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Rachel Maidl

Rachel Maidl is a senior editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. She enjoys bird-watching in her urban backyard and local state parks, gardening for pollinators and researching new plants. Her favorite backyard visitors are the bumblebees that visit her sedums.
A trio of winter planters filled with birch branches, berries and ornaments.

Create a Jolly Front Porch With Festive Winter Planters

Use these top expert-approved tips to design stunning winter planters with materials gathered straight from your own backyard.

Expert Tips on How to Get Rid of Lily of the Valley

See what lily of the valley looks like and why you don't want it in...

5 Types of Squirrels and How to Tell Them Apart

Look for these clues to tell different types of squirrels apart, and learn more about...

Meet the Milkweed Tussock Moth and Caterpillar

Milkweed tussock moth caterpillars are some of the most interesting caterpillars you can find in...

Canna Leaf Rollers Are the Bugs Eating Your Cannas

Learn about canna leaf rollers, the small garden pests leaving holes in your canna plants,...

Monarch Butterflies Listed as Endangered

You may have seen reports saying monarch butterflies are endangered. See what experts say about...

Ragweed vs Goldenrod: What’s Growing in Your Yard?

Learn how to tell if the weedy plant with yellowish flowers in your backyard is...

Tianshan Seven Son Flower Shines in Every Season

Discover Tianshan seven-son flower's amazing attributes as the seasons change, and learn how and where...

Attract More Birds With a Silky Dogwood Shrub

Silky dogwood shrubs are native plants that boast benefits in every season. Here’s what you...

12 Best Watering Cans for Every Garden

Whether you need a new watering can for your large garden or just need something...

What Are Horned Melons and How to Grow Them

Learn everything you need to know about this unusual fruit, including what a horned melon...
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Leucistic Bird vs Albino Bird: Learn the Difference

White-feathered birds are special. Discover facts about albino birds and leucistic birds and how their...

Grow Buttonbush to Attract Butterflies and Pollinators

Buttonbush is a native plant with many benefits for pollinators. This flowering shrub is a...

Knock Out Roses Are a Gardener’s Dream Come True

Discover the fascinating story about how Knock Out roses became the original and most popular...

Hummingbird Male Vs Female: How to Tell the Difference

Hummingbirds come in many colors, but there are differences to look for so you can...

This Is the Only Bird Nesting Material You Should Put Out

Birds are natural architects—they don’t need our assistance to build a nest—but here are some...

How to Identify a Red Spotted Purple Butterfly

Discover where to find a red spotted purple butterfly, what they look like, and what...
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16 Beautiful Flowers to Inspire Your Dream Garden

Marvel at gardeners' stunning pictures of beautiful flowers. These breathtaking blooms will have you racing...

Quiz: How Many Female Bird Photos Can You ID?

Male birds tend to get all the attention, but females are just as beautiful. See...

Rhododendron vs Azalea: How to Tell the Difference

Be a garden sleuth and find out the identify of your mystery plant. See key...

Look for a Mourning Cloak Butterfly in Early Spring

Discover where and when to find a mourning cloak butterfly and how to attract them....

Made to Wade: All About Wading Birds

Elegant and graceful, wading birds capture artists' imaginations. Here are interesting facts and gorgeous photos...

You Have to See the Winner of the 2021 Backyard Photo Contest

See Birds & Blooms' 2021 Backyard Photo Contest grand prize winner and learn the amazing...

Grow a Lucky Charm: How to Care for a Shamrock Plant

Learn how to choose and grow a false shamrock plant, what it looks like, and...

All About Bird Wings and Flight Feathers

Wings, feathers and tails come in many shapes, but they all have a special function:...