by John Bickel | Jul 27, 2016 | Plant of the Month
This July marks the 240th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence, cutting ties with the tyrannical imperial monarchy that was Great Britain in an effort to create a new independent nation of the unified 13 colonies. Because of...
by John Bickel | Jun 16, 2016 | Plant of the Month
The genus Enkianthus was first described by 18th century Portuguese naturalist João de Loureiro in the publication of his work “Flora Cochinchinensis”. Coming from the Greek “énkyos” and “anthus” it literally translates to “pregnant flower,” likely from the inflated,...
by John Bickel | May 26, 2016 | Plant of the Week
Aquilegia x clematiflora ‘Green Apples’ Aquilegia was one of my first favorite plants, mostly because of how its characteristics were immediately recognizable. Our native woodlands are home to the species Aquilegia canadensis, which features red, pendulous flowers...
by John Bickel | Apr 20, 2016 | Plant of the Week
Mertensia virginica Virginia Bluebells always remind me of my time at the Edith J Carrier Arboretum in Virginia. There are pathways through the woods that are lined with them, truly spectacular when they are in bloom. Native to Eastern North America, these herbaceous...
by John Bickel | Mar 29, 2016 | Plant of the Week
Trachystemon orientalis Sometimes called early borage, Trachystemon orientalis can be found growing on the corner of the bed immediately out the side door of the Wister Center. True to its common name, T. orientalis is both a member of the Borage family Boraginaceae,...
