Author: Julie Hambleton

Dragonflies have always captured my imagination since I was a child. I used to lay down on my back in the grass in the early evening and watch them flit around the sky, darting back and forth. I can even remember a few times when a dragonfly larva blessed the pond at my parents’ house....

The Snake Plant, with its striking upright leaves and air-purifying qualities, has become a favorite among plant enthusiasts and interior designers alike. These resilient houseplants, scientifically known as Sansevieria, offer more than just aesthetic appeal—they are low-maintenance, adaptable, and renowned for their ability to thrive in various indoor environments. Whether you are a seasoned plant...

Strawberry blond sunflowers are much the perfect flower to grow this summer, for constant beauty that looks like a miniature sunset. Common sunflowers, scientifically known as Helianthus annuus, are beautiful on their own, but little did you know just how many varieties there are. Among them is the strawberry blond sunflower, which BurpeeGardens has dubbed as the...

Little globes of sweetness explode with flavor as you shovel them by the handful into your mouth. Blueberries are undeniably delicious, whether they are raw or cooked in a heart-warming pie, they’re irresistible. I challenge anyone to turn down a humble blueberry! And what’s even better is these happy-looking berries are good for us as...

Peas are a popular vegetable for gardeners in no small part because they are planted very early in the growing season and harvest early – before the heat of the summer really sets in. But did you know that you can usually grow two crops of peas in a single year? Say hello to fall...

Novogen chickens are one of my all time favorite types of chicken, not just because they’re pretty much the best egg laying hen around, but because they’re hardy, durable, docile, and generally pretty quiet. These chickens are a little bit new to the scene but are making a big splash due to their prolific egg...

Wyandotte chickens are arguably the most beautiful variety of chicken and quite possibly the most beautiful chicken in existence. Maybe I’m a little biased, I’ve kept wyandottes for over a decade now. Their interesting and unique plumage makes them prized birds for hobbyists and show chicken breeders. They are excellent egg layers and can be...

Cats in the garden are never a good thing. They can damage plants and will gladly use your freshly tilled soil as a litterbox. This is why I almost never recommend planting catnip in your garden. Catnip is extremely attractive to cats. Catmint is as well, but less so. This herb is a beautiful plant...

I have a love of indoor houseplants, as you might guess. One of my favorite plants (and let’s face it, they’re kind of all my favorite plants) is the devil’s backbone plant. This simple but elegant plant hails from warm, tropical parts of North America and is a solid addition to an indoor botanical garden...

Fennel is one of my all time favorite herbs to grow. It’s a tall, sturdy, hardy herb similar to dill that adds a wonderful aroma to my garden and is good in several dishes that I frequently cook. I just like the plant too. The frond-like leaves swaying in the breeze on a warm summer...

Gardening season is upon us, and what better way to get your kids outdoors, learning about growing food, and soaking up a little sun and fresh air than teaching them to garden? I remember gardening with my mother as a child. It was an amazing experience that I’ll never forget – clearly, since I write...

On the subject of squirrels, many folks are looking for ways to deter or get rid of squirrels. But squirrels have their place in our cities, towns, and communities. They are one of many countless animal species that we share this planet with, and one we see often skittering across sidewalks and up trees. Not...