Jason Halls

In many cultures throughout the world, snakes are both feared and revered. Some snakes are admired for their sly hunting abilities, others are feared for their deadly venom. However, each one of these slithery serpents is an essential link in the world’s ecosystem. Without snakes, we would likely be overrun with small rodents and other … Read more

In our fascinating History of the British Gardening Series, you can learn about the importance of the Domesday book and religion, discover more about the first plant hunters, and the rise of the English landscape movement till the modern day.  The original content was published on the BBC Gardening website, however, the Design section with all of its … Read more

From trick-or-treating to apple-picking to pumpkin spice everything, fall is a favorite time of year for many Americans.  And, of course, the peak of autumn celebrations is Halloween. Though some have linked its ancient origins to the supernatural and spooky, today Halloween is a fun holiday that brings communities and neighborhoods together with costumes, candy, … Read more

Pollination is essential to the survival of many garden plants in our ecosystem. Planting flowers that attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, enhances a region’s overall ecosystem. As we may recall from middle school science class, pollination is the process of transferring pollen from the male stigma to the female stigma to fertilize the … Read more

In our History of British Gardening Series – Modernism blended urban, public places and new housing estates with the older, more naturalistic form of gardening. Gardening became the nation’s most popular pursuit. History of British Gardening Series Roman Medieval Tudor and Stewart Restoration Georgian and Regency Victorian Edwardian Modern Timeline 1948 Hidcote Manor is the first place … Read more

The benefits of sharing jokes go beyond the casual fun and can improve family cohesion, social interaction and correlate with better coping skills for children. The best jokes for kids not only an opportunity to spend more time together but can be used to cheer up any social event that kids attending. This occasion can … Read more

No summer garden looks complete without majestic sunflowers towering over the other crops, their signature yellow petals facing the sun. Certainly, sunflowers are a summertime favorite, lending cheer to harvest landscapes throughout the growing season. In addition to their beauty, sunflowers are a source of food, as well as ingredients for herbal medicine and natural … Read more

Sunflowers are, perhaps, the most popular summertime blooms incorporated into garden landscapes across America. Native to this country, they are as American as apple pie and are loved by almost everyone for their bright and cheery appearance. Sunflowers are characterized by their fuzzy, thick stalks, lush leaves, and large bright yellow petals that always face … Read more

As summer winds down, we usually start to shift our focus to getting the leaf blower, chainsaw, and other tools ready for the fall season. In terms of produce, we are preparing for canning and freezing the summer harvest without much more thought of planting. But fall is a great time to start a garden of leafy green … Read more

Hummingbirds are perhaps the daintiest birds whose presence is the most desired among gardeners and bird-watchers alike. Every spring millions of Americans hang bright red feeders filled with sugar water to attract the lovely flying creatures, and many gardeners set out plants and flowers whose bright hues and fragrant aromas encourage hummingbirds to them. These … Read more

Frequently Asked Questions: Gardening, Botany and Horticulture Botany vs horticulture: What is the difference between botany and horticulture? Because they both involve plant life, these terms are sometimes used interchangeably. However, botany and horticulture are quite different. Botany refers to the broad scientific study of all living plant organisms. Horticulture is an applied science that … Read more

For gardeners, the single most important ingredient for a thriving garden is good, quality soil. It is imperative that soil contains vitamins, nutrients, and organic matter that can feed the plants, as well as give the roots plenty of room to expand. As more Americans have limited access to large lots of land with loose, … Read more

Carrots are one of the most popular vegetables in the U.S. The crunchy orange veggies are a staple in many of our recipes, as well as a preferred snack for kids and adults alike. The USDA reports that the average American consumes around five pounds of carrots per year. Considering carrots are so well-loved, it … Read more

Many of us are avid bird watchers, who enjoy observing the feathery, flying creatures display the grace and beauty that only they possess. Many of us also enjoy a nice, lush lawn with thick green grass to adorn our yards and give our homes extra curb appeal. Growing grass can be a bit tricky as … Read more

There’s no denying that dogs are one of the best things to happen to mankind. They are often our closest friends and companions. That said, a big part of dog owners’ relationship with their pets is playing with them outside. Sometimes we do this in a park area, but many times we play on our … Read more

Kids love to emulate life, and toys that encourage little ones to use their imagination to mimic the world around them have many benefits. Imaginative play is a necessary component of proper neurological and social development. While kids are playing, they are learning. Most often, children mimic the adults in their lives, copying everyday tasks … Read more

Palm trees are one of the most easily recognized trees in the world. Although they are indigenous to tropical and subtropical climates, palm trees are popular additions to landscaped areas that do not have heavy frosts, and indoors as potted plants. There are more than 2,500 species of palm trees and all of them are … Read more

Most of us know the feeling of dread that comes when we spot a cockroach scurrying across the floor. Among the most hated of all household pests, the cockroach is more than just an unwanted house guest. Experts at hiding their nests and fast runners, cockroaches can go undetected for weeks. Too often, by the … Read more