Sharpen Your Superpower of Observation

A few months back, I was watering and rearranging some plants, when I accidentally knocked off a few begonia flowers. The flowers were beautiful, and I couldn’t stand to sweep them off the deck. Instead, I brought them into the kitchen to put them in a small vase. That’s when I noticed it. The flowers …

What is buzz pollination?

Some bees use perfect pitch to release pollen from flowers, a technique called buzz pollination. (Gosh, I wish I could sing a perfect note on cue!) Buzz pollination is like a secret password to gain entry into a clubhouse, because tone-savvy bees can unlock and release the pollen from some flowers when they know the password. Buzz …

Sunflowers: An American Treasure

It’s August! As you walk around your neighborhood, watch out for sunflowers in gardens, or you might spy them in bouquets at the local farmer’s market. Stop and take a minute to appreciate the sunflowers you see, because they’re an American treasure. Most of us know what a sunflower looks like, and you can probably …

Make a Mandala Breakfast

I’m a breakfast lover. Oh! You are too? Then, you’re in the right place. Are you tired of the same old cold cereal? Maybe you’d like a faster breakfast option to prepare than pancakes or French toast. Or maybe you want to keep kids busy for a while as you sip your coffee. The cure-all …

How to Make a Flower Chain

Ice cream is the best! You know what else is the best? Lazing around on a nice summer day and doing whatever you want to do. Loafing, lazing and putzing can bring great joy to the inner child in all of us. Don’t forget to laze. A proper putzing is done without a smart phone …

Make Pink Chive Blossom Drizzle (Chive Infused Vinegar)

If you know a child who doesn’t like vegetables, then I have a well-meaning trick for you! You’re going to make Pink Chive Blossom Drizzle together. Then, as the herb-infused vinegar steeps for a few weeks, you’re going to occasionally talk up the drizzle. Say: “It’s so special because we can only make it once …

It’s a Red Maple Flower!

There are things in life that you can count on happening like clockwork. Even more accurate than a groundhog’s shadow, you know that spring has arrived when you see the flowers of maple trees scattered on the ground. Did you know maple trees have flowers? They do! To find red maple flowers during your springtime …

Why, When and How to Prune Annabelle Hydrangea

If you’re looking for a flower that you can see from a block away because it’s bigger than your head, then ‘Annabelle’ hydrangeas are the shrub for you. This type of hydrangea grows well in shade or part shade (4 hour or less of direct sun); mine never gets direct sunlight in its nook on …

Green is for Zinnia, Peas and Dill

The color green isn’t just for fans of the Hulk or the Wicked Witch of the West. It’s also a key component of any rainbow garden. Green is good! Zinnia If you’ve followed along so far, then you’ll recognize a theme developing in my rainbow garden. Zinnias! I can’t say enough good things about their …

Yellow is for Zinnia and Bush Beans

In a contest of cheerfully colored flowers, is there anything that conveys happiness more than yellow? Add a pinch of yellow to a garden and you’re guaranteed to maintain a certain level of sunny cheer. Here’s what I chose for my slice of sunshine: Zinnia My yellow zinnias are part of the Hot Crayon Colors …