Rhaponticum carthamoides

 Rhaponticum carthamoides is a rare endemic plant belonging to the Composite family. It is a big herbal perennial, reaching 130 cm in height. Leuzea, common name,  grows on the mountain slopes in a limited area of southern Siberia (Altai, Sayani).. 

Also known as Maral Root, Rhaponticum carthamoides is an herbaceous perennial growing between 4,500 -6,000 feet above sea level. The plant can be found growing wild in Southern Siberia, Kazakhstan, the Altai region, and Western Sayani. Rhaponticum is also cultivated throughout Russia and Eastern Europe. Rhaponticum derives its traditional name, Maral Root from the Maral Deer who feed on it. As a traditional remedy, Rhaponticum has been used to allay fatigue, treat impotence, speed recovery from illness, and improve mood in cases of mild depression. Research conducted in Russia and Eastern Europe indicates that Maral Root may indeed exert a beneficial effect cases of impotence, improve memory and learning, increase working capacity of tired skeletal muscles, and possess anabolic and adaptogenic properties. 

Rhaponticum carthamoides contains a number of antioxidant flavonoids and natural sterols, including a substance called 20-Hydroxyecdysone, which has been shown to increase protein production at the cellular level, and in turn enhance the production of muscle tissue. Rhaponticum extract can help to increase work capacity and endurance, while reducing mental and physical fatigue. 

They are  beautiful plant , foliage and flowers , the whole package.

Echinocereus reichenachii baileyi.

Echinocereus reichenbachii baileyi. A winter hardy hedgehog cactus species growing in my Lindsay garden.

One in flower is about 8 years old.Little ones in pots 1 year old.

I will take a few to Peterborough garden show next week

Silybum marianum

Silybum marianum known as milk thistle, is an annual or biannual plant of the Asteraceae family. This thistle has red to purple flowers and shiny pale green leaves with white veins. Originally a native of Southern Europe through to Asia, it is now found throughout the world.

The medicinal parts of the plant are the ripe seeds. Milk Thistle has black shiny seeds, crowned with feathery tufts like those of dandelion seeds. Traditionally, seeds have been roasted for use as a coffee substitute, but it is their historical and modern use in the supportive treatment of liver disease that has attracted attention. Use of the plant as a liver protecting agent dates at least to the first century.

St. Mary's thistle or the milk thistle, like the thistles of Greece and Northern Europe, is associated with all sorts of myth and magic. The leading bit of local folklore is that while the Virgin Mary was nursing Jesus, her milk spilt onto a thistle. Her milk ran down the leaf, filling the creases with white. Evermore the thistle would have white veins on its leaf in remembrance of the Virgin’s milk. Hence the name "milk thistle". The plant does indeed have white networks of veins on its leaves, one of its characteristic features that differentiates it from most thistles. The plant is also known as St. Mary's thistle.

I stay away from annual and biannual plants but this one has bountiful foliage and will be perfect addition to my sand garden.

Hello to all
we have a beautiful winter and I should have lots of time to write. But somehow no time for anything this year.I didn't even finish planting seeds yet .
I went to the Poland last year( in September)to visit my family. Of course, I collected seeds every where. I hope that they germinate nicely. Most of them calls to be left outside.
I brought the seeds of various trees and shrubs, some with edible fruit.
One of them is Cornus mass, tastes like sweet cherry. Unfortunately I cant find the pictures of that tree .

On the picture, I am standing at front of European Beech Tree .One of my favourite shade trees with beautiful grey bark. The leaves are a shimmering green when unfolding, turning to a dark green in summer. Russet brown and golden bronze in fall. Dense, upright, oval form. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun. Grows 50'-60' with a 40' spread. (Zones 4-7)