Peach trees are a member of the rose family. It is thought that the first peach trees came from China. The trees had been taken to the Americas by at least the 1600s. These small trees grow in warm climates and produce a juicy, fuzzy-skinned fruit. Peaches with smooth rather than fuzzy skin are called nectarines... Read more
What is a cornucopia? Also called the Horn of plenty, it is a decorative object or motif used to symbolize abundance. The first cornucopias were curved goat horns overflowing with produce and grain. Later, baskets woven in this shape were used... Read more
Pinecones are the seed-bearing fruit of about 120 different species of pine tree. Pines are found throughout the world, especially in the cold northern reaches... Read more
A pumpkin patch is a garden used for growing pumpkins. Each year, millions of children across North America look forward to visiting a local pumpkin patch. There, they can often play in corn mazes and... Read more
Broccoli - is it one of your favorite foods? Many people, kids and grown ups alike, would answer that question with... Read more
The banana is a familiar fruit. In fact, it is one of the most important food crops in the world. Bananas grow... Read more
Lily of the valley is a fragrant flower related to the asparagus. It is sometimes called lily-of-the-valley... Read more
Entire forests of trees sense the coming of winter, and they prepare. The trees get ready to hibernate, protecting themselves from the cold. Green leaves stop producing... Read more
Acorns are the nut or fruit produced by the oak tree. Acorns have a distinct appearance from other nuts, with a characteristic... Read more
Trees with falling leaves have a certain emotional appeal that resonates in popular culture. In the novel And the Mountains Echoed by... Read more
The calla lily is a flowering plant native to South Africa. Its name is derived from a Greek word for beauty. Famously... Read more
Carrots are familiar both in the garden and on the dinner table. The carrot a vegetable cultivated for its starchy... Read more
The watermelon is a favorite summer fruit. The plant, a tropical gourd, probably originated in sub-Saharan Africa. The watermelon has a long... Read more
The tomato is a staple food in many parts of the world today. But until a few hundred years ago, this was not the case. The wild tomato is native to the... Read more
The spruce tree is a type of evergreen tree found in North America and Europe. Like a pine tree, it has needles rather than leaves... Read more
The strawberry in its wild form has been eaten by people for centuries; it is mentioned in ancient Roman writings. During the 1300s, it began to be cultivated as a... Read more
Pears are soft fruits that are grown in temperate regions around the world. They are enjoyed fresh, canned, in beverages, and in jellies. Pears likely originated in... Read more
Lemons are a popular tropical citrus fruit used to make lemonade, pies, and to flavor beverages such as tea. They are known for their... Read more
Hibiscus are showy, ornamental, brightly colored flowers. Most are tropical, but some can survive mild temperate winters. They are... Read more
Cherries are familiar fruits. The trees are native to the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe... Read more