The average American is as red-blooded and patriotic as they come, but even still, not every national holiday gets the same attention. Truth be told, I couldn’t keep Memorial Day and Labor Day straight until my late teens. It held echoes of Independence Day for me: expressed thanks for freedoms won ...

Newly emerged maple leaves coupled with the recent cool, rainy weather provide perfect conditions for a common spring fungal disease called maple anthracnose. There are several fungi responsible for the damage. All native and ornamental maples are susceptible including sugar maple ( Acer saccharum )...

Easily recognized by their sweet fragrance and cone-shaped clusters of tiny flowers, the common lilac has been a part of America’s gardens for much of our country’s history. Lilacs arrived with colonists in the early 1700s, bringing with them memories of homes and lives left behind. Native to Asia a...

During spring migration, millions of wild birds make their way north – hundreds to thousands of miles in a short span of days – to feed, nest and raise their chicks throughout the Western Hemisphere. There are many actions people can take to create healthier communities for both people and birds. Bi...

Lavender just might be the “it plant” for 2025. That’s why Monrovia is declaring May 12 – 18, 2025, Lavender Week – the perfect time after Mother’s Day for moms to keep treating themselves well. This fragrant and colorful perennial is a top choice for landscapes and containers alike. Its popularity ...

As National Bicycle Safety Month in May kicks the riding season into gear, the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is reminding riders and drivers that everyone shares the responsibility of sharing the road safely. Remember, bicyclists are some of the most vulnerable roadway users. Pr...

Reduce Your Lawn Day returns on May 20 – a national invitation to rethink our outdoor spaces and reimagine them as thriving habitats. Whether you’re planting a small pollinator bed or rallying your block to convert a shared green space, this movement makes sustainable gardening feel accessible and h...

Dogwoods, in the genus Cornus , are among the most versatile native shrubs. With seasonal interest, tolerance of less than perfect conditions and benefits for wildlife, these shrubs are worth considering. There are many benefits of planting native dogwoods. They flower in spring, offering food for n...

I have a lifelong aversion to ironing. It started when I was about 3. Mama killed my imaginary friend “Cowboy” with an iron. He was sitting on the ironing board minding his own business when she picked up the hot iron and set it right on top of him. Thank goodness he didn’t suffer, but it took Mama ...