From Backyard Vine To Asian Kitchen: Fun Ways We Can Use Every Part Of Xigua
Xigua (pronounced shee-gwah) is simply the Mandarin Chinese word for watermelon—the same juicy summer favorite most of us slice into at cookouts across the United States. Here’s a quick, USA-focused rundown you can build on for gardening or food content: What Is Xigua? In everyday U.S. grocery stores, what you see labeled watermelon would still…
Vermiculite: The Flaky Mineral That Makes Our Plants Happier
If you’ve ever opened a bag of potting mix and seen tiny gold-brown flakes that look a bit like crushed mica, you’ve probably met vermiculite. A lot of us use it without really thinking about what it is, why it works, or when it’s actually the best choice. Let’s walk through it together in plain…
Coconut Coir 101
Coconut coir is the brown, fibrous material that sits between the hard coconut shell and the soft white flesh. It is a byproduct of the coconut industry, pressed into blocks, loose bags, or mixed into potting soil. For many of us in the United States, coir shows up as dry “bricks” on a garden center…
The Best Soil for Potted Plants: A Simple Guide to Potting Mixes and More
Breathing Life Into a Pot of Soil There is a small moment that happens when you press your fingers into good potting mix. The soil feels springy, not sticky. It smells fresh, not sour. It breaks apart, but it does not fall into dust. That feel tells you a lot about how your potted plants…
Friends from Alabama: The Story of Wright’s Nursery and Greenhouse
I’ve met many new friends through my travels and writing. And here I’d like to share some of their stories. I’m going to begin with Alabama and one of the most inspiring life stories I’ve ever heard. Wright’s Nursery and Greenhouse in Plantersville, Alabama. They have a ecommerce dedicated website, Wright Gardens. Where Roots Run…
Bringing the Desert to Life: How Succulents Can Transform Your Landscape
A Fresh Look at Desert Beauty There’s a moment when you brush your hand across a plump succulent leaf and feel that cool, waxy surface hold its shape. It’s simple. It’s calming. It tells you something right away: this plant knows how to survive. And when we bring that texture, color, and structure into our…
The Gardening Hoe: A Simple Tool With Quiet PowerThe Gardening Hoe: A Simple Tool With Quiet PowerThe Gardening Hoe: A Simple Tool With Quiet Power
Why the Gardening Hoe Still Matters A gardening hoe looks simple. A long handle. A metal blade. A shape carved by centuries of use. You pick it up, and it feels like a tool built for real work. The weight sits in your hands with calm confidence. The blade meets the soil with steady force.…
The Gardening Hat: A Simple Tool That Changes Every Day in the Sun
Why a Gardening Hat Matters More Than We Expect A gardening hat seems small at first. You pick it up. You put it on. You walk into the sun. You bend toward the soil. You feel the light warm your back. You feel the brim shade your face. And suddenly you realize something simple but…
How to Frame a Corner: Step-by-Step Guide for Strong, Square Walls
Framing a corner is one of those basic construction skills that turns a pile of lumber into a real, sturdy wall. Whether you’re building a shed, greenhouse, or new room addition, getting your corners right makes every step afterward easier — drywall fits better, siding lines up, and everything stays square. Let’s walk through how…
How Punk Rock and Cemeteries Found Harmony at Laurel Hill
What happens when the raw energy of punk rock collides with the stillness of historic cemeteries? You get something unforgettable. For Rodney Anonymous, lead singer of the iconic punk band The Dead Milkmen, this unlikely pairing feels like home. And for fans, it’s a surreal mix of sound, history, and community. A Punk Legend and…