Backyard Gardener

Butterfly Gardening

Published on 2007-02-07 02:05:00

I've been fascinated with insects since childhood and butterflies in particular with their metamorphosis from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis. While my childhood passion did not yield a career in Lepidoptera, I absolutely love it when a Swallowtail or Monarch comes fluttering through my flower garden. When a friend turned me on to butterfly gardening I decided I wanted to learn all about which plants butterflies use for nectar as well as which serve as host plants for the caterpillars. A butterf

Patio Gardening

Published on 2007-02-07 02:00:00

You don't need a backyard, anyone can make a simple and beautiful patio garden. The fragrance and color of container gardens are a fantastic addition to any space. Container gardening may be the only option for those who live in apartments but any size terrace, balcony, deck or patio can be transformed into a fantastically cozy garden. Multiple containers can transform a space and provide great privacy but even a single potted plant or two can be a welcome addition for smaller spaces. Almost all

History of Gardening

Published on 2007-02-07 01:17:00

Gardening has been an integral part of civilization for as long as civilization has existed. Without the cultivation of plants for food mankind would never have enough food to support permanent settlements; humanity would never progress past a nomadic, hunter/gatherer lifestyle. The modern gardener may be surprised to learn how many of the gardening tools and techniques we use to this day were perfected in ancient times. In fact, the ancient world boasted a slew of magnificent gardens. The earli