Evening Primrose 
A Little History and Some Growing Instructions Evening Primrose, also known as Sundrops, are hardy perennials which were discovered in North America and brought to Europe in the early 17th century where they quickly became a cottage garden favorite because of their showy yellow flowers which burst into bloom just as the sun was preparing to set. The…
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower)
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) –Â A Little History and Some Growing Instructions Echinacea, also known as Purple Coneflower or the Sampson root, is a true American native and one of the hardiest perennials available. The plant was used medicinally by the Native Americans of the Great Plains more than any other herb. It was the Native Americans that discovered that the roots…
Dianthus Single
Dianthus Single – Pinks 
A Little History and Some Growing Instructions Dianthus Single or Pinks, a member of the Dianthus family, specifically Dianthus Plumarius, was introduced into England from Normandy around the year 1100. It was the Athenians that named the flower Dianthos, from the Greek words dios (devine) and anthos (flower). The flowers are smaller than those of the…
Dahlias
Dahlias –Â A Little History and Some Growing Instructions Dahlias are some of the showiest of all flowers. Dahlias originated in the central plateau and highlands of Mexico where even today, in August and September, the wild progenitors of this huge flower genus can be found blooming along highways, near cliffs, among boulders and on the slopes of the ancient volcanic…
Cosmos
Cosmos 
- A Little History and Some Growing Instructions Cosmos is a true American native being indigenous to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The name, Cosmos, comes from the Greek word meaning harmony or ordered universe. This is probably a reference to the ordered arrangement of the plant’s petals. The plant was grown by Spanish priests in their mission…
Coreopsis (Calliopsis)
Coreopsis (Calliopsis) –Â A Little History and Some Growing Instructions Coreopsis which was once known as Calliopsis and is sometimes known as Tickseed is a member of the Aster family. The plants are true native Americans being indigenous to the prairies and woodlands of North and Central America and Mexico. This is one of the many plants, named and described, by…
Cleome
Cleome 
- A Little History and Some Growing Instructions Cleomes are part of a large family of robust annuals and shrubs which are indigenous to tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. Only a few of the annuals are commonly cultivated. It is believed that the plant from which Cleome Rose Queen was developed came originally from the West Indies and was…
Chinese Lantern
Chinese Lantern –Â A Little History and Some Growing Instructions The Chinese Lantern plant is a perennial which belongs to a family of more than 80 different species including the edible Ground Cherry and Tomatillo. This plant has been a favorite of Easterners and Westerners for centuries and is indigenous from southeastern Europe to Japan. Many gardeners now consider this plant…
Chrysanthemum Painted Daisy and Court Jester
Chrysanthemum Painted Daisy and Court Jester – 
A Little History and Some Growing Instructions The Court Jester is a variety of Painted Daisy which is a member of the abundant Chrysanthemum family. Painted Daisies are annuals. It has been said that few flowers are more highly valued or widely grown than chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemums originated in China. Five hundred years before…
The Chicory and the Endive
The Chicory and the Endive The Europeans have used chicory as a salad ingredient and as an alternative to coffee for more than a century. In the United States, chicory has only become popular in the past few decades. Chicory and endive, although different, are all part of the same plant family, Cichorium. Endive has two forms, narrow-leaved, known as…