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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.

A Dye Garden From History

See the plants that make up the dye garden at the weaver's cottage in historic...

Easy DIY Flower Pens Craft

Make these DIY flower pens as a teacher gift to celebrate the start of the...

Growing Double Begonias in the Flower Garden

The glamorous double flowers of these begonias make a real splash in the shady corner...

Nature Photography in the Rain

Don't let wet weather keep you from capturing great nature photography moments!

Attract Butterflies with Stokes’ Aster

The large flower heads of native Stokes' Aster will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your...

Attract Hummingbirds with SunHosta

Up north, hosta is found in every garden, where the blooms attract hummingbirds. Now there's...

Easy Tabletop DIY Fire Pit

No room for a backyard fire pit? Make an easy tabletop DIY fire pit instead...

Scenes from a Bird Nesting Colony

Wading birds frequently raise their young in mixed-species colonies. See photos from one bird nesting...

Attract Butterflies with Zin Master Seed Mix

This seed mix seems to include every kind of zinnia under the sun, and every...

Aquarium Mini Garden

If a traditional mini garden isn't exactly your style, go under the sea and create...

Fruit Feeder to Attract Butterflies and Birds

Some butterflies prefer fruit to flowers, and certain birds enjoy a sweet treat too. Attract...

Best Plants for Container Shade Gardening

Fill your containers and hanging baskets with these colorful plants and flowers perfect for shade...

DIY Bead Flowers Pot Stakes

Dress up your potted plants with DIY bead flowers on stakes. Choose beads and embellishments...

DIY Sugar Scrub Gift for Gardeners

Need a Mother's Day gift for gardeners? Try this easy DIY sugar scrub for their...

Bird Nesting Season: Anhinga Courtship

Anhinga courtship behavior is a joy to watch. See video of a male anhinga during...

Walking Iris for Container Gardens and More

The flashy flowers of Walking Iris 'Regina' can be grown outdoors in warm climates or...

Container Garden Soil Toppers

Add interest to your container garden while helping retain soil moisture when you add stones,...

Seed Bottle DIY Valentines

Give the gift of future flowers when you make these DIY Valentines with tiny bottles...

Simple Valentine’s Day Wreath Craft

Create this simple wreath craft for Valentine's Day and dress up your home with spicy...

Roosting in the Butterfly Garden

When butterflies need to rest or take shelter, they find a place to roost. Learn...

Top 10 Fragrant Flowers

The best blooms are those that fill the air with perfume. Fill your garden with...

Top 10 Best Value Plants

Don't waste your time or money. Choose these best value plants to make every garden...

Vintage Flowers Canvas DIY Ornaments

Use printable images from vintage seed catalogs and mini canvases to create pretty DIY ornaments...

Make a DIY Candy Dish Bird Feeder

Create this holiday DIY bird feeder for just a few dollars to feed your feathered...

Shore Bird Watching on Sanibel Island

Spend a lazy afternoon doing a little bird watching from your beach chair at this...

Welcome Sign Fall Craft

Welcome guests by hanging this simple fall craft on your front door!

Watch a Butterfly Feeding

If you've never looked closely at a butterfly feeding, this video gives you the chance.

Growing Lemongrass

Grow lemongrass for culinary purposes, as an ornamental grass, or just for the fresh scent!

Big Eyes in the Butterfly Garden

Butterflies and caterpillars use “eyespots” to scare off predators in the butterfly garden and beyond!

Attracting Butterflies with Fruit

Flowers aren't the only way to bring butterflies to your garden. Learn about attracting butterflies...