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Your Guide to Summer Flowers: Morning Glories

The morning glory belongs to the family Convolvulaceae and is native to the tropical regions of America. It was a sacred plant to the Mayan, Aztec, and other native tribes who used the seeds in ceremonies because of its hallucinogenic properties. They believed that the plant had a spirit that could allow men to speak with the gods. There has been found a recipe written by shamans that specifically had to be prepared by a virgin.

Your Guide to Summer Flowers: Four O’Clocks

Four o’clocks are of the genus Mirabilis L., species Mirabilis jalapa L. and are also known as Marvel of Peru, where it originated. The Spaniards discovered the plant in the Peruvian Andes in 1540 and exported it to Europe where it became a popular decorative addition in gardens throughout the continent. In warmer climates the four o’clock is a perennial but in cooler climates it is an annual.

9 Tips For Quality Compost

Composting is a technique which involves decomposing plant matter into rich, productive soil. It is an essential method for anyone who chooses to practice organic gardening. Successful composting requires more than just placing organic matter into large piles. To get the most out of your compost, check out these 9 useful tips!

 

Your Guide To Summer Flowers: Sweet Peas

Sweet peas belong to the genus Lathyrus, having as many as 160 species. They are climbing annuals native to the Mediterranean basin and are found in a diverse selection of colors. The first recorded mention of the sweet pea flower was written in 1695 by Francisco Cupani, a gardener in the order of St.

Your Guide To Summer Flowers: Zinnia

The zinnia is a member of the Family Asteraceae, which includes the Aster and contains seven species. It is an annual that is native to Mexico and is found from the southern United States to Chile.

LA Urban Farmer Ron Finley Proves “Gardening is Gangsta”

Ron Finley is an urban gardening rebel and role model in Southern Los Angeles, where he grew up. As well as being a passionate practitioner and promoter of community gardening, he is a father of three boys who offers a fresh, open-minded take on how men and all people can relate to the earth.

Your Guide to Summer Flowers: Moonflowers

The moonflower is in the family Convolvulaceae, which includes the morning-glory. The plant is native to Central America and is now found worldwide. Moonflowers are tropical plants that are perennials in hot climates. Those plants growing in the southeastern United States form tuberous roots and become perennials; however, those plants growing in Arkansas and cooler climates are annuals.

Your Guide to Summer Flowers: Nasturtiums

The nasturtium is a member of the mustard family known as Brassicaceae, which contains five species. It is native to South America and brought to Europe by the Spanish conquistadors at the end of the 15th century. By the 17th century, Dutch and Spanish herbalists began developing another species and shared the seeds with British and other European botanists.

Your Guide to Summer Flowers: Pansies

The pansy is a member of the genus Viola – it is closely related to the violet and of the species Viola tricolor. Its common name is derived from the French word “pensée” meaning “thought” because the petals of the flower can resemble a human face that nods downward in contemplation.

Triphala: The Ancient Ayurvedic Remedy

Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal formulation consisting of three fruits native to the Indian subcontinent: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). Triphala translates literally to mean “three fruits,” and comes from combining the Sanskrit words “tri” meaning three, “phala” meaning fruit and “churcha,” which means powder.