Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum)

If a recipe calls for 1-2 cloves of garlic, I will automatically add three or four (or five, maybe 6). Because garlic. Garlic chives provide another way to enjoy that awesome garlic flavor with a plant that also offers beauty along with function.

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Daffodils (Narcissus Genus)

Since moving into our home in 2007, we have systematically removed nearly every tree, plant, and lawn that was originally here. Our daffodils are one of the few surviving remnants planted at some point by one of the many prior owners of our home.

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“Everett’s Choice” California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum var. latifolium)

Let’s face it, plants that bloom in spring and summer get the lion’s share of attention in nursery’s and gardens. Soooo… what’s happening in your garden in the fall?

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Greek Sage (Salvia fruticosa)

20180413_180419gyuThe rise in popularity of and interest in growing heirloom fruits and veggies has extended to the herb garden.  However, there are some that remain well-kept secrets that really shouldn’t be.

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Bearded Iris (Iris x germanica)

201r7tufvchgThere is a point each year where my garden looks a little like Monet’s famous garden, and I am clearly quite okay with that!  Each spring I am graced with a spectacular and long lasting display of some of the most beautiful and diverse blooms I have. Continue reading Bearded Iris (Iris x germanica)

Cretan Oregano (Oreganum onites)

20180517_160108One of the characteristic seasonings of many Greek dishes is oregano.  Not just any oregano, mind you, but one of the richly flavored varieties that grow wild in the rugged mountainous areas of Greece.

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Columbine Flower (Aquilegia spp.)

20190420_161129Known also as Granny’s Bonnet (because your granny still wears one?), Columbines are a diverse group of perennial flowers that are sought after due to their unique flower shape and the ability to have multi-colored blooms.

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California Lilac (Ceanothus spp.)

20180331_182530One of the things missing from so many modern cultivars of plants is the one thing we keep sticking our noses into them for: fragrance.  Yes, looks are good, but why not have both?

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Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare var. hirtum)

20190528_172210No self-respecting Greek will return home from Greece without a large stash of dried Greek Oregano in their luggage.  Try explaining that one to a customs officer.

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Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

20190530_190306Any plant that can multitask is a plant I want in my garden.  Sweet Fennel lives up to this expectation very well as most of the plant is edible, as well as attractive.  Oh yeah, pollinators like bees and butterflies love it, too!

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