By R. Wayne Mezitt Look most anywhere in early spring throughout the Eastern USA and you’ll see them: the redbuds! Cercis canadensis, the eastern redbud, is a most prolific understory

by R. Wayne Mezitt What homeowner doesn’t recognize forsythia—that shockingly-bright beacon that bursts into bloom with those first mild temperatures every April!? Among the easiest plants to grow, forsythia’s yellow,

Every year those long-awaited first flowers of spring always arouse my senses and give birth to a primal appreciation of the renewal of life. And few trees or shrubs are

Plants, and particularly flowers, have had qualities and emotions attributed to them since ancient times. Shakespeare also used the symbolism of flowers in several of his works, knowing that his

When it comes to giving gifts on Valentine’s Day cut flowers and blooming plants are a couple of things that spring to mind, but did you know you can say

You can bring your herb garden indoors for the winter, or all year, by planting a windowsill herb garden. Many herb plants grow quite well in containers and require only

Philodendron  Low light houseplants are perfect for frequent travelers or forgetful plant caretakers. One of the best indoor plant varieties, philodendron, is very tolerant of dark interiors. This fast-growing vine

The winter holidays have several plants associated with them, one of which is the amaryllis bulb. Coming primarily in festive colors of red and white, with some pink and salmon

By Claire Nowak, Readers Digest There’s no denying that poinsettias make bright, festive decorations during winter months. But they’re native to Central America, particularly southern Mexico, and they’re actually colorful