Hardiness Zone: 5-9Soil Type: NeutralSun Exposure: Full to partial sunAnnual or Perennial: PerennialType: Flower History: The chrysanthemum was first cultivated in China as a flowering herb and is described in writings as early as the 15th Century B.C. In fact, their pottery depicted the chrysanthemum much as we know it today. As an herb, it … Read more
Hardiness Zone: 9-11Soil Type: Moist, well draining, neutral/acidicSun Exposure: Indirect sunAnnual or Perennial: PerennialType: Cactus History: Originating from coastal mountains of south-eastern Brazil near the Atlantic Ocean, this sub-species of cactus grows in a region which is generally relatively cool, shaded and has high humidity. Historical records state that it was in cultivation in Europe … Read more
Hardiness Zone: 3-9Soil Type: Slightly acidic to neutralSun Exposure: Full sunAnnual or Perennial: PerennialType: Herb History: Chives have been cultivated in Europe since the Middle Ages, although signs of its usage date back to 5000 years ago, used by the Chinese. The Romans believed chives could relieve the pain from sunburn or a sore throat. … Read more
Hardiness Zone: 10Soil Type: Well draining, rich, 6.0 – 7.0 pHSun Exposure: Indirect light, brightAnnual or Perennial: PerennialType: Succulent History: Chinese money plant is native to the Yunnan Province of China. As legend has it, in 1946 the Norwegian missionary Agnar Espergren brought the plant back home from China and shared cuttings among his friends. … Read more
Hardiness Zone: 4-7Soil Type: Slightly acidic to neutralSun Exposure: Full sunAnnual or Perennial: Perennial, but ground cherries are annualType: Tree History: Sweet cherries originated in Asia Minor in the fertile areas between the Black and Caspian seas and were likely brought to Europe by birds. The Greeks were the first to cultivate cherries and the … Read more
Hardiness Zone: 4-10Soil Type: NeutralSun Exposure: Full to partial sunAnnual or Perennial: BiennialType: Vegetable History: Wild celery is native to the Mediterranean area, according to Davis, though archaeological remains from Switzerland have suggested that humans were transporting celery seeds as early as 4,000 B.C. Another variety of celery called “smallage” was present in China as … Read more
Hardiness Zone: 2-11Soil Type: Slight acidic to neutralSun Exposure: Full sunAnnual or Perennial: AnnualType: Vegetable History: Cauliflower was originally grown in Asia around the Mediterranean Sea. Cauliflower has been grown and eaten across Europe since the 1500s but did not start growing in the United States until the 1900s. Today, California produces more cauliflower than … Read more
Hardiness Zone: 3-10Soil Type: NeutralSun Exposure: Full sunAnnual or Perennial: BiennialType: Vegetable History: The best estimate is that carrots originated as a root crop in Central Asia — Afghanistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan — about 1,100 years ago, although there is some evidence for carrots in the Roman Empire several hundred years earlier. The carrot symbolizes … Read more
Hardiness Zone: 7-10Soil Type: 6.7 pHSun Exposure: Full sun or partial shadeAnnual or Perennial: PerennialType: Flower History: The first carnations were sent to the United States in 1852 from France to Long Island. It is traditionally given on the first anniversary as a sign of love and commitment.
Hardiness Zone: 4-10Soil Type: Slightly acidic to neutral Sun Exposure: Full sunAnnual or Perennial: AnnualType: Fruit History: Cantaloupe has been growing since ancient times in the Nile River Valley in Egypt. It likely first originated in the Middle East or India, but ancient Egyptians and Romans are known to have grown the melon.