10 Great Natives for a Sunny Border

As September comes to an end, it is important to recognize that this month is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. In the past 30 years, obesity rates have tripled among youth in the United States. There are many factors that contribute to obesity in children, including genetics, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, and other lifestyle factors. Being obese at a young age increases the risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood. Some of those diseases include high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Fortunately, simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in helping your child maintain a healthy weight now and throughout their life.

How to Grow and Care for American Bittersweet Vines Celastrus scandens

Decor styles like modern farmhouse and cottagecore are classic for a reason, and they're not going anywhere anytime soon. So it's not too surprising that a more rustic version of these aesthetics is gaining popularity: Appropriately deemed farmcore, the trending style inspired by slow-country living gives a more earthy, rural feel to your space. While not as mainstream as other nature-inspired looks just yet, you're about to see it take over homes everywhere—big cities included. Here's how to get ahead of the trend.

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Plants with leaves as sharp as razor blades. Plants that smell like rotten meat. Plants that will cause severe gastrointestinal problems if ingested. These all sound like great garden additions, right? Let me run right out to the nursery and buy all of these “nasties”! I think you’d be in the minority if that’s what you’re thinking.

The centerpiece of a traditional American landscape has long been a verdant, weed-free expanse of lawn. But all too often conventional lawn care is achieved by applying an onslaught of synthetic fungicides and fertilizers that are detrimental to soil health. In my mind, an organically maintained lawn uses a mix of turfgrass species and clover and has the added benefit of supporting pollinators and a host of soil-dwelling organisms.

Today’s photos are from Chris.

Unveil the mystery behind Cuba National Flower — a captivating bloom imbued with historical significance, cultural heritage, and stunning beauty. Beyond its elegant white petals lies a tale intertwined with revolution, folklore, and Cuban identity, this isn’t just a flower; it’s a symbol of resilience and national pride. Ready to dive into the intriguing journey of the Mariposa and explore how it became a living emblem of Cuba’s spirit!

When Neil Patterson Jr. was about 7 or 8 years old, he saw a painting called “Gathering Chestnuts,” by Tonawanda Seneca artist Ernest Smith. Patterson didn’t realize that the painting showed a grove of American chestnuts, a tree that had been all but extinct since his great-grandparents’ time. Instead, what struck Patterson was the family in the foreground: As a man throws a wooden club to knock chestnuts from the branches above, a child shells the nuts and a woman gathers them in a basket. Even the dog seems engrossed in the process, watching with head cocked as the club sails through the air.

'A Rewilding Britain Landscape’ by Urquhart & Hunt at Chelsea in 2022

Ambrosia artemisiifolia, or ragweed, is a plant species notorious for causing allergies. Despite this, the plant has been researched for its potential as a source of biofuels and natural chemicals, and it has a variety of traditional medicinal uses. If you are interested in growing the plant, it is important to follow proper guidelines.

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