In a world where beauty and utility rarely go hand in hand, the humble hollyhock (Alcea rosea) proves to be a glorious exception. Towering up to 8 feet tall with vibrant, show-stopping blooms in pink, purple, white, red, and even black, hollyhocks are often grown as classic cottage garden favorites – but there’s so much more to this striking … Read more
Buckets may not look like much at first glance, but they are one of the most versatile tools a gardener can have. Whether you’re working in a backyard, balcony, or community garden, buckets can be transformed into planters, irrigation systems, compost bins, and so much more. In fact, with just a few 5-gallon buckets (or smaller … Read more
White clover (Trifolium repens), a common yet often overlooked plant, is one of nature’s most valuable gifts hiding in plain sight. Found growing in lawns, meadows, pastures, and even sidewalk cracks, this unassuming wild herb is a nutrient-rich plant with medicinal, culinary, and environmental benefits. From ancient herbal medicine to modern permaculture gardens, white clover is cherished … Read more
When most people think of poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima), they picture the dazzling red and green plants that flood homes, churches, and shop windows in December. These iconic Christmas flowers are more than just seasonal décor – they’re living plants with a unique growing cycle. And here’s the secret: if you want your poinsettia to bloom in … Read more
When the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, gardeners know one thing for sure: fall cleanup season has arrived. And one of the most important – yet most misunderstood – tasks of autumn is cutting back perennials. Do it right, and you’ll set the stage for a healthy, vibrant garden next spring. Do it wrong, … Read more
For many people, dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are nothing more than stubborn weeds that invade lawns and gardens. But this humble plant – often plucked and discarded – has been revered for centuries in traditional medicine as one of the most powerful natural healers on Earth. And now, modern science is confirming what herbalists and healers have known … Read more
October is a magical month for gardeners. The blazing heat of summer has passed, the crispness of autumn fills the air, and the soil still holds enough warmth to encourage seeds and transplants to establish before winter arrives. Many gardeners think of fall as the end of the growing season, but in reality, it’s one … Read more
For centuries, black walnut hulls have been prized in folk medicine for their antimicrobial, antifungal, and detoxifying properties. Today, they’re still used in natural skincare, especially in drawing salves—ointments designed to help pull out splinters, insect stingers, minor toxins, and impurities from the skin. If you love making your own herbal remedies, this simple recipe … Read more
Along with the warm weather and sunshine comes some of summer’s unpleasantness: house flies, mosquitoes, and gnats. If you have potted plants in your home, you may have noticed they’re sometimes surrounded by tiny black flies. These small pests known as fungus gnats are attracted to the potting soil at the base of your house … Read more
If you consider yourself a plant person, I’m willing to bet you have at least one snake plant as part of your collection. These mid-size plants with spiky leaves thrive indoors, and are relatively easy to care for. Although I have had a snake plant for multiple years, I had no idea they could bloom. … Read more
