Bats—the world’s only flying mammals—are, indeed, amazing flyers and give birds a run for their money. In Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Florida, bats are also important native pollinators. Those majestic Saguaro and Organ Pipe cacti you see in southern Arizona and Northern Mexico….they’re pollinated by bats. As is agave
If you’d like to see more birds fluttering nearby your home or want to help the local ecosystem stay in or return to a vibrant, natural state, consider planting a bird-friendly yard or container garden.
Star of Bethlehem is a member of the family Liliaceae or Lily family of the genus Ornithogalum L. or star of Bethlehem P, containing five species.
Are you looking to attract hummingbirds to your yard or garden? It’s a good idea! Not only are they fun to watch, but they’re also pollinators: as they stick their long skinny beaks into flower after flower, they’re doing the same work as bees, butterflies, and other insects that pollinate plants (and we know how important pollination is). Make a conscious effort to invite these tiny birds into your space by planting some of their favorite flowers and plants.
Do you have an herb or flower garden? Do you enjoy foraging for flowers and herbs? Learning how to properly harvest and dry plants can really help them last a while and preserve their flavor and beneficial properties.
The iris is a member of the family Iridaceae or Iris family of the genus Iris L. or iris P and contains fifty-two species. The plant originated from the eastern Mediterranean basin eastward to India. It was named after the Greek mythological entity Iris who is said to travel on a rainbow and had golden wings—this is appropriate as there are believed to be more than 200 varieties of the plant.
All year-long, my husband and I wait for the day it’s warm enough to leave our doors and windows open and enjoy the summer sunshine. Without screens, however, our house quickly becomes mosquito-infested. Rather than spraying ourselves down in toxic bug spray or lighting noxious insect-repellant candles, we opt for a more natural method around our home: bats and birds.
Hyacinth is a member of the family Liliaceae or Lily family of the genus Hyacinthus L. or hyacinth P containing one species Hyacinthus orientalis L. or garden hyacinth P. The plant is native to Asia Minor, which is the Asian region of Turkey, and its nomenclature originated from an ancient language spoken approximately 4,000 years ago known as “Thracopelasgian.”
Freesia is a member of the family Iridaceae or Iris family of the genus Freesia Eckl. ex Klatt or freesia P. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not list this genus containing species.
Mints are easy-to-grow perennials that are a beautiful and (usually) lovely-smelling addition to your garden—even if your garden is limited to a balcony, like mine is. They do well at sea level. They do well at mountainous elevations. They can hack cool, damp summers or hot, intense summers. They are fine being buried in snow and will be there waiting for you in the spring. While mints generally prefer rich and well-drained soil, I’ve grown them in heavy clay soils.