Life Style & Travel

UNITED STATES—Cut foliage is a common ingredient of ready-made mixed bouquets. Bundles and individual stems of cut foliage are available with cut flowers from florists. Cut foliage is the primary component of most wreaths and garlands that are now so popular for Christmas décor. It is another horticultural commodity like cut flowers, bulbs or nursery stock. Cut foliage is...

UNITED STATES—It is no coincidence that so many colorful berries ripen in autumn as migratory birds migrate south for winter. Such berries are intended for both migratory and overwintering birds. Rodents and other wildlife are welcome to take what they want as well. Most colorful berries are bright red, to get the attention of birds and wildlife. They are...

UNITED STATES—Have you ever asked yourself what is it about the turkey that just seems to drive everyone crazy when it comes to the Thanksgiving feast? I wish I could give you that answer, but I cannot America. I cannot. Me personally I am NOT a fan of turkey. Why? It tends to be overly dry. Look, I know...

UNITED STATES—Container gardening is overrated. The endemic soil here is not so bad that nothing will grow in it. What is now suburban gardens was formerly famously productive farmland! Soil amendments make the soil more comfortable to plants with more discriminating taste. Plants that are too discriminating are probably not worth accommodating. With few exceptions, planters are unnecessary. Plants naturally...

UNITED STATES—In less than a few days the biggest feast of the entire year will be upon us, Thanksgiving. Last week we chatted about preparation or the big day, but it now dawns on many Americans, that turkey day 2020 will NOT be like those of the past. Why not? COVID-19 is the reason people. Rather you believe in...

UNITED STATES—Nature is messy. It is that simple. Leaves, flowers, fruits and stems regularly fall from vegetation onto the ground. Animals contribute their mess too. Insects and microorganisms seem to eliminate most of the mess. In reality, they merely accelerate the process of recycling the mess back into more mess. Decomposing organic matter sustains viable vegetation as it perpetuates...

UNITED STATES—Indeed. The different chapter for the world had begun. It was a phone that was the start of definitively breaking relations with the Underground Cities in 2033, Zorba recalled. The Leader “up there” had abolished all phones in a startling degree. Years earlier photography had been abolished. Phones had been thought to make people stupid, to ridicule them...

SAN FRANCISCO—The Virgin Hyperloop made its first journey carrying passengers in a small pod through a vacuum tube. On November 8, the company preformed its first passenger test at its track in the desert outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Carrying two employees, the Hyperloop made the 500-meter journey in just 15 seconds. According to the company’s website, the Hyperloop will be able...

UNITED STATES—Wow, that’s all I can say. We are literally less than 2 weeks away from one of the biggest holidays of the year: Thanksgiving. I will admit, I love Thanksgiving, and it’s not really just about the food. Let’s be honest, the food is a big part, but the notion of being with family is important. I know...

UNITED STATES—This seems like bad algebra. Horticulturally, dividing and multiplying really are the same. Division is the separation of crowded perennials into smaller, but more numerous portions. It multiplies the number of individual plants. The smaller portions perform better than they did while crowded. Division is both a method of vegetative (clonal) propagation, and a form of healthy social...