Is that mulch really cypress? Maybe some of it

People buy cypress mulch for rot resistance and other qualities, but new research finds that the label on the bag may be a lie.

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trees marketing wood gardens consumers science-and-technology

Urban farming: four reasons it should flourish post-pandemic

Nurturing enthusiasm for growing food closer to home could benefit people, wildlife and the global food system.

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food sustainable-food community-gardens urban-farming urban-agriculture grow-your-own allotments

Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden celebrates 350th anniversary

The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh celebrates three and a half centuries of science and conservation.

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conservation biodiversity plants edinburgh gardening coronavirus-lockdown-measures

In changing urban neighborhoods, new food offerings can set the table for gentrification

Hip food offerings can signal that a neighborhood is gentrifying – especially when they repackage traditional foods for wealthy white eaters.

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cities protest supermarkets food restaurants diversity farmers-markets economic-development community-gardens gentrification displacement foodies cafes

How to manage plant pests and diseases in your victory garden

The COVID-19 pandemic has boosted interest in home gardening. Three scientists who garden explain some basic methods for controlling common insects and microbes that can spoil your crop.

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bacteria covid-19 insects soil plants fungi viruses integrated-pest-management gardening nematodes weeds land-grant-universities plant-health victory-garden

How to make your house and garden more tranquil – tips from an acoustics expert

Whether it's cars passing nearby, a neighbour's blaring music or the constant drone of a lawnmower, the trouble with sound is that – unlike light – it can be hard to block out completely.

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health wellbeing gardens home noise house peace traffic-noise silence

How one teaspoon of Amazon soil teems with fungal life

Scientists discover hundreds of different fungi in Amazonian soil, thought to play a vital role in nature.

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biodiversity nature kew-gardens amazon-rainforest

Urban dwellers yearn for 'Good Life' allotments

Scientists estimate "lost allotments" in the UK could have provided 6% of the population with their "five-a-day" diet.

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urban-planning gardening

City compost programs turn garbage into 'black gold' that boosts food security and social justice

Turning food scraps and yard trimmings into compost improves soil, making it easier for people to grow their own food. City composting programs spread those benefits more widely.

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climate-change soil microbes compost methane food-waste soil-carbon seattle gardening san-francisco social-justice equity landfills

Discovering Colombia's rare flora and fauna

An expedition of top UK botanists into previously unexplored rainforest in Colombia found rare species.

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birds wildlife-conservation kew-gardens colombia