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Jill Staake

Jill lives in Tampa, Florida, and writes about gardening, butterflies, outdoor projects and birding. When she's not gardening, you'll find her reading, traveling and happily digging her toes into the sand on the beach.

The Pros and Cons of Crown of Thorns

Crown of Thorns is easy to grow indoors and out. But there are few caveats...

Grow Bromeliads for Easy Indoor Color

These tropical stunners are easy to care for with a few simple tricks. Learn how...

Let’s Talk About Painted Succulents

The bright colors will catch your eye, but what are you really getting when you...

Golden Shrimp Plant Indoors and Out

The unusual flower spikes of Golden Shrimp Plant make it an interesting house plant or...

Growing Orchids: Oncidium, or Dancing Lady

Fill your home with dancing sprays of delicate blossoms when you start growing orchids in...

Western Birds and Their Eastern Counterparts

Many western birds look somewhat familiar to eastern eyes. Take a look at some common...

Growing Orchids: Paphiopedilum, or Lady’s Slipper

Ready for a bit of a challenge? Try growing orchids in the Paphiopedilum family! Lady's...

Growing Orchids: Cattleya

The showstopping blooms of a Cattleya will tempt almost any gardener to try growing orchids....

Growing Orchids: Phalaenopsis

Ready to give growing orchids a try? Phalaenopsis, also known as moth orchids, are a...

5 Basil Varieties For Your Herb Garden

Already growing sweet basil to make pesto? Try these other basil varieties to add distinctive...

Try Caladiums for Shade Gardens

Whether you choose caladiums with cool white leaves or brilliant reds, their foliage adds a...

Growing Balloon Flower

The great thing about growing balloon flower is that it's suited to almost any garden,...

Can I Fix a Broken Butterfly Wing?

It’s hard to see a battered butterfly struggle. Learn if it’s really appropriate to try...

Adirondack Chair Planter Craft

Give a small plant a comfy resting place with this easy planter craft that starts...

Maypop Passion Vine For Butterflies

Native to the southeast, Maypop Passionvine has truly astonishing flowers. It serves as the host...

How to Prune and Care for Crape Myrtle Trees

Beloved in the Southern states, crape myrtle trees flower profusely in summer. Learn how to...

Facts About Cloudless Sulphur Butterflies

The cloudless sulphur is one of those species that put the "butter" in butterfly! Learn...

Growing Delphiniums in the Flower Garden

If you're a fan of blue flowers, you're going to want to start growing delphiniums...

Growing Daylilies: Tips and Five to Try

Think daylilies are boring? Think again! Get tips for growing daylilies and see five spectacular...

Spring Break Nature Activities for Kids

Take advantage of time off and warmer weather to get out and enjoy the great...

The Many Colors of a Tuscan Sun Rose

Disease-resistant and free-flowering, Tuscan Sun Rose blooms offer a variety of colors on one bush.

Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden

When she wasn't traveling with the circus, Mable Ringling cultivated a beautiful rose garden at...

Celebrating Women Naturalists Through History

In honor of International Women’s Day, learn more about four women naturalists and their contributions...

Garden Chores for Warm Winter Days

It's not quite time to start planting, but there are still plenty of garden chores...

Birding Hotspot: Orlando Wetlands Park

Take a break from the theme parks and visit a birding hotspot instead at Orlando...

DIY Spring Window Decor

Tired of snow and gloom? Brighten up the view with this DIY spring window decor...

Flower Pot Necklace Craft

Longing for spring? Whip up this easy DIY flower pot necklace craft and take pretty...

Vintage Seed Catalogs for Crafting and More

Find images of vintage seed catalogs online to use in crafts and home decor, or...

Five Fascinating Poinsettia Facts

Impress the folks around your Christmas dinner table this year when you share these poinsettia...