Helenium is a member of the family Asteraceae or Aster family of the genus Helenium L. commonly known as sneezeweed P. and contains twenty-one species. The plant is native to the eastern United States and is commonly found along roadsides and in parking lots. It blooms from late summer through early autumn and adds to a wildflower landscape.
We are now well into Spring, and the kiddos are starting to be released from school for summer vacation. Now is a great time to get your little ones involved with some nature-based crafts that will benefit both their creative spirits and the outside world! The following crafts can be made at home with materials found in the backyard, recycling bin, and even your local park.
Beekeeping has been going on in the United States since the 1800s and in Detroit since the 1930s. In the last two decades, the Motor City has seen a resurgence in beekeeping initiatives, hand-in-hand with the growth of urban agriculture within its borders. Detroit Hives is one such endeavor, founded in 2017 and run by two beekeepers, Nicole Lindsey and Timothy Paule.
Sweet peas belong to the genus Lathyrus, having as many as 160 species. They are climbing annuals native to the Mediterranean basin and are found in a diverse selection of colors. The first recorded mention of the sweet pea flower was written in 1695 by Francisco Cupani, a gardener in the order of St.
The zinnia is a member of the Family Asteraceae, which includes the Aster and contains seven species. It is an annual that is native to Mexico and is found from the southern United States to Chile.
The nasturtium is a member of the mustard family known as Brassicaceae, which contains five species. It is native to South America and brought to Europe by the Spanish conquistadors at the end of the 15th century. By the 17th century, Dutch and Spanish herbalists began developing another species and shared the seeds with British and other European botanists.
Bees are vital to the world around us. They pollinate our flowers, as well as our food supply. In fact, 75 percent of our food relies on the pollination of bees. We love what bees do for us, but we don't always love the outcome of coming into close contact with them. If you spend anytime outdoors, chances are at least once in your life you will experience a bee sting. Sadly, this often can end the bee's life and leaves you with a nasty sting. Unfortunately, you can't do anything for the bee, but you can soothe your wound.
Who doesn’t love bees? They put the food on our table, pollinate plants, and are an integral part of our global ecosystem. But their contributions don’t stop there. The use of beehive products, or apitherapy, is a centuries old alternative healing modality that can treat many upsets.
Due to the recent Zika spraying, massive use of neonicotinoid pesticides, and other environmental factors, bees are now on the endangered species list, effective October 31, 2016. If bees go extinct, honey won't be the only thing we'll be missing: A third of the food humans eat would disappear with the bees. To put things in perspective, that means no more blueberries, apples, pumpkins, or almonds – all those plants (among others) need bees. Worried yet?
Monarch butterflies are truly one of nature's most marvelous creatures. They are the only insect that makes a 3,000 mile journey south for the winter. Unable to survive in frigid temperatures, they seek more favorable conditions. When they do, their winter resting place is a sight to behold.