Monthly Archives: February 2019

Corkscrew willow and Corkscrew hazelnut have striking winter interest

Posted on February 27, 2019 by tedmanzer

Many plants have unique features that are displayed during the growing season. Some have unusual foliage. Some have unique flowers. Incorporating plants with attractive winter features can be a challenge. Two common plants are corkscrew willow (Salix matsudana) and corkscrew … Continue reading →

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Cockleburs can cause more than just an inconvenience

Posted on February 19, 2019 by tedmanzer

I was walking around in the brush recently and noticed thick stands of cockleburs (Xanthium sp.). I tried to avoid them, but before I realized it my pants collected dozens. People with hunting dogs know all about cockleburs. Long-haired dogs … Continue reading →

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Is manuka honey a wonder cure or another overrated holistic drug?

Posted on February 13, 2019 by tedmanzer

I was talking to a friend recently about an expensive honey from New Zealand. It’s called manuka honey and it comes from the flowers of the manuka tree. Manuka trees are commonly called New Zealand tea trees and are in … Continue reading →

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Bald eagles, ospreys have contrasting styles as predators

Posted on February 5, 2019 by tedmanzer

Not long after I wrote a column on ospreys, I spotted a pair of mature bald eagles on Northeastern’s campus. I’ve never seen any at school before, but I see them occasionally around Elizabeth city and in surrounding counties. Bald … Continue reading →

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