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Gardening Advice
How did a tropical plant become an unlikely symbol of the Christmas holiday? The history of the poinsettia, as it relates to Christmas, begins with an old Mexican legend and, later, a prominent American business venture. Discover the legend of the poinsettia!You say poin-set-ee-uh, I say poin-set-uh—but let’s call the whole thing off because the name of the ubiquitous holiday plant can be…
When cold weather rolls in and your indoor air turns desert-dry, most houseplants start to struggle—but succulents absolutely thrive. These tough, water-storing beauties actually prefer warm, sunny windowsills and low humidity, making winter their time to shine. From jade plants to living stones, succulents come in bizarre, charming, and downright stunning forms—and they’re some of the…
Winter may be beautiful, but it’s tough on trees and shrubs. Heavy snow, icy winds, and hungry critters can wreak havoc on your yard. Luckily, a little planning goes a long way—whether it’s wrapping small evergreens in burlap, mulching roots, or fending off deer, your plants can survive the cold and flourish come spring. Here’s everything you need to protect your garden during the harsh months…
If you are short on space (or energy) for a large Christmas tree, why not try a Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)? These potted pines used at Christmas can remain as wonderful houseplants throughout the year! Learn more.During the holidays, Norfolk pines are easy to find at your local garden center or big box store in pots. They have soft, short, dark green needles and widely…
Keep your cats and dogs safe around the holidays! Many popular holiday plants, from paperwhites to amaryllis, can be toxic to pets. Here’s a guide from the ASPCA to help you know which plants to avoid and which are safe.
Fred & Ginger take a well-deserved rest from attacking the houseplants.
Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday SeasonWe have two new kittens at our house—Fred and…
Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? Of all the plants used in Christmas décor, few have as long and as interesting a history as mistletoe. Discover the meaning of mistletoe and the fascinating folklore behind it.What Is Mistletoe?With evergreen leaves, yellow flowers, and white berries, large clumps of mistletoe are usually observed growing high in the canopies…
Did you know that there are Easter, Thanksgiving, AND Christmas cacti? How can you tell the difference among these holiday cacti? Find out with these helpful pictures!Holiday cacti such as the Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus are all hybrids of Brazilian forest cacti. Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti are members of the genus Schlumbergera.Easter cactus…
Long before twinkling lights and tinsel, our ancestors turned to nature to celebrate the darkness of the longest night of the year. As the Sun lingered low and the days grew short, they looked to evergreens, oak, holly, and mistletoe as symbols of hope and rebirth. These plants weren’t just decorations—they were reminders that even in the coldest depths of winter, life endures.The Winter…
Ferns are among the oldest living plants on Earth, having appeared over 350 million years ago, long before the dinosaurs. Despite their ancient age, they make gorgeous houseplants, adding elegance, rich green hues, and interesting texture to any indoor environment. Discover a few ferns for your indoor garden!Which Indoor Ferns Work Best as Houseplants?Certain indoor ferns work better as…
Dry it, you’ll like it! Preserving fruits and veggies by drying them is one of the oldest—and most satisfying—ways to lock in flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re turning ripe tomatoes into sweet sun-dried treats or whipping up homemade banana chips, food dehydration is simple, economical, and fun. With just one tool (a dehydrator—or even your car on a hot day!), you can create delicious snacks…
Bring lush green life to shady spaces with a beautiful, low-maintenance moss garden! Moss thrives where grass won’t—on soil, rocks, or logs—and adds natural charm to any landscape. Learn how to plant, grow, and care for moss for an eco-friendly, evergreen touch to your garden.What Is Moss and Why Grow It?Known as bryophytes, moss is an ancient plant that has been here for over 450…
Grow a garden that looks—and tastes—great with edible garden plants by mixing flowers with herbs and vegetables! Nothing is more rewarding than picking vegetables and herbs from your own garden. They couldn’t be fresher, and you have peace of mind knowing just how they were grown. If you already have a garden, you can easily add some edible garden plants to your flower bed or home landscaping.…
