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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.

When asked to name a word that starts with the letter X, many of us will think first of xylophone or X-ray. If asked to name a flower that starts with X, we’ll probably just scratch our heads. But such plants do exist! Keep reading to learn about some of the extraordinary flowers that start with X. …

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For the average American family, outdoor water use accounts for 30 percent of household water use, and that number is even higher for arid western states. Considering that the typical household spends $1,000 on water each year, that’s an expensive yard! To help you save money and the environment, here are some water conservation landscaping …

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Red ants might not be the garden pests we believe them to be. If you see them swarming around an unhealthy plant, you will likely be eager to learn how to get rid of red ants in the garden. However, chances are something else caused that plant to lose its vigor. This article explains how to …

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Invasive weeds not only degrade ecosystems but also put a strain on economic and natural resources. Despite these plants’ adverse effects on the natural environment and human economy, some are still sold in nurseries and big box stores. Many of these plants can be found growing in your own backyard or your neighbors’ yards, whether …

Read More about 7 Invasive Plants in Nevada (And 14 Natives to Plant Instead)

There’s nothing like being surrounded by calming, sweetly scented, purple lavender flowers. The bees’ hum and the butterflies’ dancing make it an amazing experience. Plan to take your family to a lavender farm this summer for an exquisite sensory experience. This directory of lavender farms by state will help you find lavender fields nearby. How …

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As the short, cold days of winter drag on, slowly lengthening, our fingers itch to dig in warm, crumbly soil again. We flip eagerly through seed catalogs and longingly inventory the packets left over from last year, tucked into plastic tubs or shoeboxes or old biscuit tins. But we don’t have to stop there; many …

Read More about What Is Winter Sowing? A Simple Guide to Jump-Start Your Seed Planting

While lavender essential oil is difficult to make at home on a small scale, homemade lavender-infused oil is easy and accessible. With just four simple steps and materials you likely already have in your kitchen, you can make your own soothing lavender oil to use as-is or to make salve, lip balm, soap, and more. …

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Lavender simple syrup imparts a wonderful floral flavor to your favorite beverages. With just three ingredients and three steps, you can easily make your own to impress guests, pamper yourself, or give as gifts. Once you learn how to make lavender simple syrup, your fridge might never be without it again. What is lavender simple …

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Though commonly planted in herb gardens, lavender has many beautiful roles in landscaping. It comes in various hues, and the many varieties have different bloom times for a summer full of fragrant flower spikes. Landscaping with lavender results in stunning displays of flowers and calming aromas that waft up as you brush past the lovely …

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A lavender hedge might be the perfect addition to your outdoor space if you love lavender and neat, orderly gardens. Almost as tidy as boxwoods but decidedly more colorful and fragrant, a lavender hedge gives a classical garden an extra spark of interest and beauty. But before you dive in, it’s important to understand how …

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