Your Backyard Garden Information Source
Most people associate mistletoe with kissing, as it’s customary for anyone caught standing under a sprig of this plant (often strategically placed in a doorway) to receive a kiss. But did you know that mistletoe, now considered a Christmas plant, was used as a religious symbol in pagan rites centuries before the time of Christ? To the ancient Druids of […]
Kalanchoe is a popular flowering indoor plant used year round but particularly found for sale during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. This succulent plant (thick, fleshy leaves) has bright flowers, coming in various colors, and with the proper care lasts for weeks. Kalanchoe (pronounced kal-AN-cho or KAL-an-CO-ee) come with either red, pink, orange, yellow, or white flowers. Often you can […]
Even though hardwood flooring isn’t the most common option used for patios, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try it. In actual fact, hardwood will give your patio a sleek look. First things first, here’s what you need to consider before going shopping: Get an idea about the materials that you’re going to need Prepare the subfloor and fasten the […]
There are many species of insects. The vast majority pose no problem and make a positive contribution to the interesting fauna of the region. Insect numbers are normally kept in reasonable bounds by unfavorable weather conditions and by various insect and animal predators. Still, a few species do at times, mar the beauty of the landscape and others reduce the […]
Studies have shown that plants in homes and workplaces help reduce stress, increase productivity, enhance employee attitudes, lower operating costs, help in “green building” design, and improve air quality. Although many of these studies involved workplaces, the principles apply to homes as well. A Human Spaces report in 2015 on biophilic design showed that, globally, nearly two-thirds of workers have […]
Rubber plants (Ficus elastica) are easy-to-grow houseplants and low maintenance, have few problems, and tolerate a wide range of conditions—just not cold temperatures. For these reasons, they are good for beginners or those that feel “gardening challenged”, or good choices for tough indoor conditions such as in commercial and business settings. This native of southern and southeast Asia is neither made […]
These two garden critters have similar names, and even may look similar at a quick glance, but they really are quite different. Knowing something about these garden pests—what they eat and where they live—may help in their control. Both these critters resemble large furry mice, but moles are quite distinctive with their large, paddle-shaped front feet with claws. These are […]
If you’re looking for a fun bonding activity for you and your kids, you may want to consider planting a garden together. No matter the ages of your little ones, everyone can get involved in gardening. Most kids love playing in the dirt already, so why not put this to good use and grow something beautiful? As another added benefit, […]
When it comes to keeping your garden healthy and vibrant, you need to create a plan for dealing with pests. No matter where you’re gardening, you’re going to come in contact with some unwanted guests. Taking care of these pests quickly is key to protecting your garden from death and disease. You don’t want to use harsh chemicals in your […]
Flowering Bulbs A bulb is a specialized form of underground bud containing, in an undeveloped condition, the rudiments of all parts of the complete flowering plant which will develop from it. These include the flower bud and foliage leaves, which are mounted on a thick flat stem bearing the beginnings of the roots on its lower surface. In addition, the […]