Author: Joseph Greenfinger
Even if you don’t get sunburned, this after-sun salve recipe is a summer essential to hydrate and soothe sunburned skin. Apply after a shower to remove any sunscreen residue. Apply this salve and your skin will absorb the oils and butters, repairing sun-damaged skin while you sleep. The sun just keeps getting hotter, doesn’t it? Years ago, my grandsons were stuck at an event longer than expected, and while they were having fun outdoors, they brought home an unwanted memory: sunburn. Heat radiated from their rosy cheeks, shoulders, and noses, and I could see how it was affecting their energy.…
We are in the middle of the earth the sixth extinction crisiswith one of five migratory species are at risk of extinction. Much of the erosion and even extinction of species is due to range contraction, habitat loss, and fragmentation caused by human developmenturban and suburban development, and irresponsible agricultural practices. If you live anywhere in or near a suburban or urban area in the United States, chances are you have seen or at least heard of seeing carnivorous mammals like coyotes and bears in your neighborhood. As we take over more of their territory, they will enter ours, often…
Hello GPODers! Today we have an exciting update on a project we saw early last year. Nicki Snoblin decided to clear out some of her front yard to create a bed of pollinator-friendly perennials. She shared the process of getting started and her first plantings here: Nicki’s New Garden Project (but Nicki has shared photos many times in the past, so be sure to check out other parts of her garden here: Nicki’s Indoor Garden, Nicki’s Fall in the Garden, and her New Garden Inspired by GPOD). Today we finally get to see what Nicki’s first year of development has…
If you want to design a modern bathroom, you’ll want to stay away from the following six features, as experts say they’ll instantly make the space look dated. Here, they’ll cover the colors, finishes, and other elements you should avoid to ensure your bathroom looks as sophisticated and stylish as possible. All white bathroom While all-white bathrooms were certainly trendy at one point, they’re no longer appealing, says Amr Samaha, founder of Samaha Studio. Samaha explains why they often feel sterile and uninviting. “The lack of color and texture can make these spaces feel cold and lifeless,” says Samaha. Alexis…
It’s the perfect time to admire these bright, vibrant flowers in all their glory.London gardener Thomas Rutter has outlined his top five dahlias for summer. Dahlias are hardy and stand out from the rest of the garden’s summer favourites. After centuries of hybridisation, there are thousands of varieties to choose from and one to suit every soil type. There are dahlias perfect for pots, dahlias for raised beds and dahlias to brighten up large garden borders.The wide range of colours, sizes and shapes of dahlias means you can find a flower to suit your personal taste as well as the…
Ants are pests in the home, especially in the kitchen. Outdoors, they contribute to crop damage by creating a breeding ground for pests such as aphids and whiteflies. While toxic pesticides are effective, consider using diatomaceous earth as an organic, non-toxic alternative to killing ants. Diatomaceous earth kills ants by drying and abrading their bodies. It is non-toxic, so it is safe to use indoors, although some precautions must be taken. Find out everything you need to know below. Meet the expert Dr. Hamilton Allen is a certified entomologist at Fox Pest Control. David Price is an entomologist and technical…
Today’s oceans are awash with plastic. Tiny microplastics, often invisible to the naked eye, swirl in our tide pools. Large pieces of plastic debris stretch across vast stretches of ocean. Much of the ocean’s plastic pollution comes from land-based sources, but almost 20 percent comes from the fishing industry. Equipment falls overboard, fishing lines snap and spill waste into the sea, pots and buoys are abandoned, and fishing and aquaculture debris floats away. Fishing nets and buoys lost on the seabed. Photo by Andriy Nekrasov via Shutterstock Floats are a vital component of aquaculture and fisheries—there are hundreds of thousands…
Summer is a great time to take care of beautiful houseplants. One of my favorite low-maintenance plants is Angelonia, commonly known as Summer Snapdragon. Angelonia’s upright plant structure, colorful flowers, and bushy growth habit make it a standout in any garden. If you are interested in growing Angelonia, I have documented my insights on how to care for this beautiful plant. With my tips, your flower beds, planters and baskets will be filled with fresh, long-lasting blooms all season long! General characteristics of Angelonia Science name: Angelonia speciesOther common names: Summer SnapdragonUSDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11Native areas: Mexico, West Indies, North…
William Dyson, curator at Great Comp Garden near Sevenoaks, has been growing and propagating sage at his small on-site nursery for over 25 years. He grows over 200 different varieties including Salvia ‘Silas Dyson’ and Salvia ‘Dyson’s Joy’. These introductions have made this beautiful sage a must-have for designers and gardeners looking to add stems, colour and movement to borders.“Sage really likes the sandy stretches that run beneath our feet here,” says William. “The variety of flower colours and the long flowering period from May to November make these plants a real gardener’s favourite.”William Dyson with Salvia ‘Maroon’; Close-up of…
Common name Blueberry Botanical name Gaylussacia species; Vaccinium species Family Ericaceae family Plant type Shrubs Adult size 3-10 ft tall, 3-4 ft wide Bask Whole, part Soil type Moist but well drained Soil pH Acidic Tolerance zone 3-9 (USDA) Native area North America Huckleberry Care If you want to grow blueberries, keep in mind the following essential care requirements: Plant in well-drained soil and mulch around the base of the shrub.Choose a location that gets at least five to six hours of direct sunlight.Water thoroughly when soil is dry.Supplement the soil with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Want more…