"Matrix planting involves three layers of plants: groundcovers, smaller and larger seasonal perennials," writes columnist Tom Karwin. "It does not include annual plants but could include architectural perennials (shrubs, and trees), if that works in your garden."
In an effort headquartered at the University of Kansas, researchers at 20 institutions throughout the U.S. are systemically digitizing more than a million specimens of plants from across tropical Africa. The tropical African plant specimens documenting some of the richest elements of biodiversity in the world will be digitally imaged, while associated data are captured and data records are georeferenced.