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
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
Poppies burst forth in summer with papery flowers in shades of red orange yellow, pink, and white. But what do poppy leaves look like? Their foliage provides clues to identifying these popular garden plants. Lacy and Lobed The most recognizable feature of poppy leaves is their delicate, lacy appearance. The foliage is finely divided into … Read more
The Celestial Beauty of Star-Shaped Flowers Flowers come in an astounding array of shapes and sizes, from the large and showy blooms of sunflowers to the delicate bells of fuchsia Yet few floral forms capture our imagination quite like the star-shaped flower These botanical wonders evoke a sense of celestial beauty, mimicking the shape and … Read more
Mizuna Beni Houshi is a unique and striking variety of mizuna, an Asian green in the Brassica family. With its vivid colors and delicious, peppery flavor, this heirloom vegetable makes a beautiful and tasty addition to salads, stir-fries, and other dishes. An Overview of Mizuna Mizuna, also known as spider mustard, Japanese mustard, or California … Read more
Exploring Black Bugs with Vibrant Green Spots While many bugs come in solid shades of black, brown, or metallic colors, some exhibit eye-catching contrast with vibrant green spots. These black beetles and other insects with splotches of emerald, lime or forest green stand out in nature. Let’s take a closer look at some of the … Read more
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
Amidst the vast array of succulents, some varieties astonish with their uncanny resemblance to eyes. From bloodshot buttons to winking lithops, these succulents flaunt creative optical illusions. Their lifelike ocular features captivate the imagination. Button Plant – Bloodshot Peepers The button plant (Conophytum wittebergense) is a tiny stemless succulent native to South Africa. These cute … Read more
Chamomile is a popular herb known for its calming and medicinal properties. There are several species of chamomile, including German chamomile, Roman chamomile, and wild chamomile. To harvest or grow your own chamomile, it’s important to know how to identify the leaves of this versatile plant. In this article, we’ll cover the key features of … Read more
With its splashy polka-dotted leaves, the polka dot plant is a fun and trendy houseplant If you want to add some whimsical style to your indoor garden, the polka dot plant can be purchased online or from many local nurseries and big box stores. Read on to learn more about buying a polka dot plant … Read more