Squirrels and chipmunks have powerful noses. That’s how they sniff out buried snacks, find food stashed weeks ago, and avoid plants that mess with their system. Their sense of smell is so dialed in that strong scents can completely throw them off. That’s not bad news for you if you’re not a chipmunk or a …
Gardening
The garden might look like it’s taking a long nap under a blanket of frost, but nature’s pantry is still open for business. Winter foraging might sound like an activity reserved for the truly dedicated or slightly unhinged, but it’s surprisingly accessible. The landscape, stripped of its summer foliage, reveals hidden opportunities. Finding edible treasures …
Those who live where snow makes a yearly appearance now may have a fringe benefit. A cursory search online right now will unearth endless clips on the latest thrifty laundry trend: snow washing. It is a literal phrase and comes from the Swedish snötvätt, a technique originating from the times before Sweden had Ikea and …
Every February, backyard bird lovers bundle up, grab binoculars, and step outside to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, a global citizen-science project led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon, and Birds Canada. For four days, participants count the birds they see and help scientists track populations worldwide. If you’d love to see …
February can feel quiet in the garden, but it’s one of the most important months for birds. If you’re planning to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count (February 13-16), you might assume hanging a feeder is enough. In reality, a few thoughtful adjustments to your garden can dramatically increase both the number and diversity …
Flowers are fine. Chocolates are classic. But have you ever tried giving your partner the gift of a completed to-do list? This Valentine’s Day, forget the clichés and give them what they really want: sweet, sweet relief from that mental load. Nothing says “I love you” quite like outsourcing those nagging household tasks you’ve both …
If you focus a lot on the news and what’s happening around you, it looks like the world was better back in the 60s. Childhood didn’t revolve around adult-led playdates, curated backyard spaces, or supervision at every turn. Kids were often outdoors from morning to dusk, improvising games, building life-threatening structures, and using whatever they …
Each February, people around the world spend four days observing birds and submitting their sightings as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count. These small acts of community observation help scientists understand migration patterns, shifting ranges, and population trends. As organizers explain, the event invites participants to “watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds” while …
Each February, the Great Backyard Bird Count invites us outside to pause and notice who shares our outdoor space. What seems like simple birdwatching quickly becomes something more revealing. For gardeners, it’s a snapshot of ecosystem health unfolding in real time. Why the Great Backyard Bird Count Matters for Gardeners The Great Backyard Bird Count …
Your kitchen and pantry aren’t just for cooking, they’re a treasure trove of home-grown gardening tools you can use for healthier plants, better soil, and natural pest control. These everyday items are often more effective (and gentler on your wallet and the environment) than commercial products. From powerful milks that fight fungus to kitchen staples …