If we were to ask you how you think passion flower "helps out" in the bedroom, your first guess doesn't count. We've blogged about a lot of plant species with traditional uses for that kind of help, but some species in the Passiflora genus—despite a name that evokes images of smutty paperback covers—let you skip right past the "I've got a headache" phase and go directly towards a restful sleep. 

But first, stay awake long enough to learn about general Passiflora history and care, and the species most frequently used for medicinal purposes: Passiflora incarnata. 

Most of us grew up with the belief that earthworms are the superheroes of soil health, and that their presence in our gardens and wild environment is nothing but auspicious. After all, earthworms loosen compacted soil, break down decaying organic matter, and leave behind nutrient-rich poop many gardeners call "black gold". We can even buy worms by the pound—most commonly the red wriggler (Eisenia fetida, previously E. foetida) to start "colonies" in special worm bins for vermicomposting. 

Tiny brown banana-shaped caraway seeds, believe it or not, are actually the fruits of this feathery plant. Their flavor resembles that of fennel or anise, but with a sweeter, smokier, often spicier taste. 

Who here remembers Fraggle Rock? The flowers from some of our favorite bee balm varieties remind us of Jim Henson's tiny Muppet characters. The bravest Fraggles would sneak like mice through Doc's cottage garden—avoiding a shaggy mutt named Sprocket—to embark on their adventures and hijinks. Lucky for them, their feathery, colorful mops of hair are the perfect camouflage for hiding among long-blooming bee balm plants.

Alaska. Space. The deep oceans. All of these have been subject to the cliche, "The Final Frontier". We'd like to nominate a more appropriate candidate: The soil beneath our feet. 

As the scientific community learns more about the vast microscopic life within our soil and how it affects our garden, it's discovering fungi, bacteria, and creatures whose behaviors and appearances rival those of aliens in science fiction movies. 

Phlox, a perennial favorite in many gardens, offers a delightful palette of colors ranging from white to pink, lavender, and red. These flowers not only bring visual appeal but also attract pollinators, making them a functional choice for ecological garden designs. Growing phlox from seed can be a rewarding process, offering gardeners the chance to watch these plants evolve from tiny seeds into lush, flowering beauties. Here's a detailed guide on how to do just that!