In the world of gardening, an unexpected adversary has surfaced, casting a dark veil over our cherished green spaces. A recent TikTok video has brought this issue to the forefront, introducing many to the Asian jumping worm. But what exactly is it about this particular worm that has the gardening aficionados so concerned? Viral TikTok … Read more
Are you thinking of starting an organic vegetable garden that requires no fertilizers, no watering, and best of all, no digging and soil amendments? In that case, the Ruth Stout method is one of the easiest techniques you can try. Even for beginner gardeners, this is a fantastic way to grow your own food, using … Read more
Bright, beautiful Birkin is a highly popular, compact Philodendron with a classic look perfect for small spaces in a home or office. Like other Philodendrons, Birkin is a great beginner plant that requires minimum care. Mine sits happily on a windowsill in my home office and has never given me a minute of trouble. Its … Read more
Ctenanthe species (pronounced ten-AN-thee), Never Never Plants, or Bamburantas are lovely members of the Prayer Plant family, native to Brazil. Like all Prayer Plants, they raise their leaves at night like praying hands and lower them during the day in a fascinating process called nyctinasty. My Ctenanthe setosa is young, so it’s only about 8″ … Read more
Think ladybugs are just tiny, harmless specks of cuteness in your garden? Think again! These vibrant, spotted creatures, beloved in children’s tales and seen as lucky charms, are actually nature’s stealthy little predators. With a backstory that’s more superhero than sidekick, ladybugs hold secret identities that are far more fascinating than their whimsical appearance lets … Read more
Imagine a winter evening in an Amish home – the air is crisp outside, but inside, there’s a warmth that goes beyond the physical. In the modern world where high-tech heating solutions are the norm, the Amish community, known for its simplicity and aversion to modern technology, has its unique ways of staying warm. Today, … Read more
The “skinny house”, or “pie house” as it is referred to by locals, has taken Tik Tok by storm recently. Located in Deerfield, Illinois this uniquely shaped property recently sold for $295,000! Take a look at this slice of history for yourself. 3-Feet of Quirky Living While the front of this house looks like your … Read more
Croton varieties flaunt their vivid yellows, oranges, and reds in an array of leaf shapes. My Gold Dust Croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Gold Dust’) is a speckled variety that brightens up my office windowsill with a pop of color. This fun plant displays random yellow spots on its dark green, ovate leaves as if yellow paint … Read more
When observing the land and trees absorbed by the invasive kudzu vine in the Southeast or fields covered by Himalayan Blackberry on the West Coast, it’s easy to see why environmentalists dislike aggressive non-native plants. The sheer enormity of them makes stewards of the land feel they must wage a war to defend the native … Read more
I have many favorites in my houseplant collection, but my pink-striped Lilac Tradescantia tops the list. It’s lovely to look at and one of the easiest plants to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginning and seasoned gardeners alike. Lilac is a small-leaved, trailing Tradescantia that grows 6 to 8 inches high and … Read more
