Filipendula ulmaria

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The leaves of this large shrub, which grows 5-10 ft tall, are usually pinnately divided and dark green above, a bit lighter below.

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is native to Europe and Western Asia and is a staple of traditional ethnic medicine as well herb and spice gardens - it is an excellent source of honey and an attractor of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. In addition, the plant has been used in folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments and is still highly sought after today.

For optimal growth, Meadowsweet should be planted in full sun, in moist, well-drained soil and regular water should be provided. Grows well in USDA Zones 3-9. In colder climates it's better to plant the shrub in a pot, and move it indoors during colder months.

In the garden, Meadowsweet is a perfect way to add beauty and fragrance - its lovely white and off-white flowers immediately draw attention and its strong, sweet scent highlights the garden. Plus, its healthful properties, attracting of butterflies and other pollinators, and cold hardiness, makes it an easy choice for the garden.

Gaultheria procumbens

Gentiana sp.

This is a cosmopolitan genus, occurring in alpine habitats of temperate regions of Asia, Europe and the Americas.

True sapphire blue upward-facing 2" flowers mingle with the emerald green foliage producing long-blooming garden treasures. Flowers sparkle with the morning dew. Prolific flowering occurs up and down the stems on each node from midsummer into early fall. The smooth, mid-green, lance-shaped leaves form a nice sized clump that is perfectly proportioned for the middle of the flower border. Compact and well-branched habit. A charming addition to the hard to find "blues" in perennials. Easier to grow than most Gentians, this beauty sends up a multitude of flowers, often blooming right into fall. Prefers full sun to part shade, but should be protected from the afternoon sun in regions with hot, humid summers. Well-drained soil with average moisture.

Gynura crepioides

Gynura crepioides is commonly known as Okinawa Spinach, it is native to Indonesia. Okinawa Spinach is commercially grown in China as a green, it is not a true spinach. Both the stems and the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The top of the leaves are dark green and the undersides are purple. Okinawa Spinach has an unique flavor with a faint hint of pine, and will add a beautiful aesthetic element to cuisine. This green is also known as cholesterol spinach, and there are many claims that it lowers can cholesterol. This plant will thrive in pretty much any type of soil from clay to silt to sandy soils. It does well in any type of light other than full shade, but will grow best in full sun to partial shade. Okinawa Spinach is not a heavy feeder, and is relatively pest-free. It is good to cut back flowering branches to promote new shoot growth, because the shoots and leaves are what are harvested. Okinawan spinach is very adaptable to container gardening and even grows well on a windowsill. The younger leaves will have a much better flavor than the older leaves. The leaves and young shoot tips can be steamed, used in stir fry, tempura, stews, and soups. Just add them at the very end.

See article about this plant: Longevity Spinach Super-food Recipes.

Watch Video about Gynura.

Gynura procumbens

The plant is well known in South East Asia, with folklore uses in Thailand, Indonesia and China, and leaves of the plant are eaten as a vegetable. This is a very low maintenance, fast growing herb/vegetable that can be grown indoor and outdoor. The leaves are picked for salads, soups, or sauteed them to make a dish. They are also be made as tea and extract.

The plant is often referred to as Sambung Nyawa which means Continuation of Life. The purpose of this plant is to incorporate it into your diet for a healthy life, as many generations of African and Asians have done traditionally. This plant is used as an herbal dietary supplement to help decrease cholesterol, blood glucose, hypertension, rheumatism, viral ailments, and other illnesses. The herb has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-allergy properties. Some of its uses include - migraines, constipation rheumatism, diabetes, dysentery, fevers, kidney ailments, cardiovascular conditions, cancers, leukemia, and as a skin care elixir.

See article about this plant: Longevity Spinach Super-food Recipes.

Watch Video about Gynura.