10 Shrubs with Berries for Fall and Winter Bird Treats
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10 Shrubs with Berries for Fall and Winter Bird Treats

Berries are an irresistible treat for birds, particularly in winter when food is scarce. The fruits produced by these shrubs provide calories and crucial nutrients that birds need, particularly during the cold winter months when other natural food sources are nonexistent or buried in the snow.  Here are some of my favorites to consider for…

Partridgeberry as ground cover with red fruit
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Partridgeberry

Partridgeberry is a low-growing, creeping, and woody herb that is evergreen, perennial, part of the Rubiaceae family. From Newfoundland down to central Florida and west to eastern Texas, partridgeberry can be found all across the eastern United States. It naturally occurs in woodland settings, primarily on sand slopes along creek or river banks. However, it…

Borage Has Many Uses

Borage Has Many Uses

Borage is a tall, attractive plant, often grown in flowerbeds with bright blue star-shaped edible flowers. Also known as “starflower,” the borage herb is a beautiful perennial with blue flowers that self-seed. Its flowers are cucumber-flavored, and all parts of the plant, except the roots, have medicinal or culinary uses. This plant is best grown…

Eastern White Pine Uses
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Eastern White Pine Uses

White pine uses include the sensation of opening the lungs, throat, and sinuses, leading to a feeling of warmth, comfort, and stimulation. Eastern White pine, scientifically named Pinus strobus, is a tall and mighty conifer tree falling under the Pinaceae family. Also known as the soft pine, this species is native to eastern North American…

Blue Vervain

Blue Vervain

Blue vervain, or American vervain, is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant native to North America. It is a traditionally important plant, widely distributed in almost every state in the USA and a few provinces in Canada. Moist prairies and damp thickets are its main habitats. It is a type of perennial herbaceous plant falling under…

A white panickled aster with many flowers

White Panicled Aster

The White Panicled Aster features daisy-like rays with prominent yellow discs that redden with age and make up clusters of mini-blossoms. Known as Symphyotrichum lanceolatum, it is a flowering plant native to North America in the Asteraceae family. Its common names include asters with panicles, lance-shaped leaves, and white panicles. It is a perennial herbaceous…

Gardenia plant with a dozen white flowers

Gardenia Varieties

Gardenia varieties are striking and fragrant flowering plants in the Rubiaceae, or the coffee madder family. It is a genus native to various regions around the globe, including the tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Learn more on how to care for gardenia. The plant’s name was assigned in…

Stiff Goldenrod
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Stiff Goldenrod

Stiff Goldenrod is a good choice for prairie gardens, cottage gardens and pollinator gardens. It is a resilient, self seeds and you might need to control its growth. Compared to most goldenrods, stiff goldenrod has larger, flatter flower clusters. In the fall, the leaves change to lovely colors of red. Plant Stiff Goldenrod alongside other…

How to Dry Herbs
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How to Dry Herbs

While freshly picked herbs produce the best flavours, there is always an abundance that cannot be used in a single season. The next best thing is to dry your herbs! Dried herbs can be used for a variety of purposes, including flavouring recipes and creating a fragrant fire starter. Drying your herbs is a simple…

Early Goldenrod

Early Goldenrod

Early Goldenrod, also known as Solidago juncea, is a herbaceous perennial wildflower of the family Asteraceae. Once started, it requires little maintenance and grows quickly. It thrives on ordinary, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun, and it can withstand poor, dry soils, especially soil with a lot of clay. It is a tolerant…

Hoary Vervain

Hoary Vervain

The hoary vervain, or Verbena stricta, is a type of herbaceous plant falling under the Verbenaceae family. The flowering plant is most commonly found in different states of the United States, namely Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Kansas, among many others. While it is native to most of the states, it has…

Geraniums are Easy Care Summer Darlings
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Geraniums are Easy Care Summer Darlings

There are two types of plants that most people refer to as “geraniums”.
There are “true geraniums”, which are hardy, native and wild plants that make excellent groundcover and space filler in your garden and landscape.
There are also Pelargoniums, which are more delicate plants hailing from South Africa. In this article, we will discuss both members of the geranium family and share some smart tips for their use and care.

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