Tree Free Paper

While so much has gone digital, there is still nothing like holding a "real" book in your hands. Nothing compares to that new book smell. But what exactly are you sniffing? From where does that paper come? If it's tree-based there is an 85% chance those printed pages used to stand tall in the form…

Mistletoe…the Kiss of Death?

Myth has it that mistletoe - a toxic parasite - underwent a PR promotion of epic proportions to turn it into the symbol of love and stolen kisses it has become today. Most of us have heard of Thor from Norse mythology; that hammer wielding god of thunder, storms, trees and other things. Fewer have…

Oldest Tree (Roots) on Earth

Old Tjikko, a Norway spruce in Sweden, long held claim to being the oldest tree on Earth, until humans got nitpicky. Which humans are wont to do. The root system of Old Tjikko is 9,562 years old. Since the ice age ended 11,500 years ago, this is about as old as a tree on earth…

Grow Your Own Greens

Growing, processing and shipping one pound of lettuce consumes approximately 5,000 calories of Fossil Fuel Energy, while returning a mere 80 calories to the consumer. Great for the waist line, but not so good for the waste line.  Growing your own greens is the most cost effective, energy efficient thing imaginable. Even a couple small pots…

Trees and Bulbs Make Great Companions!

Planting a sea of spring bulbs beneath a deciduous tree (trees that lose their leaves in the fall) is a perfect pairing.

Before 1882 Almost All Paper Was Made of Hemp

Long before pulp and paper mills, 75–90% of all paper in the world was made with hemp fibre. If you are lucky enough to own papers or books that predate 1883, the paper is most likely made of hemp. Mark Twain’s novels, the US Constitution, The US Declaration of Independence and the UK’s Magna Carta…

Tree Care Myth Busters

Anyone who has talked to seasoned gardeners or cracked a how-to book on tree pruning has likely learned that one must prune trees while dormant to avoid all kinds of horrors. Furthermore, it is an excellent practice to cover the cuts with some sort of store bought salve.

Yard Space Isn’t What It Used To Be

Detached homes have grown bigger while yards have grown smaller. In North America the average size of a new build has gone from 1,938 square feet in 1990 to 2,300 square feet in 2016.

Five Gusty Gifts Hurricanes Give

When you find out a hurricane is roaring your direction your first thought is unlikely to be, “Bring on the gifts!” However, there is usually a brilliant life giving reason behind every natural climatic event, and hurricanes hand out several unique botanical gifts. Unfortunately, these “gifts” are often served up with a huge side order…

Why Clematis like Sunny Heads and Cool Feet

In the wild, clematis grows on the edge of forests where they can clamour up a tree to reach the sun. Gardeners in the know mimic these conditions to grow clematis that thrive. Allow your clematis to climb up a support so it can get its head in the sun, but be sure to cover…