September 2025

What is a golden rain tree good for? Golden rain tree works well planted on a lawn or park or near a patio, though consider the flower and leaf litter if planted near any hardscape. Use it to shade children’s gardens where the flowers and curious fruits can be enjoyed. It may also be used […]

What’s the best month to plant potatoes? Late March to early May is a good time to plant potatoes in the northern states. In the warmer areas of the South they can be planted in late fall or early winter. Late season seed potatoes crop at the perfect time to make homegrown Christmas dinner roasties.

What is the trick to growing cucumbers? Cucumbers thrive best at relatively high temperatures, between 75 to 85 °F. The plants do not tolerate frost. Since they are a quick-growing crop, they must be well supplied with moisture and plant nutrients throughout the growing season. Water is especially critical for cucumbers during the fruiting stage.

What does it mean to call someone a scarlet pimpernel? The popularity of Orczy’s novel prompted English speakers to start using scarlet pimpernel for any daring hero who smuggled those in danger to a safe haven in another country. Today it is also sometimes used more broadly for a person who is daring, mysterious, or

What are the different types of cactus? Some of the more common groups of cacti include Cereus, Echinocactus, Espostoa, Ferocactus, Mammillaria, Notocactus, Opuntia, Parodia, Pilosocereus, and Rebutia. Make the most of your cactus houseplants by planting them in containers that accent the plants’ rich colors, shapes, or textures. Cacti are great indoor plants only if

What is the common name for Thuja plicata? Its common name is western redcedar in the U. S. UK, and it is also called pacific red cedar, giant arborvitae, western arborvitae, just cedar, giant cedar, or shinglewood. Western red cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insect damage, so no chemical treatment is required. Its

What is a hummingbird’s favorite flower? Plants with tubular flowers include agastache, salvia, ajuga, heuchera, penstemon, mertensia, cuphea, nepeta, nicotiana, kniphofia, foxgloves, hostas, and all types of sages. Other hummingbird favorites include annuals such as petunias, zinnias, lantana, hibiscus and fuchsia. Brightly-colored flowers that are tubular hold the most nectar, and are particularly attractive to

Is a mini monstera really a monstera? The fast-growing Mini Monstera or Dwarf Monstera as it is often known is not actually a Monstera, but a type of aroid plant botanically called Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. With a climbing vine-type habit, this Mini Monstera can be trained up a moss pole or left to trail down over

What do you put in the bottom of an outdoor fire pit? In conclusion, choosing the material to place at the bottom of a fire pit requires considering ventilation, heat resistance, and protective properties. Materials such as sand, fire bricks, or slabs are excellent choices that can improve burning efficiency, extend lifespan, and ensure safety.

Is hornwort a good aquarium plant? Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a classic go-to for aquarists who want hardy, hassle-free greenery. With its fine, feathery needles and bushy texture, Hornwort creates a forest-like feel in your aquarium—and it grows fast. Like, really fast. Hornwort can be planted in the substrate, or just float on the water