94- 0
The Threat of the Asian Jumping Worm
The Asian Jumping Worm is rapidly spreading throughout the U.S. and poses a serious threat to the health of our forests, agribusiness, and home gardens.
- 0
Sugars and Non-Nutritive Sweeteners
A look at natural sugars in food and their effects on metabolism and an impartial overview of common sweeteners both natural and artificial.
- 0
3 Myths of Homelessness
It used to be easy to get oneself back on track, but the high costs of living and lack of face-to-face interaction have created a hopelessness that few understand.
- 0
Genetic Modification vs. Hybridization for Selective Plant Breeding
A discussion about the differences between open pollination, heirlooms, F1 hybrids, and GMOs. A basic understanding helps us make informed decisions when selecting food. Is organic better? Learn what the terminology and labels really mean.
- 0
How to Control Houseplant Pests
Learn how to select and keep houseplants healthy and control the most common insect pests.
- 0
Fiction: Primal Dreams, Part Two
Polly Whitfield and Darius Taylor are friends who live in a Florida retirement community. After a surreal experience during a hurricane, Polly learns a deep secret about Darius.
- 0
Fiction: Primal Dreams, Part One
Darius Taylor and Polly Whitfield are two residents at a retirement home in Sarasota, Florida. They are drawn to each other, but the depth of that attraction has yet to be revealed.
- 0
Fiction: Malicious Justice
An arson/homicide puts a peaceful community on edge as the killer steps up his grisly game. *warning: this is a crime story that features violence to an animal.
- 2
Environmental Art: Christo's Umbrella Project
On October 9, 1991, the artist Christo and his wife Jeanne-Claude simultaneously opened 3,100 umbrellas placed between two sites in California and Japan. Learn the story of that project.
- 23
Water-Wise Gardening Tips
Gardens can thrive in times of drought. Here is a practical guide to more productive watering techniques that will help save money and conserve our very precious resource.
- 27
Puya Plants: Unearthly Delights in the Garden
Interested in puya plants? Often seen in botanical gardens due to their rare and showy blooms, the smaller candle-type puya plants of South America can be grown in the southwestern United States. Tips on care and suggestions for introducing them to your garden.
- 62
The Majestic Weeping Willow Tree
Learn about the beloved weeping willow tree, its origins, care, value, and symbolism.
- 32
Pangrams and Creative Word Play
Learn the origin of the pangram and its significance in the history of typesetting. Making holoalphabetic sentences and other word games help brain function, spelling and vocabulary skills and improve creative writing. Give them a try!
- 41
Water Lilies for the Home Aquatic Garden
Learn how water lilies help aquatic habitats, which ones are best for home gardens, and how to care for them.
- 38
Classic Rock Albums: Top 10
What would you pick if you could only keep 10 of your favorite albums? Here is my list in no particular order with favorite highlights.
- 18
How to Create a Custom Photo DVD
On a budget? Need a personal DIY gift with that "wow" factor? This article includes tips on how to compile photograph collections and make custom DVDs for an audio/visual walk down Memory Lane.
- 43
Poem: My Morning Surprise
Colorful Fall leaves inspire a Japanese Tanka poem in the 5-7-5-7-7 format.
- 45
Do Plants Have Feelings?
Interesting facts on plant behavior. They are equipped to adapt to environmental situations and stressors just like humans. They also respond to tactile stimulation, but do plants actually have feelings?
- 24
Vegetable Ivory: A Humane Alternative to Elephant Poaching
The tagua nut, known as "vegetable ivory" has resurfaced as one of the most sustainable products in the world. Hopefully, its comeback will put an end to the senseless slaughter of animals for their tusks.
- 22
The Fish Poison Tree
Facts about the Barringtonia asiatica tree. Learn how a seed pod can survive afloat for 10 years, travelling hundreds of miles, until taking root on an island's shore.
- 15
What Is Digging in My Lawn?
What culprit rolled back my new sod? Learn how to identify damage and get tips to prevent it.
- 10
The Advantages of a Small Business
Good customer service is the key to success whether business is conducted online or in a store. Read on to learn key strategies and how small businesses actually have more leverage.
- 28
Eating for Optimum Health
A discussion of popular diets. Learn how to eat for efficient metabolism, healthy weight, and overall vitality.
- 35
Why Do We Fear Change?
Transitions are an inevitable part of life and a necessity for growth. We witness them everyday in nature; yet we resist change out of fear. How do we learn to accept it and move forward?
- 11
First Aid Basics: Be Prepared for Common Situations
Learn to recognize signs of distress and how to treat the most common injuries with confidence.
- 60
Gardening for Your Personal Lifestyle
Have you discovered your own style for your perfect garden? There are no rules, only possibilities. Here are some tips and creative ideas that might help you get more in tune with your outdoor space.
- 14
Burt's Bees: My Review of Their Earth-Friendly Products for the Whole Family
Here is my personal review of the Burt's Bees brand and an overview of their company.
- 20
A Guide to English Tea
A look at the custom of taking tea and its history. Get tips on its preparation and presentation.
- 36
A Fall Walk in the Woodlands: My Photographic Journal
Share my relaxing post-Thanksgiving walk through the woodlands. It is filled with charming surprises.
- 18
"Simon's Cat" and His Creator Simon Tofield
A brief bio of the British animator with a sixth sense for cat behavior. Meet the mischievous cats fashioned after Tofield's own felines and watch their antics on short animation clips.
- 8
Visiting California's Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
An overview of Anza-Borrego State Park and recommendations for visitors at the peak of bloom from March to April when the barren desert is transformed.
- 14
Charles Addams: Humorist of the Macabre
Meet the creator of the Addams Family in this introduction to the very talented and successful cartoonist who dared to find humor in the macabre.
- 22
Women's Hats Through the Ages
A concise review of ladies' hats through history, from functional pieces meant to protect the hair to high-fashion designer pieces.
- 14
How Insects Use Chemicals to Survive
It may read like science fiction, but these fascinating examples of insect behavior come from the dedicated study by the late Thomas Eisner, the "father of chemical ecology."
- 12
Crane Flies: Harmless Insects With a Bad Rap
Yikes! Spring brings an invasion of giant mosquito-like insects to our homes. Learn all about common "tipple bugs", their habits, prevention, and treatment options.
- 19
Hibiscus: Tropical Gems of the Garden
An overview of one of the most recognizable and beloved tropical garden flowers. Learn how to choose, grow, and care for them in the home garden.
- 16
Best Plants and Erosion Controls for Hillsides
Hillside landscaping is challenging. Here are some different solutions for controlling erosion, irrigating effectively and growing a low-maintenance garden with a focus on California native plants.
- 23
How to Avoid the 5 Biggest Mistakes of Home Landscaping
A how-to guide for avoiding garden problems in the future by planning in advance.
- 19
Hummingbirds: Fascinating Visitors to Our Western Gardens
General facts about the beautiful hummingbird and its habits and preferences, with a focus on the species and native flora that attract them in Southern California.
- 13
Haiku Series: Wind
Fall and Spring bring the Santa Ana winds to Southern California. They begin as a welcomed warm caress then build in intensity to powerful and destructive gusts. Here is that progression in a series of haiku verses.
- 15
A Secret to Garden Success: Worm Castings
DIY tips on helping gardens grow vigorously, preventing disease, and deterring harmful insects. Whether store-bought or produced at home, worm castings are a gardener's best friend.
- 17
Haiku Series: Rain
A seasonal rain storm is captured from start to finish in successive verses of haiku.
- 8
Are We Preparing Our Kids for the Future?
Are we sufficiently preparing the next generation for the future? This is an examination of the realities our kids face following graduation and tips to help them along the way.
- 9
5 Reasons to Not Over-Fertilize Your Lawn and Garden
There are some excellent reasons to avoid overfeeding your garden. Here you'll find a discussion of organic fertilizers, optimum lawn care, and practical stewardship.
- 3
Expert Tips for Laundry Stains
From pre-laundry spot treatments to knowing which fabrics need what kinds of care, you can extend the life of your wardrobe and table linens with these simple stain removal tips.
- 4
How to Maintain Wellness Through the Golden Years
Learn how to keep fit and stay socially engaged regardless of physical limitations.
- 27
How to Create a Habitat Garden
Learn how to create a habitat garden by attracting pollinators and insect predators while reaping the benefits of a natural easy-care yard.