Columbus, OH

Many of the insects attracted to our plants are beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which help fruits and flowers to thrive—but not all bugs in a garden are beneficial. Some of the most popular plants and vegetables are also hotspots for pests we don't want anywhere near...

6 Plants That Attract Unwanted Pests (And You Should Get Rid of Them ASAP), Pros Say

Birds are great for your yard. Not only are they beautiful and offer charming melodies for your sensory garden, but they also provide plenty of benefits for the environment. Among other ecological services they offer, birds feast on bugs and control the insect population, and they spread seeds, helping to support plant diversity.

Want More Birds In Your Yard? Grow These Plants and Trees

A-Z-Animals

Hummingbirds are very fast animals. Their wings beat 80 times per second, and their heart beats up to 1,260 beats per minute. But their wings and circulatory systems aren’t the only things that are speedy. Hummingbirds have one of the fastest metabolisms of any animal on the planet. In fact, their metabolisms are over 75 […]

4 Foods You Can Feed Hummingbirds Other than Sugar Water

Quick Answer: There’s no mistaking the dizzying display of a hummingbird’s wings as it zips around from flower to flower looking for nectar. But often, that same frantic action is used to chase other hummingbirds. So, why do hummingbirds chase each other? Are these tiny, unique creatures simply having fun, or is there another reason? […]

Discover Why Hummingbirds Chase Each Other

Real Homes

Are you gardening in August and want to know the plants you should deadhead? The pros say to take your pruners to these five blooms that are backyard staples

5 plants to deadhead in August so you can enjoy a gorgeous display of blooms

If you planted fruit trees dreaming of harvesting juicy pears, pie-ready apples, and sweet summer peaches fresh from your own backyard, then trees that grow and bloom without producing bountiful fruit are a maddening puzzle. However, most of the reasons fruit trees don't produce fruit are easy to anticipate—and simple...

Why Your Fruit Trees Aren't Bearing Fruit—and How to Fix It

Wasps are pollinators in the garden, but not insects you want to encounter around your home, yard, or patio—they are more aggressive than bees, and you don't want to get stung while lounging outside. They aren't a big threat if left alone when foraging for food. However, if they...

How to Get Rid of Wasps 4 Easy Ways (and Keep Them From Coming Back)

Although the dog days of summer are still in full swing, winter weather will be here before you know it. To help you prepare for the chilly months ahead, the Old Farmers' Almanac, America’s oldest weather forecaster, just released its 2024-2025 extended winter weather forecast. And it looks like it's going to be a wet and snowy one.

It's Going to Be a Very Wet and Snowy Winter—See the Farmers' Almanac Forecast Map Here

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing. Even if you aren’t familiar with hardiness zones, chances are you’ve seen the colorful map of the United States featured on seed packets and plant labels as you try to select flowers for your garden (and if you haven’t, you can find it on the USDA’s website). And whether you’re sowing seeds with children or picking out your annual hanging baskets, knowledge about these zones can help you choose plants that thrive in your area.

The First Thing You Need to Know Before You Plant Anything (You’ll Regret It If You Don’t!)

Nothing disrupts a peaceful afternoon in the garden quite like a swarm of wasps. These aggressive insects can make outdoor spaces uncomfortable and even dangerous for those with allergies. But did you know there’s a natural ally in the fight against wasps? The Summer Tanager, a brightly colored bird known for its appetite for wasps and other stinging insects, can be a gardener’s best friend. Attracting this bird to your garden can help keep wasp populations in check, making your outdoor space more enjoyable.

This Bird Loves To Eat Wasps – Here’s How To Attract It

GreenMatters

When it comes to natural pest control options, there are plenty of good ideas. From hanging up plastic bags full of shiny pennies, to keeping the things that attract bugs (like hummingbird feeders) away from your home, there are loads of non-chemical options that people swear by. However, there may be one bug repelling hack that could actually boost your home's curb appeal as well, and it's actually a pretty easy DIY for almost any homeowner. Continue reading to learn why some experts swear by a specific house paint color that they say bugs can't help but stay away from,...

Paint Your House This Color to Keep Bugs Away

It doesn’t matter if you’re short on space or just love the look and smell of roses everywhere; a potted rose provides blooms and flexibility for any garden or home. Container roses aren’t difficult to maintain if you choose a pot wisely, water adequately, and make sure your growing media allows for adequate drainage. And pick the right rose. Ahead, we spoke with experts about the best variety of roses to grow in containers.

14 Container Roses That Are Especially Fragrant and Beautiful

Hummingbirds are enchanting visitors to any garden, known for their iridescent feathers and rapid, darting flight. Many gardeners plant specific flowers and set up feeders to attract these delightful birds. However, certain common mistakes can unintentionally drive hummingbirds away. Understanding these pitfalls and how to avoid them can help ensure your garden remains a hummingbird haven.

Common Gardening Mistakes That Drive Hummingbirds Away

When it comes to planting, many gardeners focus on selecting the right soil and choosing the perfect plants. However, an often overlooked but essential aspect of successful container gardening is ensuring proper drainage. Adding pinecones to the bottom of your planter is a simple and effective method to enhance drainage,...

Here’s Why You Need to Add Pinecones to the Bottom of Your Planter

Writers represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. Writers are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

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Emily Standley Allard

In the mystical realm where astrology intersects with spiritual beliefs, certain zodiac signs are thought to possess inherent qualities that offer protection against malevolent entities and negative energies. This intriguing concept has roots in ancient astrology and cultural traditions worldwide, where the alignment of the stars at one's birth is believed to influence not only personality traits but also spiritual protection. This post delves into the 5 celestial shields of the zodiac, highlighting signs that are particularly noted for their protective aura against evil spirits.

5 Zodiac Signs That Possess a Protective Aura Against Evil Spirits

A common variety of consumer insecticide sprays is mostly ineffective and of "little to no value" in eliminating cockroach infestations, a study in the Journal of Economic Entomology shows. Residual insecticides are designed to be sprayed on surfaces where cockroaches are likely to appear, exposing them to the toxic ingredient...

Consumer-grade insecticide sprays fail to control cockroaches, study shows

Homes & Gardens

From Alaska to Mexico, many hummingbirds travel astonishing distances during late summer

The 4,000-mile migration of native hummingbirds is about to begin – here's how you can help these winged wonders

House Digest

If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard, plant these perennials. Learn which perennial flowers attract hummingbirds and where to plant them.

11 Perennial Plants That Will Fill Your Yard With Hummingbirds

Colorado State

Contributors represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. They have also demonstrated their experience writing hard news for other outlets. Contributors are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

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David Heitz

A bill quietly introduced this spring in the Colorado legislature to decriminalize the possession of drug paraphernalia obtained by harm reductionists has become law. As low-key as the legislation was introduced, the bill was signed into law without fanfare June 6. It garnered little to no media attention.

Colorado legalizes needles, pipes for meth and crack if obtained by harm reduction group

Hibiscus plants boast some of the largest and most colorful blooms among their perennial peers. The ultimate goal is flowers when you grow and care for one of these shrubs. We want as many as possible, for as long as possible. So when they fall off sooner than we expected, the disappointment is real.

Why is My Hibiscus Dropping Flowers?

NewsBreak

How to Attract Bats to Your Yard—and Why You Want To

On a summer night, look up and you may see bats zipping across the sky. Having inspired tales of vampires, superheroes, and more, some people fear...

How to Attract Bats to Your Yard—and Why You Want To

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