Short Answer: German Cheese Plant likely refers to one of the herbs in the Malva genus, possibly M. rotundifolia. Long Answer: If by chance a friend sends you an old herbal catalog, perhaps one from 1951, and while you are browsing through it, you see references to German Cheese Plant and cheeseplant, and wonder what that is, you've come to the right place online to find out. What is a German Cheese Plant? Show of hands if you already know what this plant is, then lower your … [Read more...] about What is German Cheese Plant?
herbs
Plans for Lavender Seedlings
Earlier this spring, one of my assignments from Family Handyman was to write an article about how to grow lavender from seed. With pictures. Which meant I had to actually grow lavender from seed so I could take pictures of each step. So off to the store I went to purchase two packets of lavender seeds. I found two choices: English lavender which is Lavandula angustifolia and 'Lady', which is a variety of English lavender that is supposed to flower the first year it's grown from seed. … [Read more...] about Plans for Lavender Seedlings
Clary Sage
On a whim, I recently purchased a "good used copy" of The Ivington Diaries by Monty Don (2009). It fits in nicely with my collection of other gardening and nature books based on observations across a year, which I wrote about in January in a post I called A Year of Reading Month by Month. (Don't ask me about that reading project, I am woefully behind!) Anyway, back to Monty Don's book, which is sadly out of print. (Don't even look at Amazon for a copy for a reasonable price. You'll have … [Read more...] about Clary Sage
Basil, Tall and Leafy
Ladies and gentleman, fellow gardeners. This trial plant of 'Everleaf Emerald Towers' Basil has been growing in an 8 inch clay pot on my patio all summer, reaching a height of over 27 inches, with no flowers. Basil lovers everywhere. Let me repeat. No flowers. All summer. And no pinching to get that nice straight up growth. And no downy mildew. Update: And it tastes great too. I am most assuredly going to grow this basil again next year when it is introduced to the market. Please, … [Read more...] about Basil, Tall and Leafy
Herbs, Too
One of my favorite kinds of gardens that I don’t have is an herb garden.In my mind, an herb garden is a mysterious and magical place where garden fairies hide in the day and then come out to dance and party through the night.In my imaginary herb garden, the paths between the garden beds are lined with old worn bricks and guide you toward the center of the garden where there is a sundial marking the sunny hours. The garden is filled with all kinds of mysterious plants, at the peak of perfection … [Read more...] about Herbs, Too
What Makes Cats Happy and a Guest Photographer
As part of the renovation of my foundation plantings on the east side of my house, I decided to dig out all the catmint (Nepeta sp.) growing there. I called my youngest sister and said "I'm digging out all my catmint, do you...". Her immmediate response was yes. I didn't even have to finish the question. She takes nearly any every plant I offer her. So yesterday I cut the catmint way back, dug it all out, and threw it in a trash bag. This morning, I took it to my sister's house and left it by … [Read more...] about What Makes Cats Happy and a Guest Photographer
