Story by Jane Beathard Photos courtesy of Tim Daniel, ODNR Moths are one of the most underappreciated creatures in Ohio gardens, according to naturalist and author Jim McCormac. “They underpin food webs due to their sheer numbers and by providing a great source of protein,” McCormac said. Spiders, frogs, toads, lizards, shrews and bats, as […]
‘People really gravitate toward’ Champion Trees By Sarah Allen Photos courtesy of Alistair Reynolds Ohio’s largest trees are rooted in something far richer than soil — national history. The Champion Trees program is a state-by-state effort to preserve our grandest resources for generations to come. The Ohio Division of Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry is […]
OSU Extension offers advice for first-time gardeners Story by Sarah Allen Photos courtesy Faye Mahaffey, Brown County Master Gardener volunteer Sunlight, air, soil and water — these aren’t just the ingredients for a healthy garden. For many, gardening is more than putting fresh food on the table. It’s about relaxing, connecting — and, yes, feeling […]
Area farmers offer tips for u-pick outings Story by Sarah Allen Photos courtesy of Berryhill Farm, Blooms & Berries Farm Market, B&D Berry Farm, Karnes Orchard Story by Sarah Allen Photos courtesy of Berryhill Farm, Blooms & Berries Farm Market, B&D Berry Farm, Karnes Orchard Summertime is a season for making memories and having fun […]
OSU program director shares tips on gardening for bees Story by Sarah Allen Photos courtesy of Denise Ellsworth Story by Sarah Allen Photos courtesy of Denise Ellsworth A buzzing in the air means more than just honey. It also means food on the table and a beautiful, healthy environment. And while beekeeping has grown in […]
How to get started with beekeeping Story by Sarah Allen With spring still weeks away, the annual rebirth of nature seems like nothing but a dream: the sunshine, the flowers … and the bees. But, according to Gary Keuffer, coordinator of education for the Brown County Beekeepers Association, it is never too early to start […]
Tips on starting a vegetable garden this spring Story by Michelle Stein Thinking about starting your own vegetable garden this year, but unsure where to even begin? Gretchen Staley, volunteer coordinator for the Allen County Master Gardener Volunteers, has got you covered — from the ground up. Crop choices “It sounds silly but it’s […]
Story by Laurie Pressel Photos courtesy of Kylee Baumle Most people would have paid it no mind or flicked it away with a finger. Kylee Baumle was fascinated by the tattered dead butterfly with a tiny white sticker on its wing. Kylee and her mom had come across the monarch butterfly in a chapel […]
Story and photos by Ashley Bunton Fairies live in the village of Yellow Springs. Kim Lemkau opened Little Fairy Garden in October. Since opening Lemkau said fairy believers have swarmed the shop — mostly adults, she added — who tell her about the fairies they have seen. “They’ll come into the store and say […]
By Steve Boehme “Volunteer” ornamental pear trees are invading our woods and fields in large numbers. The planting of “Bradford” pear trees, along with other ornamental pears, is being actively discouraged by conservationists. Bradford pear is the most popular variety of Callery pear, a family of ornamental pear trees with fruit so small it is […]