The carrot originated in Central Asia. Cultivation began around 3,000 to 5,000 years ago in the Afghanistan region. The earliest varieties were primarily purple and yellow, while the now-common orange carrot was developed later by Dutch farmers in the 17th century....
The tulip hails from the cool mountain slopes of Kazakhstan. It was introduced to the Netherlands in the early 1600s and quickly became a wealth and social status symbol. Tulip Mania followed — the speculative buying and selling of tulip bulbs. As demand grew, so did...
Straw bales conjure up images of hay rides, old episodes of Hee Haw on YouTube, and livestock at feeding time. But did you know they’re increasingly popular in urban gardens? No garden plot required! They’re a perfect medium for veggies, herbs, flowers —...
Every garden contains a tomato plant or two, and many more if you’re willing to venture beyond the standard Beefsteak or Roma. But did you know tomatoes fare much better with the right company? You see, plants need buddies, too! They don’t get lonesome in...
Imagine a dark woodland area at night. Would you be drawn to it? Would you linger? Probably not, unless you’re a vampire. Likewise, a dark backyard with deep shadows can feel more menacing than inviting. But an accent light here and there, a beam to highlight,...
