Where double flowers come from (sometimes)
Doubling of flowers — the development of extra petals — is a common mutation, and often beloved by gardeners. Sometimes double forms of flowers become so popular that gardeners hardly recognize the...
View ArticleAdd one species, get four new ones
Here’s an interesting twist on the whole native, non-native discussion… sometimes the introduction of new species of plants can trigger the evolution of new species of insects! Sometimes, in fact, a...
View ArticleThe “safe seed pledge” is meaningless
The seed catalogs have started showing up in the mail, and a great number of them include something like this on the first few pages: Here’s the thing: NO ONE is selling genetically engineered seeds to...
View ArticleBlast from my petunia past
A few days ago I recorded a podcast with Margaret Roach were we talked about all our favorite seed sources. One of the many things we mentioned were the great species petunias available from Select...
View ArticleRogues gallery
You know the word “rogue” as a noun and adjective, and probably from when Sarah Palin “went rogue” during her time as vice presidental candidate. But you may not know that it also a verb. That’s the...
View ArticleTranslating the Language of Seed Packets: Hybrid, Heirloom, non-GMO, and more
Hybrid, heirloom, organic, non-GMO, natural….there’s lots of labels on those seed packets or plants you pick up at the garden center or from your favorite catalog. Since the seed-starting season is...
View ArticleSaving for the Future: Seed Saving Tricks and Tips
As summer winds down and the summer crops and flowers start to slow down many gardeners start thinking about saving seeds. Who doesn’t love saving seeds from that favorite tomato or beautiful...
View ArticleHouseplant Hubub: The rage about variegation
It is no secret that houseplants are hot right now. Interest was growing before the pandemic, especially with millennials and younger folks. Then the pandemic hit. Houseplant interest skyrocketed...
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