When the Spanish discovered Zinnias growing in Mexico in 1519, they called these colorful, multi-petalled flowers “mal de ojo,” Spanish for “evil eye.” The name derives from the startling appearance of the flower’s large, unusual center which is edged with tiny, yellow, star-shaped flowerets. Named for the mid-18^th century German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn, Zinnias are in the spotlight this year, which has been named the Year of the Zinnia by the National Garden Bureau. ...read more

As we swelter through the final days of August, it's easy to give up on the few heat-bowed flowers still struggling in the garden and turn our thoughts to fall gardening chores and cooler weather. ...read more