Adrienne - ONCE UPON A CONEFLOWER

Animalic Plant Names Hint at the Past

It’s easy to see– and feel– how Lambs Ears (Stachys) got its name.

Have you ever noticed how many plants, flowers especially, have an animal in their common name? Back when most of civilization engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, it was natural to name new things and experiences after more familiar aspects of life. It made for easier recall and association. Plants were no exception.

Of course, common plant names include many references besides animals; but the animalic ones are arguably the most fun, and most of us can name at least a few: Catnip. Foxgloves. Hen-and-Chicks.Tiger Lily.

Growing Foxgloves

Hybrid Dalmation Purple

Digitalis, better known as foxgloves, are among the most impressive of the tall perennials in any garden setting. Cottage gardens especially owe much of their charm to these statuesque, bumblebee-friendly flowers. (Foxes have nothing to do with them other than inspiring their whimsical name.)

Despite their charm, foxgloves have a reputation for being difficult to cultivate. They grow easily but can be tricky to sustain if you’re unfamiliar with their quirky lifecycle. Fortunately foxgloves can be managed successfully if you know what you’re dealing with. I’ll try to dispel some of the mystery here, and provide a few tips.

Lovage: An Under-utilized Perennial Herb

A clouded sulphur butterfly with lovage umbels and coneflowers

If you’ve never tasted the herb lovage, it’s time to remedy that situation. But you won’t find it on the spice shelf at the supermarket; you’ll have to grow it yourself. Or, find a friend who does. Fortunately, lovage is a big, easy-care perennial herb that will produce armfuls of leaves and seeds for your table with almost no work from you.

Better known in Europe for its culinary value than here, lovage has been in continual cultivation since Roman times and was part of every medieval kitchen garden. It’s popular in broths, soups, salads, pickles, seafood dishes and more. In Ukraine it was once considered an aphrodisiac and even used as a hair rinse! Time to try it for yourself, especially if you like to cook.