Poinsettias are a holiday classic; I always love having a couple of them in the house during winter. Their red color brings me joy and warmth. They are generally easy to maintain, making them suitable even for beginner gardeners. However, they can sometimes be temperamental, and small mistakes can cause them to wilt and lose … Read more
The Christmas cactus is my favorite holiday plant. I am fascinated by its stems that droop downward and end in beautiful red or pink flowers. I also love it because it’s a plant that lasts a long time and can truly be with you for part of your life. Just consider that some people have … Read more
Much of what I know about gardening I owe to Nonna. But there’s one more special skill she taught me: how to make pine needle oil. It’s easy, inexpensive, and something you can do right in your kitchen, with items you probably already have. I remember gathering fallen pine branches on my grandparents’ farm in … Read more
Garden insects can be categorized into two main groups: beneficial or harmful. As the name suggests, beneficial insects are those that are good for your garden. They prey on pests that damage your crops, pollinate flowers, and help break down dead plant matter. Harmful insects, on the other hand, feed on plants and disrupt the … Read more
Chestnuts are one of my favorite winter snacks. They are very popular here in Italy, and it is also very common to go and pick them directly from the woods, which are full of them. I know that in other parts of the world they are not easy to find, but there are still many … Read more
Snake plants are famous for being nearly indestructible houseplants with striking upright leaves. However, what many people don’t know is that these plants can also produce flowers. Seeing a snake plant bloom is quite rare, and I personally know people who have never seen their plant bloom. The good news is that with the proper care … Read more
Hello gardeners, in this article, I want to talk about a plant that I think is too often overlooked: the spider plant! I have had one for several years now, and I can guarantee that it’s one of the best plants to have for a number of reasons. Unfortunately, many people don’t know this, so … Read more
I love pistachios! They are one of my favorite snacks. The problem is that you crack them open, plan to eat a couple, and before you know it, you have a mountain of empty pistachio shells in front of you. Most people throw them straight into the bin without a second thought. But my grandmother, … Read more
I believe that having a living fence is one of the best choices you can make for your garden or outdoor space. It’s not just about aesthetics, having one has several positive aspects from an ecological, environmental, and wildlife perspective as well. I have several living fences in my backyard and others at my grandparents’ … Read more
Alright, I’ll admit it. I don’t always use my moka pot. Sorry, nonna. The drip machine is temptingly convenient. However, after a few months of using my drip brewer, I noticed I was tossing away way too many filter papers. And if my nonna hates anything more than weak (her words, not mine) coffee, it’s … Read more