DID YOU KNOW

Michigan trees can hide all sorts of surprises, and those leafy clumps definitely catch your eye from the ground. I remember the first time someone …

Maine yards get visits from more protected animals than most people realize. I’ve had one wander past my porch before and didn’t expect the rules …

Maine gardeners may be surprised that a few familiar plants are edging toward the restricted list. I came across one at a local nursery and …

Every fall, Iowa puts on quite a show — and one tree steals the spotlight year after year. Its branches buzz with bees and flutter …

Strange clusters high in Nebraska trees can look like bird nests at first glance, but not all of them are. As leaves drop in fall, …

Idaho’s wildlife laws protect certain animals from being removed or harmed, even when they show up in your yard or home. Understanding which creatures fall …

Bee populations across West Virginia are dropping faster than many realize, and the causes stretch far beyond pesticides alone. Shifts in weather, habitat loss, and …

Living next to trees has its perks—shade, beauty, and a touch of nature right outside your door. But come autumn, those falling leaves don’t always …

Texas suburbs are facing a growing problem with invasive plants that threaten native wildlife and ecosystems. Some of these aggressive species spread so quickly they …

Pennsylvania backyards are becoming hotspots for some of nature’s most stunning surprises. Bird watchers across the state have been reporting sightings of feathered visitors displaying …

Arizona’s booming cities are not just drawing new residents but a whole cast of wild animals that have learned to thrive right alongside the hustle …

Living in Pennsylvania means sharing your space with all kinds of wildlife, from tiny birds to scaly reptiles. But did you know that some animals …

Alabama patios get hot fast, but geraniums handle that heat like champions. I filled a few containers with them and couldn’t believe how bright they …

Oklahoma trees can hide some strange-looking clumps that fool almost everyone at first glance. I remember spotting one in my yard and immediately assuming a …

Maryland hummingbirds follow a rhythm, and timing the feeders just right makes a big difference for them. I left mine up too long one season …

Missouri neighborhoods love their individuality, but a few favorite yard features might be in hot water soon. I’ve seen local rules tighten fast, catching homeowners …

You’ve probably seen this hardy shrub showing off in Missouri yards — all decked out in pink and acting like it owns the place. It’s …

Some plants spreading across Missouri suburbs are starting to raise red flags. I’ve seen a few take over entire corners of yards before anyone noticed. …

Indiana patios light up fast when petunias enter the picture. I planted a few last year and loved how cheerful they stayed through heat and …

Oregon’s climate makes it tempting to plant every fruit tree you can find, but not all of them belong in your yard. I’ve learned that …

New Jersey yards often hold more activity than a quick glance reveals. Quiet movement near fences, soft tracks in soil, or a rustle under shrubs …

A round bundle of leaves high in a North Carolina tree can spark quick assumptions. It may appear deliberate, sheltered, and carefully built. Yet the …

Wildlife laws in Maryland protect far more than just endangered species. Many familiar animals are regulated to prevent the spread of disease, protect habitats, and …

A plant from a neighbor’s yard may look harmless at first glance. Yet a few species in Georgia carry serious ecological consequences once they escape …

Living in Massachusetts means sharing your space with some unexpected neighbors. While most people know they can’t harm eagles or bears, there are actually quite …

Growing your own food can be fun and rewarding, but not every plant is legal to cultivate in your backyard. Rhode Island has specific rules …

Seeing a coyote in your North Dakota backyard can catch you off guard, especially with kids or pets around. But knowing how to respond can …

North Dakota homeowners might soon see changes to what’s allowed in their yards. Lawmakers are weighing new rules that could ban outdoor features many residents …

Indiana yards get surprise visitors sometimes, and a slow-moving turtle can catch you off guard. I had one wander up to my porch once, and …

Florida patios light up fast when petunias enter the picture. I filled a few pots with them last year and loved how vibrant they stayed …

Possums often wander into Florida yards looking for food and shelter, and while they might seem like pests, these marsupials are actually quite helpful to …

North Carolina gardens always have a few seasonal standouts, but one plant has bees buzzing around it like it’s the hottest spot in town. I …

Minnesota gardens feel peaceful until a toxic tree sneaks into the mix without you knowing. I brushed against one years ago and understood the warning …

Maine has several animals that wander into yards and can’t legally be moved. I’ve had one show up unexpectedly, and it definitely caught me off …

Michigan yards can hide a few tree troublemakers that look harmless until the state steps in. I spotted one in my neighborhood once and had …

Illinois homeowners might need to take a second look at a few trendy yard additions. I’ve watched some of these features pop up everywhere, only …

You might not expect a gorgeous purple plant to cause trouble in a Nevada yard, but one of them does exactly that. I found out …

Michigan gardens can hide some sneaky trees that create problems you don’t expect. I brushed past one years ago and couldn’t believe how irritating it …

New Hampshire’s yard guidelines are shifting, and some favorites may not be allowed much longer. I’ve already seen a few homeowners rethink new additions. Knowing …

Rhode Island homeowners might need to rethink their yard designs soon. New environmental regulations and water conservation efforts are pushing the state to reconsider what’s …