While gardening is a wonderful hobby that provides an opportunity to customize and showcase our favorite blooms, there's something magical about the beauty and chaos of wildflowers. These blooms are… Read More
By Nikita Ross 6 months ago
Nikita Ross is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering plants, gardening, and yard care. Nikita has been writing for over seven years and holds a Marketing diploma from NSCC, which she earned in 2010.
A resident of Canada, Nikita enjoys reading in her library, epic beach naps, and waiting for her Coffea arabica plant to produce coffee beans (no luck yet).
While gardening is a wonderful hobby that provides an opportunity to customize and showcase our favorite blooms, there's something magical about the beauty and chaos of wildflowers. These blooms are… Read More
By Nikita Ross 6 months ago
Flowering dogwood trees are a stunning addition to any yard. For many, this lovely tree invokes a sense of nostalgia. People dream of having one in their yard as a… Read More
By Nikita Ross 6 months ago
Nothing showcases the arrival of spring like a garden of bright, cheerful narcissus flowers in full bloom. Aside from being beautiful, these blooms have a rich history and deep symbolic… Read More
By Nikita Ross 6 months ago
Elm trees are known and loved for providing shade and privacy in landscaping. They're resilient and sturdy, making them a favorite for large yards in rural settings. Unfortunately, planting an… Read More
By Nikita Ross 6 months ago
The string of pearls succulent, scientifically known as Senecio rowleyanus, is known and loved for its vining tendencies and delicate pearl-like leaves. Plant parents love hanging this beauty in a planter and… Read More
By Nikita Ross 6 months ago
Mums are considered one of the most beloved perennials. These traditional harvest flowers have a rich array of symbolic meanings, from empathy and sympathy to honor and abundance. While these… Read More
By Nikita Ross 6 months ago
Rainwater harvesting is a traditional homesteading life hack that's gained new popularity among the eco-friendly and budget-conscious. Capturing rainwater is an excellent way to cut back on water consumption and… Read More
By Nikita Ross 6 months ago
Birch trees are undeniably beautiful. Their silver bark and lovely leaves add a pop of contrast — especially during the fall. These trees have long symbolized rebirth and new beginnings,… Read More
By Nikita Ross 6 months ago
Philodendrons are versatile plants with endless species and cultivars to choose from for your indoor displays. This eye-catching plant has been popular among plant parents for years thanks to its… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
Roses are one of the most classically stunning flowers, renowned for their beauty worldwide. Yet, its beauty is fleeting; the petals last for a few short weeks before fading away… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
Preparing your yard for the winter is essential for promoting growth next spring. Now is the time to put the gardens to bed, tuck away your tools, and embrace the… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
Lavender is a treasured flower for its calming scent and stunning color. While this perennial plant can be finicky, with proper planning and care, you can grow your own refreshing… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
Caring for roses can be a labor of love, but the efforts are well worth the reward. Creating a routine and understanding when and how to care for your beautiful… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
Using flowers as a way to convey thoughts and feelings is nothing new. Floral symbolism dates back to ancient Greece, and the Victorian era produced The Language of Flowers. Giving… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
For most crops, winterizing the garden means preparing the soil for planting in the spring. However, there are a few perennial vegetables that need a bit more TLC to get… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
Eggplant is a versatile, nutritious fruit (though it's prepared and treated like a vegetable) that's ideal for vegetarian and Mediterranean dishes. While not difficult to grow, the eggplant can be finicky;… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
Recycling is a positive way to make a small yet impactful change in your local environment. It provides opportunities to reduce waste disposal fees and find new life in old… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
There's no experience like venturing into the ancient forests of the West coasts and walking among the silent giants in the forests. California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia are known… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
Flowers have long been used as a form of communication; each color and species has its own unique meaning. While all flowers are beautiful in their own way, some also… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
Mulch is great for controlling weed growth, insulating bulbs during the winter, and retaining soil moisture during drought periods. However, not all options are created equal; some types last longer… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
Zucchini is a versatile fruit (often treated as a vegetable) you can use in everything from savory dishes to delicious chocolate cakes. They're an easy crop to grow and require… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
Key Points: If a hummingbird feeder is hung too close to your house, you won't be able to see it when glancing out the window or enjoying leisure time outdoors.… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
Lavender is one of the most functional and beautiful plants to grow in your garden. Its delicate aroma is relaxing, attracting pollinators and improving the environment while reducing stress. This… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
Geraniums are well-known and loved for their colorful varieties and low-maintenance nature. Yet, many gardeners who plant these lively perennials are shocked when they don't return in the spring. Winterizing… Read More
By Nikita Ross 7 months ago
The West Coast is known for its majestic trees, towering over the peaceful forests like gentle giants from the past. Walking amidst these trees is an incredible experience that everyone… Read More
By Nikita Ross 8 months ago
While you may not be inclined to spend time working in your garden on rainy days, you can still make the most of this gloomy weather by recycling rainwater. Rainwater… Read More
By Nikita Ross 8 months ago
With each passing year, more aspiring gardeners are exploring ways to save money on groceries and maintain control over what's in their food. Stevia has become a popular naturally-occurring sweetener… Read More
By Nikita Ross 9 months ago
Pears have it all — they're delicious, nutritious, and versatile. Most people don't realize that there are several types of pears, each with a unique flavor profile and texture. In… Read More
By Nikita Ross 9 months ago
Marjoram is a sweet, fragrant herb often used in soups, salads, sauces, and herbal teas. This herb is easy to grow and adds a mild earthy flavor when used in… Read More
By Nikita Ross 10 months ago
Oregano is an aromatic herb that's a staple in Italian cooking. It adds a punch of flavor to any dish and offers plenty of nutritional benefits. Fortunately for aspiring herb… Read More
By Nikita Ross 10 months ago
July may seem late in the season to plant crops. However, there are several vegetables that perform better when planted later in the season. In particular, there are some amazing… Read More
By Nikita Ross 10 months ago
While there are thousands of types of daisies, Montauk daisy plants are a fan favorite among gardeners. These hardy perennials are the perfect balance between wild and refined, adding a… Read More
By Nikita Ross 10 months ago
With their unique appearance and delicious flavor, artichokes have become a popular vegetable in many cuisines worldwide. While they're widely available canned or in grocery store delis, there's nothing like… Read More
By Nikita Ross 10 months ago
The summer is prime time for growing and eating delicious, nutritious fresh fruit. However, a few fruits are better left on the vine during the peak summer months—and a few… Read More
By Nikita Ross 10 months ago
Key Points: Most landscapers and ecologists agree that grass should be cut once a week. Regular cutting reduces the risk of tick infestations. Experts recommend trimming no more than one-third of… Read More
By Nikita Ross 10 months ago
Carnations have captivated hearts throughout history, intertwining with stories, legends, and traditions. Beyond their aesthetic allure, these flowers weave a rich cultural significance and symbolism tapestry — especially red carnations.… Read More
By Nikita Ross 10 months ago
As difficult as it may be to believe, the plants in your garden or the animals you release could have devastating consequences. Experts estimate an average cost of $120 billion in… Read More
By Nikita Ross 10 months ago
Most avid gardeners start planting in the late spring after the danger of overnight frost has passed. If you got busy and fell behind on your planting schedule, fear not:… Read More
By Nikita Ross 10 months ago
Few blossoms possess the ethereal charm and grace of wisteria flowers. These blooms have captured hearts for centuries and have recently been repopularized by Netflix's Bridgerton series. These eye-catching blooms have a… Read More
By Nikita Ross 10 months ago
Anthropologists believe humans have been eating honey for millions of years. Early humans used the bees' rich nectar as a source of accessible energy to fuel their daily activities. Now, it's… Read More
By Nikita Ross 11 months ago
There are endless varieties of roses for gardeners to choose from. Some prefer the iconic long-stemmed rose, while others love the wild rose look. Many aspiring landscapers also use roses… Read More
By Nikita Ross 11 months ago
Oklahoma is a fringe state with a constant debate about whether it's Southern or a part of the Midwest. The climate offers a taste of each, making it difficult to… Read More
By Nikita Ross 11 months ago
Gardening in the Northeast can be a challenge. Winters are cold, and summers are hot — but it's the humidity that gets you! These conditions make it difficult to find… Read More
By Nikita Ross 11 months ago
Roses are prized for their beauty and fragrance, but they can sometimes face challenges that cause them to wilt or decline. Learning how to revive roses starts with successfully diagnosing… Read More
By Nikita Ross 11 months ago
There's something beautiful about having a garden that looks a little different each year. If you enjoy the challenge of getting your hands dirty and working with new plants, annual… Read More
By Nikita Ross 11 months ago
Roses are undoubtedly one of the most beloved and iconic flowers, symbolizing love, beauty, and passion. When selecting roses for your garden, you'll come across various options, including long-stemmed roses… Read More
By Nikita Ross 11 months ago
There's nothing like the beauty and elegance of roses in a spring garden. With hundreds of species and thousands of cultivars, gardeners have plenty of options to choose from to… Read More
By Nikita Ross 11 months ago
People often associate tulips with pastel colors and spring. While you might picture the iconic ballet slipper shape and color, there are actually a plethora of types of pink tulips… Read More
By Nikita Ross 11 months ago
Of more than 3000 types of tulips, there are only 150 wild tulip species. Everything else is cultivated and hybridized by breeders. Wild tulips look vastly different from the iconic… Read More
By Nikita Ross 11 months ago
There are many types of yellow tulips, coming in all shapes, shades, and sizes. Yellow tulips are the perfect addition to a spring garden. They capture the essence of sunlight… Read More
By Nikita Ross 11 months ago