African Violet
The African Violet Saintpaulia ionantha was initially discovered in 1892 by Walter von Saint-Paul-Illaire in the wooded Usambara mountains near the border of Kenya and Tanzania in Africa.
Fun Facts:
- African Violets prefer their roots snuggled in a just-right size pot.
- They are one of the most popular houseplants in the world.
- The hairs on the leaves help them absorb water from the air.
- Leaves range from light green to deep red and can be variegated, striped, blotched, speckled, or solid.
Angelonia
Angelonia, sometimes referred to as “summer snapdragon,” is a genus of approximately 30 species, which grow natively in regions from Mexico to Argentina. The plants grow mostly upright, with stalks filled with flowers. Angelonia florets resemble tiny orchid-like blooms and their shape aids in pollination through hairs in the inner corolla that help bees forage for pollen. With its tolerance to heat and dry conditions, Angelonia thrives through most summer gardens with little extra maintenance or care.
Fun Facts:
- Angelonia's small tubular flowers attract small pollinators like bees.
- Angelonia angustifolia is the most popular species in today's gardens.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
Given the moniker of Butterfly Bush, it is expected that this plant would attract some butterflies to the garden. Yet, that is a drastic understatement. Buddleias are, in fact, butterfly MAGNETS, drawing a wide range of butterfly and other pollinator species to them with their plethora of sweet-smelling flowers.
Fun Facts:
- Buddleia blooms come in white, blue, lavender, pink, reddish pink, purple, and yellow.
- Buddleia ranges from 2 to 12 feet tall and comes in dwarf, large, and vertical types.
Squash
Pumpkins, squash, and gourds have enchanted gardeners and foodies for generations with their diversity in shapes, colors, and flavors. Collectively referred to as “squash,” the Cucurbita genus has a rich history dating back over 8,000 years to Central and South America, and 4,000 years later, it was considered the primary agricultural crop of the ancients.
Fun Facts:
- All types of squash are part of the genus Cucurbita.
- Winter squash and summer squash are all part of the same squash family.
- The first pumpkin pie was baked in the pumpkin shell, not a pie crust.
- "Squash comes from the Narragansett word askutasquash, which means "eaten raw or uncooked."
Lily
Lilies have adorned myths and traditions for thousands of years, originating in various parts of the Northern Hemisphere. In ancient Greek mythology, these flowers were believed to have sprung from the milk of the goddess Hera, symbolizing purity and renewal. Similarly, in Christian iconography, lilies are often associated with the Virgin Mary, representing purity, virtue, and the divine.
Fun Facts:
- Some lily bulbs are edible (do not eat bulbs unless you know which ones are)
- Lily plants can range from 1 foot tall up to 7 feet tall.
- Many flowers have lily in their name but are not lilies.
- True lilies have six petals and six stamens with anthers.
Hosta
Hostas have gained their popularity from their fantastic foliage, which provides interest throughout the growing season. They are adaptable, tough-as-nails plants that survive in the toughest soils and shadiest locations.
One of the ways Hosta ascended in popularity is that they can be easily split and shared. They can be dug up, divided, and replanted at almost any time during the year. A term for this type of plant is a “friendship plant” – perennials that are easy to divide and give a piece to your friend or neighbor.
Fun Facts:
- Hosta flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
- Hosta are sometimes known as plantain lilies.
- The flowers are edible, and hosta leaves are popular in Japanese cuisine. (Ensure no pesticides have been used if you try to eat them.)
- Hosta are named after Dr Nicholaus Host, and Austrian physician.