Tequila anyone? Agave holds an honored place in Mexican culture, and not just for the alcohol distilled from its juice. Agave fibers are used to create sturdy ropes, mats, and other textiles. Agave nectar is a natural sweetener, and roasted agave hearts are a...
The record low temperature in downtown Los Angeles is 28°F (-2°C), set on three occasions. Outlying areas like the San Fernando Valley have seen even colder temperatures — dropping to 18°F (-7.8°C) in 1989. While this may not raise eyebrows in Duluth, Minnesota,...
What kind of banana plant bears flowers but no fruit? A bird of paradise, of course. Yes, that exotic-looking plant in your neighbor’s yard is actually a banana expatriate from South Africa, a country known for bizarrely beautiful flora and large carnivorous...
Staining protects wood’s natural beauty. It highlights the grain, adds depth, and shields the material from sunlight, moisture, and wear. Your choice of wood stain and the quality of your application can dramatically alter the look and feel of the finished...
Does life have you tied in knots? Try Zen. No, you don’t have to withdraw to a mountaintop retreat when you can build a Zen garden instead. A Zen garden won’t solve your troubles but can help you find peace in a hectic and demanding world. Cue the bamboo...
