Florist Cyclamen
The genus Cyclamen contains about 23 species, which are all native to the Mediterranean region. Florist’s cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) was introduced in Western Europe in the early 17th...
Category: Holiday
Living Christmas Trees
Living Christmas trees are container-grown or balled and burlapped Christmas trees that can be planted as landscape trees after the holiday season. This way of enjoying a Christmas tree is practical...
Repurposing Christmas Trees To Benefit Wildlife
After the holiday season, many residents are left wondering what can be done with their discarded “live” Christmas tree. There are several options to repurpose the trees to benefit wildlife, a yard,...
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
The Christmas tree is the focal point of holiday decorating. Live cut trees fill a home with natural beauty and a pleasant fragrance and are adorned with treasured ornaments collected over the...
Holiday Food Safety Tips
The end of the year is full of holiday celebrations, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa. Many families will gather for holiday traditions, and feasting with family is part of...
Holiday Decorating With Fresh Greenery
One of the oldest winter holiday traditions is decorating the house with fresh greenery. Evergreens are used to represent everlasting life and hope for the return of spring. Southerners have been...
Holiday Decorating with Orange Pomanders
Start a new holiday tradition with your family this year by making orange pomander balls. They can be hung on your Christmas tree as ornaments, attached to garlands, or used in a holiday centerpiece...
Foraging for Winter Decorations
Fresh foraged material adds a special touch to any entry, table-scape, or staircase during the holidays. Greenery Backyard greenery like boxwood, holly, juniper, cypress, magnolia, nandina,...
Gray Mold (Botrytis Blight)
Botrytis blight or “gray mold” is a widely distributed disease caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. It can infect some vegetables, soft fruits, flowers, trees, and shrubs, especially...
Caffeine
What is Caffeine? Caffeine is found naturally in the leaves, seeds, and fruits of more than 60 plant species worldwide. It is added to some beverages and foods for flavor. People have enjoyed...
How to Sneak in Exercise During the Holidays
The holiday season brings joy and yes—many big meals, desserts, busy schedules, and stressful planning. As we move into this season, it is easy to fall off our exercise routine. During the holidays,...
Preparing Food for a Crowd
Your family may enjoy meals, day after day, and never get sick from foodborne illness. Then comes a big family gathering or a large party. You are handling larger amounts of food; your refrigerator...