Firethorn (Pyracantha) Shrubs: Growing Tips and Wildlife Benefits

When I was a kid, there was a strange kind of fun plant in the backyard that only children could see. Among the usual grass, trees, and garden beds, there stood a bush full of bright red berries. They looked like tiny ornaments strung up by nature itself. We didn’t know what they were called…

How to Grow and Use Lemon Balm for Tea, Salves, and Natural Remedies

A Day in the Wildflowers: On a warm July afternoon, Neil and Leon, my curious young sons, found themselves captivated by the enchanting beauty of a wildflower garden. Accompanied by their grandmother, Babuyla, they discovered the Melissa lemon balm, a herb with delicate pink flowers and a sweet, refreshing scent. They loved the stacked shape…

Prickly Pear (Opuntia) Cactus: How to Grow, Harvest, and Cook It

Yellow Prickly Pear: A few weeks ago, during one of our regular neighborhood walks, we stumbled upon a sight that immediately captured the attention of my sons, Neil and Leon. Nestled in a corner of a nearby garden was a massive cactus, its broad pads adorned with vibrant yellow flowers. The boys were mesmerized by…

15 Things on My Spring Bucket List in Austin, Texas

All Things Spring: Springtime in Austin, Texas is nothing short of magical. The city comes alive with vibrant colors, buzzing activities, and an infectious energy that makes you want to step outside and soak it all in. With a city as lively and diverse as Austin, crafting a spring bucket list is both a delight…