Most people get worried when they see bugs in their garden and immediately start looking for an insecticide or some way to get rid of these pests from their garden. But before you start trying to ward them off, try to identify what the bugs are. Many bugs can be quite beneficial to your garden and even keep unwanted pests at bay. Here are a few to keep your eye out for that are harmless to your plants or even doing your garden a favor. Ground Beetles Photo Credit: Adobe Stock / Natalya2015. While these black beetles might catch you off guard, they are great hunters to have in your garden. Grou ..read more

While you may be used to dried herbs or buying fresh from the grocery store, it's quite easy to grow herbs at home on a window sill in your kitchen. The herbs on this list are commonly used for cooking and you'll love the fresh flavors and fragrances they add. Many can be grown from seed, or you can start with a small plant from a local nursery. Chives Photo Credit: Adobe Stock / Laudia Nass. This narrow, grass-like herb has a mild onion flavor. You'll find chives used frequently as a garnish for soups, salads, and baked potatoes. In fact, potato recipes are one of the most popular uses for ch ..read more

Adding plants to your indoor space can help it feel more like an urban jungle and even boost your mood when it's gray or rainy outside. Many ferns work well indoors as they tend to grow in areas with low light. The ferns in this list are tried-and-true options to add some greenery to your home. Boston Fern Photo Credit: Adobe Stock / Old Story. People have been growing Nephrolepsis exaltata, or Boston Fern, indoors for over 100 years so it's a classic choice. On top of that, it's very easy to grow as long as you keep the soil consistently damp. If the humidity gets too low, you may notice your ..read more

Watching butterflies around your garden is a great way to relax and unwind. Encouraging these beautiful insects to come into your yard is as simple as growing plants they're attracted to. While nearly any flowering plant will bring butterflies into your garden, the plants in this list are tried-and-true butterfly favorites. Purple Coneflower Photo Credit: Adobe Stock / Papilio. Echinacea purpurea, or Coneflower, is a perennial that produces daisy-like flowers with a large cone-shaped center. You'll find that butterflies flock to this plant as will bees and other pollinators. These flowers last ..read more

Pet parents are frequently plant parents, so it's only natural that you'd need to find some plants that are safe for your furry friends. Succulents are a great option as they're low maintenance. While some varieties can be toxic to pets, this list includes a number of succulents that are perfectly safe to have around your pets. Echeveria Varieties Perhaps the most recognizable succulents are Echeveria. Not only do these rosette-shaped succulents come in all colors and sizes, but they're also safe for your furry friends. They'll need quite a bit of light to stay colorful inside but will bright ..read more

Birds are named after a variety of characteristics, including what they look like, behaviors, who discovered them, and more. There are a number of birds named after states where they're commonly found. Interestingly, some of these are not the official bird for their state. Nonetheless, they were significant enough to be named after one of the great 50 states. Alaska Willow Ptarmigan Photo Credit: Adobe Stock / Troutnut. As you can see, the Alaskan Willow Ptarmigan easily blends into the mix of snow and dying plants in the winter. This is the official state bird of Alaska and is named as such ..read more

Birdhouses don't have to be plain, simple, or boring. In fact, you might find that it's more fun to have a birdhouse in your yard if it has some extra pizzazz. Before you run to the store to pick up the first thing you see, get some inspiration from these unique birdhouses made from a variety of materials. Birds of all shapes and sizes will appreciate your efforts. Log Cabin Photo Credit: Adobe Stock / Pillerss. What could be more woodsy than a little bird-sized cabin in the woods? This style of birdhouse could also work as a birdfeeder if the windows are large enough. As with any birdhouse, t ..read more

While most people know that their state has an "official" bird, this wasn't implemented until the late 1920s. Since then, each state has selected a particular bird to represent the state. However, seven states selected the exact same bird, a Northern Cardinal. It's a popular and attractive bird, so it's no wonder people like it. But with over 1,000 unique varieties of birds in the U.S., surely they each state could find one unique to them? Apparently, these seven states didn't think so. Illinois Photo Credit: Adobe Stock / Steve Byland. Illinois is definitely home to a large number of cardinal ..read more

Keeping fresh flowers in your home can get expensive and they often end up dying or not looking good after a few days. Some flowers can easily be dried and preserved, so you can have beautiful flowers in your home without any upkeep. The flowers in this list are easy to find and preserve well. Roses Photo Credit: Adobe Stock / Martina. Roses are a popular cut flower to give a loved one or someone special. They come in a wide variety of colors and are appropriate for nearly every occasion. Even though the leaves are delicate, they dry very easily and will last a long time. Their timeless beauty ..read more

Herbs are a great way to add flavor to your cooking and improve your health. While you may be used to dried herbs or buying fresh from the grocery store, the herbs on this list are easy to grow in your home and you'll love the fresh flavors and fragrances they add. Many can be grown from seed, or you can start with a small plant from a local nursery. Basil Photo Credit: Adobe Stock / Miltsova. Basil is a popular herb that is often used for salads, pasta dishes, pizza, and making pesto. It has a sweet and slightly peppery flavor. There are a wide variety of cultivars including (but not limited ..read more