Caryophyllaceae.Ever green perennial (Z3-8), White, Very fragrant flowers in summer. Size: 6-12”
Sun, well-drained soil, average water weeds; don't over water. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies & birds. Fragrant, deeply fringed flowers.

Caryophyllaceae. Hardy Perennial to 3' Full to part sun, any good garden soil. A very tolerant plant. Very ornamental, widely cultivated in the flower garden and is grown commercially in France for its essential oil. The pink flowers have a rich clove-like perfume.

Companion: The plant is self-fertile. Noted for attracting butterflies & wildlife.

Harvest: The flowers are harvested when they are fully open in the morning, preferably after 3 hours exposure to sunlight.

Uses: The flower petals have a strong smell of cloves and are candied, used as a garnish in salads, for flavoring fruit, fruit salads etc. Substitute for rose petals in making a syrup.
Dianthus flowers are an aromatic, stimulant herb that has been used in tonic cordials in the past to treat fevers, though this use is now obsolete. It is traditionally prescribed in European herbal medicine to treat coronary and nervous disorders.
An essential oil is obtained from the flowers-used in perfumery. The flower heads are dried and used in potpourri.
The leaves can be simmered in water and this water can then be used as a soap for cleaning skin & clothes.

Origin: Europe - China, Iraq, Kurdistan, Spain, Turkey.
Naturalized in Britain.

Caryophyllaceae. Hardy Perennial to 3' Full to part sun, any good garden soil. A very tolerant plant. Very ornamental, widely cultivated in the flower garden and is grown commercially in France for its essential oil. The pink flowers have a rich clove-like perfume.

Companion: The plant is self-fertile. Noted for attracting butterflies & wildlife.

Harvest: The flowers are harvested when they are fully open in the morning, preferably after 3 hours exposure to sunlight.

Uses: The flower petals have a strong smell of cloves and are candied, used as a garnish in salads, for flavoring fruit, fruit salads etc. Substitute for rose petals in making a syrup.
Dianthus flowers are an aromatic, stimulant herb that has been used in tonic cordials in the past to treat fevers, though this use is now obsolete. It is traditionally prescribed in European herbal medicine to treat coronary and nervous disorders.
An essential oil is obtained from the flowers-used in perfumery.
The flower heads are dried and used in potpourri.
The leaves can be simmered in water and this water can then be used as a soap for cleaning skin & clothes.

Origin: Europe - China, Iraq, Kurdistan, Spain, Turkey. Naturalized in Britain.

Caryophyllaceae. Hardy perennial, 6-16 inches. Clove-scented blooms May to July- large, bright pink flowers with broad petals, notched at the tips, with dark ring near the center. Very adaptable and easy to grow. Blooms abundantly and needs less water than its cousin Sweet William. It grows in low mat formations. Great for rock or cottage gardens or borders. Needs shade during the hottest part of the day.
Maiden pink has large flowers with broad petals, notched at the tips, with dark ring near the center.

Caryophyllaceae. Hardy Perennial growing to 1’. Used as a ground cover plant in a sunny position. Forms a slowly spreading carpet. Prefers a dry soil and a sunny position. Dislikes shade & damp conditions. .
Great for top of a retaining wall or tucked into pockets of a rockery.

Companion: Clove Scented flowers in summer are pollinated by Bees, Moths & Butterflies. The plant is self-fertile. Noted for attracting wildlife.

The word “plumarius” means plumed or feathered, and gives an indication of what the flowers look like. Tall stems carry the fully double flowers with feathered fringes, in colors ranging from violet to white. Excellent cut flower. The plant can grow up to 20” and does best in full sun to light shade. Prefers neutral to alkaline soil with good drainage. Blooms between May and July.

‘Spring Beauty’ Double flowers, which come in a range of reds, pinks and whites. Long blooming, with big and fragrant flowers, and excellent cut flowers. Grows up to 15” tall. Likes the sun.

Scrophulariaceae. Biennial/perennial (Z4-8) To 36-48 " Dark evergreen leaves, flower stalks packed with thimble-shaped flowers. Spikes of golden-brown, tubular flowers are produced during midsummer. An unusual variation on the common foxglove. These plants are mainly biennial, though they will produce plenty of new side shoots (for blooms the next year) and self-seed freely. After flowering, cut back the flowered spikes to encourage more side shoots.
An easily grown plant, Give ordinary garden soil, & organic matter. Drought tolerant once established; part sun /full sun if the soil is moist. Apply 2-3" mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the plant in early spring.
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer and rabbits. Pollinated by Bees & Butterflies
The leaves are cardiac, stimulant and tonic. They are often used in the treatment of certain heart complaints.

Scrophulariaceae. Biennial/perennial (Z4-8) To 36-48 " Dark evergreen leaves, flower stalks packed with thimble-shaped flowers. Spikes of golden-brown, tubular flowers are produced during midsummer. Easy to grow. Give ordinary garden soil, & organic matter. Drought tolerant once established; part sun /full sun if the soil is moist. Apply 2-3" mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the plant in early spring.

Common foxglove ranges in colors of white through lavender into dark purple. These plants are mainly biennial, though they will produce plenty of new side shoots. (for blooms the next year) and self-seed freely. After flowering, cut back the flowered spikes to encourage more side shoots.

Companion: Rarely troubled by browsing deer and rabbits. Pollinated by Bees & Butterflies

Uses: The leaves are cardiac, stimulant and tonic. They are often used in the treatment of certain heart complaints.

Rare annual to 18". Full to partial sun. Give good garden soil, moist but well drained. Loose, lazy upright growth habit. A great addition to the cutting garden and cottage garden. Scented leaves. Flowers in terminal spikes in shades of blue in Summer. Deadhead faded blooms.
Companion: Great Bee plant.

Uses: Eastern Europeans make a tea from the lemon scented leaves.

Small, hardy sub-shrub that grows from 3 to 6 feet high. Full sun in an open location, in fertile soil. Rounded stems are covered with lance-shaped leaves that smell minty when crushed. Inflorescences of lilac-purple flowers from late summer to mid-fall. This shrub may die down to the ground in the winter, especially at the limit of its range, but it usually re-grows the following spring.

Companions: Butterfly

Harvest: anytime- use fresh or dried.

Cousin to Vietnamese mint.

Echinacea purpurea- purple coneflower; E. purpurea,'White Swan'- White coneflower; E. angustifolia- Narrow leaved purple coneflower; E paradoxa- Yellow coneflower; E. pallida- Pale purple coneflower;

A hardy, long-lived, medicinal wildflower. Very showy, large flowers with narrow, drooping petals and large gold or gold-tipped center cone.

Compositae. Perennial to 2 feet. Can be grown in sun or partial shade, average soil, moderate water needs but drought tolerant. Will reseed itself. Since it's the roots of this plant that are of most use, it's important to have a deep, well-tilled bed. Plant it permanently, this plant doesn't like to be disturbed once it's established.

Companion: butterflies.

Harvest: Takes 3-4 years for root to fully develop for medicinal harvest. Harvest by digging up plant, dividing it, and placing half the plant back in the ground for next year. Harvested part is stripped of leaves, washed, peeled, shredded and dried. Place in a dark, airtight jar.

Part Used: Root, dried; leaves and coneflower useable but lesser potency. Often used in combination with goldenseal or vitamin C. Warning: Echinacea can cause a tingling sensation in the mouth when ingested, but this is natural and dissipates after a few minutes.  Echinacea is listed with the FDA as "undefined safety" due to the fact that no one has ever had a toxic reaction to the herb.

Uses: Said to stimulate the immune system in production of white blood cells and increase lymphatic filtration. It is also reported to have tumor- inhibiting properties. Use for up to 2 weeks, then take a week off before using again. A great everlasting flower. It acts as a natural antibiotic and works like penicillin in the body with no side effects; aids in reducing fever, infections, bad breath & mucous buildup. It also contains copper, iron, tannins, protein, fatty acids and vitamins A, C and E. Mild antibiotic, effective against staph and strep infections. Believed to improve the migration of white blood cells to attack tumor cells, toxins and nearly all infectious conditions. Aids in the production of interferon has increases antiviral activity against influenza (flu), herpes, an inflammation of the skin and mouth. Activates the body's immune system. Helps ward off the common cold and relieve the symptoms of hay fever, upper respiratory infections and sinusitis. It may reduce the severity of symptoms such as runny nose and sore throat and reduce the duration of illness. Antibacterial properties can stimulate wound healing and are of benefit to skin conditions such as burns, insect bites, ulcers, psoriasis,

Ephedraceae. Evergreen shrub. Requires a well-drained loamy soil and a sunny position. Established plants are drought resistant and are also lime tolerant. Succeeds well in a cold greenhouse but is often killed outdoors by a combination of cold and wet conditions. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if fruit and seed is required. Plant out in the spring or early summer after the last expected frosts and give some protection in their first winter. Division in spring or autumn. Layering in Spring.
Native habitat: Stony slopes and gravel terraces, often on limestone.
Harvest: The stems can be harvested at any time of the year and are dried for later use.
Edible Uses: Fruit: raw. A sweet flavor.
Seed- cooked. Slightly bitter, is roasted and ground into a powder and used to make a bread or mush.
Stems: Used fresh or dried, usually made into a tea, though they can also be eaten raw. The young stems are best if eaten raw. A delicious tea is made by steeping the green or dried twigs in boiling water until amber or pink in color. The flavor is improved if the stems are roasted first.
Medicinal Uses: The stems of most members of this genus contain the alkaloid ephedrine and are valuable in the treatment of asthma and many other complaints of the respiratory system. Ephedra does not cure asthma but in many cases it is very effective in treating the symptoms.
Medicinal Uses: The stems are stimulant, diuretic and tonic. They are beneficial in the treatment of urogenital complaints. Traditional cure for syphilis.

Origin: Range is Southwestern N. America

Onagraceae. Perennial to 2'. Full to part sun. Succeeds in most soils. Prefers a well-drained but moisture retentive soil. In flower from July to August.

Beneficial: pollinated by Bees and hover flies. The plant is self-fertile. Noted for attracting wildlife. The flowers are attractive to bees and provide a good late source of nectar.

Uses: Leaves - raw. Added to salads, they have an agreeable flavor.

Origin: Britain.

Compositae. Perennial to 2 feet. Sun or light shade, well drained soil, moderate water needs. Pretty blue or white flowers (similar to asters) bloom in spring and early summer. Deadhead fading flowers to prolong blooming season.

Used as an insect repellent. Burn leaves as a smudge or on an open fire to rid home of fleas & lice. Avoid breathing smoke.
May cause contact rash on those with sensitive skin.

Eucalyptus globulus 'Tasmanian blue gum'; E. bridgesiana 'Apple eucalyptus'; E. citriodora 'Lemon eucalyptus'; E. cinerea 'Silver Dollar eucalyptus'
Myrtaceae. Evergreen shrub or tree. Prefers a sunny position. Succeeds in most soils, tolerating poor and dry soils. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plant out into their permanent positions in early summer and give them some protection from the cold in their first winter. Requires a sheltered position, disliking cold, dry or desiccating winds, often succumbing to heavy frost.
Eucalyptus continues to grow until it is too cold for them to do so. This makes them more susceptible to damage from sudden cold snaps. If temperature fluctuations are more gradual, they become dormant, making them more cold resistant. A deep mulch around the roots to prevent the soil from freezing also helps. Remarkably adaptable, there is increase in the hardiness of future generations from the seed of survivors.

Commonly planted for timber, soil stabilization and the essential oil in its leaves. A very fast growing tree, big feeders, they can stunt the growth of nearby plants.

Good for woodland garden, dappled shade partial sun border. Flowers in the Summer.

Companions/Pollinators: The flowers are rich in nectar and are a good bee crop.

Uses: The bruised leaves have a strong balsamic smell. Essential oil from the fresh or dried leaves is used as a flavoring in sweets, baked goods, ice cream etc.

Medicinal Uses: The leaves- Extracts of the leaves have antibacterial activity. The essential oil obtained from various species of eucalyptus is a very powerful antiseptic. It has a disinfectant action, destroying the lower forms of life. The oil can be used externally, applied to cuts, skin infections etc. It can also be inhaled for treating blocked nasal passages, can be gargled for sore throat and can also be taken internally for a wide range of complaints. Essential oils can have an adverse effect on the body in larger doses.

A resin is exuded from the tree. It can also be obtained from the tree by making incisions in the trunk. This resin contains tannin and is powerfully astringent, it is used internally in the treatment of diarrhea and bladder inflammation, externally it is applied to cuts, etc. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy for the respiratory system.

The leaves and the essential oil in them are used as an insect repellent. The trees can also be planted in wet areas where mosquitoes abound. The ground will be dried out by the trees, making it unsuitable for the mosquitoes to breed.
An essential oil from the leaves is used in perfume and in medicines. The yield is about 0.9% by steam distillation. The essential oil is also in spot removers for cleaning off oil and grease.

A yellow/brown dye is obtained from the young leaves. It does not require a mordant. Gray and green dyes are obtained from the young shoots. A dark green dye is obtained from the young bark.

Wood is durable, fire resistant. An important timber species, it is used for construction, tool handles etc. It is also used as a source of pulp for paper. The living trees are very flammable, keep away from the house!

Origin: Australia - Tasmania, Victoria. This species is the national emblem of Tasmania.

'Indian Sage', 'Thoroughwort', 'Tse Lan'.
Compositae. Perennial growing to 4'. Full to part sun, average, well-drained soil. In flower Summer into Fall. The plant is self-fertile.

Harvest: The leaves and flowering stems are harvested in the summer before the buds open & are dried for later use.

Uses: Boneset is one of the most popular domestic medicines in North America in the treatment of influenza, fever, colds, acute bronchitis. Stimulates resistance to viral and bacterial infections, reduces fevers by encouraging sweating. The plant should be used with some caution since large doses are laxative and emetic and the plant might contain potentially liver-harming pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
An infusion of the dried leaves and flowers is used for relief of common cold, loosens phlegm and promotes its removal through coughing. Also used in the treatment of rheumatic illness, skin conditions & worms.
A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh plant, harvested when it first comes into flower.

Origin :Eastern N. America

Compositae. Hardy Perennial to 6 feet. Full sun to part shade, in average, well drained garden soil. Vanilla scented leaves and blooms. Beautiful big flowers August - October. The seeds ripen September - November. Division in spring or autumn. Stems make fun straws.

Companion: Bees, butterflies and wildlife in general, are attracted to this plant. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. Self-fertile. Rabbits don't browse this plant.

Harvest: Leaves and flowering stems are harvested in the summer before the buds open and are dried for later use. The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.

Used by Native Americans to induce perspiration and break a fever. The plant still in use in today.

The whole plant,(especially the root) acts on the genitourinary system; as a diuretic and stimulant, an astringent tonic. Tea from the roots & leaves long-used to eliminate stones from the urinary tract; to treat incontinence in children, cystitis, urethritis, impotence, rheumatism gout and cleans out the kidneys.

Pink or red dye from fruit.

Warning: The plant should be used with some caution, the plant might contain potentially liver-harming pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pregnant women should avoid

Euphorbiaceae. Biennial to 4 feet. Moderate light, soil & water needs. Easy to grow spiky plant, reputed to drive moles from the garden.
Grows as a tall stem (to 4 feet the second year) long, narrow, pointed leaves with yellow flowers at top in second year, then dies. If you find this plant works for you, allow to go to seed for new plants the next year.

This plant is NOT edible. Wear gloves when handling this plant! Stems have caustic milky juice, keep away from skin & eyes (can cause rash or blisters).

This juice is the deterrent to gophers & moles.