Ever pulled up a “weed” only to realize it was a flower you’ve been nurturing for months? You’re not alone. In this practical and lighthearted piece, Sue Dunn shares her favorite shortcut for taking the guesswork out of gardening—and saving plants in the process.

From deep purple to pale yellow, wild violets create a living tapestry across fields and forests each spring. Hardy, adaptable, and beloved by pollinators, these humble wildflowers offer both beauty and ecological richness—thriving quietly beneath our feet while supporting a vibrant web of life.

From the windswept summit of Old Spec Mountain to the shaded cacao farms of the Dominican Republic, the Bicknell’s Thrush connects people, places, and purpose. This rare migratory bird reveals how conservation depends not only on science, but on partnerships that support both ecosystems and the communities who depend on them.

A close encounter in the garden reveals the hidden lives of American toads—quiet neighbors whose trills, habits, and resilience mark the arrival of spring in Maine.