After a long day of working on my garden in the hot summer sun and enjoying all the different plants I’m growing, my favorite thing to do is come back inside and enjoy all of the plants I have in my house too! I guess you could say I really like plants. Over the years...
Vegetables are a staple in our diets, but have you ever wondered where they come from and how they became so essential to our cuisine? Each common vegetable has a fascinating history that spans continents and centuries, involving tales of exploration, adaptation, and cultural significance. As a gardener and vegetable enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share...
Feeding hummingbirds can be an incredibly rewarding experience, bringing these vibrant little creatures right to your backyard. However, there are some common mistakes that can inadvertently harm or even kill hummingbirds. By being aware of these pitfalls and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that your hummingbird feeders are safe and inviting for your...
Growing tomatoes is one of the greatest joys of gardening. There’s nothing quite like plucking a ripe, juicy tomato from the vine and savoring the fruits of your labor. But it can be incredibly frustrating when, just as your tomatoes are ripening, they start to split. I’ve been there, staring at those unsightly cracks and...
The ocean is often framed as being the next frontier in energy: offshore wind, deep‑sea drilling, tidal power. When it comes to whales, reputable science is increasingly indicating a surprising divide: wind turbines appear to pose far lower risks, while oil and gas operations carry heavy danger. Wind Turbines & Whales: What the Science Says...
Edible landscaping is a fantastic way to combine the beauty of ornamental plants with the practicality of growing your own food. By choosing shrubs that are both attractive and produce delicious fruits or leaves, you can create a garden that is not only visually appealing but also highly functional. As a gardener, incorporating edible shrubs...
It is hard to resist the promise of “guaranteed to bloom” bulbs when you see them on store shelves or in glossy catalogs. Those bold claims make it sound like you are buying a foolproof shortcut to a gorgeous spring or summer display. Unfortunately, the reality is often more complicated. While some bulbs do produce...
The barn swallow is truly one of nature’s most efficient mosquito hunters, and it’s a bird that can be found in all 50 states. With their striking blue and rust-colored plumage and acrobatic flying skills, barn swallows are not only a joy to watch but also an incredible asset in the battle against pesky mosquitoes....
Houseplant care advice is everywhere—social media, garden centers, and well-meaning friends all have their tips and tricks for keeping your plants healthy. But here is the truth: a lot of those “must-follow” rules are outdated, oversimplified, or just plain wrong. Sticking to them can actually make your houseplants less healthy and lead to more frustration...
If you’ve spent any time in a garden center or browsing online for plant care products, you’ve likely come across those vibrant blue synthetic fertilizers. They’re often marketed as a quick and easy way to boost plant growth and increase yields, promising lush, green foliage and abundant blooms with just a few applications. But while...
Keeping your own flock of chickens is a real treat for a number of reasons. They provide fresh eggs, and hours of entertainment, and their manure can be composted and used in your garden. But not every type of chicken is the same. Some are larger, some are smaller. Some are docile and others can...
Beauty in the garden is not always obvious at first glance. Some of the most valuable plants for biodiversity, soil health, and pollinator support are considered “ugly” because they are wild-looking, scraggly, or lack the big, showy flowers that get all the attention. But appearances can be deceiving. Many of these overlooked plants play critical...
