Ht. 35-40cm/14-16. Stunning in flower beds! Flowers the first season if started early (Jan-Feb). Lovely variety with large purple wing-like bracts resting upon a sea of dark purple flowerheads.
A traditional source of molasses and sugar. Cool weather crop; roots attain maximum sugar content in the fall. Although the process is lengthy it is possible to extract molasses, and even sugar, at home from sugar beets grown in your garden.
While leaves form ground-hugging mats. European native with neat rosettes of hairy leaves and lemon-yellow flowers. Also against flu, inflamed kidneys, and diarrhea. The whole plant has potent but underappreciated astringent, expectorant and diuretic...
Masses of flowers in spring are a mix of purple, pink and white. When in flower, it is used as a gland stimulant and an aphrodisiac. Leaves picked before the flowers appear are nutritious salad greens.
Feast for the eyes -- pleasing to the palate. Borage, Calendula, Heartsease, Nasturtium, Citrus Marigold. Herbs with edible flowers to add to salads, omelettes, desserts, and drinks.
Easy to grow -- rather like tomatoes. Resembles green tomatoes and ground cherries, but neither is a substitute for the tomatillo. Tomatillos will keep well through the winter if stored loose in a cool place.
Impressive in fresh floral arrangements! Casablanca is also a fine garden flower for tall borders. It is earlier to flower and more uniform than the standard form. Flowers look like white umbrellas mounted on strong, straight stems.
Prefers dry, well-drained sandy loam. Saponin content is somewhat lower than . Native of dry grasslands of Central Asia, Tibet, China and Mongolia. (Chinese ephedra) Properties and uses are similar to those of but contains the additional anti-inflammatory...
Also used as a diuretic and to reduce excessive sweating. Rhizomes are used to treat diarrhea, fatigue, lack of appetite and vomiting related to deficiencies of spleen or stomach. Animal studies suggest it strengthens endurance.
Its legendary healing powers are summed up in the Arab proverb, “In the black seed is the medicine for every disease except death.” Seeds can be ground and used with near abandon like black pepper.
Purified ephedrine is very potent, and a common North American practice of adding it to diet formulas is potentially dangerous because ephedrine can raise blood pressure if used over a long period, and can even cause cardiac arrythmias.
Caution: although the oil is safe, raw seeds are poisonous. Large tropical-looking foliage. Oil extracted from seeds is a commonly used laxative for temporary constipation and acute diarrhea.
AIso effective mosquito control. (Huacatay) ‘Weedkiller' plant. Tall (up to 2 metres) erect habit; rarely flowers in temperate zones. In South America, dried leaves are used to flavour soups, meats and vegetables.
Used in Chinese cuisine as a vegetable and in medicine for rheumatic pains. Wonderful for bath and shower as it invigorates the skin without harsh abrasion. (Loofah) Known as the ‘dishcloth gourd' because the dried over-ripe fruits can be used to scrub...
Requires full sun and light, sandy soil, but it will grow successfully in heavier soils if the drainage is good. It is an annual growing to 1.5 meters (5 ft.) tall, flowering from July to September.
Easily taken for granted in North America when the countryside is awash with its yellow flowers in fall, goldenrod is better appreciated in Europe as a medicinal plant. A 700 year history of use in Europe and numerous modern labs studies attest to the...
Sow in a sunny spot, where it will get lots of moisture. The yellow pigment is found primarily in the seeds, although can also be extracted from the leaves. Deep taproot discourages relocation.
This popular annual bedding plant has many hidden talents. Thin out seedlings as they appear and pinch young plants back to encourage fullness. It is somewhat shade tolerant, but needs sun to bring out its best colour.
Traditionally used since the Middle Ages for whooping cough and as a mucus-reducing cough remedy. Clinical studies show that it significantly reduces the risk of migraine attack, and relieves asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Prefers sandy soil. Bears edible fruits (pears) having pleasant, sweet, somewhat acid taste. May be eaten raw or dried, first discarding thick skins and seeds. Interesting cactus, winter hardy in Ontario.
