Author: Leonard Goldstein

Rare & Unusual Tropical Trees & Plants, Flowering, Fruit, Native, Palm, Bamboo, Heliconia, Hummingbird, Butterfly

Herbs for Summer Heat

Just as most of us wilt during Florida’s long, humid summer, so do many vegetables which simply can’t hold up to hot nights and persistent rains. But not all is lost. There are many herbs that are adapted to beating the heat. A leisurely tour of Richard Lyons’ Nursery will demonstrate a number of the…
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August 16, 2013 0

Looking for Shady Friends? Part III

Continuing our recent feature, we recommend three more species known for their dependability in settings where lighting is muted: Bird’s Nest Anthurium (Anthurium hookeri): There’s a bit of mystery connected with this very popular aroid. What has been grown in southern Florida for many years as A. hookeri is probably something different, a hybrid. On top of that, the term…
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July 27, 2013 0

Looking for Shady Friends? Part II

Continuing last week’s feature, we recommend three more species that flower dependably in settings where lighting is muted: Philippine Violet (Barleria cristata):  Okay, class, our topic this hour is “Misnomers of the Plant World, or What Not to Like About Common Names.”  Accordingly, we consider Barleria cristata, commonly known as the Philippine Violet.  The problem is that it’s…
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July 27, 2013 0

Looking for Shady Friends?

We’re sure you’ll agree that this is the season when time outdoors is best spent avoiding the sun. That would also make it the ideal time to introduce new colors, shapes or textures to the shadier parts of your yard. Here are a few suggestions for ornamentals from Richard Lyons’ Nursery  that should pique your interest:…
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July 12, 2013 0

Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica)

Does the name ‘azadirachtan’ ring a bell?  It probably should, because it is a hugely versatile chemical compound that has made the neem tree legendary in India and surrounding lands for some 2,000 years. And chances are that its full medicinal and insecticidal potential has yet to be tapped. The neem tree (Azadirachta indica), a…
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July 5, 2013 0