BONNIE’S GARDEN – Chirp, chirp

Bird feeding

There’s not a lot to look at outside this time of year.  Maybe that’s why I enjoy watching the birds. Of course, the best way to attract birds is with bird-feeders.  And I like knowing that it helps the birds, too.  A study conducted during a Wisconsin winter showing that black-capped chickadees with access to human-supplied bird seed … Read more

BONNIE’S GARDEN – Cacti and Succulents

Cacti and succulent display at the Great Big Greenhouse

Cacti and succulents are really “in” right now.  And they should be.  They’re fun, interesting, and easy to grow. The word “succulent” comes from the Latin word “sucus” meaning sap or juice.  All succulents contain specially evolved cells in their roots, stems or leaves that absorb and retain water.  That’s because they’ve evolved in areas … Read more

BONNIE’S GARDEN – The Winter Solstice

Sun on the winter solstice, or Yule

This Friday, December 21st, is the Winter Solstice—the shortest day of the year; the first official day of Winter; Yule. The days, which have been getting shorter and shorter each day since the Summer Solstice, now will begin getting longer by a minute or two each day. Many cultures around the world have celebrated the … Read more

BONNIE’S GARDEN – Rosemary

A bunch of rosemary sprigs

One of the plants often given as a gift this time of years is Rosemary, so here’s what you need to know: Rosmarinus officinalis is native to the Mediterranean.  It’s a member of the Lamaceae family—which includes oregano, basil, thyme and mint.  Wild rosemary can be found growing on the rocky cliffs along the coasts … Read more

BONNIE’S GARDEN – Tis The Season For Mistletoe

A bundle of fresh mistletoe

Hanging a sprig of mistletoe over your door this holiday season? Here are some interesting facts about this holiday staple. The botanical name for mistletoe is “phoradendron” which means tree thief. While mistletoe is capable of performing photosynthesis, it more commonly grows as a parasite, sending roots down into a tree to leech nutrients away. … Read more

BONNIE’S GARDEN – Paperwhites

A bouquet of paperwhites

I love paperwhites. They are easy to bloom—and fast! What’s more, they are inexpensive and beautiful. Narcissus papyraceus—paperwhites—are native to the western Mediterranean from Greece to Portugal to Morocco. They are a variety of daffodil. Even though they are a daffodil, they are not winter hardy here in Virginia. They will bloom easily in a … Read more

BONNIE’S GARDEN – Poinsettias

Learn all about the history of Poinsettias

We are surrounded by beautiful poinsettias right now so here are some interesting tidbits about them: Poinsettia, botanically Euphorbia Pulcherrima, is named for Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S minister to Mexico.  He was an avid amateur botanist who, in the 1820’s, sent home to South Carolina cuttings of a beautiful plant he’d seen … Read more

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