Month: May 2024

15 Plants Never to Grow in Your Yard

Many plants are beautiful, but not all are beneficial in a garden. Some of the most eye-catching cultivars can be invasive, poisonous, or attractive to unwelcome insects—issues you probably don’t want to deal with. Check this list for 15 trees, shrubs, and other plants you should think twice about before planting on your property.

Mint

growing_mint

Mint is a wonderful herb to grow. It’s a great addition to food and drink and is beautifully aromatic in a vase with other flowers. But its roots are seriously invasive and can spread throughout your garden in a weed-like manner if not contained. Should you want to grow one or more of the delightful mint varieties, do yourself a favor and plant your mint in a container.

Photo: fotosearch.com

  • Aloe Vera

  • aloe-1

    Aloe vera is a succulent plant known for its healing properties, particularly for burned skin. If ingested by pets, however, it’s not so beneficial. The latex (aloe juice, just under the skin of the plant) is toxic and can cause major abdominal upset and cramping. For the sake of your pet’s health, it’s probably best to leave this botanical medical marvel out of your garden.

  • Belladonna

    Belladonna_Plant_Keep_Out_Of_Yard

    Atropa belladonna’s common name, deadly nightshade, should be an immediate tip that this plant is perhaps better left out of the home garden. Don’t let the lush green foliage, purplish bell-shaped flowers, and glossy black berries fool you—this plant is extremely toxic and should be kept away from any gardens where children or pets could accidentally ingest it.

    Bamboo

  • bamboo4/16

    Bamboo’s hardness and rapid growth characteristics make it one of the world’s most renewable building resources. But that doesn’t necessarily make it a viable option for your garden. Before long, you’ll find your yard—and quite possibly your neighbor’s yard—overrun with a bamboo privacy screen that could take years to eradicate. If you must grow bamboo, do it in large landscaping planters.
     Photo: flickr.com

    Mimosa Tree

    The mimosa family of shrubbery and silk trees, with their feathery, fern-like leaves and showy pink flowers, look both exotic and romantic. You will not cultivate love with your neighbors, however, if you plant one. It is incredibly invasive and will spawn seedlings everywhere in your yard and throughout the neighborhood. Once it has taken hold, it’s nearly impossible to get rid of.

  • Japanese Barberry

    American landscapers seem to have an unquenchable love affair with Japanese barberry. It is drought and shade tolerant, and deer resistant. But studies have shown that it harbors black-legged ticks, which can carry Lyme disease. It is also invasive and covered with a thicket of sharp barbs to boot, making it unpleasant to manage, at best. Err on the side of caution and choose native alternatives over Japanese barberry for your landscaping.

  • Wisteria

    Wisteria, with its brilliant, cascading purple blooms, is tempting for a gardener who loves flowers—but beware! Its root system can send shoots popping up far away from the main plant, engulfing trees, shrubs, and anything else in its way. It can live hundreds of years and requires serious pruning every year to keep it under control.

  • Amaranthus

    Amaranthus can be a showstopper in the garden, but as a top pollen producer, it can also make allergy sufferers miserable. Skip amaranthus in your plant lineup, and you’ll be able to enjoy your garden that much more during springtime.

  • Castor Bean

    Castor bean is a fast-growing and showy annual with large leaves and clustered flowers. All parts of this impressive plant are poisonous, though, especially the seed. It’s not a good candidate for a gardener who shares property with animals, as it’s toxic to not only small pets like dogs, cats, and rabbits, but also larger animals like cattle, sheep, and horses.

    Yucca

    yucca

    A yucca plant in the yard can be a problem child, as it requires a lot of maintenance. Its sharp, pointy leaves need to be discarded after they’re spent, and stalks need to be chopped down. It blooms for only about a week, and yucca attracts lots of bugs. Its root system is pervasive and hard to kill. Should you want to remove it, you might have to dig up everything around it as well. This distinctive plant is best left in a pot indoors or on the porch.
    Photo: fotosearch.com

  • Bradford Pear

    Bradford pears are a very popular choice for suburban front yards and commercial properties alike. They grow fast and flower profusely. Pretty as they are, their weak wood makes them easy targets for serious wind and storm damage. Not to mention, though their blooms are beautiful, they have a very unpleasant smell. 

  • Himalayan Blackberry

    Planting a blackberry bush is a wonderful way to raise your own homegrown edibles but be careful which variety you choose. The Himalayan blackberry is incredibly invasive, and once it takes hold, is difficult to root out and destroy. Purchase your plants from reputable nurseries, and select the upright, thornless varieties for home gardens.

  • Water Hyacinth

  • water_hyacinth

    Water hyacinth, an aquatic plant native to South America, has gained popularity as a natural filter for backyard koi ponds and water features. Unfortunately, this invasive plant does a lot more than clean impurities from water—it can actually take over a pond or stream, choking out fish and other plants. Resist adding these showy lavender flowers to your backyard water feature and opt for something else instead.
    Photo: istockphoto.com

  • Eucalyptus Tree

    A Eucalyptus tree will give you shade in a hurry—growing up to 10 feet a year. But the plant’s weak branches are known to suddenly give way and fall. Its peeling bark is looks visually interesting, but in reality, just makes for extra yard work every year.

  • Euphorbia

    Otherwise known as Spurges, Euphorbia is a plant genus that comprises many different species. The plants, though beautiful, contain a milky sap that will irritate the skin are poisonous if ingested. Despite their handsome foliage and unique flowers, give these plants a miss.

    Floral Follies

    Floral Follies

    Steer clear of these plants to avoid gardening headaches. There are still plenty of choices for a frustration-free garden!

    By Jennifer Noonan & Bobvila.com

These Blue and orange flowers attract butterflies

The colors blue and orange are attractive to butterflies, and these flowers will draw those important pollinators to this border.

Blue and orange flowers attract butterflies

Even if you aren’t a Denver Broncos fan, you’ll cheer for this eye-popping color combination. And butterflies will applaud it too. Heat-tolerant ‘Blue Butterfly’ Siberian larkspur will draw in many pollinators until late summer. Cut the bloom stalks to the ground when they are finished to keep plants neat.

Deadhead spent coneflower and bachelor’s button blossoms to extend flowering until fall, but leave a few to produce seeds that will grow the next year. ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass is sterile and won’t reseed, but the dried seedheads provide winter interest and cover for birds. This drought-tolerant combo appreciates a midsummer boost of water-soluble general-purpose fertilizer.

Plant list

A) Siberian larkspur (Delphinium grandiflorum ‘Blue Butterfly’)
Perennial; royal blue flower spikes from early to late summer; full sun; 12 to 15 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7

B) Coneflower (Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’)
Perennial; daisylike flowers in shades of orange, cream, yellow, red or purple from summer through fall; full sun to part shade; 22 to 30 in. tall, 12 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9

C) Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’)
Perennial; wheat-colored flowers form in summer, seedheads persist into fall; full sun; 3 to 5 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9

D) Bachelor’s button (Centaurea cyanus ‘Blue Boy’)
Annual; blue flowers on long stems from early to late summer; full sun; 24 to 30 in. tall, 9 to 12 in. wide

Source: gardengatemagazine.com©

 

Related:  7 ways you can ensure a summer of beautiful pollinators – TUTORING YOU

Man Cave Statistics

Here are the latest Man Cave Statistics in 2023

Every year we gather, analyze and publish a collection of statistics related to Man Caves and home decor. When we find new stats, we add them to this ever-growing guide.

Below we’ve outlined some of the most interesting statistics related to man caves, whether that’s budgeting, common items, thoughts on man caves and even what the future of the man cave phenomenon looks like.

What is the preferred location for a man cave to be in the home?

56% of men would prefer their man cave to be in the basement of the home

What are the most popular man cave themes?

What’s the standard amount that people are willing to spend on their man cave?

$10,000+

Man Cave Features

What do Boomers want in a Man Cave?

 24% baby boomers want a fully stocked bar

What does Gen Z want in a man cave?

40% of Gen Z want exercise equipment

What do millennials want in a man cave?

26% of millennials want a gaming system

What does Gen X want in a man cave?

22% of Gen X want multiple TV’s

A survey by Joybird found that 59% of women stated that they had a ‘She Shed’ in their garden, closely rivalling the 65% of men who said they had a man cave.

All in all, it’s incredibly interesting and also positive to see an uptick in men and women looking to create renovation spaces in their home, whether that’s a shed, a cave, or a den!

Source: mancavegeek.com©

Want to Feel Like a Kid Again?

If you yearn for those bygone summer days, it is possible to recreate that feeling, even just for a moment. Here are some nostalgic things to do this summer that will help you tap into the past and make you feel like a kid again:

Host a slumber party

Slumber parties were one of the best things to do during the summer, especially when they involved talking with your friends all night. As adults, we pay a lot of attention to getting enough sleep so we can be our best selves in the day ahead. But summer is the perfect excuse to forget about your alarm clock for a night. Text the group chat and invite your besties over for a slumber party. You can either go all out with decorations and a spread of junk food or keep it simple and have everyone show up with a snack, drinks, and a sleeping bag. If you have a backyard, consider moving your slumber party outdoors. Or, as we know from childhood sleepovers, even a crowded living room with floor space will do. Bonus points if you stay up all night and watch the sun come up together.

Reread your favorite summer break books

Did you have a favorite book series that totally altered your brain chemistry as a kid? Or maybe you remember the high school years when you were assigned books to read over the summer. Rereading one of these books is sure to give you all the nostalgic feelings. If you no longer own the books, check out your local library and see if they have any copies. It’s amazing what an original cover of a beloved book can spark in your memory. Then, take a day to sit outside and pour through the story with no agenda. Invite a friend to read next to you or have a solo day. Most importantly, enjoy the feeling of reading just for fun.

Make friendship bracelets

If Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is any indication, making friendship bracelets will never go out of style. Meet your friends in a local park, bring the supplies, and start crafting. For easy beaded bracelets, all you need are the beads, thread, and fasteners. For a more complex crafting experience, pick up embroidery floss in several colors, and try your hand at some woven patterns. To make this activity even more fun, have everyone create a bracelet for someone else, then swap at the end.

Visit childhood friends

You can obviously visit childhood friends any time of the year, but there’s something special about planning a summer get-together. If you have friends you’ve held onto since your younger years, think back to what you used to do when you hung out as kids. That could mean hitting the mall, making up dance routines, giving each other makeovers, getting active outside, or simply chatting about your crushes. Whatever it is that you and your childhood friends loved doing in the summertime, make time to experience it again as adults for a day. The act of rekindling the origins of your friendship will allow you and your friends to reconnect and unwind at the same time.

Host a nostalgic summer movie marathon

Whether you loved adventure movies or lighthearted rom-coms when you were growing up, a summer movie marathon is always a fun way to look back on the past. Rewatch some of the classics you remember from when you were a kid, especially those that were released in the summer months. You can get an inexpensive projector and host an outdoor screening, or take a break from the heat of the day by watching the movies indoors. Don’t forget to pop some popcorn and stock up on your favorite movie snacks from childhood.

Source: theeverygirl.com©

Photo credit: Source: Dupe | Ashley Diego

Visiting London Mid-June? Don’t miss ‘Taste of London’

 

A staple on London’s summer calendar for two decades, Taste returns for four days. Basically, showcasing some of the finest food that the capital has to offer. The sprawling green environs of Regent’s Park provide the scenic backdrop for this hugely popular culinary extravaganza. Moreover, a number of London’s top restaurants and food purveyors congregate to help spread the word on why the city is now well-established as one of the foodie capitals of the world. Masterclasses, chef talks and tastings all add to the occasion.

Regent’s Park /Mid-June 

Source: travelmag.com

These Foods Can Trigger Kidney Stones

 

A kidney stone is exactly that — a hard mass of minerals and salts that forms in the kidneys. Certain foods and drinks contain chemicals that can lead to these sometimes-painful crystals. The stones come in several different types, and foods that are not so good for one kind may be OK to eat if you have another type.

If you’ve had a kidney stone, ask your doctor which it was. That’ll help you know which foods to avoid.

But if you aren’t sure — or if you just want to be careful about all types of kidney stones — a good rule is to stay away from too many salty foods and meats and other animal protein.

And don’t forget to drink lots of water. It helps dilute the waste in your urine to make stones harder to form.

More people get this kind than any other. It forms when calcium in your pee combines with oxalate, a chemical that’s naturally in many foods.

If you’ve had one of these, watch out for:

High-oxalate foods. Many plants contain oxalate, so it’s hard to avoid it entirely. But some foods have much more than others. Try to limit:

  • Spinach
  • Rhubarb
  • Almonds and cashews
  • Miso soup
  • Grits
  • Baked potatoes with skin
  • Beets
  • Cocoa powder
  • Okra
  • Bran cereals and shredded wheat cereals
  • French fries
  • Raspberries
  • Stevia sweeteners
  • Sweet potatoes

If you eat or drink calcium-rich foods at the same time, they can help your body handle oxalate without turning it into a kidney stone. So pair your spinach salad with low-fat cheese. Or mix nuts or berries into yogurt. Drinking milk does not cause kidney stones.

Salt. If you eat a lot of sodium, which is an ingredient in salt, that raises the amount of calcium in your urine. Once you finish eating, any extra oxalate “sticks” to calcium in the kidneys. That can produce stones. So limit canned foods, packaged meats, fast foods, and condiments in your diet.

Animal protein. Limit beef, pork, eggs, cheese, and fish, because they may raise your chances of most types of kidney stones.

Vitamin C. Too much can make your body produce oxalate. So don’t take more than 500 mg a day.

 

 

These form when calcium in the urine combines with the mineral phosphorus. If you’ve had one of these, you don’t need to worry about oxalate. But do watch for:

Animal protein-rich foods:

  • Organ meats, like chicken or beef liver
  • Milk, cheese, and other dairy products
  • Eggs
  • Seafood

Foods that can make urine more alkaline, including:

  • Fresh fruit juices (except orange, cranberry, and nectarine)
  • Vegetable juices
  • Molasses

Processed foods. Phosphorus is a common additive and preservative. So limit fast foods, bottled colas, frozen foods, and luncheon meats. Read the label for ingredients starting with “phos.”

Sodium. Most Americans get too much already. Aim for no more than one teaspoon of table salt a day.

You get these if your pee is too acidic. These stones contain uric acid, a substance the body produces as it breaks down chemicals in food. Unlike with calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones, sodium isn’t a special issue here.

Animal protein. Eating too much red meat, poultry, eggs, and shellfish does two things. It makes your body make more uric acid. And it can rob your system of citrate, a substance that helps keep away kidney stones and maybe keep existing ones from growing.

 

To get enough protein, you can swap your meat and poultry for:

  • Beans, dried peas, lentils, and peanuts
  • Soy milk, soy butter, and tofu
  • Nuts, like almonds, walnuts, and cashews

Sugary drinks. Tart drinks like lemonade, limeade, and fruit juices are naturally high in citrate that helps keep kidney stones at bay. But hold back on foods and drinks flavored with sugar or, especially, high-fructose corn syrup. They can lead to stones.

Alcohol. It can make uric acid levels in your blood go up.

 

Source:  webmd.com©

When traveling, don’t have your Medicines Confiscated. Here’s How.

One in 10 Americans have had their medicine confiscated while traveling. Know the protocol. Don’t let either the TSA or border officers abroad destroy your medicines.

 

Can I travel with my medication? The answer is yes, with some qualifiers.

Here are a few tips that you might find helpful.

Liquids

  • It is not necessary to present your medication to or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form
  • Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of screening.  Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.

Pill or Solid

  • You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
  • You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place meds in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
  • TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles. However, some states have laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication.  You need to comply.
  • Medication is usually screened by X-ray.  But, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.
  • Nitroglycerin tablets and spray (used to treat episodes of angina in people who have coronary artery disease) are permitted and have never been prohibited.
  • Some U.S. medications are not approved in other countries, which could make traveling with them complicated. “Discussing the issue with your provider will probably be the best thing to do.”

Caveat:

Anxiety medication was the most common type to be confiscated.  Then, sleep aids and over-the-counter remedies. For domestic trips, the TSA recommends keeping your prescriptions in their original, marked containers. TSA regulations allow travelers to bring more than 3.4 ounces, the usual limit for liquids, if their medicine comes in liquid form.

If you need medicines that contain potentially addictive drugs or narcotics (e.g., some cough medicines, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, or stimulants), do the following:

  • Declare all drugs, medicinal, and similar products to the appropriate CBP official
  • Carry such substances in their original containers
  • Carry only the quantity of such substances that a person with that condition (e.g., chronic pain) would normally carry for personal use
  • Carry a written statement from your physician that the substances are being used under a doctor’s supervision.  Also, that they are necessary for your physical well-being while traveling.

Source: tsa.gov

Photo credit: thesenior.com.au

 

Hummingbird Nectar Mistakes to Avoid

To attract Mother Nature’s version of the hovercraft and keep them coming back, avoid these common mistakes with hummingbird nectar and feeders.

To enjoy watching hummingbirds, you’ll need a healthy feeding station where they can quickly fill up.  Despite their small size, they eat a lot. These jewel-feathered whirling dervishes eat half their body weight in bugs and nectar each day, according to the National Audubon Society. That’s the equivalent of visiting more than 1,000 flowers.

A hummingbird feeder makes it much easier for them to get enough fuel. Here are eight common mistakes you can avoid when putting out hummingbird feeders.

How to Make Hummingbird Nectar

The standard recipe for homemade hummingbird nectar is four parts water to one part sugar. So, depending on how big your feeder it, that could be two cups of water for every half cup of sugar or four cups of water to one cup of sugar. That’s it.

Tap water is generally fine to use. If your water source is high in minerals, put it in a glass measuring cup and microwave until it boils. Hot water dissolves the sugar more quickly, and leftover nectar stores better (up to a week) in the refrigerator.

Using the Wrong Homemade Hummingbird Nectar Ratio

Make sure you double check your math when prepping the hummingbird nectar, especially if you’re prepping a larger batch for your feeder. It may be easiest to start with the sugar amount and then multiply by four rather that starting with the water amount and then dividing.

Trying Hummingbird Nectar Recipes with Honey or Other Sugars

Honey and maple syrup have soared in popularity with “no sugar added” becoming a frequent selling point for cereals and sweets. With hummingbirds, though, the National Audubon Society advises sticking with refined sugar. Honey, when diluted with water, can cause fungus growth. Organic, natural and raw sugars might have levels of iron that could harm the birds. Say “no” to molasses, brown sugar or sugar substitutes as well.

Adding Red Food Dye to Hummingbird Nectar

While the color red does draw hummingbirds, most feeders already have red or yellow on them. That’s enough to catch hummingbirds’ attention without potentially harmful dyes. If you want to draw more attention to your feeder, hang it near a hanging basket of hummingbird-friendly flowers, such as petunias.

Filling Hummingbird Feeders Only Once a Week

Plan to change out the nectar every three to four days. You may need to refill it daily in the peak heat of summer when birds need more hydration, and near the end of summer when hummingbirds are bulking up for migration. If you notice nectar turning cloudy, replace it immediately.

Topping Off the Hummingbird Nectar

It may be tempting to top off the nectar already in your feeder, but it’s important to empty it and clean it with mild detergent each time, according to the International Hummingbird Society. Refill with fresh sugar water.

Not Sterilizing the Hummingbird Feeder

At least once a month you should soak feeders in a bleach solution (one tbsp bleach per cup of water) before rinsing it thoroughly. Sterilizing the feeder helps avoid fermentation, mold or fungus that can harm hummingbirds. Some glass hummingbird feeders are dishwasher safe. It’s always best to check the recommendations of your feeder’s manufacturer.

Low Hummingbird Feeder Placement

It may be tempting to use a shepherd’s hook to integrate your feeder among garden flowers, or to keep it at eye level near outdoor seating. Don’t. Proper hummingbird feeder placement should be at least four feet off the ground and away from tree trunks, retaining walls or steps where roaming cats and other predators can lurk and capture hummingbirds.

Sparking a Feeder War

A super-sized feeder with several nectar ports might attract more hummingbirds, especially more mild-mannered females. Unfortunately, males, in particular, can be fiercely territorial. One alpha male hummingbird can claim a feeder and doggedly chase all others away. Consider more than one feeder and place them in different locations.

Source: familyhandyman.com