Creating a Tropical Garden Tropical plants have long been a part of the New Orleans garden. Often providing color during the sweltering summer heat. Because freezing temperatures can be occasional, we can find success in using tropical plants as accents and to provide lushness to the garden. I visited South Florida recently and was shocked […]
September 2016 – Gardening Tips Read More »
Butterfly Ginger – Butterfly Lily – Common Ginger Lily – Hedychium coronarium This tropical herbaceous perennial, originated in tropical Asia. Reportedly introduced to New Orleans before 1860. This ginger is not a true ginger although it is in the same family as the ginger we eat. It is used for medicinal purposes in tropical countries.
August 2016 – Gardening Tips Read More »
Ruellia elegans, Ruellia Ragin Cajun, Red Ruellia Ruellia elegans, ‘Ragin Cajun’ is a member of the Acanthaceae family. It grows 12-16 inches high by 12-18 inches wide in zones 8, 9, and 10. ‘Ragin Cajun’ Red Ruellia produces red, trumpet shaped flowers held above the medium green foliage from late spring to fall. Blooms practically
July 2016 – Gardening Tips Read More »
Okra Okra is a relative of hollyhock and hibiscus. It is a plant of the tropical and warm climates that produces edible green seed pods. Its’ scientific name is Abelmoschus esculentus and also Hibiscus esculentus. In various parts of the world, it is known as Okra, Ochro, Okoro, Quimgombo, Quingumbo, Ladies Fingers, Gombo, Kopi Arab,
June 2016 – Gardening Tips Read More »
Blue is the New Black It is the insects and other pollinators such as moths, for whom flower colors really exist and not for us. Pollination, and fruit production, is the main purpose of most flowers. The color we see in flowers is actually the result of reflected light from various plant pigments. There is
May 2016 – Gardening Tips Read More »
