Not Only Violets Are Blue: Part 1

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Over the years, daffodils and narcissus have become confused with each other. Even the most experienced gardeners can get muddled. Some varieties are sold as daffodils, some as narcissus. I’ve even been asked if narcissus are just smaller daffodils. Well, we’re here to set the record straight! Are daffodils the same as narcissus?

Some of us eagerly await summer every year, ready for days of sunshine, picnics, ice cream—and, perhaps not so eagerly, an influx of spotted lanternflies. If you live in the Midwest or East Coast of the United States, you’ve likely seen the insect with its spotted wings and red hindwings flying about or just sitting on the pavement. 

Once essential, traditional irons are now burrowed in the pile of things people rarely ever reach for. Many young adults don’t even own one, to begin with. As they say, there’s always something better to do than spend your free time ironing. 

Spring has officially sprung, which means one thing: Pool season is so close, we can practically smell the chlorine. But before you slather on the SPF and do your inaugural cannonball, why not turn your watering hole into a well-designed outdoor destination? Chic umbrellas and cozy chaise lounges might be two easy ways to dress up your backyard, but if you want to take your setup to the next level, some people are using bright tiles and paints to transform their pool floors into maximalist moments.

Were you raised in a barn? Probably not, but you might have sliding barn doors as space-saving solutions in your home. Earlier this year, however, experts shared the news that these once-trendy doors are “out,” particularly because they don’t offer much privacy and aren’t the best option if you have space constraints. 

Now that summer has finally arrived, it’s time for you to heed your call of the wild and head outside. Of course, you’re not chilling outside alone: You’ll have all your plants, grilling tools, and outdoor decor essentials keeping you company. That said, finding the right outdoor furniture to suit your space can be admittedly tricky. Not only do you have to find pieces that are designed with Mother Nature in mind—and hopefully don’t follow these key backyard blunders—but you’ll want to find items that look good, too. (Just like what’s inside your home, outdoor furniture can be surprisingly pricey, so it’s in your best interest to find furniture that ticks off all of the boxes.)

Are your tomato vines covered in plump green fruits that refuse to turn red? While tomatoes are relatively easy to grow, they can be finicky at times. Several factors can slow or stop fruit from ripening, causing tomatoes to linger in the green stage. Extreme temperatures are the most common culprit, but soil nutrition and plant care can also play a role. If your tomatoes are not turning red, don’t fret. Discover the reasons behind this common challenge and easy ways to promote tomatoes to ripen in the garden and kitchen.

If you’re living on the East Coast right now, you might have heard about the Joro spider—and if you haven't, allow us to introduce you. This (admittedly scary-looking) insect has been slowly moving up the East Coast, with sightings starting in new states this summer.

Ever since I was a kid, I've been skittish around animals. This is perhaps why birds have always been among my favorites—they like to keep their distance from me as much as I do them.

Creative gardeners are always looking for ways to boost production. One topic that gets a lot of buzz in garden forums is using coffee grounds to fertilize plants. Coffee grounds can provide benefits to many plants, including tomatoes, but the impacts vary depending on how they are used. Learn how to effectively incorporate coffee grounds into your gardening routine to supplement tomatoes and other garden plants.

Ed Gohlich