The aloe vera plant is a popular, easy-to-care-for succulent known for its medicinal gel, which is used to soothe minor burns and skin irritations. It is typically grown indoors in containers and thrives in bright, indirect light. 

Care and Maintenance

Aloe vera care is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for beginner plant owners. 

• Light: Place your plant in a location with bright, indirect sunlight, such as near a southern or western window. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause the plant to become leggy.

• Watering: As a succulent, the aloe plant stores water in its fleshy leaves and does not require frequent watering. Water deeply only when the soil has dried out completely, which is typically every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer, and less often in fall and winter. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot.

• Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a commercial cactus or succulent blend, mixed with perlite or lava rock.

• Temperature & Humidity: Aloe vera thrives in typical indoor temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and handles dry air well. Protect it from cold drafts or temperatures below 40°F (4°C).

• Fertilizer: Fertilizing is generally not necessary, but a half-strength liquid fertilizer for cacti and succulents can be applied once or twice during the spring and summer growing season.

• Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root-bound, usually every 3-5 years. Terra-cotta pots are recommended as their porous material helps the soil dry faster. 

Common Uses

The gel found within the leaves of the Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera) is widely used for its beneficial properties. 

• Topical application: The gel is used in lotions, cosmetics, and ointments to soothe minor burns, skin abrasions, insect bites, and windburn.

• A note on ingestion: While the clear inner gel is often used in dietary supplements, the yellow layer just below the outer skin (known as "latex") contains a compound called aloin, which can cause indigestion and act as a strong laxative if ingested. The plant is considered toxic to pets if eaten. 

The angelica plant (Angelica genus) is a collection of species known for their dramatic height, ornamental value, and historical uses in medicine and confectionery. They are generally biennial plants that flower in their second year and then die, but they often self-seed, providing a continuous display in the garden. 

Key Varieties and Products

As an avid gardener interested in flowering shrubs and trees, you may be interested in specific ornamental varieties of the angelica plant. 

• Angelica gigas

  • This variety, also known as Korean angelica or giant angelica, is noted for its striking deep reddish-purple stems and 6-8 inch broad flower clusters.

  • It offers a dramatic vertical accent in the garden, typically reaching 5-6 feet in height and flowering in late summer.

  • You might be interested in this product from White Flower Farm because of your general interest in gardening and landscaping.

• Angelica sylvestris 'Ebony'

  • A highly ornamental choice, 'Ebony' features finely cut, deep purple, almost black leaves that create a stunning backdrop for grayish-pink flower clusters that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

  • This variety has won the RHS Award of Garden Merit and is adaptable, growing well in both full sun and partial shade.

  • You might be interested in this product from White Flower Farm because of your general interest in gardening and landscaping.

• Angelica archangelica

  • Also known as garden angelica or archangel, this is the species most commonly cultivated for its aromatic stems and roots, which are used in cooking and traditional medicine.

  • It prefers cool weather and moist soil and can be grown from seed or purchased as a young plant. 

Growing and Care Tips

Angelica plants generally prefer consistently moist, rich, slightly acidic soil and a location with full sun to part shade. They perform better when not exposed to the full, harsh heat of the afternoon sun. 

• Planting: Seeds need light and fluctuating cool/warm temperatures to germinate (a process called stratification). You can also purchase young plants and space them 12-24 inches apart.

• Watering: Do not let the soil dry out; keep it consistently moist.

• Life Cycle: As biennials, they will die after flowering and producing seeds in their second year. Allowing the seeds to fall and ripen on the ground is an easy way for the plants to naturalize in your garden, ensuring a continuous supply year after year. If you remove the flower heads before they go to seed, the plant may live for several years as a short-lived perennial. 

Overview

Anise, also called aniseed or rarely anix, is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. The flavor and aroma of its seeds have similarities with some other spices and herbs, such as star anise, fennel, liquorice, and tarragon.

Scientific name: Pimpinella anisum

Family: Apiaceae

Genus: Pimpinella

Order: Apiales