Celery Root vs Jicama: All the Differences!

Buzzing through gardens and hovering around wooden structures, both carpenter bees and bumblebees are familiar sights in outdoor spaces. But did you know these buzzing insects are often mistaken for each other, despite having strikingly different habits, nesting preferences, and roles in our ecosystem? Dive in to discover the captivating world of these bees with our detailed Carpenter Bee vs Bumble Bee guide!

It’s at this time of year that our little farmhouse begins to be love-bombed by butterflies, which flutter into its rooms through open windows to perch on the centuries-old walls and bask on its sunny windowsills. They are small tortoiseshells, a common species easily identified by the tiger-like stripes and series of tiny, pale blue dots stippled along the edges of its dark-orange, paper-thin wings. In early autumn the adults go in search of somewhere safe to overwinter, during which time our house is strangely irresistible to them. Clearly the building has always had this special charm. When we first bought it, its old, sun-filled rooms were filled with their tiny, dusty remains, poignant reminders of summers long gone.

IT IS NOT TIME quite yet here for what I call the mad stash, storing those non-hardy plants for the winter that we wish to keep alive for another year of service. But it is time to make some plans to do just that.

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.

Ever watched a praying mantis silently stalk its prey, blending seamlessly into its environment like a ninja in the wild? These insects are masters of disguise, acrobats of the insect world, and each species carries its own set of jaw-dropping traits. You might be surprised to learn that there are hundreds of different types, each with its own unique behaviors, hunting tactics, and stunning coloration. Get ready to venture into the captivating realm ofDifferent Types of Praying Mantises—where mystery, beauty, and predation coalesce into one incredible insect world.

It’s time now to visit one of my absolute favourites—Wollerton Old Hall in Shropshire, England. One thing I find fascinating about this place is the unique layout. It combines large and small spaces, captivating plantings, stunning vistas, and beautiful details, making it one of England’s most remarkable private gardens.

The Palmetto tree, a staple of Southern landscapes and Florida coastlines, isn’t just a symbol of warm, tropical paradises—it’s also a marvel of natural engineering below the ground. What many people don’t realize is that the Palmetto Tree Root System plays an incredible role in its survival and adaptability, proving to be as fascinating as it is functional. Read on to discover the hidden world beneath these iconic palm fronds!

You’re at a summer picnic, and you hear that unmistakable buzz. A black and yellow insect darts past you, and suddenly you’re left wondering: is it a wasp or a yellow jacket? Though often used interchangeably, these two creatures are as different as night and day in terms of behavior, appearance, and impact on your outdoor activities. Stick around as we delve into the gripping world of Wasp vs Yellow Jacket!

The galling on these okra roots was caused by root-knot nematodes (RKN). We see nematodes build up in the soil when susceptible crops are planted in the same fields or beds year after year.

If you're after a completely free-to-enter garden to relax in and explore this summer, then Manchester's Ordsall Hall has it all — a gorgeous garden, a historic hall, and a lovely allotment. Everything at Ordsall is free to explore, making it a must-visit this season.  Want to find out more? Our team took a tour this summer to show you what Salford's oldest building has to offer.  The Gardens Ordsall Hall has lush sprawling grass to the front of the property… But to the back? This is where you can find their impressive time capsule garden.  The rear garden is designed in a traditional Tudor style knot, similar to what would have been grown back then. Rose bushes stand out among carefully pruned hedging. Lavender covers the flower beds.

If you're after a completely free-to-enter garden to relax in and explore this summer, then Manchester's Ordsall Hall has it all — a gorgeous garden, a historic hall, and a lovely allotment. Everything at Ordsall is free to explore, making it a must-visit this season.  Want to find out more? Our team took a tour this summer to show you what Salford's oldest building has to offer.  The Gardens Ordsall Hall has lush sprawling grass to the front of the property… But to the back? This is where you can find their impressive time capsule garden.  The rear garden is designed in a traditional Tudor style knot, similar to what would have been grown back then. Rose bushes stand out among carefully pruned hedging.

Japanese Maple Fireglow vs Bloodgood – this is the discussion of the hour and now it’s time to delve into the vibrant world of these cultivars.