The naturalists of today may not spend most of their time sailing the seas and looking under crude microscopes, but there is still plenty to explore in the world. With the advancement of science comes an advancement in technology - which further aids science. While...
Carnivorous plants are fascinating, getting their nutrients from insects rather than the soil like other plants. It might leave you wondering just how the plants digest their insect prey – learn more in this article.
Is Mandrake the Same as Ginseng? No, mandrake is not close to ginseng either in composition or genetics. Don’t be fooled by names like ‘ginseng ficus’ or ‘human root’, as these common names largely serve to confuse between the two plants. Mandrake, like any good...
There’s a beautiful succulent that is gaining popularity with houseplant enthusiasts. You might have heard of it, with its cute, rounded leaves and a beautiful stem that pops with color. The elephant bush, or Portulacaria afra, is native to South Africa from the Little Karoo of the Western Cape, into the thickets of the Eastern Cape.
It’s one thing to think about the cycle of life in terms of seasons. In northern climates, winter is a time of snow cover and cold. A few plants have specialized to live in these climates, but most begin life in the spring or summer and die (or go dormant) in the autumn. In this article, we answer how that works and dive into the life cycle of a plant.
The Venus Flytrap is a carnivorous plant that has captured the love of many quirky houseplant owners. Unlike other carnivorous plants, these plants developed a unique snapping-mechanism to trap unsuspecting prey once they have been felt on the inside of the sticky traps with a set of trigger-hairs.
It is no wonder why these plants are becoming more popular as houseplants, even though they are a challenge for many indoor gardeners; Charles Darwin himself fell in love with these plants, calling these plants “one of the most wonderful plants in the world.”
You’ve probably heard about wildlife sanctuaries, which are swaths of land dedicated to providing habitat for certain species of wildlife. Lesser known, however, are plant sanctuaries. These sanctuaries serve the same purpose, but on a more foundational scale.
The fate of the American Beech tree hangs in the balance, but the resilience of nature and the determination of those invested in its preservation offer a glimmer of hope.
Over the last few years, a lot of people have begun turning to alternate methods of gardening. One ‘alternative’ method is planting native plants in lieu of the typical garden plants we might be familiar with today. Let’s take a look at why – and how – this can be...
As a steward or grower of ginseng, it’s important to look toward the future and know what to expect from this plant, especially as it takes multiple years to grow to maturity in the first place. Once you’ve learned how to identify the plant over the winter, you may...
When you think of the ginseng plant, you might think about the full plant in all its green and red beauty with the berries shiny and ready to be planted; but American ginseng doesn’t have berries most of the year. The beautiful red berries are only on the plant for a small window of time.
A lot of states have regulated the harvest of ginseng plants to specific seasons, requiring a state license to collect the plant. Like other hunting seasons, there are stipulations for what you are allowed to collect – and what you are not. How Old is a 4-Prong...
Learn everything you need to know about the nutritional baby plants known as microgreens and why they’re taking the food industry by storm in recent years.
One of the best things about microgreens is that they don't require a lot of space. You can grow them in a small container on your windowsill, balcony, or even your kitchen countertop. Since they grow quickly, you can enjoy fresh greens in just a few days for most beginner-friendly varieties.
Not only are they easy to grow, but they also pack a nutritious punch. However, before you start sprouting your first seed, you'll need to know how to select the right seeds and determine the correct amount to use for your growing setup.
Tucked neatly at the base of the Berkshire mountains of western Massachusetts, Nasami Farm is a unique native plant nursery with a wide reach. What makes this nursery so special? Let’s take a look:Spotlight: Native Plant Nursery in Massachusetts As a local plant...
The naturalists of today may not spend most of their time sailing the seas and looking under crude microscopes, but there is still plenty to explore in the world. With the advancement of science comes an advancement in technology - which further aids science. While...
In this spotlight, you’ll learn about a wonderful outdoor botanical garden focused on highlighting native plants in the New England region. Garden in the Woods is a great way to learn more about sustainable gardening practices, ecosystems, and habitats of the...
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