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Plants & Animals

Plants & Animals

Editor: Barbara Bell

This is the place to learn the facts about all living things, whether plant or animal, in all their fascinating diversity! Learn about our natural world of plants & animals in such topics as birds, cats, dogs, horses, other mammals, reptiles and amphibians, saltwater fish and freshwater fish, and even insects - and you can find out about animals in more depth by reading about pet care. We pay attention to the value of wildlife conservation, as well. The latest information about the world of plants and animals is based on up-to-date research.

The writers at Botany will give you the facts of the science; the writers of plants and bulbs, landscaping, organic gardening, houseplants, flower gardens, desert/water-wise gardening, vegetable and water gardens will put it into practical perspective for you.

 

Latest articles in Plants & Animals

Common Loon Calls on Freshwater Lakes
The Common Loon's eerie calls from a quiet freshwater lake, a symbol of wilderness, haunt listeners long after the area has become quiet.
Cat Statistics
How many cats are there? What does it cost to own a cat? What percentage of owners obtain their cats from shelters? This article answers these questions and more.
Amphibians and Humans-Economical and Ecological
Humans have interacted with amphibians since antiquity. Some of these exchanges are direct and easily understood while other connections are more difficult to discern.
Hosta Plants for Pond Landscaping
With blue-green, green, and variegated leaves, hosta plants are ideal for landscaping around the pond. Pair them with pond lighting and rocks for stunning water gardens.
Make Your Parrot Cage Fun and Functional
The layout of a bird cage can affect the health and well being of the pet bird or parrot that lives in that cage. Make sure that your parrot cage has everything it needs.
How to Tire Out a Dog
Dogs are excellent and steadfast companions, but can be disasters if they do not get enough stimulation. Here are some tips to tire out a crazy canine.
The Red Squirrel Struggles to Survive in Europe
Everything is against the red squirrel in its fight for survival. Not only deteriorating habitat and a deathly virus, but its very life is threatened by another squirrel.
Baptisia Australis for Native Wildflower Gardens
The Perennial Plant Association has announced its winning choice for 2010. Baptisia australis is a perennial flower appropriate for native wildflower gardens
The Benefits of the Bed System for Vegetables
Whether you make your own from reclaimed materials or buy expenses kits growing vegetables in narrow, raised beds has many benefits over the conventional wide row system.
Feeding Soil Life with Compost
Beneficial micro-organisms in the soil stimulates plant growth. Adding compost to soil feeds these beneficial organisms. Here is a step-by-step guide to making compost.
The Secret Life of Organisms in the Soil
Healthy soil contains billions of beneficial bacteria. These bacteria play an important role in soil and plant life and provide numerous benefits for growers.
Christmas Puppies are a Bad Idea
Instead of giving a puppy as a Christmas gift, provide everything needed for a puppy and get the dog after the holidays are over.
What Compost Does for the Vegetable Garden
Compost provides nutritional value to soil, suppresses disease, increases the growing season, saves time, and reduces water run-off in the garden.
Dog Presents for Small, Medium or Large Pups
Dog presents for small, medium, and large pups include stocking stuffers, boy dog clothing, girl dog outfits, and cool chew toys. Some of it is practical, too.
Pets and Christmas Health Hazards
Sparky choking on a turkey bone or Fluffy upchucking on the carpet needn't be part of Christmas festivities. Preventive planning ensures happy holidays for everyone.
Saving a Dog's Life One Bone at a Time
Doberman owner Logan Ray will think twice before letting his dog Olivia out of his sight to chase stray cats any time soon.
Holidays for Cats and Dogs
No matter which holiday is the focus of a December celebration, pet owners need to remember that decorations, food and guests can upset animals.
Bird Feeder Suet Recipe for Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers are among the birds that prefer suet cakes at bird feeders the most. Following is an easy bird feeder suet recipe for woodpeckers.
The Classic Summer Bedding Plant
Not only do the frilly gold, yellow and orange flowers of the marigold create a bold splash in the summer garden, they are edible and have a role in organic pest control.
The Ecology and Taxonomy of Reptiles
Although most abundant in the tropics and subtropics, the nearly 8,000 species of living reptiles inhabit every continent except Antarctica.
Christmas and Holiday Gift Ideas for Gardeners
Gardeners will appreciate gifts that will give them a jump on spring. Seeds for winter sowing, bulbs for spring planting or books to study make good gifts.
The Ecology and Taxonomy of Amphibians
At around 5,400 species of frogs and toads, salamanders and caecillians, the extant (living) amphibians are the smallest group of tetrapod vertebrates.
Common Owls of the East
Owls are found on every continent except Antarctica, and most of them have similar habits. Following are some common owls of the Eastern United States.
Treating Thrush in Horse Hooves
Equine thrush is a bacterial infection of the hoof caused by muddy and unsanitary conditions. Treating thrush is easy with hoof cleaning and topical ointments.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of No Dig Gardening
The thought of all that back-breaking digging puts many people off growing their own vegetables. The no dig system of gardening offers an alternative, but does it work?
Endangered and Threatened Species on Sanibel, FL
The American alligator, West Indian manatee, and wood stork are among the species that thrive in the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refugee on Sanibel Island.
Dalmatian Dogs and Bladder Stones
The Dalmatian dog breed seems to have a variety of health problems. Due to their inability to turn uric acid into allantonin, some Dalmatians develop bladder stones.
Causes of Fever for Canine and Feline Pets
Fever in the dog or cat can be caused by many different disease processes. Successful treatment depends on finding the cause. Antibiotics may or may not be indicated.
Sociable Cedar Waxwings
The softly-colored, sociable Cedar Waxwing is the masked bird that devours a large amount of berries from shrubs and trees.
Pets Purchased as Christmas Gifts
As Christmas rolls around, thousands of pets are purchased as gifts. When the New Year arrives, thousands of pets are re-gifted... to animal shelters.
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