Gemma Johnstone

Tries to write, hike (with my dog), worry less, do more. Regular contributor for the AKC, Reader's Digest, and more. Based in Courmayeur, VDA, Italy. She/her

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Articles

What Scotland's EPC changes mean for non-domestic properties?

1 week ago | thorntons-law.co.uk | Gemma Johnstone

In 2023, the Scottish Government launched its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) reform consultation. Following responses received to the consultation, the Scottish Government is expected to implement significant changes to both domestic and non-domestic property EPCs in 2026.
9 Houseplants That Live So Long They Eventually Become Family Heirlooms

1 week ago | flipboard.com | Gemma Johnstone

1 hour agoOur goth glam queen has slayed again! Kourtney Kardashian Barker has just dropped a new carousel to her 'gram, and she looks so much like Morticia Addams, we had to do a double-take. To unpack, the 46-year-old gave off major monochrome vibes as she posed in a black dress in front of her statement …
9 Houseplants That Live So Long That You Can Pass Them Down to Your Kids

1 week ago | thespruce.com | Gemma Johnstone

There’s something richly rewarding about nurturing a prized plant over several decades, and even more so, knowing it could continue to provide joy and sentimental significance for the next generation. We’ve rounded up nine long-living houseplants that could be contenders for becoming family heirlooms. Just don’t forget that none of these will make it past their first year if you don’t provide them with the care and conditions they need.
9 Houseplants That Live So Long They Eventually Become Family Heirlooms

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Gemma Johnstone

There’s something richly rewarding about nurturing a prized plant over several decades, and even more so, knowing it could continue to provide joy and sentimental significance for the next generation. We’ve rounded up nine long-living houseplants that could be contenders for becoming family heirlooms. Just don’t forget that none of these will make it past their first year if you don’t provide them with the care and conditions they need. Cast iron plants are the perfect houseplants for beginners.
These Are the Best Veggies You Should Plant Each Month for Fresh Vegetables All Year

1 week ago | thespruce.com | Gemma Johnstone

On-point planting times are important to make the most of your vegetable plot. What you plant and when depends on your hardiness zone, garden conditions, and what else you are growing or have been growing in your plot—never underestimate the importance of crop rotation and the right companion plants to help prevent diseases. To help get you started, we’ve offered some month-by-month suggestions for when you should plant vegetables and what types based on your USDA hardiness zones.
These Are the Best Veggies You Should Plant Each Month for Fresh Vegetables All Year

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Gemma Johnstone

On-point planting times are important to make the most of your vegetable plot. What you plant and when depends on your hardiness zone, garden conditions, and what else you are growing or have been growing in your plot—never underestimate the importance of crop rotation and the right companion plants to help prevent diseases. To help get you started, we’ve offered some month-by-month suggestions for when you should plant vegetables and what types based on your USDA hardiness zones.
We Asked Arborists When to Prune Dogwood Trees, and They All Said the Same Thing

1 week ago | thespruce.com | Gemma Johnstone

Spring is the worst time of year to prune your dogwood tree because you can negatively impact spring blooms. If you want to prune your dogwood trees, any other time of the year is perfect, depending on your pruning goals. Pros recommend straying away from too much pruning and only getting rid of 15% to 20% of the tree's foliage. Low-maintenance and adaptable dogwood trees can be beautiful home landscape additions, especially when the flowering varieties are in bloom.
5 Reasons Why Your Orchid Leaves Are Splitting and How to Save Them Fast

2 weeks ago | thespruce.com | Gemma Johnstone

The most common cause of orchid leaves splitting is infrequent watering. If your home's air is dry, introducing a plant humidifier can help with your orchid's leaves splitting. You can glue split orchid leaves together with sterile plant or medical glue. Exotic-looking orchids are perennially popular houseplants. While it’s the beautiful blooms that are likely to turn you into an orchid enthusiast, their foliage adds interest when these plants aren’t in flower.
5 Reasons Why Your Orchid Leaves Are Splitting and How to Save Them Fast

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Gemma Johnstone

The most common cause of orchid leaves splitting is infrequent watering. If your home's air is dry, introducing a plant humidifier can help with your orchid's leaves splitting. You can glue split orchid leaves together with sterile plant or medical glue. Exotic-looking orchids are perennially popular houseplants. While it’s the beautiful blooms that are likely to turn you into an orchid enthusiast, their foliage adds interest when these plants aren’t in flower.
What Is Hairy Bittercress and How Do I Get Rid of it?

2 weeks ago | familyhandyman.com | Gemma Johnstone

Hairy bittercress is a fast-spreading, cool-season weed that can quickly overtake your lawn if you don't take the right precautions. Fortunately, with the right maintenance and preventative measures, you can keep this superabundant spreader from turning your grass from lush to lacking. I spoke with three turfgrass experts to get their tips for preventing and controlling hairy bittercress. What Is Hairy Bittercress?