Much is said about self-sufficiency when it comes to growing your own food, whether that’s fruits and vegetables or livestock for meat. But there’s another important part of our diet that can’t be overlooked: beverages (and specifically, alcoholic ones). If you imbibe, you know there’s nothing sweet...

Phlox is a wide-ranging North American native perennial and a common fixture in woodland, prairie and meadow landscapes. Phlox are an easy-to-find wildflower stretching from Florida and Quebec to Alaska. One of the classic American perennials, this was one of the earliest North American natives to e...

Peperomias have been sold as houseplants since the 1930s.For decades, there were only a handful of varieties to choose from, but with their new popularity and ease of growth, many additional varieties have come to market. The many types of peperomia can range from bushy to trailing, upright or casca...

One of Editor Courtney’s favorite things in the world is exercising. One of Editor Joan’s favorite things to do is garden. Luckily, they can both celebrate June 6, which is National Gardening Exercise Day! According to National Today , “The history of gardening is so old and intertwined with agricul...

It may seem out of season for those who only associate turkeys with the colder season holidays, but June is Turkey Lovers Month. It’s a great time to celebrate these large domestic fowl because this is the time farmers and caretakers put in the good work to ensure your Thanksgiving is both healthy a...

Here are a few ideas of fun projects to do with your children during summer break. Sunflower House This is an easy activity, but requires a bit of patience for the sunflowers to grow to their full height. Your children will have fun making their own special area in the yard. Mark out an area in the ...

A cutting garden provides a home-grown source of material for fresh flower arrangements.It might focus on one type of plant, such as a spring cutting garden featuring a variety of daffodils or tulips, or include a season-spanning variety you can cut throughout the warm-weather months. Whatever flowe...

In 2005, United Poultry Concerns launched International Respect for Chickens Day to “celebrate chickens throughout the world and protest the bleakness of their lives in farming operations.” The thought was to do an action for chickens. Ideas they suggest include letter writing, handing out leaflets,...

Editor’s note: We know we’ve been going a little heavy on gardens lately, but it’s that time of year! We’re excited . Think that a shady area can’t have a garden? Think again! Shade gardens can be fantastic places to showcase foliage color, texture and flowers too. The key to designing a shade garde...

The National Garden Bureau has declared 2022 “The Year of the Garden,” but honestly, gardens both large and small have been receiving much more attention for the past two years. In 2020, when shutdowns led to the vast majority of people staying home, putting in a garden – whether for flowers or for ...

May is National Salad Month. Created by the Association for Dressing and Sauces in 1992, National Salad Month encourages people to incorporate more salads into their daily food regimen. What is arguably the foundational ingredient in salad? Lettuce! USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture ...

Growing flowers, vegetables and berries for eating is fun and nourishing, but what about growing them to make colorful dyes? Natural pigments in these can be harnessed to dye fiber or fabric. Indigenous people throughout history and across the globe have made pigments out of plants and minerals, add...

Do you want to enjoy fresh, home-grown veggies this summer? Perhaps you’d like to adorn your home with fresh-cut flowers. Whatever the reason, this year you’ve decided to start a garden of your own. But before you grab a spade and head for the backyard, put pen to paper and make a plan. Dream as big...

Summer bulbs, which are planted in the spring after danger of frost, extend the garden’s blooming season well into summer until frost. Their glorious and often fragrant flowers and plants continue to provide nutrients and shelter for our treasured pollinators. Most bulbs planted in autumn that bloom...

Gladiolus are as American as apple pie. Generations of gardeners, from Maine to California, have tucked these summer-blooming bulbs into their gardens in spring and been delighted by the gorgeous flower spikes that appear just a few months later. Buckets of long-stemmed glads are a late-summer tradi...