Plantidote of the Day 2012-06-21

Tuberose begonia

Rose begonia

Happy (late) Summer Solstice! I thought it was today, but apparently yesterday was the real solstice. My excuse (of course I have one!) is that it's been so fracking cold here in Zone 10 that summer seems like it must be months away. We barely broke the 70s here in LA yesterday. Meanwhile, it was nearly 90 in Chicago, and 94 ("feels like 100") in New York City!

So here in Coolifornia, we're shivering, but at least we have some splendid begonias to look at. For more details about growing them -- and also for some awesome images -- check out the American Begonia Society. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go put on a sweater.

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Readers, please send twig (twig4now@gmail.com) images and stories for the ongoing Plantidote of the Day series. In exchange, you'll win undying fame in the form of a hat tip! Plants growing in your garden, your house, or neighbor's yard, plants from the forest or farmers' market, plants you preserved, plants you prepared (wine; cider; tea; dried beans), plants you harvested (grains; chantrelles), plants you picked (flowers), plants you dried (herbs), plants you covet or hope to grow someday. Herbal remedies, propagation tips, new varieties, etc.. And if you can, include some solid detail about the plant, too -- a story, the genus and species, or where you got the seeds, or the recipe, or your grandmother gave it to you. Or challenge us with a "Name That Plant" mystery entry ... And please feel free to add corrections and additional information in the csomments.

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