Juan D. Rivera started learning everything he could about plants, farming, livestock, and ecosystems at a young age. Since then, he’s earned a Master’s degree in wildlife biology (Universidad Iberoamericana, Ciudad de México) and a PhD in forestry (North Carolina State University), both with an emphasis on conservation farming and renewable technology. He has worked in planning crops for companies and workshops, as an educational consultant and writer.
When I started keeping ducks, I expected the usual backyard antics: a little feather fluffing, splashy pond sessions, and the occasional quack-fight over who got the last tomato slice. But I definitely didn’t expect a…
The Blue Beaked Yucca, otherwise known as the Yucca Rostrata or Beaked Yucca is a popular cactus/succulent plant native to the United States’ Southwest. Best known for its low maintenance and slow growth, this cactus/succulent…
Anthuriums, also known as the Flamingo Plant, bloom longer than any other plant. This makes them a sought-after houseplant. They need only simple care. Take care to create the right conditions for your Anthurium. If…
I never thought I’d fall for a houseplant that looked like it was wearing lipstick, but here we are. The Lipstick Plant, or Aeschynanthus radicans, quickly became one of my favorites for how effortlessly it…
I’ll never forget the first time I saw a String of Dolphins. Tucked into a tiny pot at the back of a local plant shop, those quirky little dolphin-shaped leaves were leaping along the vines…
There’s just something captivating about the String of Hearts plant. I still remember spotting one at a local nursery, its delicate heart-shaped leaves cascading like green-white beads on a necklace, and I instantly knew it…
There’s something magical about watching a tiny seed sprout and grow into something green and fresh. Growing your own bean sprouts in a bag is not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. You can do…
The Fox Red Curly Sedge, otherwise known as the Carex Buchananii or Leatherleaf Sedge, Carex ‘Buchanni’, Curly Top Sedge, is a rather well known ornamental grass plant among gardening enthusiasts around the world. Best known…
Out in my backyard one chilly morning, I noticed my small flock of ducks squished into a fluffy pile, feathers fluffed up and beaks tucked into wings. It looked like a feathered quilt come to…