info@theculinarycatalysts.com
- From Garden to Plate: Fresh Flavors, Naturally Grown
info@theculinarycatalysts.com
Experienced gardeners are well aware of this reality and have even come to enjoy the ephemeral nature of their outdoor spaces.
gardening experts
Phlox flowers are stunning with multiple shades. Whether you choose creeping phlox or mounding phlox, growing them is easy with our guide. Expert Lorin Nielson will show you the steps to growing phlox successfully.In shades of white, pink, red, purple and blue, phlox is an incredibly popular, brilliantly-flowered ornamental. Whether it’s creeping phlox spreading out to become a beautiful ground cover, or a mounding phlox in the garden, these delicate flowers are definitely a sight to behold. The term “phlox” originates with the Greek word for “flame”, likely referencing some of the red shades. However, most phloxes growing wild throughout North America tend towards lighter hues. Let’s explore some of the diversity of phlox species today, as well as go over the best way to ensure you have a proliferation of bright blooms throughout the year!Phlox encompasses several species of annuals and perennials. Some are upright, and others are more low-lying. All can be an excellent ground cover, as they readily self-seed and easily spread on their own. Phlox species are mostly relegated to the prairies and woodlands of North America, but there are some varieties that cover the northern parts of Asia. They thrive in diverse habitats, ranging from alpine tundra to open woodlands and prairies. Most species can be found in temperate regions, with many varieties adapted to specific climates and soil conditions. Phlox is often found in sunny locations with well-drained soil, making it a favorite in wildflower gardens.The stalks of all phlox plants are green when they’re young, and grow woody as they mature. Flowers bloom at variable times, and in different shades from white, to pink, to violet. Many are native plants that host important butterfly and moth pollinators. Phlox plants are perfect for planting on slopes and in rock gardens. They survive in poor soils and cover ground for erosion control. During their blooming period, they’ll provide pops of color. Though they may die back in cold winters, they’ll return again in spring via their spreading and branching roots. There are 67 species in the Polemoniaceae family, all of which are considered to be phlox.
Read More
Want a riot of fall or winter color? Growing Swiss chard can provide vibrant, colorful stems. Better yet, it's tasty. Our guide explains how! Growing swiss chard is a delicious and healthy way to cultivate a member of the Amaranthaceae family. It is known as s nutritional powerhouse and is loaded with nutrients and vitamins, especially A, C, K, and the vitamin B group. Even better, this leafy vegetable has an extremely low-calorie count. One cup of chopped Swiss chard contains only 35 calories. Growing Swiss chard can be a great thing for your health! The word “chard” descends from the French word cadre, meaning artichoke thistle. Unfortunately, the origin of the word “Swiss” is less clear, especially as the vegetable is not native to Switzerland. Regardless, it is used extensively in traditional Swiss cuisine. It was first described by a Swiss botanist, which may have something to do with the term “Swiss” in its name. Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable closely related to beets. However, while beets are grown for the roots, chard is generally cultivated for its leaves, which incidentally taste much like beet greens. With swiss chard, how to grow it successfully is relatively easy, and the health benefits of this tasty vegetable are well worth the effort.
Read More
If you have a shady spot in the garden, chances are it warrants a columbine (or many!). The native species and their cultivars, among others, brighten shaded zones with intricate blooms in bold and soft shades, including those prized, tranquil blues. The flowers are also a beacon for hummingbirds and other pollinators. Enjoy versatile columbines to add to your shade collection with gardening expert Katherine Rowe.Like birds in flight as they sway in the breeze, columbine flowers delight the shady border in spring and early summer. Their scientific name (from the Latin aquila for “eagle”) reflects the resemblance of their spurred petals to an eagle’s talon. The common name columbine derives from the Latin “dove.” Their pendant blooms with spurs, petals, and stamens suspend delicately from slender stems. Their easy, effortless grace and light floral forms bring detailed ornament with a rugged perennial foundation. Columbines emerge after cold winters with fresh leaves and soon-to-follow flowers. The nodding blooms range from rich red and yellow to soft blues, purples, and pinks. Hummingbirds frequent the tubular spurs for nectar, and birds feed on the seeds in the fall. In addition to the flowers are attractive compound leaves, lobed and mounding. With species native to North America and their many varieties, columbine flowers are fit for woodlands, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and native, pollinator, and wildflower plantings. They grow beautifully in the shaded border and in pots, adding high ornament and delicate appeal. While they tolerate varying exposures, the following columbine varieties brighten the shade garden with their own undeniable style.Columbine belongs to the ranunculus family (Ranunculaceae) with buttercups, clematis, hellebore, and larkspur. They grow well in climates with cold winters and mild summers, with about 60 to 70 Aquilegia species in the northern hemisphere. Flowers have five sepals (forming the calyx), interior petals, and showy spurs. The short-lived perennials naturalize in their optimal growing conditions through underground stems and reseeding. Species columbine varieties grow easily from seed and reseed in optimal conditions (but aren’t weedy or aggressive). Direct sow in late winter or in the fall to overwinter and provide cold stratification. Columbine is a cold-climate specimen and benefits from a cold period of 30 days or more to germinate. Scatter seeds on the soil surface and cover lightly with soil. With a natural habitat along woodland edges, clearings, and riverbanks, columbine grows best in moderately moist, well-drained soils. The hearty and adaptable perennials tolerate varying conditions, but regular moisture shows the most vigorous growth and flowering. They thrive in dappled shade, though many adapt to varying exposures. Protect them from intense afternoon sun to avoid burn. The benefit of light shade also extends flowering. Columbine is semi-evergreen and retains its basal leaves unless temperatures are too cold or too hot, when plants enter dormancy until temperatures level off. Cut back worn or tired foliage in mid to late summer for a fresh flush, and leave it standing for its handsome greenery until heavy frost. As a bonus, foliage is deer and rabbit-resistant.
Read More
If you are looking for a beautifully unique blue flower that adds some variety to your garden, look no further than the globe thistle. This unique plant has some strikingly beautiful blue flowers, and is fairly easy to care for depending on your hardiness zone.A perennial garden is incomplete without Blue Globe Thistle. This flowering plant is native to southern and eastern Europe and western Asia. As part of the sunflower family, this plant is sure to create a summer spectacle with a spectacular twist. It is mainly sought after for its spherical, spikey flowers that come in beautiful hues of blue. Unfortunately, these pretty spines do sting when they come into contact with the skin. On top of its summery looks, there are several benefits to growing this plant. It’s very fast-growing, adaptable, and easy to care for, thriving in almost any condition. They are also drought tolerant and deer resistant. Plus, they attract a myriad of beneficial insects. Butterflies in particular are fans of its spiky foliage, as it’s a delicious source of food for them. This summer-blooming beauty continues to add textured interest in fall with its striking seed heads. Blue globe thistle looks most at home along beds and borders in cottage gardens and meadow-style landscapes. However, they can also add splashes of color in rock and gravel gardens. Throughout history, globe thistle was a popular plant – not typically for its looks, but for its medicinal properties. The roots were mainly used by herbal practitioners for their anti-inflammatory and lactation-promoting capabilities, predominantly used to treat mastitis and breast swelling. Globe thistle was first named in the 1700s by renowned Swedish botanist Charles Linnaeus. He aptly named the genus Echinops, which is a Greek word that roughly translates to ‘hedgehog head’. Echinops is a large genus, consisting of over 120 different globe thistles. The most popular is Echinops ritro, which was one of the few that made their way into home gardens. Echinops were eventually introduced to the United States in the 1800s, and since then has spread across North America. The blue globe thistle has won several prestigious gardening awards, including the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Blue is not a common color in the flower world, so this plant, with its steely blue spikes, is a popular choice amongst gardeners. Propagation is done in one of three ways – seeds, roots, and division. No matter the method you choose, remember to wear thick gloves to protect your hands from the sharp spikes.
Read MoreFind and share everyday cooking inspiration on Allrecipes. Discover recipes, cooks, and how-tos based on the food you love and the friends you follow.
We’re hot and spicy… literally!
"My family loves this meatloaf recipe; they beg me to make it. I needed to find a healthy recipe to serve my family because of high cholesterol and diabetes. It isn't dry, it's moist."
Read More
"I found this on the Miserly Mom's website and have cooked many times - my family loves it - especially my 11 year old!"
Read More
Seriously SO SO GOOD. Perfect for burritos and/or burrito bowls! And it’s even better than Chipotle, but shhhhh!
Read More
"Quick, healthy and delicious. Just pop the four ingredients into the Crock-Pot in the morning and you'll have a great-tasting meal for dinner. This would also be great for larger gatherings."
Read MoreOur email newsletter delivers gardening solutions, new recipes and special
The Culinary Catalysts updates. It's always free and you can unsubscribe any time.
We really want to enable home cooks, all things being equal, to plan delightful and exceptional dinners in their own kitchen.
Know More
