Some invasive plants may be pretty, but they can cause a lot of damage! Often called “noxious weeds,” invasive plants outcompete native species for space, sunlight, nutrients, and water, in turn reducing wildlife habitat. They can even have a negative economic impact, especially in industries like agriculture, forestry, and fishing. As a gardener, you can …
Gardening
If you want to attract more cardinals to your garden or lawn, you may be asking, “What do cardinals eat?” When you know their typical diet, you can do the things that are most likely to attract them. Cardinals are omnivores that eat seeds, berries, buds, and insects. While seeds make up the main part …
About 1,100 nonnative plants (1) have naturalized in California, and nearly 200 of those have been designated as noxious weeds by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. These invasive plants not only damage the environment but the economy of the state as well. Take action against invasive plants in California by learning how to identify …
Landscape rocks are an attractive and cost-effective option for a broad range of projects, including stone and gravel roads, patios and walks, and retaining walls. But what is the cheapest rock for landscaping? The most inexpensive rock you will find for landscaping is decomposed granite. Decomposed granite is an excellent resource for giving your landscape …
What do snails eat? Most people have strong feelings towards snails; they either view them as destructive pests in their garden or see their benefit in cleaning up the garden of decaying matter. Some people even opt to keep them as pets! Whether you have feelings for or against these shelled creatures, knowing what they …
In Arkansas, invasive plants degrade ecosystems, reduce crop field productivity, and even cause harm to livestock. These aggressive nonnative plants outcompete native species for water, nutrients, and growing space, changing landscapes and reducing wildlife habitat. The good news is, as a gardener, you can make a difference! Learn how to identify and control invasive plants …
Lilies are a beautiful, common flowering plant found outdoors in gardens and also inside in bouquets. But are lilies poisonous to cats? Though lilies are a beautiful addition to any home, many people are unaware of the fact that they can be poisonous to cats. The answer is a firm yes. Lilies ARE poisonous to …
Broccoli just might be one of my favorite vegetables. But it spends a long time in the garden before its tightly budded heads are ready to harvest, giving pests plenty of time to interfere. Cabbage worms and other hungry bugs have done some significant damage to my broccoli patch! Thankfully, growing companion plants for broccoli …
Invasive species, from pathogens to mammals, can wreak havoc on local ecosystems. In the case of plants, invasives spread aggressively, out-competing native plants and thus reducing food and habitat for native wildlife. One or more of these noxious weeds might even be masquerading as innocent garden plants in your flower beds. Learn more about some …
Known as “The Last Frontier,” Alaska is home to beautiful and important ecosystems that have been labeled as conservation areas, national forests, and state and national parks. These vast wild areas host remarkable biological diversity and provide important sources of income for the people who live in this state. Unfortunately, invasive plants in Alaska pose a …