With its dense foliage, yellow blooms, and adaptability, the shrubby St. John’s wort plant (Hypericum prolificum) is a fabulous addition to gardens across North America. This medium-sized woody shrub brightens borders and foundation plantings while also attracting pollinators and serving as a larval host. Whether you’re a beginning or experienced gardener the shrubby St. John’s … Read more
The croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a popular houseplant. This leafy, ornamental plant is native to tropical areas but adapts well indoors. But if you have a cat, this isn’t a plant you want in your home. All croton varieties—including evening embers, gold dust, and Zanzibar—are toxic to cats. You can have pet-safe plants in your … Read more
With their bright, showy blooms, dahlias are a popular addition to home gardens. But are these stunning flowers safe to have around dogs? Unfortunately, dahlias contain substances that can cause toxicity if eaten by dogs. However, the level of toxicity is generally mild if ingestion is limited. In this article, we’ll cover the key things … Read more
Early blight is one of the most widespread and destructive fungal diseases affecting potato crops Caused by the fungus Alternaria solani, early blight thrives in warm, humid conditions and can completely defoliate potato plants, leading to significant yield losses Read on to learn how to identify, treat, and prevent early blight in your potato crop. … Read more
Rhubarb is a plant that only brave gardeners grow because they know how delicious it is. This unusual and sometimes hard to find plant If you’ve never grown rhubarb before, you might be wondering things like, “How do I know when rhubarb is ready?” and “When should I pick rhubarb?” Read on to find out … Read more
Mulch is a vital tool in any home gardener’s shed. It keeps water in, keeps plant roots warm, and stops weeds from growing. It also makes flowerbeds and other landscaping features look better. A lot of people use shredded wood or bark mulch in their gardens and yards, but there are other mulching options you … Read more
Cats are the perfect indoor pet. Affectionate and curious, they make great companions. Give them a toy and they will amuse you with their antics. Nothing is nicer than a purring feline welcoming you home after a long day at work. However, cats that roam outdoors can cause problems for gardeners and birds. They are … Read more
With their gracefully arching branches covered in flower spikes, butterfly bushes (Buddleia spp.) are stars of the late summer garden. But if your butterfly bush leaves are looking yellow and lackluster instead of green and vibrant, something is wrong. There are several potential causes for butterfly bushes to develop yellowing leaves. By understanding the most … Read more
Okra is a delicious summer veggie that’s essential for Southern classics like gumbo, fried okra, and pickled okra. Its pretty flowers and unique seed pods add visual interest to the garden too But okra can be tricky to grow It loves heat and won’t tolerate cold soils or frost. So when is it too late … Read more
Pothos plants, otherwise known as ‘Devil’s Ivy,’ are known for their low requirements and forgivingness. These lovely climbing plants will grow long, thick vines and bright green leaves no matter where you put them in your home. Forgot to water them? No problem. These plants will bounce right back after a little bit of neglect. … Read more