Circa 1999
The history of the garden is rich and varied, spanning cultures and countries throughout the world. A previous article discussed gardening beginning with the written descriptions of Egyptian plantings in 2000 B.C. through 607 A.D. and the creation of lavish Chinese gardens. The development of the garden continues with the fall of the Roman Empire. After the roman Empire collapsed, Roman gardens throughout the empire fell into ruin. Complex pipes and pools supporting the fountains, aqueducts, and Roman baths were destroyed.  

Purple Fountain Grass
(Pennisetum setaceum)

One of the most fuss-free ornamental grasses is Purple Fountain Grass. Rich, purple-red, finely textured foliage is topped by dark-red fuzzy flower spikes that resemble fox-tails. This grass is indigenous to Africa and provides contrast with green or gray-leafed grasses and perennials. 

Soil:  Well-drained, moist soils

Light:  Full-sun, drought hardy

Uses:  Fountain grass makes a beautiful specimen plant for foundations, borders, rock gardens, or accent beds. 

He has been called " the father of our national parks." As an environmentalist pioneer, her was the first to speak out against adverse logging and farming practices. John Muir devoted his life to the study of the natural world and it was an incident in Indianapolis that led him to his destiny.  

John Muir was born in Dunbar, Scotland in 1838. He was surrounded by the North Sea, the Lammer-Muir Hills, and the Firth of Forth ( the point where the Forth River meets the ocean).  His first 11 years were spent observing the natural struggle between the sea and the mountains. 

In 1849 Muir came to America with his father. They settled in Wisconsin and the rest of the family joined them within the year. It was on the Muir Wisconsin farm that John developed an appreciation for nature.  He became an avid reader and was considered to be a self-taught expert in botany and geology. As the Civil War began in 1862, Muir entered the University of Wisconsin. Two years later he moved to Canada where he spent time exploring and working in a sawmill. 

Without mint a Kentucky Derby favorite would just be a julep.  Leave off the mint and all you have is the pepper.  And how good would lamb be without a side of mint jelly?  Mint is a popular herb for cooking, making candy, creating medicinal remedies, and planting in a garden.