Red Valerian

Centranthus ruber

Taking a break from our Fungus Friends this month we wanted to share a plant some folks may not know about.

Red Valerian is a common flower seen this time of year but the leaves of Red Valerian are pretty special.  They can be eaten like lettuce or spinach in a salad and taste even SWEETER when picked small!  The larger leaves can be steamed and eaten plain or even stir-fried with a little kale.

We feel it's important for people to understand just how much FOOD grows in their garden.  Contact us for a consultation and we'll tell you what's what in your gardens! 

[FYI: Red Valerian is not the same as Valeriana officinalis, a medicinal herb.]

ROSEBUD SAGE

 Salvia involucrata

This beauty is native to Mexico growing in shady places such as the edge of forests.  Salvia involucrata is a great tall accent plant growing more than 8 feet tall.  

Hummingbirds and butterflies love this late blooming Salvia.  Autumn through Winter (in warm climates) this abundant nectar is adored. 

While tender to frosts dipping past 20 degrees the plant will survive colder spells.  Make sure to mulch well and cut back the top in the spring!

NASTURTIUMS Tropaeolum majus

MEDICINE: A native to South and Central America Nasturtiums have long been used in Andean herbal medicine; as a wound-healing herb, and as an expectorant to relieve chest conditions.

FOOD: Any part of the plant can be eaten if it is harvested during the growing season and used fresh.  The mature seed can be ground into a powder and used as a pepper substitute.

ART: The seeds yield a high percentage of a drying oil that can be used in making paints and varnish.

Calendula officinalis

Calendula, sometimes called Pot Marigold, is an easy and carefree addition to any garden.  Its origin is practically unknown but history shows it was readily used in ancient Greek, Roman, Arabic and Indian cultures as a medicinal herb as well as a dye for fabrics, foods and cosmetics.   This versatile plant has too many functions and benefits to list here but a few of them to include are:

• Medicine –used to treat skin problems and inflammation
• Companion plant –attracts beneficial predatory insects to gardens
• Human Food –leaves and flowers are good in salads and sandwiches
• Nutrient accumulator –stores nutrients vital to soil health/compost activator
• Self sustaining –self sows and maintains itself in the garden
• Yellow dye –food coloring or cloth  
• Cosmetics –salves, creams and hair coloring

 

 

TO WEED OR NOT TO WEED… that is the question!

What is a weed?  "A plant out of place" is the answer given by most horticulture folks.  But what is a weed in the eyes of an ecological landscape?

Only three of the four plants shown below are what we consider to be invasive and should be managed well in the landscape.  Their escape can be time consuming the long run.

Can you guess which plant is not a weed to the eyes of an ecological landscaper? 

Check out the images below for the answer...

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a common plant found in our landscapes. Little do people know of its edibility in salads or steamed but most know even less about a dandelions ability to harness nutrients from deep in the soil they then accumulate in their leaves. A great M-O-S plant and no weed!

Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) is a weed sold in chain nurseries still to this day. This invasive weed is pretty to look at but not after is has taken over the garden! Manage this weed by manual removal (no chemicals necessary) then mulch heavily (3-6 inches deep).

Persian Speedwell (Veronica persica) is a common landscape weed that spreads by seed. The roots are extremely fibrous and will hold the soil in place quite well. Manage this invasive pest with manual removal of entire plant BEFORE FLOWERING (or if not in flower mulch-on-site)! Then MULCH heavily!

Creeping Woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata) is a menacing weed that spreads by underground runners and seed. The seed pods rupture when humidity levels change spreading seed everywhere. Manage this invasive pest with manual removal of all roots and creeping stems BEFORE THEY FLOWER! Then MULCH!