Dahlia

The native dahlias found in the mountains of Mexico and Guatemala are the genetic source for the modern hybrid dahlias grown today. While busy conquering the Aztec nation, 16th-century Spanish conquistadors pursued numerous side explorations that led to the discovery of the New World plant life. Botanists accompanying the soldiers discovered what is sometimes referred to as the tree dahlia (D. imperialis). The hollow stems of these plants, some growing to over 20 feet, were often used for hauling water or as an actual source of water to traveling hunters. In fact, the Aztec name for “tree dahlias” was “acocotli” or “water-cane.”

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About 200 years passed before dahlia seeds, roots and plants found their way to Spain and other parts of Europe. The Madrid Botanical Gardens named the genus for Andreas Dahl, a Swedish botanist, and student of Carl Linnaeus. Initial breeders of dahlias were more interested in the dahlia as a food source since the blooms at that time were not particularly noteworthy.

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In 1872 a new box of dahlia roots was sent from Mexico to Holland and the only survivor produced a brilliant red bloom with petals that were rolled back and pointed. Immediately dahlias regained their place on the benches of plant breeders who began to successfully combine this new variety (D. juarezii) with parents of early varieties. These progenies have served as the parents of today’s hybrids. Breeders today propagate new cultivars using various techniques and creating fantastic new colors, shapes and plant habits that perform well in the garden.

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Read more about the dahlia.

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Snapdragon

For some gardeners, snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) is one of those flowers that evokes memories of their parents’ or grandparents’ garden. It is a nostalgic plant that can foster an emotional tie to the past. Tall varieties can be used as fresh cuts in floral arrangements and dwarf and medium varieties can be used in containers and garden plantings.

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Snapdragons are native to the Mediterranean region and parts of the Middle East and North Africa. Snapdragons are usually grown as an annual in most U.S. gardens even though plants are winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-10.

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The genus name Antirrhinum comes from the Greek words "anti" meaning "like" and "rhin" meaning "nose or snout," which describes the shape of the flowers. There are also varieties that have unique double and open flowers.

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The dragon-shaped, tubular flowers come in a variety of colors including pastels and bicolors. With the bicolors the throat is usually white and the lip of the flowers is another color. The only flower color that is not available is a true blue.

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Generally, snapdragons are treated as annuals because they’re not that hardy. However, for Southern gardeners, snapdragons usually last longer when they are used in the fall. As temperatures start to rise later in the spring in the South, flowering typically slows down or stops. In moderate climates like what occurs in Midwest states, plants will stop flowering under warmer summer temperatures or produce only a few flowers. Once the temperatures cool off, plants start to flower again.

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Read more about the snapdragon.

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Salvia nemorosa

Although its name is derived from the Latin "salvere," meaning to "heal or good health," this moniker undoubtedly refers to the common herb Sage (Salvia officinalis) and not the ornamental Salvias we find flowering in our gardens. All Salvia are in the mint family Lamiacea and are cousins to landscape favorites such as Nepeta (Catmint) and Monarda (Beebalm). Indeed, many Salvia species reveal their history through their minty fragrance contained in their leaves. There are more than one thousand species in the genus; however, most are not hardy in northern gardens.

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English botanist George Bentham did the first extensive documentation of this genus in 1836. One fascinating characteristic of Salvia flowers is that they contain a trigger mechanism that deposits pollen on the back side of visiting bees. This pollen then becomes transferred to female Salvia flowers that share the same receptive flower parts encouraging pollination among the same or similar species. The beautiful Salvia in modern gardens originates from plants found in the wooded elevations of Eurasia. The most common hardy species are S. nemorosa and S. pratensis and the many hybrids derived such as S. x sylvestris and S. x superbum. Today, we typically refer to the entire class of these hybrids as S. nemorosa (nemorosa from the Latin "of woods") for simplicity and the reason why we commonly refer to these hardy plants and Woodland Sage. Interestingly, all plants with the common name of Sage are Salvia, but we reserve the true genus name for ornamental rather than culinary species. The Sage you keep in your kitchen is actually Salvia too, and it can also be winter hardy in the North; however, they have lesser ornamental value.

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Much of the early work in hardy salvia breeding was done by German plantsman Ernst Pagels who is credited with breeding varieties "Blauhugel" (Blue Hill) and "Schneehugel" (Snow Hill) shortly after World War II. Both of these are still in commercial cultivation and are found in garden centers during spring and summer.

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Today, there are several hundred varieties of hardy garden Salvia from which to choose. Likely the most common and well-known cultivar, also a product of innovative German breeding is "Mainacht" (May Night). Named Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association in 1997, May Night remains a favorite among landscapers for its abundance of indigo blue flowers and pest and disease resistance.

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Read more about the salvia nemorosa.

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Pumpkin

Pumpkins and other crops in the Cucurbitaceae family originated in Central America, where Native Americans would either roast and consume strips of pumpkin flesh, or dry the skins and weave them into mats. When European colonists arrived in the Americas, they prepared a dish believed to be a precursor of modern pumpkin pie. They cut the top off the pumpkin, removed the seeds and filled the inside with milk, spices and honey before baking it over hot ashes.

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The popular tradition of pumpkin carving was derived from an Irish custom of carving jack-o’-lanterns out of turnips and potatoes, and placing an ember inside to ward off evil spirits. When Irish immigrants arrived in America in the 1800s, they brought this custom with them and applied it to pumpkins.

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Today, pumpkins are a staple for fall decorations and recipes. Eating pumpkin provides numerous health benefits: they are high in fiber, potassium, iron, and vitamins A, B and C, while being low in calories, fat, and sodium. Pumpkin is excellent in baked goods, soups, casseroles, pasta and sauces. Cook with pumpkin throughout the year to support heart health and healthy blood pressure.

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Read more about the pumpkin.

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All histories and facts were assembled by the National Garden Bureau.