Skip to Content

Serena Manickam

Serena Manickam is a freelance editor and writer and sustainable market gardener in rural Virginia. She holds a BA in environmental science and runs Fairydiddle Farm, a small market garden in which she grows no-spray produce and herbs to sell at a local farmer’s market.

Strawberries are among the first fruits to ripen in spring, with sweet juiciness that proves irresistible as the weather warms and fresh produce becomes increasingly available. Although its history is unknown, Pick Strawberries Day occurs on May 20, right in the middle of the strawberry season for many parts of the country, making it a …

Read More about How to Celebrate Pick Strawberries Day on May 20

Although citrus trees seem reserved for the southern part of the U.S., where temperatures remain mild throughout the winter, even those of us who see snow in the colder months can grow a lemon tree. All it takes are a large pot and proper care. And with Plant a Lemon Tree Day coming up on …

Read More about 5 Tips for Growing Potted Lemons on Plant a Lemon Tree Day (May 21st)

Many holidays and other occasions are celebrated by the giving of flowers, such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, May Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, graduations, and more. But did you know that there is a day dedicated just to giving flowers? This May 15, spread a little joy by observing Bring Flowers to Someone Day. When people …

Read More about Spread Joy on Bring Flowers to Someone Day, May 15

After the daffodils and tulips fade, irises send up their stalks topped with showy, ruffled plumage. These low-maintenance bulbs come in nearly every color except bright red, allowing gardeners to enjoy a lush rainbow of color from late spring through early summer where multiple varieties are planted. Although we don’t know when a day was …

Read More about 5 Tips For Celebrating Iris Day On May 8

As much as we enjoy pottering around our own gardens, touring a public garden can offer a refreshing change, allowing us to appreciate plants without constantly adding weeding, pruning, and other chores to a mental to-do list. Public gardens provide inspiration, education, and a chance for a relaxing stroll with friends or family. Many also …

Read More about Celebrate National Public Gardens Day this Mothers’ Day Weekend

Given that most flowers that start with Y contain the word yellow in their common name, their lovely petals tend to bloom in golden hues. Take a look through the following list to discover some flowering plants that will add sunny color to your garden. Annual Flowers that Start with Y 1. Yellow bell (Allamanda cathartica) …

Read More about 11 Yellow Flowers That Start With Y

One of the first spring vegetables to poke through the soil, asparagus is worthy of celebration after a winter of frozen, canned, and imported produce. The appearance of fresh, local asparagus at newly reopened farmers markets and roadside stands alerts us to the presence of spring just as surely as blooming daffodils and budding trees. …

Read More about Tips for Celebrating National Asparagus Month this May

Looking to add wow, whimsy, or wonder to your garden? You’ve come to the right place! Browse through this list of wonderful flowers that start with W, and you just might find a few spectacular plants that you’ve never heard of before. Annual Flowers that Start with W 1. Wishbone flower (Torenia fournieri) Named for …

Read More about 16 Wonderful Flowers That Start With W

Each state in the U.S. has several official symbols, including a flag, bird, tree, and of course, flower. Do you know the official flower of your state? Browse through this state flowers list to learn more about your and other state flowers, and perhaps create a new, unique garden theme in your landscape.   Although …

Read More about State Flowers List (With Pictures)

As gardeners, we find great joy in discovering and introducing new plants to our outdoor (and indoor!) spaces, but I also find it remarkably fulfilling – and exciting – to narrow my search to plants endemic to my area. Nature uses a rich palette to paint beautiful landscapes, and we certainly can’t go wrong mimicking …

Read More about Celebrate National Native Plant Month This April!