Tag Archives: well drained soil

Wild fennel is an invasive weed, but I still like it.

Posted on April 16, 2019 by tedmanzer

Actually, it’s not truly wild. It’s escaped and naturalized, and it has been for a long time. Wild fennel is like fennel found in nurseries and stores, and you can find it anywhere. I ran into a bunch of it … Continue reading →

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Agrimony is more than just a sticky nuisance

Posted on December 20, 2018 by tedmanzer

Anyone who has ever taken a walk in a brushy pasture in fall has probably encountered agrimony (Agrimonia sp.). Often, people run into it before they see it. Before you realize, you’re covered with little spiny balls that stick to … Continue reading →

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Agaves can be dual purpose succulents

Posted on November 22, 2018 by tedmanzer

It’s nice to be able to go on vacation and not worry about houseplants or flower gardens. There are two ways to accomplish this. The first is to set up an automatic watering system. The second is to choose plants … Continue reading →

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Catnip and catmint are confusing cousins

Posted on November 14, 2018 by tedmanzer

To most folks they are interchangeable. Catnip and catmint are closely related perennial herbs in the mint family. If I had to state their greatest deference it would be that catmint has more ornamental value. Catnip is more of a … Continue reading →

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Chives provide many pluses to your herb garden

Posted on August 8, 2017 by tedmanzer

Many people like the pungent flavor onions and garlic provide. The problem is the flavor is often too strong. Enter chives, which can be regular (similar to onion) or garlic types. It seems no baked potato is complete without sour … Continue reading →

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Thyme is a versatile garden herb.

Posted on August 8, 2017 by tedmanzer

I think thyme is one of the most underused garden herbs. Of course thyme is a broad term as there are dozens of thyme species and even more cultivars within them. Some are upright. Others are creeping. All have culinary … Continue reading →

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Amaryllis aren’t just for indoor viewing

Posted on March 29, 2017 by tedmanzer

I won’t deny that amaryllis (Hippeastrum sp.) is one of the most striking flowering houseplants. Huge clusters of flowers are dramatic and that’s why people pay so much for a single bulb. Most people don’t realize those huge bulbs are … Continue reading →

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There are three types of kiwis and we can grow them all here in eastern North Carolina

Posted on February 14, 2017 by tedmanzer

Nearly everyone is familiar with the fuzzy green fleshed kiwi fruits (Actinidia deliciosa)  in grocery stores. Their taste is sweet and tart at the same time. The flavor reminds me of blackberries. Best of all, kiwi vines grow well in … Continue reading →

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Mums are a great fall addition and they come in many colors

Posted on October 16, 2016 by tedmanzer

It’s October and it seems everyone wants mums. Some want them for parties. Others like them on their porches. Still others add them to flowerbeds. Mums add profuse color to any setting. Common colors are: white, yellow (the most common … Continue reading →

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Clematis fills a niche but is often difficult to establish

Posted on August 25, 2016 by tedmanzer

Well established clematis vines are breathtaking when in bloom. Large showy flowers can adorn a mailbox, fence or lamp post and bring it alive. Hundreds of cultivars are available in a cornucopia of colors, sizes and blooming seasons. The problem … Continue reading →

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