Date: 7 Mar 2016
Black Pepper Vine - grow a real spice at home!
Q: What plants are used for commercial production of black pepper, red pepper, and green pepper? I started organic garden and would like to try growing pepper. I live in Georgia, will it survive here?
A: Pungent and aromatic Pepper is grown in Southern India since more than two thousand years, has always been much valued all over the world. Along with other spices from India and lands farther east, it changed the course of world history. Depending on harvest time and processing, peppercorns can be black, white, green and red (reddish-brown). So, the same fruit is also used to produce white pepper, red/pink pepper, and green pepper. The pungency is strongest in white pepper and weakest in green pepper, while black and green pepper are more aromatic than the white one.
The vine can be easily grown in a pot on a trellis, in mild (frost-free) climates it can be grown in the ground providing a tree support. Try growing this legendary plant and taste the real spice!
For more info, see article about Black Pepper.
Date: 24 Mar 2024
Bauhinias: trees with Orchid Flowers
and Butterfly Wings...
Photo above: Bauhinia variegata - Purple Orchid Tree, one of the most spectacular varieties.
Q: We just moved to Florida and I see these beautiful trees with large purple flowers. I was told these are Orchid trees, do you have them?
A: Bauhinias, commonly known as Orchid trees, are renowned for their captivating flowers and unique foliage. These trees typically grow to a moderate height of 15-25 feet with a spread of 10-15 feet, showcasing a rounded to vase-like shape. Thriving in hardiness zones 9-11, they exhibit resilience to heat and can withstand mild frost. There are over 300 species of Bauhinia, which are distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. These species vary in characteristics such as size, foliage, and flower color, contributing to the diversity and appeal of this genus. You can find them as trees, shrubs, and even vines.
Bauhinias are evergreen (in tropics) to semi-deciduous (in cooler climates), offering year-round beauty with intermittent blooming cycles. The peak bloom time varies depending on the species and location, often occurring in late winter to early spring, bedecking the tree with striking orchid-like flowers in hues ranging from white and pink to purple and red. The flowers boast delicate petals with intricate patterns, resembling the elegance of true orchids.
One of the distinguishing features of Bauhinia leaves is their unique bi-lobed or bilobed structure, which gives them a distinct appearance. The leaves are deeply divided, typically into two lobes or halves, hence the common name "Butterfly tree" due to their resemblance to butterfly wings. This characteristic is often used as an identifying trait for Bauhinia species. The bilobed leaves add to the visual appeal of the tree, contributing to its ornamental value in addition to its beautiful flowers.
Photo above: Bauhinia monandra - Napoleons Plume, starts flowering in small size. This one is very beautiful but the most cold sensitive and should be grown in pots in areas with winter freeze. It will happily bloom in container!
Low-maintenance by nature, Bauhinias require minimal upkeep. Annual feeding with a balanced fertilizer enhances growth and flowering. Pruning is generally optional but can be done in late winter or spring, after flowering, to maintain shape or remove dead or damaged branches. These trees thrive in full sun, preferring well-drained soil. With their enchanting blooms and easy care requirements, Bauhinia orchid trees are a delightful addition to any landscape, and a colorful specimen for tropical winter gardens.
In addition, Orchid trees grow fast and provide excellent shade. They can make a shady spot in your garden in no time, giving relief from the hot sun. This is really valuable, especially in places where it gets very hot. So, not only are Orchid trees pretty to look at with their lovely flowers, but they're also great for keeping you cool!
Read more about Bauninias:
Bauihnias: Orchid trees with Butterfly flowers... and leaves
Photo above: Bauhinia x alba (candida) - White orchid tree, the most cold hardy variety that can take light freeze once established.
Photo above: Bauhinia purpurea
Date: 16 Mar 2024
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Date: 5 Dec 2023
Cat Horoscope:
Sagittarius Zodiac Cats 11/22-12/21
By Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats
How to know the astrological sign of your cat?
The astrological sign of a cat can be determined by either their date of
birth or adoption, as adoption is often considered a second birth for
cats...More >>
Cats that help regain faith
in one's future...
Sagittarius cats are natural explorers, keen on investigating every nook and cranny of their abode and surroundings... Consequently, they may find themselves in situations requiring rescue, such as descending from a lofty tree pursued by curiosity or rescue from large birds of prey to whom your favorite decided to indicate who exactly is the sheriff of this district...
Restlessness characterizes Sagittarius cats, as they possess boundless energy and an insatiable curiosity for new experiences...
Sagittarius cats are exceptional healers for their human companions, alleviating physical and mental distress. Their mere presence, coupled with a soothing aura, helps individuals overcome serious illnesses and regain faith in their future...
Sagittarius cats are drawn to plants with large, striking, elongated, leathery leaves. Fruits, nuts, and chestnuts are particular favorites, satisfying their gourmet inclinations. Alocasias and Colocasias with their heart-shaped leaves and arrow-like (named also sagittate!) shouts, resonate well with both Sagittarius humans and Sagittarius cats, offering the vibrations necessary for achieving their goals. Opting for fragrant herbs, fruits, nuts, and aesthetically pleasing and fragrant flowering plants ensures the satisfaction of these feline aesthetes and gourmets.
Note: The bird was fine and flew away! Sushi the Cat was very gentle.
Date: 31 Oct 2023
Cat of the day:
Shaka. The Tail of Two Kitties...
By Kristi VanBenschoten
For those of you who have been following the Cat of the Day stories, you may remember the heartbreaking story about Little Raja... When Raja passed, I was heartbroken and vowed, "No more new cats." Well, wouldn't you know, I would eat those words...
One of our shipping experts, Rob, came in and said that a feral cat
around his house had just given birth to a kitten on his front porch, but the
mother had left and not returned. I immediately asked him to go get me the
kitten, knowing it was going to be cold and hungry and could not be left without
warmth and food for long...
Rob rushed off to get the kitten and, within what felt like the blink of an
eye, returned with the tiniest (about 4 inches), yet astonishingly vocal,
kitten I had ever met.
And this is what happened next...
