The Chestnut-Breasted Mannikin: A Small Bird of Subtle Brown and Grey Shades, Sporting a Striking Golden-Orange Undertail
The Chestnut-Breasted Mannikin (*Lonchura castaneothorax*), also known as the Chestnut-Breasted Munia or Bully Bird, is a compact, brown-backed bird with a black face, sturdy bill, and grayish crown and nape. Its crown is gray, its breast is chestnut, …
Nature’s Jewel: The Regent Bowerbird’s Enchanting Beauty, Elegance, and Intriguing Courtship Displays in the Wild.
The Regent Bowerbird, also known as Sericulus chrysocephalus, is a fascinating bird species that can be found in Australia. This medium-sized bird displays an eye-catching sexual dimorphism where the male has black plumage with a beautiful golden-orange …
Is Your Outdoor Plant Dead or Dormant? 5 Easy Ways to Tell
PHOTO: HELIN LOIK-TOMSON / GETTY IMAGES When a plant in your garden is slow to show signs of new growth in spring, you may be wondering if it’s…
Don’t Start Yard Cleanup in Spring Too Soon—Here’s Why
PHOTO: FOTOOXOTNIK / GETTY IMAGES As the weather warms and the first green shoots appear after the winter, many gardeners are eager to start tidying up their yard….
How Long Do Seeds Last? Plus How to Tell If Old Seeds Are Still Good
PHOTO: EMILY MINTON-REDFIELD How long seeds last depends on a number of factors, such as the type of seed and storage conditions. With proper care, many seeds can…
How to Harden Off Seedlings Before Transplanting Them Into Your Garden
PHOTO: NEYYA / GETTY IMAGES To plant your garden in spring, you likely start seeds indoors or purchase greenhouse grown seedlings at garden centers. But before you move these…
How to Plant and Grow Mint
Mint has so many different uses. Its fresh green leaves add a tangy punch to fruit salads, ice cream, sherbet, and brewed tea. It’s a flavorful addition…
When and How to Prune Rosemary for Healthier Plants
Knowing when and how to prune rosemary will help you get the most out of this popular herb. Rosemary is often grown as an annual in cool climates, but…
10 Best Companion Plants for Peppers
PHOTO: BOB STEFKO To grow healthier bell pepper plants that are disease and pest free while avoiding the use of toxic pesticides, companion planting can help. By choosing the…
How to Prune Pepper Plants for a Better Harvest
Most gardeners have their own special preferences on how to prune tomatoes; however, closely related pepper plants are often overlooked when it comes to pruning. This is a missed…