GREENSPIRATION

When a turtle strolls into a Minnesota yard, it’s hard not to stop and watch. I had one show up by my garden last spring, …

Growing your own food in Tennessee sounds rewarding—until you realize some plants can get you in trouble. State and local laws restrict certain crops for …

South Carolina’s trees add so much beauty, but some of them come with strict protection. I once watched a neighbor almost cut one down before …

It’s no wonder Tennessee gardeners can’t stop talking about this one. The Rose of Sharon is a hardy shrub covered in soft pink blooms that …

Few things spark neighbor debates faster than a pile of leaves that didn’t come from your own tree. I’ve been there—sweeping all afternoon, staring at …

Pennsylvania has a handful of venomous critters that can sneak by you if you don’t know what you’re looking at. I’ve had a couple moments …

Spotting what looks like a nest in your Georgia tree can be a little puzzling. I remember staring at one in my yard, convinced birds …

Raccoons in New York can be clever, messy, and surprisingly bold, but rushing to remove them isn’t always the best move. I’ve had one sneak …

There’s one tree that might look harmless but can invite a whole lot of trouble to Florida yards. The Tree of Heaven may grow fast …

Keeping rosemary by the door in California feels like a small thing, but it changes the whole vibe of a home. I planted mine last …

Living in New Mexico means sharing your space with some truly fascinating desert creatures. But a few of them—especially the venomous ones—can pose serious risks …

Wisconsin has a wild little mix of animals that actually get special protection, and some of them might surprise you. I’ve bumped into a few …

Watching hummingbirds visit your backyard feeder is one of summer’s greatest joys in Michigan. But knowing when to take those feeders down can be tricky. …

Summer nights in Ohio feel a little dimmer lately, and many residents have noticed fewer fireflies flickering across fields and backyards. These insects depend on …

A turtle in a Maryland yard often catches homeowners off guard, but quick, careful action matters. Some native species fall under state protection, and the …

When fall hits Tennessee, leaves don’t stop at property lines. They drift, pile up, and sometimes spark debates between neighbors over who’s responsible for cleanup. …

A coyote in a Wisconsin yard can spark confusion, concern, or a rush to react, but the right approach makes the situation far easier to …

Ever looked out your window and spotted tree branches or shrubs creeping over from your neighbor’s yard? It’s frustrating when they block sunlight or scatter …

Maine’s cities aren’t just home to people—they’re bustling with wildlife that’s learned to adapt to urban life. From masked bandits raiding trash cans to majestic …

Pennsylvania’s forests and hills make for stunning scenery—and plenty of backyard wildlife. But not every bug crawling around is as harmless as it looks. Some …

Ever seen a fence so pretty it makes you stop and stare? That’s what happens when Bower Vine takes over—those pink, bell-shaped blooms steal the …

A North Carolina patio instantly feels brighter when petunias take center stage. I’ve planted them around mine, and they turn every morning coffee into something …

Growing your own food is one of the joys of gardening—but not every plant is fair game in Virginia. Some crops are restricted by law, …

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 …

Shade may seem stubborn in a Montana yard, but it can turn into a rich canvas with the right touch. Cool corners and dim nooks …

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 …