ladies dancing. Just as people can dance and move, certain plants possess rhythm and music in their movements. When a breeze sweeps by they may swing and sway. Some have a pattern and repetition just like the steps in a dance. Other plants seem to be decked out in costume, lighting … Continue reading The Ninth Day of Christmas—Dancing Plants
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eight maids a milking. The plant that comes to mind for this day is Milkweed. Milkweed is an important plant in the garden for butterflies, but people can use it too. I’m re-posting a fascinating article I found about milkweed from Wildfoods.Info Milkweed? If Green Beans, Broccoli, Okra, Sisal, and Geese Aren’t Weeds, … Continue reading The Eighth Day of Christmas—Milkweed
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, Seven Swans a Swimming. These swans remind me of beautiful white plants. Plants that are elegant and royal, like the Mallorn tree, the treasured elven tree described by JRR Tolkien. “Its bark was silver and smooth, and its boughs somewhat upswept after the manner of the beech; but it never grew save with … Continue reading The Seventh Day of Christmas—Bright White Plants
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, Six Geese a-laying. Geese led me to think about farms and all the delicious vegetables that grow there. But then I remembered that those lovely geese migrate, they move from location to location, just like some plants I know. Sometimes it’s not a good thing when plants migrate. They become invasive when they … Continue reading The Sixth Day of Christmas—Invasive Plants
Rainyleaf 