Welcome!
Enjoy your visit to our website. If you have questions, please use our contact form below. A member will generally respond to you within 3 days.GOOD NEWS....
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From our members gardens:
Elaine C. was out of town for a while, with her garden untended. Given the lack of rain and rising temperatures, she expected less than optimal growth of her herbs. She was delighted to find that they thrived in her absence--so much so that they kept all but a few weeds from growing. There was also a nice surprise in their bluebird house!
UPDATE ON ELAINE'S BLUEBIRDS....
It has been a busy summer...Elaine's first clutch, pictured below, have all flown away. Here is the latest: Here is a picture of our third brood of bluebirds. I took the picture this morning and it is obvious that it’s about time for the babies to leave the nest. We had not noticed until I took this picture that two of the eggs were out of the nest and did not hatch. So we had a total of thirteen babies for the year which is good. Elaine |
An unusual photo, again from Elaine C. via her sister, of the nest of a Mourning Dove in SC. Not sure that palm leaves are considered herbal, but certainly a unique use for them! And what a tidy nest it is, with the leaves all in perfect order :) The Dove is sitting on top of the nest.
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Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Lavender and Oregano doing very well. Also growing are Comfrey, Fennel, and Bronze Fennel.
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Five baby bluebirds
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NOTICING THE LITTLE THINGS AROUND OUR GARDENS...
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Dryopteris ludoviciana, Southern Wood Fern
Fronds still unfurling! Each frond will grow to 3’- 4’ tall in dappled or deep shade. They spread slowly, making an attractive bright lime green filler plant. Does well in our hot, humid summers but does like at least moderately moist soil.
Fronds still unfurling! Each frond will grow to 3’- 4’ tall in dappled or deep shade. They spread slowly, making an attractive bright lime green filler plant. Does well in our hot, humid summers but does like at least moderately moist soil.
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Tiny buds on Partridgeberry.
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Mitchella repens, Partidgeberry
A tea with a slight wintergreen flavor was made from the leaves and berries by Native American women for use during childbirth. The berries are edible but rather bland and on the dry side.
The four-petaled flowers, when fully open are about ¼” across and the leaves range from ¼” to 1 inch. The flowers grow in pairs, with the ovaries of the two blending into one, resulting in one scarlet red berry in Fall and Winter. The stems creep slowly across moderately moist shady areas, reaching only about 3 inches tall.
Roots easily from cuttings.
A tea with a slight wintergreen flavor was made from the leaves and berries by Native American women for use during childbirth. The berries are edible but rather bland and on the dry side.
The four-petaled flowers, when fully open are about ¼” across and the leaves range from ¼” to 1 inch. The flowers grow in pairs, with the ovaries of the two blending into one, resulting in one scarlet red berry in Fall and Winter. The stems creep slowly across moderately moist shady areas, reaching only about 3 inches tall.
Roots easily from cuttings.
Blooming Now
Spring 2021 in the garden with native herbs.
All of these plants have one thing in common: their use as medicines, years ago, for a variety of ailments. Many are no longer considered safe for use.
Photos from members gardens.
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Arisaema triphyllum, Jack-in-the-Pulpit Scutellaria species, Skullcap Tephrosia virginiana, Goat's Rue
Baptisia australis, False Wild Indigo
A great plant for our fuzzy, friendly, native Bumblebees. The oils were extracted and used to repel insects. The plant does have some toxicity, so enjoy it as an eye-catching ornamental. |
Aruncus dioicus, Bride's Feathers
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