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Like Nancy, Charlotte learned through home gardening that nonnative plants do not support habitat for bees, birds, and butterflies. This sparked a long-simmering passion for environmentalism, and exemplary conservation efforts aimed at restoring ecosystems through native plantings. I first learned about Charlotte in another book I reviewed, The Humane Gardener, by Nancy Lawson. An Almanac of Alternatives Meticulously researched, and annotated, this in-depth guide synthesizes a vast body of knowledge on subjects ranging from native and nonnative woody plants to biodiversity, lepidopterology (study of butterflies and moths), and ornithology (study of birds), with references to works by renowned experts such as University of Delaware Professor of Entomology (study of insects) Douglas Tallamy....

Named for their bottle brush-shaped flowers, this plant can grow as a bottle brush tree or a shrub. Originating in Australia, there are around 50 species of bottle brush plants, each one with a slightly different growth pattern. Table of Contents Great attractors of pollinators, the bottle brush tree is a close relative of the paperbark melaleuca. It’s such a close relative, in fact, that all but four varieties have been moved to the melaleuca category!...

Plants Are you trying to decide between French or English Lavender for your garden? Not sure what the difference is between them? In this article, organic gardening expert and former organic lavender farmer Logan Hailey looks at the differences between them, and which climates they perform best in. By Logan Hailey Last updated: October 10, 2022 | 5 min read If you dream of a sea of aromatic purple flowers in your garden, lavender is among the most low-maintenance herbs you can grow....

Herbs can be grown indoors, and mint is one of them. However, mint (or any other herb) growing indoors can’t grow as vigorously as outdoors. Still, you can enjoy those freshly picked leaves year-round, even in winter! Growing Mint in Water It is also possible to grow mint in water. All you need to do is to take tip cuttings of about 5-6 inches length from an established mint plant. Remove the bottom leaves and place the cuttings in a water-filled glass or bottle....

Choosing a container for your hosta All the growing conditions you provide, from the pots to the soil, to regular care, will help contribute to your plant’s success. When choosing a container, make sure the pot can accommodate the eventual full size of your hosta. Your plant won’t grow to its full size during that first season in a container. You also want to make sure there are holes in the bottom of the pot, so the soil drains well....

Deadheading petunias is important in order to keep them bushy and looking their best. In this post, I’ll tell you why and when to do it. Then I will show you exactly how to deadhead petunias by both pinching and pruning, step by step. Petunias are a gorgeous addition to any garden, and a staple for me every year. But, they have a tendency to look leggy and overgrown by the middle of summer, which is not ideal....

Though similar to other honeysuckle plants in the Caprifoliaceae family, Himalayan honeysuckle offers notable differences in terms of its low-maintenance appeal as well as its visual appearance. Leycesteria formosa Himalayan honeysuckle, Leycesteria formosa, is just as beautiful as all the other types of honeysuckle plants, yet offers its own unique appeal. L. formosa can be grown as a vine or a shrub, and it produces sweet-smelling white flowers that descend from scarlet or purple bracts....

It doesn’t just make for good eating, either. Levisticum officinale There are a few plants out there that don’t have broad popularity and I just can’t understand why. Number one on that list is lovage. What’s not to love about lovage? The entire plant is edible, from root to tip, and it has a bright, fresh flavor that tastes a bit like citrusy celery. It’s also hardy, fuss-free, and reseeds readily without becoming invasive....

Not only the Barbados Cherry is tasty, but it is also rich in vitamins! When the plant starts to get full of these bright red berries, it looks really beautiful in the garden! Let’s have a look at all the information you need on How to Grow Barbados Cherry! Botanical Name: Malpighia emarginata USDA Zones: 9 – 11 Other Names: Acerola, West Indian cherry, Acerola cherry, Cerise des Antilles, Cerise de la barbade, Puerto Rican cherry...

It’s almost too exquisite-looking to eat, but eat it we do. It makes a perfect substitute for broccoli or cauliflower in any dish, and its slightly sweet, nutty flavor makes it a favorite among kids. Brassica oleracea var. botrytis ‘Romanesco’ If there was ever a piece of art that accidentally manifested itself as a vegetable, it would be Romanesco broccoli. It’s always tucked next to the broccoli and cauliflower at the grocery store, and every time my young son and I walk by it, we can’t help but stop and stare at its intricate swirls and whorls....

The bit of success I’ve had has taught me a thing or two about growing pumpkins. Cucurbita pepo Just like Linus from Peanuts, I’ve always searched for the Great Pumpkin… well, a great pumpkin, anyway! I admit an utter fascination with state and county fairs where farmers show off their freakish and massive pumpkins. Something about the dedication it takes to grow one of those misshapen monstrosities inspires me to give it a shot on my own....

As summer draws to a close and the days become shorter, I always feel a little bit wistful as I put my hot peppers to bed for the winter. Armed with a freezer full of more peppers than anyone can possibly eat, I’ll still miss the fresh taste of my homegrown crop. Many gardeners treat hot peppers as annuals, and simply start new ones from seed in the winter months, ready to set out when the weather warms up in spring....

Vegetables Collards are a staple vegetable for many families across the world. They have many uses, and are especially popular in the kitchen. But growing them can be a little tricky without the right information. In this article, organic gardening expert Logan Hailey walks through every step you'll need to follow in order to plant, grow, and care for collards. By Logan Hailey Last updated: March 2, 2022 | 11 min read Most commonly known as a southern classic, collard greens are an under-appreciated superfood cousin of kale....

Feel the same way? Read on to learn all about growing your own Greek oregano. Origanum vulgare var. hirtum Greek oregano is perhaps one of the most familiar of the culinary herbs among cooks in North America. I use this spicy and flavorful seasoning in just about everything I cook, and therefore it was one of the very first perennials I planted when I started my garden – I wanted a supply on hand at all times!...

Disposable diapers are used for kids to make them feel comfortable. But how interesting it would be if you could use them in your garden. Don’t get surprised; you heard it right! You can use them for gardening because of their amazing water-absorbing ability. Diapers are made up of a permeable barrier of cotton fiber and moisture absorbing crystals. This incredible mix allows the disposable diaper to retain moisture for an extended period....

I’m going to cover the pros and cons of replanting Norfolk Island pines as well as some alternate solutions. Perhaps some kind soul bestowed a Norfolk Island pine upon you during the holiday season. And you kept this festive houseplant alive – nice work! Now you are contemplating the task of repotting this lovely living Christmas tree. Fear not, this is not such a grueling task – and you may even want to skip it!...

The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum), also known as Ribbon Plant and Spider Ivy, is a popular perennial flowering plant. This plant is considered a highly-adaptable houseplant and grows easily with minimal care. The Spider Plant thrives in various conditions and is not prone to many health issues, except for brown tips, which seem to be quite common. Why does my spider plant have brown tips? It is common for a Spider Plant to get brown leaf tips, but it can usually be prevented with correct care....

1. Carrot Tops You must have seen rabbits eating the carrot tops and leaves, and they are actually tasty food for humans as well. Carrot greens have a slight taste of carrots and can be used in salads and to make pesto and soups. Here are some surprising benefits of carrot greens. 2. Onion Skins Use onion skins in stock recipes. Add them to your broth for a deep amber hue....

For the best success, it’s a good idea for beginners to start with easy vegetables to grow in a garden. If you’re excited to try it for the first time, then this post is for you. This list of easy-to-grow vegetables will have you harvesting your own food in no time! Cultivating your own food for the first time is exciting, but it can also be scary. So, for the best results, it’s always a good idea to start with easy vegetables to grow in pots or the garden....

These Indoor Plant Stake Ideas are what you need to give your plants the support they require to grow straight and keep exhibiting their beauty in your home. Here are DIY Rectangular Indoor Planters You Can Try Indoor Plant Stake Ideas 1. Moss Pole Stake One of the best Indoor Plant Stake Ideas is using a moss pole made from Sphagnum moss. Check out the DIY here. Check out these DIY Plant Hangers from Unusual Items 2....