Flame Azalea

Rhododendron calendulaceum, commonly known as Flame Azalea, is regarded as one of if not the most spectacular of North American … More

Exotic Hawaiian Sunset Hibiscus

In Victorian times, giving a hibiscus blossom to a person meant that the giver was acknowledging the receiver’s delicate beauty. … More

Camellia in Winter

The South is the heart of camellia country. Indeed, common camellia (Camellia japonica) is even Alabama’s state flower. Although it seems these … More

Christmas Flower

Poinsettias are considered a Christmas flower. Many people give them around Christmas time to symbolize good will and community spirit. In … More

Pansies on the Porch

Pansies symbolize “thinking” or “thoughts.” The word “pansy” itself comes from French pensée, meaning “thought.” 

More Monarch Butterfly Caterpillars

 Monarch larvae ,or caterpillars, feed exclusively on milkweed leaves.

Back in Bloom

I thought this hibiscus had finished flowering when it was at my mom’s house. I brought it over to my … More

In the Cotton Patch

My grandparents, Jake and Alma Phillips, were share-croppers during the first years of their marriage. My mother has stories of … More

Magnolia Seed Pod

In the fall of the year after the flowers are long gone from a magnolia tree, the seed pods have … More

American Beautyberry

Native American used root and leaf tea in sweat baths for rheumatism, fevers, and malaria. Root tea used for dysentery, … More