Simply Bloom 
Is a Cleaver a Bird? Unpacking the Curious Name of the Pileated Woodpecker The pileated woodpecker is a crow-sized forest bird recognized by its flaming red crest and distinctive undulating flight. But where does its intriguing name come from? Specifically, is a “cleaver” referring to the bird itself or something else? Let’s explore the possible … Read more
Deciding Between Red and Pink Dogwood Trees Which Variety is Right for Your Yard? Dogwood trees are beloved for their showy spring blooms and attractive foliage. Two popular varieties are the red dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Rubra’) and the pink dogwood (Cornus florida). Though similar, these two trees have some key differences when it comes to … Read more
Bell drops, also known as Dr. Bells or Dr. Daniel’s B.E.L.L. drops, were a popular veterinary colic remedy for horses in the past. Containing extracts of the poisonous plants belladonna and aconite, bell drops have a controversial history. While some horse owners swore by their effectiveness, the unsafe toxicity of the ingredients also caused hesitation. … Read more
The rowan mountain ash tree, also known as the European mountain ash or simply mountain ash, is a beautiful and versatile landscaping tree that can enhance any outdoor space. With its attractive foliage, white spring flowers, and clusters of bright red-orange berries in fall and winter, it’s easy to see why mountain ash trees are … Read more
Around St. Patrick’s Day, people love to tell Irish-themed jokes and puns. One classic example asks “What do you call an Irish spider?” with the punchline being “Paddy long legs!” This lighthearted joke pokes fun at Irish culture while referencing a common creepy crawly. Let’s explore the meaning and humor behind this quirky riddle. The … Read more
With blooms up to 12 inches wide, dinner plate dahlias make a dramatic statement in any garden. Getting these tender perennials to reach their full potential requires some specific care strategies. Follow this guide to successfully grow your own impressive dinner plate dahlias. What Makes Dinner Plate Dahlias Special The term “dinner plate” refers to … Read more
Take a walk around a pond in springtime and you may encounter a peculiar sight – clumps of gelatinous, transparent blobs attached to vegetation under the water. These strange egg masses belong to amphibians and are a key part of their reproductive process But what exactly are these eggs in jelly-like sacs seen in ponds? … Read more
The humble strawberry bush resides in the background through much of the year, rarely turning heads despite its intriguing name. But for those who pause to appreciate its subtleties, a closer look reveals an understated beauty A Shrub That Blends In Strawberry bush (Euonymus americanus) is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. It … Read more
Caring for houseplants adds vibrant life to any space. But keeping those potted plants thriving can be tricky when they live on high shelves or in hanging planters. Getting sufficient water to your lofty leafy friends takes some creative thinking and the right tools. Follow these tips to effortlessly irrigate plants in hard-to-access spots. Use … Read more
The Top 7 Fish for Your Mini Backyard Pond Having a small garden pond can be an enjoyable way to add some aquatic life to your backyard oasis But what are the best fish for stocking a mini pond? Small ponds with limited space require fish that stay relatively small in size Larger fish would … Read more