Stones River Market
Murfreesboro, TN

Five mixed color miniature snapdragons in an earthtone 10 inch plastic planter. Snapdragons tolerate cold weather pretty well, and also continue blooming into hot weather. These bright colors will liven your deck or patio all spring and summer, if you keep them well watered. The warmer the weather, the more water they will need. If you bring them to part shade as the weather warms, they may tolerate the heat better.
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Five mixed color miniature snapdragons in an earthtone 10 inch plastic planter. Snapdragons tolerate cold weather pretty well, and also ... more

Five multicolored Violas ("baby pansies") in an earthtone 10 inch plastic planter. These spring colors will liven your deck or patio till the really hot weather arrives, and then a bit longer. The warmer the weather, the more water they will need. If you bring them to a part shade location as the weather warms, they will bloom longer this spring. For renewed fall blooms, regularly water and care for them over summer.
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Five multicolored Violas ("baby pansies") in an earthtone 10 inch plastic planter. These spring colors will liven your deck or ... more

Variegated crisp lines Perennial with pink spring blooms. Hardy, attractive creeper for light shade conditions

Anemones' timeless grace enhances any garden. This species of anemones can be some of the earliest perennials to cover woodland floors with delicate, nodding blooms. Perennial anemones are easy to grow, and once established, they can create large colonies of plants for grand displays. Anemones spread by underground rhizomes that multiply readily. For best results, plant anemones in well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The extra organic matter keeps a consistent moisture in soil. Many spring-blooming anemones are ephemeral, meaning the foliage will die back in summer and plants will go dormant. This can happen quickly if the soil is allowed to dry too much or too often. Planting anemones in part sun protects foliage from drying out too much. You can divide anemones in spring as plants emerge.
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Anemones' timeless grace enhances any garden. This species of anemones can be some of the earliest perennials to cover woodland ... more

Columbines bloom in April and early May. They like medium to light watering once established in poor to average, but well-drained soil. Partial shade is preferred, but full sun is tolerated with slightly more watering. The highly attractive blooms are long-lasting cut flowers. Consider adding Aquilegia to rock gardens, shady borders, or in masses along walks or drives.
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Columbines bloom in April and early May. They like medium to light watering once established in poor to average, but ... more

Columbines bloom in early to mid-spring They like medium to light watering once established in poor to average, but well-drained soil. Partial shade is preferred, but full sun is tolerated with slightly more watering. The highly attractive blooms are long-lasting cut flowers. Consider adding Aquilegia to rock gardens, shady borders, or in masses along walks or drives.
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Columbines bloom in early to mid-spring They like medium to light watering once established in poor to average, but well-drained ... more

This lovely perennial will delight you with bright yellow blooms all spring. Continue to deadhead the plants to extend the flowering season. Dwarf Coreopsis is an excellent choice for rock gardens, edging or borders. Plant in full sun to part shade.
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This lovely perennial will delight you with bright yellow blooms all spring. Continue to deadhead the plants to extend the ... more

The colorful blooms and easy culture of dwarf crested iris make it a valuable addition to the shady native woodland garden. In mid-spring, this attractive perennial groundcover is a mass of white blooms that reach 4-6” in height. Its 5-6” sword-like leaves arise from small rhizomes, that quickly spread, to form impressive colonies with a unique textural quality. Iris cristata does well in average, well-drained woodland soils in shade to partial shade and, once established, is dependably drought-tolerant. It complements other woodland plants such as Phlox divaricata, Uvularia sessilifolia, Geranium maculatum, Hydrastis canadensis, and Trillium luteum. The iris was said to have first been adopted as an emblem in the 6th century by King Clovis of the Franks.
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The colorful blooms and easy culture of dwarf crested iris make it a valuable addition to the shady native woodland ... more

The colorful blooms and easy culture of dwarf crested iris make it a valuable addition to the shady native woodland garden. In mid-spring, this attractive perennial groundcover is a mass of white blooms that reach 4-6” in height. Its 5-6” sword-like leaves arise from small rhizomes, that quickly spread, to form impressive colonies with a unique textural quality. Iris cristata does well in average, well-drained woodland soils in shade to partial shade and, once established, is dependably drought-tolerant. It complements other woodland plants such as Phlox divaricata, Uvularia sessilifolia, Geranium maculatum, Hydrastis canadensis, and Trillium luteum. The iris was said to have first been adopted as an emblem in the 6th century by King Clovis of the Franks.
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The colorful blooms and easy culture of dwarf crested iris make it a valuable addition to the shady native woodland ... more

The colorful blooms and easy culture of dwarf crested iris make it a valuable addition to the shady native woodland garden. In mid-spring, this attractive perennial groundcover is a mass of white blooms that reach 4-6” in height. Its 5-6” sword-like leaves arise from small rhizomes, that quickly spread, to form impressive colonies with a unique textural quality. Iris cristata does well in average, well-drained woodland soils in shade to partial shade and, once established, is dependably drought-tolerant. It complements other woodland plants such as Phlox divaricata, Uvularia sessilifolia, Geranium maculatum, Hydrastis canadensis, and Trillium luteum. The iris was said to have first been adopted as an emblem in the 6th century by King Clovis of the Franks.
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The colorful blooms and easy culture of dwarf crested iris make it a valuable addition to the shady native woodland ... more

The colorful blooms and easy culture of dwarf crested iris make it a valuable addition to the shady native woodland garden. In mid-spring, this attractive perennial groundcover is a mass of white blooms that reach 4-6” in height. Its 5-6” sword-like leaves arise from small rhizomes, that quickly spread, to form impressive colonies with a unique textural quality. Iris cristata does well in average, well-drained woodland soils in shade to partial shade and, once established, is dependably drought-tolerant. It complements other woodland plants such as Phlox divaricata, Uvularia sessilifolia, Geranium maculatum, Hydrastis canadensis, and Trillium luteum. The iris was said to have first been adopted as an emblem in the 6th century by King Clovis of the Franks.
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The colorful blooms and easy culture of dwarf crested iris make it a valuable addition to the shady native woodland ... more

The colorful blooms and easy culture of dwarf crested iris make it a valuable addition to the shady native woodland garden. In mid-spring, this attractive perennial groundcover is a mass of white blooms that reach 4-6” in height. Its 5-6” sword-like leaves arise from small rhizomes, that quickly spread, to form impressive colonies with a unique textural quality. Iris cristata does well in average, well-drained woodland soils in shade to partial shade and, once established, is dependably drought-tolerant. It complements other woodland plants such as Phlox divaricata, Uvularia sessilifolia, Geranium maculatum, Hydrastis canadensis, and Trillium luteum. The iris was said to have first been adopted as an emblem in the 6th century by King Clovis of the Franks.
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The colorful blooms and easy culture of dwarf crested iris make it a valuable addition to the shady native woodland ... more

Dug this spring from a grove in my yard and potted in gallon pots. These are first-year plants, still small, and may not bloom next year. This native shrub, American Elder or Sambucus canadensis, has been known for its delicious fruit (for use in jellies, pies or wine) since native American times. It has more recently been used in landscapes for its spectacular blossoms and dramatically colored berries. The Elderberry is also a fantastic wildlife habitat, providing both shelter for small animals and a healthy food source. Elderberries are both drought and cold-tolerant, adapt to almost any soil type and most drainage conditions and have few pests. They grow 6 to 12 feet high in an oval or rounded shape. The white flower clusters are generally 6 to 10 inches in diameter and are very showy with a nice fragrance. The fruit, which is pleasantly tart but high in vitamin C, is a smooth round berry measuring three-sixteenths-inch in diameter growing in broad flat clusters. Grows in zones: 3 - 9
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Dug this spring from a grove in my yard and potted in gallon pots. These are first-year plants, still small, ... more

Giant Japanese Fern is thought to be a result of a cross between a typical Athyrium nipponicum pictum, Japanese Painted Fern, and its cousin the lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina). A very unique and rewarding hardy fern, this delightful selection performs well in any rich, evenly moist soil. It forms a massive, arching 3 feet tall clump of silvery fronds with green highlights on dark purple stems. Terrific for edging the shade border, in the rock garden, or in containers. Deciduous. Leaves may be trimmed to the ground in late fall or early spring. Plants are easily divided in spring, every 3 to 4 years. As with all athyriums, deer-resistance is excellent.
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Giant Japanese Fern is thought to be a result of a cross between a typical Athyrium nipponicum pictum, Japanese Painted ... more

Ostrich fern is popular for its erect stature and graceful arching fronds (leaves) resembling huge ostrich feathers, up to 5 feet long and 3 feet wide. Each frond is cut into numerous leaflets and subleaflets. As they mature they spread at the tip, creating a lovely canopy effect. Ostrich fern is very easy to grow in a variety of light exposures, but prefers shade or partial shade. It colonizes fairly fast by spreading rhizomes, eventually forming large, glorious colonies, but rarely becomes invasive. Ostrich fern grows best in moist, rich soil conditions but tolerates occasional drought when established. It's excellent around a pond or in a damp border. Few plants impart such a light, airy, cooling effect in the landscape, or provide such a range of foliage textures for the garden, as Ostrich fern. Fiddleheads are edible, and this is the preferred species to eat. However, it should only be eaten in moderation as all ferns contain varying amounts of carcinogenic compounds. The plant is not evergreen, but the fertile fronds turn black and persist through the winter. They perform better and better with age. Do not plant too deep; set the crowns at or just below soil level. A year-round mulch is recommended. Zones 2-7, and native south to Virginia and Missouri.
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Ostrich fern is popular for its erect stature and graceful arching fronds (leaves) resembling huge ostrich feathers, up to 5 ... more

Foam flowers are colonial, spreading their growth by rhizomes, as well as by seed, and are a popular choice for ground cover in shade gardens. It is similar in appearance to Coral Bells, and, like Coral Bells, prefers light to dense shade in well-drained soils that retain some moisture. The shallow root system of this plant makes a happy companion of deep rooted natives such as Solomon's Seal and Cardinal Flowers. Bottle brush-like flowers appear in mid spring and are sporadic throughout the summer. This plant has a high tannin content, making it a natural astringent. Native Americans made leaf tea to cure mouth sores and eye ailments. Root tea was used to treat diarrhea, as well as made into a poultice for topical wounds.
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Foam flowers are colonial, spreading their growth by rhizomes, as well as by seed, and are a popular choice for ... more

Nepeta cataria attracts pet cats, and causes them to rub on the plant, roll on the ground, drool, be sleepy or anxious, or consume much of the plant. Catnip has a history of human medicinal use for its soothing properties. It has also been known to have a slightly numbing effect. The plant has been consumed as a tea, juice, tincture, infusion or poultice. Nepetalactone is a mosquito and fly repellent. Catnip oil is a repellent against mosquitoes, cockroaches and termites.
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Nepeta cataria attracts pet cats, and causes them to rub on the plant, roll on the ground, drool, be sleepy ... more

Chives belong to the same family as onion, leeks and garlic. They are a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial growing to about 10-12 inches tall. They grow in clumps from underground bulbs and produce round, hollow leaves that are much finer than onion. In mid-summer, they produce round, pink flowers similar in appearance to clover. Chives prefer a full sun location and are tolerant of a wide variety of soils but will grow best in soils that are high in organic matter. Chives are most commonly propagated by dividing the clumps in early spring. Clumps should contain about 4-6 bulbs. Plants that are harvested frequently benefit from supplemental fertilizer during the season. Chives can self-sow and overtake a garden unless flowers are removed before they fade. Chives also make attractive edging in the perennial border and flowers can be cut for arrangements.
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Chives belong to the same family as onion, leeks and garlic. They are a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial growing to about ... more

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), considered a "calming" herb, is a member of the mint family. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, & improve appetite. Nowadays it is used extensively as a mosquito repellant and to attract bees. Chewing a leaf will freshen your breath, or you can soothe a bug bite by placing a leaf of lemon balm on it. It's delicious sprinkled on fruit salad, mixed into muffins, or made into tea. Use it to flavor water or butter. Vigorous grower with scent of lemon.
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Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), considered a "calming" herb, is a member of the mint family. It was used as far ... more

Lovage, Levisticum officinale, has been long cultivated in Europe, the leaves being used as a herb, the roots as a vegetable, and the seeds as a spice, especially in southern European cuisine. This herb is native to western Asia, parts of the Middle East, and the Mediterranean region. It has been cultivated around the globe for centuries, and has naturalized in some areas of North America and most of Europe. Packed with vitamin C and various B-complex vitamins, it also contains quercetin, a plant pigment with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The entire plant is edible, from root to tip, and it has a bright, fresh flavor that tastes a bit like citrusy celery. It’s also hardy, fuss-free, and reseeds readily without becoming invasive. The dark green, frilly leaves make an impressive showing in the garden on plants that can reach six feet tall at maturity. The bright yellow flowers are marvelously fragrant in July. It’s purported to have some powerful medicinal qualities, as well. Its een used as a diuretic, a stimulant, an anti-inflammatory, to regulate menstrual cycles, and as a treatment for jaundice. It is often made into infusions, tinctures, and essential oils, as well as lozenges and vinegars. It’s also been used cosmetically, and a tincture or salve made from the leaves can be applied to the skin to soothe rashes and psoriasis, and help to clear up acne. Sponsored by Marshalls Fabulous Brands. Feel good prices. Make everyday Extra with Marshalls. Shop now at Marshalls.com. LEARN MORE A close up of lovage growing in a container with a variety of other herbs on a soft focus background. There have been a few studies that support the claim that lovage can act as a diuretic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory agent. Because it appears to have some diuretic properties, anyone with heart or kidney problems, or pregnant or lactating women, shouldn’t ingest it. There’s also some question about whether consuming the plant can raise blood pressure by impacting sodium levels in the body, so exercise caution. It can also interact with diuretic medications like Lasix and Diuril, causing individuals who take these to lose too much body fluid, and it may interact with anticoagulants. Consult with your doctor if you’re on any of these medications and plan to add lovage to your diet or herbal treatment plan. Consuming or using lovage on the skin can sometimes cause photodermatitis, a condition that increases light sensitivity, resulting in an inflammatory skin condition. A Note of Caution: Lovage should not be taken medicinally during pregnancy or those who take diuretics or other prescription medications. Always consult with a medical professional or trained herbalist before beginning any herbal treatment. It is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Propagation Lovage may be propagated by planting seeds or through root division. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find plants at your local nursery, though I’ve had some luck now and then. By Seed Direct-sow lovage seeds outdoors once soil temperatures are above 60°F. Sprinkle the seeds on prepared soil and lightly cover them with sand. Alternatively, start seeds indoors 5-6 weeks before the last frost. Place seeds on top of fresh seed starting mix and cover lightly with sand. Maintain even moisture, but don’t allow soil to become waterlogged. Keep in mind that saved seeds can suffer from low germination rates, and they can take up to 20 days to emerge. Only use fresh seeds that are under a year old, as they don’t store well. Seedlings and Transplants When your seedlings have at least 2 sets of true leaves – or if you have purchased nursery starts – and all risk of frost has passed, you can transplant them into the garden. Work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to your soil, and dig a hole the size of the root ball. Tamp the soil down and water in well. Root Division You can also propagate lovage through root division. In the spring, after the plant has grown to about a foot tall, dig it up. To be sure that you’re getting enough of the roots, dig down a foot deep and dig out as wide as the plant’s crown. Lovage has a large and vigorous root system, with taproots up to 35 inches long. While you don’t need to dig up the entire thing, you do want to get enough of the roots for the plant to thrive after it’s replanted. I’ve had success so long as I’m able to keep at least half of the root structure intact. Shake off any excess soil and carefully divide the crown and roots into two sections, using a garden spade, hori-hori knife, or a pair of trimmers. Remove any dead roots or branches from the plant, and then replant one half back where it was. Plant the other half in prepared soil in its new location. How to Grow Plant lovage in a part to full sun location. It does best in full sun, but it can tolerate a few hours of shade during the day, particularly in warmer growing zones. A close up of the foliage of Levisticum officinale growing in the garden, pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background. The soil should be well-drained with a slightly acidic pH of around 6.5. It prefers sandy, loamy soil. Add plenty of organic matter when planting – unlike other Mediterranean herbs, it likes rich earth. Keep the soil moist to the touch at all times, but not wet. If the soil dries out, the leaves tend to get bitter. Add an inch or two of leaf mold, peat moss, or grass clippings as a mulch to help retain water. Space plants 18 inches apart. They reach maturity 85-95 days after planting. You can grow lovage in containers, but keep in mind that with its large root system, you’ll need a fairly large pot, at least 12 inches deep and wide. I get around the problem by growing lovage in my potted tree containers. That way, they have plenty of room, with the added bonus of getting a little shade in the heat of the day. A vertical close up picture of a young Levisticum officinale plant, growing in a container, with a blue wall in the background in soft focus. Photo by Kristine Lofgren. The plants themselves don’t need protection from the sun, but I found that doing this when I lived in a hot desert climate helped to keep the soil moist, so the flavor of the leaves didn’t turn bitter. When I get desperate for the flavor of lovage in the winter, I’ll succession plant. Start seeds every few weeks indoors in 8-inch pots, and harvest all the leaves when the plant is about a month old. Lovage gets too large to grow indoors permanently, but it grows quickly enough that you can get a small harvest every few weeks by succession planting. While you don’t have to prune lovage, particularly if you’re harvesting the leaves regularly, it won’t hurt to trim large plants a bit to maintain the shape and size. To do this, take some sharp pruners and cut the stems back to a spot just above a leaf node. To keep the plant healthy, don’t take more than half of the leaves at a time. If you are not harvesting regularly, you should prune once in the middle of the growing season to help promote air circulation and to remove any dead or damaged portions. A close up of two hands from the left of the frame harvesting Levisticum officinale greens and stalks in light sunshine on a soft focus background. If the plant bolts and starts to develop a flower stalk, cut this off unless you want the plant to flower and set seed. Lovage tends to get scraggly looking after it bolts, and the leaves can be unpleasantly bitter. Companion plant L. officinale with tubers like potatoes. Also keep in mind that lovage flowers attract beneficial parasitic wasps and tachinid flies to the garden, which may help you to battle caterpillars that damage crops. Growing Tips Grow in full to part sun Plant in rich, well-drained soil Keep moist but not wet Where to Buy If you want to get a jump start on the growing season, you can buy seedlings to transplant into your garden. A close up of the leaves of Levisticum officinale on a soft focus background. Lovage 3 Seedlings You can find a set of 3 plants available at Burpee. Or, if you prefer to start your own plants from seed, you can buy a half-ounce packet or a one-pound bag of seeds from True Leaf Market. Managing Pests and Disease Lovage is generally fortunate to not be bothered much by pests and disease. That doesn’t mean it’s immune, however. There are a few things to watch out for. Insects The main insect pests to be aware of are: Aphids Aphids can attack lovage plants (and a ton of other plants in the garden, as well). If you see tiny little green, brown, yellow, black, gray, or pink, soft-bodied, wingless insects on your plants, you may have an infestation. A close up of aphids on a green leaf showing a large adult and a number of immature insects. If you have ants on your lovage plants, this can also be an indicator that you have aphids, because they like to munch on the honeydew that aphids leave behind. Aphids suck the juices out of plants, so you may see stunted, yellowing, curling, or misshapen leaves. You may also see black mold that grows in the sugary honeydew. Even if they don’t harm your plant, they can spread disease, so you don’t want them around. The first line of attack is to regularly spray your plant with a blast of water from the hose to knock them loose. After that, you can try dusting your plant with diatomaceous earth to kill off any lingering aphids. If things are still looking bad and you can’t get rid of them, use neem oil or spray plants with a mix of 1 part dish soap to 5 parts water. Spray either neem oil or soapy water every few days for 2 weeks. See this guide to learn more about managing aphids in your garden. Leaf Miners Leaf miners chew tunnels into the leaves of plants, and this can cause some serious damage. You’ll know that you have them if you see telltale squiggly tunnels that look kind of like a maze on your plant leaves. The miners themselves are tiny little worms – the larvae of small flies – and they are difficult to observe. So the best way to know if you have this pest is to look for the tunnels. You can control leaf miners by spraying neem oil on plants starting in the early spring and continuing through summer. You can also purchase Diglyphus isaea wasps to battle leaf miners. A close up of a beneficial wasp, Diglyphus isaea, on a white background. Diglyphus isaea Live Beneficial Wasps These beneficial insects are available from Arbico Organics. I personally find the most effective method is to crush the leaves along the miner trails between my fingers, or to clip damaged leaves off of my plants and dispose of them. If you decide to go the pesticide route, you’ll need to figure out the right time to spray. Grab a few infected leaves and put them in a sealed, clear bag. Once the flies emerge, start spraying your plant every day for a week. Use a spinosad spray or a spray that contains Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Keep in mind that if you use a chemical pesticide or neem oil, you risk killing off the beneficial bugs as well. For more information, read our guide on leaf miner control. Parsley Worms The parsley worm, Papilio polyxenes, is a pest that eats plants in the parsley family, as its name implies. This worm is the larvae of the beautiful swallowtail butterfly. The larvae are actually pretty attractive as far as pests go, with bright green, yellow, and black stripes along their two-inch-long bodies. You’ll likely spot this colorful worm before you start to notice the damage to your plants, but keep an eye out for missing or nibbled-on leaves and frass as well, indicators that you have an infestation. Parsley worms aren’t all bad. The swallowtail butterfly is a pollinator of native plants, and some people plant parsley and dill to attract them. For this reason, I advocate using cautious measures to get rid of the larvae. A close up of a black, yellow, and green caterpillar on the stem of a plant pictured on a soft focus background. Handpick any worms that you spot and relocate them if you can, rather than disposing of them. Planting a “trap crop” – a few dill plants, perhaps – for the larvae to feed on, and bringing the worms over to this plant when you find them on your food crops, is a workable solution that will help to maintain pollinator populations. Use floating row covers in the late spring to prevent the adult butterflies from landing on your plants and laying their eggs. If you really can’t stand having them on your plants, use a spray that contains Bt. Tarnished Plant Bug The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris, is an ugly little beetle (if you ask me!) with yellowish-brown spots and black lines on its backs and legs. They’re about a fourth of an inch long as adults, and have long legs and antennae. A close up of a tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris feeding on the foliage of a plant, on a soft focus background. Not only does it use its needle-like mouthparts to puncture plants, it spreads disease as well. If you have an infestation of this bug, your plant will likely have distorted, yellowed leaves and growth can be stunted. Plants may fail to form flowers, as well. It’s important to keep weeds like goldenrod, vetch, wild carrot, clover, and dock away from your lovage, because they are host plants preferred by this insect. Beyond that, you can cover plants with floating row covers and place white sticky traps around the garden two feet above the ground. Disease This herb is mostly untroubled by disease, but there are a couple that can cause problems. Early Blight Early blight is a fungal disease caused by Alternaria solani. If you see circular brown spots on the leaves and stems of your plants, either with or without yellow halos around them, it could be early blight. You can remove infected branches and spray plants with a copper-based fungicide to try to control it, but prevention is best. To prevent this infection, rotate crops regularly and give your plants plenty of space. Prune them regularly to improve air circulation. Also, be cautious about adding too much mulch to the soil, as this can cause it to become waterlogged. Leaf Spot Leaf spot may be caused by a variety of different types of bacteria and fungi. You’ll know you have it if you see black water-soaked spots on leaves. Left uncontrolled, the spots will merge together, and entire leaves can turn yellow and drop. The pathogens that cause leaf spot prefer warm temperatures and lots of moisture. Wind and water can transmit the bacteria and fungi between plants, and they can overwinter in garden debris and soil. That’s why it’s important to keep your garden clean. Rake up any plant debris, and add a layer of mulch to prevent water from splashing up onto your plants. Water at the base of plants and avoid overhead irrigation. There is no cure, but a mix of 1 part baking soda, 3 parts vegetable oil, and 1 part liquid soap, added to a gallon of water and sprayed on plants, can help to slow its progression. Harvesting In the first year, only harvest the leaves of your plant. In the second year, you can start to harvest the stalks and roots. If you plan to harvest the entire plant, roots and all, do it in October when the plant has reached its full size. A close up of a hand from the right of the frame harvesting Levisticum officinale stems and leaves with a garden scene in soft focus in the background. Young leaves taste best. Harvest them in the morning, after the dew has dried. Take leaves from the outside of the plant first. New growth will resprout from locations where you harvest. Don’t wash the leaves until you’re ready to use them, as it can cause them to rot. Fresh leaves can be kept in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator for up to a week. A close up top down picture of a freshly harvested bunch of Levisticum officinale, set on a white fabric on a wooden surface, with a pair of metal scissors to the bottom of the frame. Photo by Kristine Lofgren. Harvest seeds when the seed heads turn brown. Snip off entire heads and put them in a paper bag to dry. Once they’re dry, roll the seed heads in your hands to remove the brown casings. Harvest the roots by digging them up with a garden fork. Brush the dirt off, but don’t wash them immediately. You can store them in the refrigerator for several weeks before using. Preserving You can preserve lovage roots by washing the roots, slicing them thin, and drying the pieces in a food dehydrator at its lowest setting or in the oven for 6 to 8 hours. You can also dry the leaves slowly at a low temperature setting, but they don’t retain much of their flavor when dried. If you do choose to dehydrate the leaves, you can grind them for use as a powdered spice. Find more info on drying fresh herbs here. A close up of a freshly harvested lovage on a wooden chopping board with a knife, a small ceramic bowl and glass jars in the background. Preserve the leaves by freezing them. You can do this by blanching them in boiling water for about 30 seconds and then shocking them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain, and dry the leaves off on a paper towel then lay them on trays and put them in the freezer. After they have frozen, transfer the leaves to airtight freezer storage bags. The stems can be preserved by pickling. Use a ratio of three parts water to one part vinegar, plus 1 tablespoon of salt per cup of vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, and stir until the salt is dissolved. Remove from the heat and allow the brine to cool. Add a sliced shallot, some pink peppercorns, or celery seeds. Fill a canning jar with the lovage stems, leaving an inch of room at the top. Fill the jar with brine mixture, covering the stalks. Refrigerate and use within 2 months. You can also chop up the stems and freeze them. They’ll be good for up to six months. Recipes and Cooking Ideas When it comes to cooking, you can use the roots of 2-year-old plants, as well as the leaves, stems, and ripe seeds of the plant. Lovage tastes like celery, a bit sweeter with a stronger flavor. It has hints of anise and parsley, too. The leaves are a bit milder than the stems. A close up of a bunch of freshly harvested Levisticum officinale set on a gray surface with an unpeeled onion to the right of the frame. While lots of people recommend using it as a substitute for celery, I find that this herb has a flavor all its own. I’ve even found that celery-hating friends adore lovage. You need to taste it to appreciate the unique flavor. That said, you can use the stems in any recipe where you would typically use celery or celery leaves. You can use the stems in egg salad, potato salad, pasta salad, and omelets. You can even saute them in garlic as a vegetable side dish. Keep in mind that they have a bold taste, so experiment to figure out your preference in terms of how much to add. You can even take your Bloody Marys up a notch and use long, hollow lovage stems as straws. The seeds and any oil extracted from them can be used to make liqueurs, flavored oils, and sweet treats. You can also bake them into bread as you would caraway seed. I like to crush the seeds and mix them with salt to make a seasoning for veggies and meat. Peel and grate the roots over salads or sandwiches, or cook them as you would salsify. You can use the leaves to make a refreshing tea, or add them to salads. They also make an appealing pesto or vegetable dip. Quick Reference Growing Guide Plant Type: Perennial herb Water Needs: High Native to: Western Asia, Middle East, Mediterranean Maintenance: Low Hardiness (USDA Zone): 3-9 Soil Type: Sandy, loamy Season: Spring-fall Soil pH: 6.5-7.0 Exposure: Part to full sun Soil Drainage: Well-draining Time to Maturity: 85-95 days for leaves, 1 year for stems/roots Attracts: Parasitic wasps, swallowtail butterflies, tachinid flies Spacing: 18 inches Companion Planting: Tubers Planting Depth: Surface, cover lightly (seed) Family: Apiaceae Height: 4-6 feet Genus: Levisticum Spread: 32 inches Species:: officinale Common Pests: Aphids, leaf miners, parsley worms, tarnished plant bugs Common Disease: Early blight, leaf spot Give Some Love to This Unusual Herb I’m a huge fan of lovage, not just because of its unique flavor, but also because I’m a sucker for a plant that doesn’t need constant maintenance. I also appreciate that it attracts some beneficial insects, and I’ve noticed that I battle fewer caterpillar problems in the areas of my garden where I have lovage plants (with the exception of the occasional visit from a parsley worm).
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Lovage, Levisticum officinale, has been long cultivated in Europe, the leaves being used as a herb, the roots as a ... more

Mentha spicata. Mint Julep is a popular variety of Spearmint with small aromatic leaves smelling much like mint julep. Though this is a wonderful mint variety for culinary and tea purposes, to avoid confusion, it is not the mint most commonly used to make the famous mint julep drink, which is Kentucky Colonel Spearmint. Easy to grow. Perennial zone 4-9.
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Mentha spicata. Mint Julep is a popular variety of Spearmint with small aromatic leaves smelling much like mint julep. Though ... more

Mentha spicata. Mint Julep is a popular variety of Spearmint with small aromatic leaves smelling much like mint julep. Though this is a wonderful mint variety for culinary and tea purposes, to avoid confusion, it is not the mint most commonly used to make the famous mint julep drink, which is Kentucky Colonel Spearmint. Easy to grow. Perennial zone 4-9.
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Mentha spicata. Mint Julep is a popular variety of Spearmint with small aromatic leaves smelling much like mint julep. Though ... more

Monarda citriodora is a member of the mint family. Some other common names for lemon bee balm plants are purple horsemint, lemon mint, plains horsemint, and horsemint. Lemon bee balm is an herbaceous annual native to the central and southern U.S. and northern Mexico. It’s fairly common along roads and in pastures or prairies in these areas. Lemon mint grows to about 30 inches (76 cm.) and produces tight, spike-shaped clusters of lavender flowers. There are several good reasons to grow lemon bee balm plants in your garden. Many gardeners choose this plant for its ability to attract pollinators and for its delightful, lemony aroma. As an herb, it also has some culinary uses. The leaves add a lemon flavor to cooked foods, salads, and teas. They can also be used in potpourri mixes.
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Monarda citriodora is a member of the mint family. Some other common names for lemon bee balm plants are purple ... more

Lime mint is a culinary mint variety with large dark green rounded leaves and tall upright growth habit. It has a citrus-lime scent and flavor. Good tea mint or served with fruit punch, margaritas or other drinks. Easy to grow perennial hardy in zones 4-9.
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Lime mint is a culinary mint variety with large dark green rounded leaves and tall upright growth habit. It has ... more

Lime mint is a culinary mint variety with large dark green rounded leaves and tall upright growth habit. It has a citrus-lime scent and flavor. Good tea mint or served with fruit punch, margaritas or other drinks. Easy to grow perennial hardy in zones 4-9.
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Lime mint is a culinary mint variety with large dark green rounded leaves and tall upright growth habit. It has ... more

This mint has fuzzy leaves with a sweet orange flavor, and green, branching stems tinged with red that reach 2 feet when growing in full sun to part shade. Leaves are round to oval, smooth and dark green with a red edge. White and pink flowers in short spikes bloom from mid to late summer. Very fragrant, citrus-like scent. Orange mint thrives alongside water gardens or in damp spots in the yard, but will also survive in drier soil. Lushest growth occurs in moist soil in partial shade, where you may want to leave it in its pot to help curtail its wandering ways. Crush fresh leaves into water for a refreshing beverage, or add to iced tea or cold drinks. Use fresh leaves in salads or to make mint sauce for fish or lamb. Try making orange mint jelly and orange mint vinegar. Pick leaves frequently. Plants open pink blooms in late summer.
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This mint has fuzzy leaves with a sweet orange flavor, and green, branching stems tinged with red that reach 2 ... more

This mint has fuzzy leaves with a sweet orange flavor, and green, branching stems tinged with red that reach 2 feet when growing in full sun to part shade. Leaves are round to oval, smooth and dark green with a red edge. White and pink flowers in short spikes bloom from mid to late summer. Very fragrant, citrus-like scent. Orange mint thrives alongside water gardens or in damp spots in the yard, but will also survive in drier soil. Lushest growth occurs in moist soil in partial shade, where you may want to leave it in its pot to help curtail its wandering ways. Crush fresh leaves into water for a refreshing beverage, or add to iced tea or cold drinks. Use fresh leaves in salads or to make mint sauce for fish or lamb. Try making orange mint jelly and orange mint vinegar. Pick leaves frequently. Plants open pink blooms in late summer.
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This mint has fuzzy leaves with a sweet orange flavor, and green, branching stems tinged with red that reach 2 ... more

Peppermint generally grows best in moist, lightly shaded locations, with a good supply of water, not water-logged. Peppermint has a long tradition of medicinal use. Peppermint is often used as tea and for flavoring ice cream, confectionery, chewing gum, and toothpaste. The aroma of peppermint has been found to enhance memory. For companion gardening, it is recommended that you grow mint near roses, to help keep aphids away. It may also repel rodents.
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Peppermint generally grows best in moist, lightly shaded locations, with a good supply of water, not water-logged. Peppermint has a ... more

Peppermint generally grows best in moist, lightly shaded locations, with a good supply of water, not water-logged. Peppermint has a long tradition of medicinal use. Peppermint is often used as tea and for flavoring ice cream, confectionery, chewing gum, and toothpaste. The aroma of peppermint has been found to enhance memory. For companion gardening, it is recommended that you grow mint near roses, to help keep aphids away. It may also repel rodents.
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Peppermint generally grows best in moist, lightly shaded locations, with a good supply of water, not water-logged. Peppermint has a ... more

Spearmint is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and vital nutrients. It does not contain as much menthol as peppermint, but is rich in limonene, dihydrocarvone and cineol. It's a spreading plant great for containers and tolerant of light frost. Its leaves are harvested just before flowering stage for culinary purposes, or gathered in full flower for distillation of essential oils. Wash the leaves in clean running water, pat dry with absorbent paper, & store in vegetable compartment of refrigerator for use in near future. Dried spearmint is used in teas & drinks. To dry, spread leaves on a plastic sheet, allow to dry under shade, & store in airtight container in cool place away from sunlight. It’s the best mint variety for hot and cold drinks. Toss bruised leaves into ice water for a refreshing summer drink or add to iced tea.
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Spearmint is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and vital nutrients. It does not contain as much menthol as peppermint, but is ... more

Spearmint is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and vital nutrients. It does not contain as much menthol as peppermint, but is rich in limonene, dihydrocarvone and cineol. It's a spreading plant great for containers and tolerant of light frost. Its leaves are harvested just before flowering stage for culinary purposes, or gathered in full flower for distillation of essential oils. Wash the leaves in clean running water, pat dry with absorbent paper, & store in vegetable compartment of refrigerator for use in near future. Dried spearmint is used in teas & drinks. To dry, spread leaves on a plastic sheet, allow to dry under shade, & store in airtight container in cool place away from sunlight. It’s the best mint variety for hot and cold drinks. Toss bruised leaves into ice water for a refreshing summer drink or add to iced tea.
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Spearmint is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and vital nutrients. It does not contain as much menthol as peppermint, but is ... more

Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' has a mild peppery flavor with golden yellow leaves which turn lime green in winter. The leaves of this plant are used to flvor tomato dishes, meat dishes, stews, stuffings, and pasta. It grows 6-12" tall by 18-24" wide. It grows well in a rock garden, border, mass planting, and as a ground cover. It grows best in full sun and will even tolerate light foot traffic. It grows well in full sun in zones 4-9.
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Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' has a mild peppery flavor with golden yellow leaves which turn lime green in winter. The leaves ... more

In Greek cooking, oregano is used in tomato sauces, with meats, fish, cheese, egg dishes, salads, cheeses, and with vegetables including tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans. It is also used to prepare a tea that is believed to be a treatment for indigestion, coughs, and to stimulate menstruation. As with most herbs, oregano leaves taste best before the plant flowers. You can begin harvesting when plants have reached 4-5 inches in height. Cutting stems all the way back to the ground will encourage more stems and a fuller plant. The stems tend to get woody, and the easiest way to strip the leaves is to hold the stem by the top, uncut end and run your finger down the stem. Greek oregano also makes a nice edging plant and ground cover, requiring little maintenance.
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In Greek cooking, oregano is used in tomato sauces, with meats, fish, cheese, egg dishes, salads, cheeses, and with vegetables ... more

As the name suggest, this pungent, highly aromatic oregano has the bold flavors that are the building blocks of Mexican dishes, spicy salsa, and chili dishes. A good substitute in recipes calling for common oregano, though reduce amount by half of what the recipe calls for. The rich green rounded foliage and pink summer flowers also look great in the herb garden or mixed border.
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As the name suggest, this pungent, highly aromatic oregano has the bold flavors that are the building blocks of Mexican ... more

NOTE: Parsley is a biennial, meaning it will live for only two years. These plants are still very young and will need some growing time before you can harvest. This slightly peppery and bright herb is so much more than a bit of green on the side of your plate. Parsley is a great source of vitamin C, calcium, iron and fiber. Raw parsley also acts as a breath freshener and has anti-inflammatory properties. To store parsley, rinse with cool water and then wrap in a slightly damp paper towel in a resealable plastic bag and keep in the fridge. You can dry your fresh parsley by tying a bunch together and hanging it upside down in a cool, dry place. When the parsley is completely dry, remove the stems and store the dried leaves in an airtight container. You can also dry out your parsley in a slightly warm (100 degrees F) oven or in a dehydrator.
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NOTE: Parsley is a biennial, meaning it will live for only two years. These plants are still very young and ... more

Rosemary is used as a decorative plant in gardens and has many culinary and medical uses. The plant is said to improve the memory, and is a symbol of remembrance at weddings and funerals. The leaves are used to flavor various foods, like stuffings and roast lamb, pork, chicken and turkey, as well as barbeque. Rosemary contains antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, some of which may be useful in preventing or treating cancers, strokes, and Alzheimer's Disease. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean area and to Asia, and can withstand prolonged droughts. It can grow quite large and retain attractiveness for many years, can be pruned into formal shapes and low hedges, and has been used for topiary. It is easily grown in pots, and since it may not be reliably hardy in this area, it is recommended that you plant it in a container which can be brought inside, at least into a sunny garage window for some protection, in winter.
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Rosemary is used as a decorative plant in gardens and has many culinary and medical uses. The plant is said ... more

Large, broad, fragrant dark green leaves and a decidedly upright shape with good, sturdy growth make this rosemary a garden standout. Gorizia's strong upright stems make good skewers for the grill, and its mild flavor make this one good for culinary uses. Gorizia does best in full sun but it will tolerate partial shade. The plant prefers a well-drained soil and has some drought tolerance, thus it shouldn’ t be over-watered. This stunning rosemary provides considerable winter interest in the garden and blooms with pinkish to medium blue flowers repeatedly during spring and summer. It usually attains 4 to 5 feet in height and maintains an almost columnar upright form, as opposed to more shrubby varieties. Rosemary Culture: A rewarding plant to grow, rosemary has few problems. It needs excellent drainage; though full sun is desirable, rosemary can tolerate a considerable amount of high shade. Since it has many tiny, shallow roots, rosemary is sensitive about water – neither too much nor too little, as starving for water causes it to wilt. Heavy mulching will help it survive cold spells and also the high heat of summer. Prune dead or damaged portions in early spring.
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Large, broad, fragrant dark green leaves and a decidedly upright shape with good, sturdy growth make this rosemary a garden ... more

Sage grows 2 to 3 feet tall & has a tendency to sprawl. It attracts bees; & helps repel cabbage butterflies & improve the flavor of cabbage. It can be grown in containers. This aromatic and slightly bitter herb is noted for its use in stuffings for poultry, rabbit, pork, & baked fish. It also can be used in sausage or meat loaves. Harvest sage before the plant flowers. Gather sprigs, tie in a loose bundle & hang upside down in a cool, airy place. Do not dry in direct sunlight. When the sprigs are dry & brittle, remove the leaves & store in airtight containers. Aromatic, cosmetic, culinary, decorative, and medicinal uses include: *insect repellent *fragrance in potpourris *infusions to color hair silver *stimulates the skin in facial steams, baths, and lotions. *flavors vinegars, herbal butter, omelets, soups, and poultry stuffings. *fresh sage added to salads. *herbal wreaths (especially culinary) and nosegays. *said to have some medicinal qualities.
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Sage grows 2 to 3 feet tall & has a tendency to sprawl. It attracts bees; & helps repel cabbage ... more

Salvia elegans, the pineapple sage plant, is a frost-tender perennial that is native to Mexico and Guatemala. It grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall with a wide, rounded form, short leaves, and bright red, long, spiky flowers that give it a Christmassy look. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, blooming from late summer to early fall when other food sources are scarce. The crushed plant leaves smell like pineapple, hence comes the common name of the pineapple sage plant. The leaves and flowers of the pineapple sage plant are edible and very aromatic, a great garnish, flavoring agent and decorative element for food. Their rich flavor goes well with breads, sandwiches, smoothies, salsa, fritters and chicken dishes. It makes good teas and jellies. The flowers contain anthocyanins, which have antioxidative and antimicrobial properties. It has been widely used in traditional medicine, to lower blood pressure and to treat insomnia, anxiety and nervous system disorders.
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Salvia elegans, the pineapple sage plant, is a frost-tender perennial that is native to Mexico and Guatemala. It grows to ... more

Sage grows 2 to 3 feet tall & has a tendency to sprawl. It attracts bees; & helps repel cabbage butterflies & improve the flavor of cabbage. It can be grown in containers. This aromatic and slightly bitter herb is noted for its use in stuffings for poultry, rabbit, pork, & baked fish. It also can be used in sausage or meat loaves. Harvest sage before the plant flowers. Gather sprigs, tie in a loose bundle & hang upside down in a cool, airy place. Do not dry in direct sunlight. When the sprigs are dry & brittle, remove the leaves & store in airtight containers. Uses include insect repellent, fragrance in potpourris, hair coloring, skin stimulant, flavoring, salad ingredient, herbal wreaths and nosegays. It is said to have some medicinal qualities.
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Sage grows 2 to 3 feet tall & has a tendency to sprawl. It attracts bees; & helps repel cabbage ... more

Tricolor Garden Sage is a form of regular culinary Garden Sage. The irregular pattern of variegation in the grayish-green leaves, marbled with white, pink and purple, is stunning in the garden. This plant can replace Garden Sage in any recipe, and is a worthy garnish for any poultry dish. Lavender blue flower spikes appear in summer. Strongly aromatic foliage may be used fresh or dried in cooking. The plant is attractive to bees and butterflies, making it ideal for herb gardens, mixed borders, and containers.
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Tricolor Garden Sage is a form of regular culinary Garden Sage. The irregular pattern of variegation in the grayish-green leaves, ... more

Lemon Thyme grows like English Thyme but definitely smells and tastes like lemon. Lemon Variegated Thyme has beautiful vibrant green leaves with a hint of gold edging. It can be used in any recipe calling for lemon juice, lemon zest or lemon flavoring. Lemon Thyme added to marinade is great with fish or chicken. Lemon Thyme's glossy green foliage can be sheared to form one of the knots in a traditional knot garden. Easy to grow, lemon thyme needs only a regular light pruning after the first year. It tolerates drought and deep freezes well. It is best cultivated in a hot, sunny location with well-drained soil with a pH of about 7.0; it prefers slightly alkaline conditions. Add lime to raise the pH if needed, and a slow-release fertilizer at or before planting and again each spring. Mulching with limestone gravel or builder’s sand improves drainage and prevents root rot. Plant thyme in your herb garden, at the edge of a walk, along a short garden wall, in containers, along a walkway and between steps. The flowers open in spring and summer and are attractive to bees. Harvest leaves as you need them, including through the winter. Strip the tiny leaves from woody stems before using.
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Lemon Thyme grows like English Thyme but definitely smells and tastes like lemon. Lemon Variegated Thyme has beautiful vibrant green ... more

This large cultivar variety (28" tall x 45" spread) features massive thick blue-green leaves with an intense creamy-yellow center. Mature leaves are puckered. This hosta is slug resistant, and can also tolerate a bit of sun. Good for planting in mixed containers or tubs. Sunlight requirements of different hostas vary widely, depending on foliage color, which ranges from a deep blue to a light chartreuse to a soft creamy white. In general, the lighter the foliage, the brighter the sun. The deeper darker foliage retains it color best in moderate shade, while the variegated varieties need more sunlight to keep their white and gold stripes. All hostas need some shade and few, if any, will do well in strong direct sunlight. Plant in rich organic soil with a slightly acidic pH. Dig the planting hole about a foot deep, and wide enough to accommodate spread. Hostas are rugged and tolerate almost any soil. Drainage is most important, to prevent dormant season crown rot. When newly planted, keep the roots moist, not wet. Once established, hosta plants aren’t fussy. Fertilize each spring and again in summer. Granular fertilizers should never sit on the leaves. Deer find them tasty, and you might try planting daffodils around your hosta to keep them away from the emerging shoots. Slugs leave unsightly holes in the leaves, but a light scattering of sand around your plants will help keep them away.
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This large cultivar variety (28" tall x 45" spread) features massive thick blue-green leaves with an intense creamy-yellow center. Mature ... more

16" tall x 36" wide. Tardiana Group. Lovely, compact and variegated, this midsize hosta forms an attractive, dense mound of smooth, heart-shaped, chartreuse gold leaves with striking irregular blue-green margins. Although it is grown primarily for its beautiful foliage which provides color, contrast and texture to the landscape, the distinctive pale lavender flowers also appear on showy scapes above the foliage in summer. Heavy, substantial foliage resists slug damage. A dependable and versatile perennial requiring little care.
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16" tall x 36" wide. Tardiana Group. Lovely, compact and variegated, this midsize hosta forms an attractive, dense mound of ... more

This medium sized hosta (18" tall x 28" wide) has large, thick, heart-shaped, lightly corrugated foliage with wide, bluegreen border that surrounds the parchment center. Vigorous grower, compact. Lavender blooms in midsummer. Part sun to shade. Sunlight requirements of different hostas vary widely, depending on foliage color. In general, the lighter the foliage, the brighter the sun. The deeper darker foliage retains its color best in moderate shade, while the variegated varieties need more sunlight to keep their white and gold stripes. Hostas are rugged and tolerate almost any soil. Drainage is most important, to prevent dormant season crown rot. When newly planted, keep the roots moist, not wet. Once established, hosta plants aren't fussy. Fertilize each spring and again in summer. Granular fertilizers should never sit on the leaves. Deer find them tasty, and you might try planting daffodils around your hosta to keep them away from the emerging shoots. Slugs leave unsightly holes in the leaves, but a light scattering of sand around your plants will help keep them away.
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This medium sized hosta (18" tall x 28" wide) has large, thick, heart-shaped, lightly corrugated foliage with wide, bluegreen border ... more

14" tall x 30" wide. This hosta brightens up the most shaded areas with its very bright golden heart shaped leaves. The small leaves also have moderate corrugation and form a dense mound. Pale lavender to near white flowers mid summer.
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14" tall x 30" wide. This hosta brightens up the most shaded areas with its very bright golden heart shaped ... more

This spring ephemeral is deer-resistent. They are poisonous, especially the corms (bulblike roots), so exercise caution when planting these if you have pets and/or small children around. Jack-in-the-pulpit thrives in damp, acidic, and rich humus forest floors in eastern North America. To create this habitat for Jack-in-the-pulpit in your garden, amend the soil in an area of full or part shade with compost and an acidic fertilizer if needed. This native plant doesn't require a well-drained location as many other plants do, making it a wonderful option for wet, boggy areas of your garden. Its intricate, cuplike flowers have a hooded top (a spathe) in earthy colors like green, cream, burgundy, and brown. From the center of the cup, a pollen-bearing spike peeks out, resembling a person standing in a pulpit. As the flowers fade, the plant produces a cluster of red berries mid-to late-summer. These berries become more visible as the spathe withers and shrinks, adding a late dash of color to the shade garden.
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This spring ephemeral is deer-resistent. They are poisonous, especially the corms (bulblike roots), so exercise caution when planting these if ... more

Plant in partial shade in well drained soil high in organic matter. Flowers are good for cutting. Jacobs ladder is a good plant for the early summer flowering garden. Space plants 12-18 inches apart. It does well in the rock garden, the woodland garden, and in containers. Good companions are Astilbe, Columbine, Coral Bells, Carex, Hosta, Siberian Iris, Lilyturf, and Solomon's Seal.
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Plant in partial shade in well drained soil high in organic matter. Flowers are good for cutting. Jacobs ladder is ... more

Jacob's Ladder, or Greek Valerian, is a very pretty, easy-to-grow small native woodland wildflower perfect for the spring shade garden or flower border, especially in moist low or rocky woods. It pairs superbly with broad leaved perennials such as hostas. Its delicate lacy foliage with a narrow, bright white edge forms a low mound. From early to midsummer, a plethora of pink buds open to reveal small, very pale blue flowers. After it is finished blooming, the plant may need to be cut back to allow for a fresh flush of foliage. Jacob's Ladder roots have been used for kidney troubles and as a diuretic.
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Jacob's Ladder, or Greek Valerian, is a very pretty, easy-to-grow small native woodland wildflower perfect for the spring shade garden ... more

This is the plant I had formerly mis-identified as Astrantia, or Masterwort. I finally found someone on a plant ID site who was able to give me the correct ID. Sorry for the confusion! This is actually one of the stranger early spring perennials... Mukdenia rossii. I'm sorry that it doesn't have a common name, since that Latin name is a mouthful. Mukdenia rossii is native to rocky slopes and ravines in China, Manchuria and Korea. It is a compact herbaceous perennial similar to coral bells in habit and height. Palmate medium green leaves are tinged with bronze and attractive throughout the growing season. White, bell-shaped flowers rise above the foliage clump to 16” tall in March and April. Best grown in moist, fertile, well-drained soils in part shade, it appreciates afternoon shade or sun dappled shade in the south. Plants spread over time by short creeping rhizomes, and may self-seed in optimum growing conditions.
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This is the plant I had formerly mis-identified as Astrantia, or Masterwort. I finally found someone on a plant ID ... more

Hybrid Phlox are noted for having vigorous growth, early and long flowering with good mildew resistance. They are a cross of two favorites, P. subulata and P. stonlonifera and are an invaluable addition to any rock garden, border or woodland garden. They grow well on hot, dry slopes in mostly shady to mostly sunny conditions. Their mid to late spring blooms attract butterflies and are rabbit resistant.
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Hybrid Phlox are noted for having vigorous growth, early and long flowering with good mildew resistance. They are a cross ... more

Phlox stolonifera thrives best in moist, well-drained soils in full to partial shade, spreading rapidly by stolons. This phlox is very drought tolerant once established, and needs good air circulation to reduce growth of powdery mildew. This lovely woodland bloomer benefits from occasional fertilization. A stunning groundcover and border plant, it may be propagated by root cuttings or division any time. This plant can be used in sweeps and masses to cover large areas, or in smaller areas and containers.
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Phlox stolonifera thrives best in moist, well-drained soils in full to partial shade, spreading rapidly by stolons. This phlox is ... more

Attractive flowers, a long flowering season, and versatility make the Pincushion Flower, Scabiosa, an old-fashioned favorite. Their showy flowers are excellent for cutting, drying, pressing, and attracting butterflies. The name is derived from scabies, Latin for itch, referring to the ability to cure irritation of the skin. Scabiosa grows best in full sun in well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Dead head to prolong blooming cycle. This perennial is good for rock gardens, borders, mid-bed plantings, and small group plantings.
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Attractive flowers, a long flowering season, and versatility make the Pincushion Flower, Scabiosa, an old-fashioned favorite. Their showy flowers are ... more

**The plants I am selling are *much* larger than in this picture, potted in a 3 gallon pot.** This azalea has bright, almost fluorescent red flowers. It is easy to grow in light to medium shade, and is cold-hardy and weather resistant. Its growth is vigorous but disciplined, and it will reliably cover itself with color in early spring.
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**The plants I am selling are *much* larger than in this picture, potted in a 3 gallon pot.** This azalea ... more

This azalea is different from the #6White listed earlier. This one blooms later, with larger blooms and larger leaves than my #6.
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This azalea is different from the #6White listed earlier. This one blooms later, with larger blooms and larger leaves than ... more

This is an offer of *three* large azaleas all bright red blooms, each in its own 3 gallon bucket. The price is a 20% discount for bulk order. This azalea has bright, almost fluorescent red flowers. It is easy to grow in light to medium shade, and is cold-hardy and weather resistant. Its growth is vigorous but disciplined, and it will reliably cover itself with color in early spring.
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This is an offer of *three* large azaleas all bright red blooms, each in its own 3 gallon bucket. The ... more

This is an offer of *three* large azaleas all bright red blooms, each in its own 3 gallon bucket. The price is a 20% discount for bulk order. This azalea has bright, almost fluorescent red flowers. It is easy to grow in light to medium shade, and is cold-hardy and weather resistant. Its growth is vigorous but disciplined, and it will reliably cover itself with color in early spring.
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This is an offer of *three* large azaleas all bright red blooms, each in its own 3 gallon bucket. The ... more

Dwarf Solomon's Seal is probably the "cutest" plant I have in the greenhouse. A small perennial ground cover 6-10” tall and slowly spreading to 2 to 3 feet after several years, this elegant plant forms dense and orderly colonies of small glossy dark green leaves. Keep it weeded as it fills in. It prefers part sun, preferably in morning, to full shade. Let it fill in between ferns, hellebores, hosta, and rhododendrons in the woodland or shaded rock garden. In mid-spring it will bloom with small creamy white pendulous flowers, typical for polyogonatums, emerging from the crotch of the leaf and stem. Hardy in zones 4-9.
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Dwarf Solomon's Seal is probably the "cutest" plant I have in the greenhouse. A small perennial ground cover 6-10” tall ... more

Giant Solomon's Seal is a native herbaceous perennial wildflower found in moist forested areas and roadbanks in the eastern U.S.A. and Canada. As its common name suggests, this is a large Soloman seal reaching heights of 3 to 5, occasionally 7 feet. Plant it in medium to wet average soil in partial to full shade, though it does best with some sun. It has attractive large leaves and clusters of white bell-shaped flowers that hang down. It will spread in the landscape through its rhizomes, but it is very difficult to propagate by seed. P. biflorum, P. commutatum, P. giganteum, and P. canaliculatum are occasionally used synonyms. Use it in a rain, woodland or cottage garden, the back of a border, or let it naturalize in your yard. Just make sure it has plenty of room as this plant is larger than other Solomon seals. It has no serious diseases, insects, or other plant problems.
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Giant Solomon's Seal is a native herbaceous perennial wildflower found in moist forested areas and roadbanks in the eastern U.S.A. ... more

Variegated Solomon's seal, hardy in zones 3 to 8, grows 2-3 feet tall in small clumps. It blooms in late spring to early summer with pure white, showy, fragrant tubular flowers on short stems that droop in pairs along and beneath the arching stems. In fall blue-black berries hang downward from leaf axils. It is a low-maintenance plant that grows best in dry shade to part shade. Uses: naturalizing, rain garden, woodlands, naturalized areas, shady borders, and shady rock gardens. It tolerates drought, heavy shade, erosion, dry soil, and wet soil. Solomon's Seal combines well with ferns and hostas, and is deer resistant. Its foliage is attractive in flower arrangements. The Latin name for this plant is Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum 'Variegatum'. The genus name means "many", and gonu means "knee joint" in reference to the jointed plant rhizomes. Early herbalists believed that plants with jointed rhizomes were helpful in treating human joint disorders. The specific epithet comes from the Latin word odoratus meaning "sweet-smelling," in reference to the fragrance of plant flowers.
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Variegated Solomon's seal, hardy in zones 3 to 8, grows 2-3 feet tall in small clumps. It blooms in late ... more

Red-veined sorrel, Rumex sanguineus, has pointed, bright lime-green leaves with dark red veins. Leaves are best harvested when young and used raw in salads. Sorrel is easy to grow, producing masses of pale green leaves. It’s a hardy perennial so can be treated as a cut-and-come-again crop, and leaves may even be harvested in mid-winter.
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Red-veined sorrel, Rumex sanguineus, has pointed, bright lime-green leaves with dark red veins. Leaves are best harvested when young and ... more

An easy-care groundcover that always makes a statement despite its small size, this Stonecrop has bright golden foliage that turns a vibrant orange in fall. Star-shaped yellow flowers appear in the summer. This plant likes to drape over stone walls and makes the perfect addition to a succulent container garden or hanging basket.
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An easy-care groundcover that always makes a statement despite its small size, this Stonecrop has bright golden foliage that turns ... more