Enormous warty pumpkins. Carnivorous plants. Immersive arachnid displays. Slithering snakes and fluttering bats. And illuminated displays of hundreds, or thousands, of ornately carved jack-o’-lanterns. Zoos and botanical gardens have become increasingly popular Halloween destinations. Their ...
The rose has long been regarded as the “queen of flowers,” revered for its fragrance and beauty. But less lauded are the orange and red hips, or seedpods, that form after the flowers fade. And that’s a shame. If they’re left on the plant, the rose hips will take center stage in autumn ...
I’ve always adored dahlias – in other people’s gardens. As much as their cheerful appearance intrigued me, there was something about the planting, staking, digging up and storing-over-winter routine that intimidated me. But the longer I garden, the more I grow to appreciate their beauty ...
Most of the hummingbirds that visited our gardens over the summer are currently en route to their winter homes in Central America. And the tiny 3-to-5-inch-long birds, which weigh just 0.1 to 0.2 ounces, need plenty of energy to fuel their journey. High-calorie food is in order, and you can ...
This is the time of year when, without fail, readers send me photos of their mutant tomatoes. Many look like Jimmy Durante (if you’re too young to know who that is, think Squidward). Others are horned, and some should carry a “for mature audiences only” warning. The good news is ...
World got you down? A hit of “dopamine decor” might lift the spirits. The biggest trend in home decorating this fall is an emphasis on happiness, self-expression, color and creativity. Does orange make you smile? Dress your kitchen in the happy hue. Love a variety of styles? Do a ...