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Volume 21 Issue 11, November 2024   What's New in November? As we get into winter, we see the last of the 2024 hurricane season. I pray that we don’t have another Helene or Milton as we close the season; although there is another system swirling around in the tropics that may go east or may go west as we speak. We were spared the worst of these storms with minimal damage from Milton, but several tornadoes caused extensive damage around us. One of the strangest outcomes of Hurricane Helene was the change in migratory birds. Birds changed course and...

From Seed to Sip: The Journey of Coffee Cultivation Coffee cultivation begins with planting seeds, typically in shaded nurseries until they’re strong enough to be transplanted. Coffee trees grow best in tropical climates with rich, well-drained soil, and they take about three to four years to produce their first full crop of beans. The coffee cherries, which contain the coffee beans, are harvested once they reach a bright red color. In many regions, this harvest is done by hand, allowing farmers to pick only the ripe cherries. Coffee Beans Once harvested, the cherries are processed to remove the beans. Two...

Eco-Friendly Gardening Techniques: Growing Green, Indoors and Out! Ready to give your garden (and your home) an eco-friendly makeover. Check out these sustainable gardening practices that not only help Mother Earth but also inspire eco-conscious decor choices for your home. From composting to permaculture, and even repurposing materials, these techniques will have you growing green and living green! Composting: The Ultimate Garden Snack Think of composting as feeding your garden a delicious, nutrient-packed smoothie made from kitchen scraps. Banana peels, veggie leftovers, coffee grounds—they all break down into rich soil that makes your plants thrive. Plus, it cuts down on...

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash What is the Main Purpose of a Futon? A futon is a versatile piece of furniture that serves multiple purposes, making it a popular choice for modern living spaces. Traditionally originating from Japan, futons were designed as thin mattresses placed directly on the floor and rolled up for storage during the day. However, the concept has evolved significantly, and today, futons are often a hybrid of a bed and a sofa, offering both comfort and convenience in one unit. Primary Purpose of a Futon The main purpose of a futon is to provide multi-functional...

Volume 21 Issue 10, October 2024 What's New in October? Even though Florida is devoid of seasons, we do get a little bit of a coolness in the air when the humidity starts to drop in the fall. That’s where we’re at now, and it’s always a welcome change around here. My spring and summer flowers are starting to show their age, and even though the purple petunias are still hanging on, they need to be replaced in the hanging baskets. As do the long, stemmy marigolds that have lost most of their leaves and petals. After having only queen...