Scientists can tell a lot about a plant by taking a closer look at its leaves. For years, researchers have been studying the unique features of these leaves to learn more about trends in different plant species. For example, scientists have found that trees that grow in colder environments and get plenty of access to… Read more »
Native to Japan, the hemlock woolly adelgid has been problematic in eastern states for decades, but the destructive insects have only recently raised serious concerns in Michigan. Some experts have attributed the sudden outbreak to a pair of back-to-back mild winters that allowed the adelgids to reproduce freely and spread to new areas. As their… Read more »
Originally from New Caledonia, a tropical archipelago in the southwest Pacific Ocean, Cook pines were first classified during Captain James Cook’s second mission to circumnavigate the globe. The trees grow up to 197 feet tall and have a characteristic narrow appearance due to their short branches. The other identifying characteristic of Cook pines is the… Read more »
Soil contains a rich mix of living entities that aid trees in the process of extracting nutrients and water from the soil. Some are microscopic while others, such as earthworms, are visible with the naked eye. Other living things like protozoa, fungi and bacteria are all invaluable to the soil ecosystem as well. A recent… Read more »
If you’ve been waiting all winter to get back into the garden, then you’ve come to the right place. As you start planning out your plantscapes and what to place in your garden, it’s always good to know what’s hot for the season. Let’s take a look at what’s trending with tending your garden and… Read more »
Planting trees, bushes, plants and other shrubs is a nice way to increase the aesthetic appeal of a property as well as provide some shade and privacy. We all know that water is vital to a plant’s survival and you might have thought that it doesn’t matter what time of day – as long as… Read more »
If you’ve been listening to the news, you probably know that bee populations around the country have been on the decline in the last few years. ScienceMag.org says that according to recent studies, several species of bees have significantly declined in population over the last 10 to 20 years. There are numerous reasons behind the… Read more »
Does your yard remain wet much of the year? Does your property feature wet, marshy soil? Do you have a pond, stream or other water feature that sometimes contributes to soggy soil around the property? Planting some of these thirsty shrubs that absorb water can help you to reclaim your yard and keep your property… Read more »
There is nothing like seeing a home surrounded by vibrant, green grass, but planting grass is not as easy and artless as simply laying down some seeds. It is imperative that you do your research on proper grass planting techniques and timing, and it all starts with choosing the best time to plant. So when… Read more »
If you live in a nice country area, or you like to grow nice plants and trees, one of the major issues you might face is deer eating your garden or foliage. One option is to use a fence to keep deer out of specific areas on your property. However, deer are resilient, and can… Read more »
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, scientists believe ferns date all the way back to the late Devonian Period, which ended about 359 million years ago, and the beginning of the Carboniferous Period that started at around the same time. To put ferns’ longevity into perspective, dinosaurs first started roaming the Earth during the Mesozoic Era that… Read more »
Vines are pretty easy to grow, which is a good start. All you have to do is make sure to plant them in loose, well-draining soil, according to HGTV. Different types of vines may need to be planted at different distances from each other, so make sure you consult the packaging before you plant. For… Read more »
