AMERICAN GARDENER

The calabash fruit comes from the plant Lagenaria siceraria, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons. Commonly known as bottle gourd, white-flowered gourd, or long melon, it’s an annual vine with a sprawling growth habit. Botanically, it’s classified as a fruit due to its seed-bearing structure, though it’s often treated … Read more

Strawberries are small, juicy fruits from the Fragaria genus in the rose family (Rosaceae), celebrated for their bright red color, sweet-tart flavor, and heart-shaped appeal. Unlike true berries botanically—since their seeds are on the outside—they’re technically “accessory fruits,” but that doesn’t dim their popularity. The garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa), bred in the 18th century … Read more

Cantaloupes are a type of melon beloved for their sweet, juicy flesh and distinctive appearance, belonging to the Cucumis melo species within the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes cucumbers and pumpkins. Often referred to as muskmelons in North America, true cantaloupes—like the European varieties—have a smooth or warty rind without the heavy netting seen on … Read more

August marks a vibrant time in gardens, where many plants reach their flowering peak, offering a final flourish before autumn sets in. The warmth of late summer encourages these blooms, providing a palette of colors from vibrant reds and oranges to cool blues and purples. These flowers not only beautify landscapes but also play a … Read more

July is a prime time for many flowers, marking the peak of summer with an explosion of color in gardens everywhere. This month, gardens are often at their most vibrant, with plants that love the warmth and long days showing off their blooms. These flowers can range from those with delicate, airy petals to robust, … Read more

Fall-blooming flowers are nature’s way of extending the season of beauty in gardens, offering vibrant colors when most summer plants have faded. These plants often feature rich hues like deep purples, golds, and reds, complementing the changing foliage of autumn. They thrive in the cooler temperatures, sometimes even blooming better as the days shorten, providing … Read more

Selecting perennials for a garden in a cold climate involves choosing plants that can endure harsh winters while still offering beauty and interest. These plants have adapted to survive through mechanisms like deep root systems that protect them from frost, evergreen foliage that provides year-round greenery, or the ability to bloom early in spring even … Read more

Gardening in shaded areas doesn’t mean you’re limited in floral options. Plants that thrive in low light conditions often have adaptations like larger leaves to capture more light or bloom at times when the sun’s rays are less direct. These plants can transform a dim garden into a lush, verdant oasis, using the shade to … Read more

Hybrid Witch Hazel (Hamamelis × intermedia) is a cross between Hamamelis japonica (Japanese Witch Hazel) and Hamamelis mollis (Chinese Witch Hazel), belonging to the Hamamelidaceae family. This hybrid has been cultivated to combine the best traits of both parent species. As a hybrid, Hamamelis × intermedia doesn’t have a native area in the wild; it’s … Read more

Chinese Witch Hazel (Hamamelis mollis) is part of the Hamamelidaceae family within the Hamamelis genus. It’s known for its fragrant, showy flowers, distinguishing it among witch hazels. This species is native to central and eastern China, specifically found in provinces like Hubei, Hunan, and Sichuan. It naturally grows in the understory of deciduous forests, often … Read more