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1 month ago | 
birdsandblooms.com | Jill Staake |Tampa. There
Eastern Redbud Tree BenefitsNature Picture Library / Alamy Stock PhotoGrow an eastern redbud tree in Zones 4 to 9. Bonus: Birds, like this American goldfinch, love the small tree. Blooming trees are one of the most beautiful sights of spring, and the eastern redbud tree really knows how to put on a good display!“There are so many things to love about this tree,” raves Andrew Koeser, an associate professor of Urban Tree and Landscape Management at the University of Florida.
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1 month ago | 
birdsandblooms.com | Jill Staake |Tampa. There
Does Hummingbird Sage Attract Hummingbirds? Hal Beral/Getty ImagesRufous hummingbird feeding on hummingbird sage, also known as crimson pitcher sageWith the common name of hummingbird sage, you might be wondering…does this plant actually live up to expectations? “Yes! This plant really does attract hummingbirds,” promises Erik Blank, horticultural educator at the Theodore Payne Foundation (TPF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to California native wildflowers and plants.
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2 months ago | 
birdsandblooms.com | Jill Staake |Tampa. There
Monstera Plant Benefitskrisanapong detraphiphat/Getty ImagesMonstera ‘Thai Constellation’This beloved houseplant, Monstera deliciosa, is actually a climbing vine, with massive broad leaves that can reach up to 3 feet across. According to Matt Slaymaker, product manager at LivelyRoot.com, their popularity is due to their reputation for being adaptable and low-maintenance. “Monsteras are a fan favorite because of their unique and tropical look,” he says.
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Nov 25, 2024 | 
birdsandblooms.com | Jill Staake |Tampa. There
What Is an Umbrella Plant? Galeh Nur Wihantara/Getty ImagesSchefflera arboricola ‘Janine’ has attractive variegated leavesCommon names: Umbrella plant, dwarf umbrella treeScientific name: Schefflera arboricola (syn.
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Oct 28, 2024 | 
birdsandblooms.com | Jill Staake |Tampa. There
What Is a Wheel Bug? A wheel bug (Arilus cristatus) is a fairly large member (up to 1.5 inches) of the family commonly known as assassin bugs. According to Dan Young, entomology professor and director of the University of Wisconsin’s Insect Research Collection, they’re top predators in the insect world. “They use their sucking mouthparts to pierce and ultimately feed on the fluid, or semi-liquified, contents of their prey,” he says. What Does a Wheel Bug Look Like?
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Sep 26, 2024 | 
birdsandblooms.com | Jill Staake |Tampa. There |Melinda Myers |Megan White
Rubber PlantFicus elasticaThe big glossy leaves of the rubber plant thrive under bright direct or indirect light, where it can grow from 2 to 10 feet tall. Protect it from low temperatures and drafts, and allow soil to slightly dry between waterings. Water it regularly during spring and summer, but you can usually water less often in fall and winter. Why we love it: New leaves begin as colorful purple or pink stipules, which add extra interest during the growing season.
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Jun 25, 2024 | 
birdsandblooms.com | Jill Staake |Tampa. There
Learn what a double-crested cormorant looks like, what the bird eats, and where to find one. Then find out if their bad reputation is truly deserved. What Does a Double-crested Cormorant Look Like? This black waterbird isn’t quite as big as a Canada goose, but is much larger than a crow. The body stretches about 27 to 24 inches, with a long sturdy neck. Their wings span up to 4 feet.
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May 28, 2024 | 
birdsandblooms.com | Jill Staake |Tampa. There
Find out what a green heron looks like, sounds like and where this wading bird lives, plus learn about its unique way of fishing for food. What Does a Green Heron Look Like? At first glance, this diminutive wading bird doesn’t immediately look like other herons and egrets. Those birds are usually easy to recognize by their long legs and equally long curving necks.
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Apr 23, 2024 | 
birdsandblooms.com | Jill Staake |Tampa. There |Melinda Myers |Megan White
From purple loosestrife to kudzu, find facts about invasive plants—and learn why you'll want to eliminate these non-natives from your yard. What Makes a Plant Invasive? Invasive plants have two characteristics. First, these plants are nonnative to the ecosystem, and second, they cause or are likely to cause harm to humans, the environment or the economy. Check your garden—you might have one of these surprising invasive flowers.
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Aug 29, 2023 | 
birdsandblooms.com | Jill Staake |Tampa. There
Butterfly gardeners know the importance of milkweed. This plant family is vital to the survival of monarch butterflies, since it’s the only host plant their caterpillars eat. As scientists stress the importance of providing as much of this valuable plant as possible, gardeners often ask: Does milkweed need full sun to thrive? Find out if you have the proper growing conditions. Learn everything you need to know about growing milkweed in the ultimate milkweed plant growing guide.
