Double-Duty Containers

We originally got these lanterns to use, well, as lanterns. Then we thought, what a great idea for a gift. The recipient gets to enjoy a gorgeous arrangement, then gets a delightful lantern to enjoy on the terrace or in the park. We only have a few left.

The Most Plant-Friendly Voice in Britain Chosen

You've got to love those garden-loving Brits. This spring the Royal Horticultural Society's garden at Wisley held auditions to find "the most plant-friendly voice" in Britain. Ten finalists, reflecting a range of voices, were chosen and their recorded voices played through headphones attached to the pots of tomato plants. The winner? Sarah Darwin, a botanist at the Natural History Museum and Charles' great-great-granddaughter. Appropriately enough, she read a selection from On the Origin of Species. During the month-long, her tomato plant grew 1.6 cm higher (nearly 2/3") than the next contender.

Colin Crosbie, Garden Superintendent and curator for ‘The Voice of Wisley’ experiment said, "There is something wonderfully pleasing about a plant responding to a story about how its kind came into being."

Given the influence of British TV on the U.S., can "American Plant Idol" be far behind?

Nasturtiums: A Charmer with Many Virtues

Nasturtiums are one of those garden stalwarts that always seem to bring out smiles. How can you not love a plant with so many virtues? Nasturtiums are fast growers. Low maintenance. ("Benign neglect" is often prescribed in gardening books.) The colorful flowers bloom all summer long. Even the leaves are cheery, nearly round and reminiscent of tiny lily pads. Thomas Jefferson included nasturtiums in the kitchen garden at Monticello for the peppery zest both leaves and blossoms add to salads. The writer of one herbal helpfully noted that, should one run out of capers, pickled nasturtium seeds are an excellent substitute. Enjoy them scampering up a trellis or cascading from a windowbox this holiday weekend, knowing that, in the Victorian language of flowers, nasturtiums signify patriotism.