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Plants & Animals

Plants & Animals

Editor: Barbara Bell

This is the place to learn the facts about all living things, whether plant or animal, in all their fascinating diversity! Learn about our natural world of plants & animals in such topics as birds, cats, dogs, horses, other mammals, reptiles and amphibians, saltwater fish and freshwater fish, and even insects - and you can find out about animals in more depth by reading about pet care. We pay attention to the value of wildlife conservation, as well. The latest information about the world of plants and animals is based on up-to-date research.

The writers at Botany will give you the facts of the science; the writers of plants and bulbs, landscaping, organic gardening, houseplants, flower gardens, desert/water-wise gardening, vegetable and water gardens will put it into practical perspective for you.

 

Latest articles in Plants & Animals

Christmas Gifts for Greenhouse Gardeners
If there is a greenhouse gardener on the Christmas list, tools, supplies, and specialty gift cards will be presents that are appreciated and useful.
Getting a Dog for Christmas?
Learn basic information about adopting a dog and questions to consider before getting a canine as a Christmas gift.
Top Tips to Attract Birds to the Winter Garden
When birds fly over your garden they are most likely on their way to more desirable destinations. Provide for their basic needs and yours will be their hotel of choice.
The Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is revered by Native Indian Tribes, protected by governments, and has made an astounding come-back from near extinction.
How to Grow Orchids Indoors
Growing indoor orchids that produce new flowers requires controlled lighting, temperature regulation and a minimum amount of weekly care.
Garden Gloves
Nitrille, Kevlar, new breathable, durable and stretchable fabrics, neoprene and even spray-on gloves are recent developments in gloves for gardeners. But the old standbys
Croton Indoor Plants of Brilliant Colors
The exotic-looking Crotons with their variably-shaped leaves will, with proper care, provide an explosion of wonderful colors.
Spotlight on Winter Blooming Ornamental Plants
A garden in winter can be a striking study of contrasting shapes and textures, but it's one mostly played out in black and white.
BLM Manages Wild Horses on Public Lands
The BLM Wild Horse Adoption Program is trying to save the public range-lands and the wild mustangs and burros at the same time. Wild adoption is a win/win situation.
The Pileated Woodpecker, the Largest in America
Pileated woodpeckers are common throughout the Eastern United States, lower Canada, and the Pacific Northwest. These large birds are easily identifiable.
Homemade Gifts from the Organic Garden
Organic gardeners can use the harvest from the herb, flower, and vegetable garden to create inexpensive gifts for holidays or birthdays.
How to Easily Solve Cat Litter Box Problems
Is the cat refusing to use the litter box? Use these simple strategies, tips, and ideas to determine the cause of cat's behavior and get kitty using the litter pan again.
African Violets
African violets make lovely living bouquets that can brighten your home on gray wintery days that last long after cut flowers have faded.
Medicinal Plant Profile of the Common Foxglove
Common foxglove has a long history of medicinal use in Europe and is a popular cottage garden flower; however, foxglove is also poisonous and should be used with care.
Medical and Cultural Importance of Amphibians
Humans have interacted with amphibians since antiquity. Some of these exchanges are direct and easily understood while others are more difficult to discern.
Imperial Woodpecker, the Most Endangered Bird
Imperial woodpeckers, perhaps the most endangered birds in the world (if not extinct), have historically occupied the montane hardwood forests of West Mexico.
Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count Open to All
The annual Christmas Bird Count brings new and experienced birders together to count local birds, providing key information on environmental issues and climate change.
A Christmas Gift for the Family Horse or Pony
Having flicked through the 'horsey' catalogues its often hard to choose the perfect gift. Here is an easy to follow guide to make a cheap, edible present for a pony.
Dangerous Xmas Food for Cats and Dogs
Veterinarians are warning pet owners they could seriously injure or kill their animals if they feed them too many Christmas leftovers.
Garden Magazines as Gifts
Gardening magazines run from "how-to" periodicals to landscape architectural journals, meeting a variety of reading interests for most gardeners.
Garden Gift Ideas
Gardeners love tools, magazines, plants, books, gloves and just about anything else that make their gardening experience easier, relaxing and more fun.
Christmas Gifts for Pets
Pets are members of the family, and many families like to put something under the Christmas tree for Max, Fluffy or Pete.
Gazing Globes for Garden Reflection, Accent
Gazing balls are enjoying a renaissance of use as landscape decorations. These strategically placed orbs bring drama to flower gardens, sitting areas, yards and walkways.
Making Use of Kudzu
Kudzu has taken over gardens, yards and fields in the Southeastern U.S. for 133 years, but it's more than just a nuisance - it can even be used to make fuel.
Evergreen Tree at Christmas – How to Care for It
The use of evergreens as Christmas trees has long been part of the culture of the celebration of Christmas. Buying one signals the start of the festive holiday season.
Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, a Threatened Species
Commonly thought to be extinct since the middle of the last century, these birds, the rarest and most endangered birds in America, were perhaps rediscovered in 2004.
Cat and Dog Adoption and Euthanasia Statistics
Every year in the United States, enormous numbers of cats and dogs are euthanized due to overpopulation.
South Carolina Hardy Flowering Plants
Not all flowers will thrive in the zones of 7a to 8b, those zones of South Carolina. These will. Choices for the garden include annuals and perennials.
Common Birds in Southeast Pine Forests
Southeastern pine forests are home to many common birds of America. Following are descriptions of some of the most abundant ones, and bird identification techniques.
Costa Del Sol Gardening for Beginners
Gardening in the Costal Del Sol's Mediterranean climate is fun and ten useful planting tips for beginners will ensure colour during late autumn and early winter
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