Eastern, Western, and Mountain bluebirds are some of the most sought-after wild birds in North America. These brilliant birds suffered major population drops during the twentieth century due to habitat loss and competition from invasive species. Dedicated conservation efforts helped their numbers bounce back significantly. Spotting that bright flash of blue outside your window brings …
Gardening
Most people think fruit trees are for serious gardeners; the type who have spray schedules pinned to their garage wall and know what “chill hours” means. They’re not. Several fruit trees are genuinely simple to grow, produce abundantly with minimal fuss, and taste so much better than anything at the grocery store that the first …
The gardeners whose yards erupt into color every February didn’t do anything magical in spring. They did one quiet, unhurried thing the previous year: they planted. If your garden always feels one season behind, this is the reason — and right now, in April, you still have a narrow window to change that. Most of …
Landscaping around trees can be a difficult task, and cedar trees come with their own set of challenges. These dense evergreens cast thick shade and significantly reduce the amount of rain that reaches the ground directly beneath their canopy. Plus, their fallen, decomposing leaves increase the acidity of the soil. The trick, then, is to …
I often find that I feel most connected to God when I am outside, completely engrossed in the wonders of creation. Since our passion (gardening) is so closely tied to the earth, I imagine most gardeners have a similar experience. While simply resting or meditating in the garden can be a spiritual practice in itself, …
Want big blooms in a small space? Small flowering trees can add structure, color, and seasonal interest to patios, balconies, and tight yards—without outgrowing their spot. This guide covers 12 compact trees that thrive in containers or small gardens. For each, you’ll find why it works in pots or compact yards, unique features, and practical …
Before there were supplements, there were gardens. For most of human history, the pharmacy was a patch of soil near the kitchen door, tended by women who knew exactly which leaf to reach for when a fever spiked or a stomach ached. Today, clinical researchers are catching up to what those gardeners knew intuitively, and …
If you’ve written off the shadiest corner of your yard as a lost cause, you’re leaving the most interesting real estate in your garden empty. Experienced gardeners don’t see shade as a problem to overcome; they see it as a different kind of canvas, one that rewards patience, rewards texture, and reliably comes back year …
Waking up to a torn garbage bag or mysterious holes in the yard often signals a wildlife visitor. Animals seeking food and shelter frequently cross paths with human habitats, creating frustrating situations for property owners. Handling these unexpected encounters requires a careful approach to keep both humans and wildlife safe. Moving a nuisance animal might …
The fence running along your yard could be one of the most powerful pollinator habitats in your neighborhood. Most gardeners spend years perfecting their flower beds while a perfectly good trellis sits empty, a bare arbor collects cobwebs, and the chain-link along the back property line hosts nothing but bindweed. This April, there is a …