Butterflies / Insects

Aug 21, 2022

Migrating Monarch Butterflies, Now On The Endangered Species List! Here's How To Give Them A Lift!

In July 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature placed migratory monarch butterflies on their Endangered Species list. The IUCN estimates that, due to habitat loss and climate change, the migratory monarch's population has been depleted "by between 22% and 72% over the past decade".

grass and dirt cross section with earthworms

Apr 2, 2020

Friend or Foetida? The Great Earthworm Controversy

Most of us grew up with the belief that earthworms are the superheroes of soil health. We're going to dig beneath the surface to unearth the pros and cons of earthworms in North American gardens so you can make your own informed decisions.

Jan 9, 2020

How (and Why) to Attract Butterflies and Moths to Your Garden

Whether you associate them with pastel playrooms or cannibalistic serial killers, you've got to admit butterflies and moths are fascinating insects. Even to us gardeners, for whom they're a paradox: When we're not trying to chase them out of our garden, we're scrambling to draw them in.

Jul 18, 2019

AirBnBee: Welcoming Orchard Mason Bees to Your Garden

Help out the locals by providing orchard mason bees with a healthy nesting environment in your home garden or orchard. In return, you'll have more productive fruit and nut trees, vegetables, and berries. Everyone wins!

May 23, 2019

Drunken Slugs and Cozy Toads: Tips for Natural Garden Pest Control

Put down that chemical pesticide. You can create a non-toxic garden that supports its own defense system if you go all in and rely on biological warfare for natural garden pest control. Here's how to provide habitat and sustenance to beneficial critters, from single-celled fungi to furry flying mammals.

Dec 18, 2018

The Monarch Butterfly Crisis: Growing Milkweed for Maximum Benefit

Changing weather patterns, environmental chemicals, and loss of food sources are the primary factors for the decimation of the monarch butterfly. No milkweed, no monarch butterflies. But we'd also like to point out that growing milkweed from seed isn't just utilitarian; they deserve credit as garden-worthy ornamentals.