Passionflower – Passiflora incarnata or nephrodes Origin: Eastern North America and South America This particular Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a native perennial vine found growing in sandy thickets, open fields and fence- rows. Like the other members in its family, it…

Japanese Millet – Echinochloa crusgalli var. frumentacea Origin: Asia  Known as the “billion dollar grass,” Japanese Millet is a wonderful wildlife plant. It is a favorite duck food and is eaten by 17 species of northeastern waterfowl. Game birds and…

Areca Palm – Chrysalidocarpus lutescens Origin – Madagascar How would you like to grow fresh air in your home? It’s easy. The Areca or Butterfly Palm releases copious amounts of moisture into the air, removes chemical toxins, is tolerant on…

Bird House Gourd – Lagenaria siceraria Origin – The Americas Want to attract Purple Martins or Tree Swallows with some low-income housing? How about making some spiffy bird feeders? If you’re anything like me, you’d much rather invest your dollars…

Romaine (Cos) Lettuce – Lactuca sativa Origin – Europe I’m on week 12 of hand feeding, weaning and finally releasing baby birds (hang in there, I do get around to the Romaine). I’m a wildlife rehabber and I seem to…

  Navel Orange Tree – Citrus sinensis ‘Washington Navel’ Origin – Brazil  If the origin of Brazil has you scratching your head, here’s the story. Bahia, Brazil is the place where the navel orange developed as a bud mutation. A…

  Wild Rice – Zizania aquatica Origin – North America I’m actually going to use this desirable aquatic grass as starting point to get into the subject of water gardening. Wild Rice is worth growing in natural bottom ponds. It…

Sunflower – Helianthus annuus Origin: North America This diverse genus has come a long way since I was kid trying to grow a few “Sunnies” from a handful of seed.  There is such a variety available; giants grown as summer…

  Pleione Orchid – Pleione  formosana ,and  ssp. Origin: China, Northern India, Nepal, Thailand I am having such a good time with these orchids that I thought I’d let you in on the fun. Pleione (pronounced play owny) are a…