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...
If top chefs ever put it to a vote, basil would be numero uno in the kitchen, captain of the Herb Team, and Most Likely to Succeed (or end up in sauce). It’s easy to see why. This aromatic herb can bring a dish to life with a fresh, savory sweetness, from...
Green beans are native to Central and South America. 16th-century Spanish and Portuguese explorers introduced them to Europe, where they quickly became a staple food. Today, they feature prominently in stir-fries, salads, casseroles, and other favorite dishes...
