Category: Outdoor Living

The Snapdragon, known scientifically as Antirrhinum majus, is a plant native to the regions around the Mediterranean. It’s a popular garden flower, appreciated for its vibrant colors and unique shape that resembles a dragon’s mouth. Snapdragons thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They are generally grown as annuals, although they can behave as short-lived perennials in certain climates. Cultivation begins with seed germination, which can take two to three months, so it’s common to start them indoors before the last frost of winter. Once established, they bloom from spring to fall, with flowers opening sequentially from the bottom of the stalk upwards, extending the period of bloom. Snapdragons are available in a wide range of sizes and colors, making them versatile for use in everything from border gardens to flower boxes and patio containers. Cheers

Our featured flower of the month is wild carrot. Often mistaken for yarrow, the wild carrot, Daucus carota, also known as Queen Anne’s lace, is a flowering plant native to temperate regions of the Old World and has been naturalized in the New World. Its domesticated counterpart, the carrot, is derived from a subspecies, Daucus carota subsp. sativus. Cultivation of the wild carrot requires well-drained soil and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. It is a biennial plant, blooming in its second year from spring to fall, and is known for its distinctive white flowers and hairy leaves. The wild carrot has a rich history, having been used medicinally before its domestication as an edible root. Cheers

Zinniboy.com is a treasure trove for gardening enthusiasts, offering a wealth of information to inspire and guide your horticultural projects. From detailed ebooks like “The Flower Affect” to practical tips for every season, the website is designed to educate and encourage both novice and experienced gardeners. With a focus on cultivating a variety of flowers, including those that support local ecosystems like the monarch butterfly, Zinniboy.com is an excellent resource for anyone looking to enhance their garden and embrace the joys of outdoor living. Cheers

The birds featured in the video “The Birds Part 1” are Cave Swallows. The Cave Swallow, a species known for its agility in flight, often makes its home within the entrances of caves, cohabiting with bats. These birds have adapted to human-altered landscapes by nesting under bridges and culverts, expanding their range beyond their traditional habitats. They are skilled hunters of flying insects, which they catch with impressive aerial maneuvers, and they build their nests from mud and bat guano, cementing them onto walls and ledges. The Cave Swallow’s ability to adapt to changing environments is a testament to its resilience and ingenuity. Cheers