Latest news with #Yardwork
Newsweek
01-05-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Woman Goes on Walk, Unprepared for What She Finds by Lake: 'Horror Movie'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A post about a woman who came across a strange plant with a "meat-like texture" has gone viral on Reddit. Images of the peculiar plant were shared in a post on Reddit shared by Grace (u/applementionpies). The post has amassed 19,000 upvotes since it was shared on April 21. The pictures show a thick, skin-toned plant stalk dotted by giant dark circular spots laying on a patch of grass. The post was titled: "Seriously WHAT is this." The caption notes: "Found this thing (?)...been wondering since wtf [what the f***] it is since. Had a very strange smell and was almost meat-like in texture." Grace, who did not share her last name, told Newsweek that she came across the plant on the shore of Lake Lida in Minnesota while visiting her friend's cabin there among a group of people aged from 22 to 25. "It was actually May 2022, so the warm weather was just starting to come in. Since it was the beginning of the season, there was debris on the shore that washed up from the frozen months. This was one of them," she said. Grace said the strange sighting "haunted me for 2.5 years" in a later comment. An image of a water lily root found on the shore of a lake in Minnesota, shared in a viral post on Reddit. An image of a water lily root found on the shore of a lake in Minnesota, shared in a viral post on Reddit. u/applementionpies on Reddit The mysterious plant is a water lily root, food scientist Bryan Quoc Le told Newsweek, noting that "it appears that the water lily root has gone through some decay and browning." The food scientist, who is the author 150 Food Science Questions Answered: Cook Smarter, Cook Better and founder of Mendocino Food Consulting, said the water lily root can be consumed. He explained: "These roots are edible and often used in soups or eaten baked, but need to be boiled first to ensure the starches have gelatinized. They're actually quite high in starch, much like a potato or a yam. Most of the water lily is in fact edible." Michael Clarke is a landscape architect and horticulturalist who is the founder of Yardwork, an online plant and tree nursery and landscaping platform. He told Newsweek: "Water lilies are aquatic plants found in freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. Their roots grow from rhizomes, which are thick, horizontal underground stems." Clarke explained that rhizomes are buried in muddy soils at the bottom of the water and have fibrous roots that extend into the soil to absorb nutrients and water. The roots stabilize the plant as well as the soil, helping to reduce erosion. "Rhizomes also serve as storage organs for starch and other nutrients, helping the plant survive through dormant periods or unfavorable conditions," Clarke noted. Water lilies have a long history in traditional medicine where all of their parts are used, explains the book Dietary Interventions in Liver Disease, published in 2019. Crushed and mixed with wine, the root of water lilies was used by monks and nuns for hundreds of years as an anaphrodisiac. In addition to its use as "a painkiller, anti-inflammatory, astringent, cardiotonic, demulcent, with sedative and calming effects upon the nervous system," the water lily root can also be used to "insomnia, anxiety, and similar disorders," according to the book. The dried roots and rhizomes of white water lilies have also been used as oral treatments for gastrointestinal, genital and bronchial conditions. The leaves and roots have been used externally to various dermatological conditions, the book explains. 'Something Out of a Horror Movie' Grace told Newsweek that the water lily root "smelled rotted and moldy." She said: "The stench wasn't too pronounced until we poked it with a stick, then it almost started wafting. The outside—with the dots—was hard like a shell, where the inside was softer, almost like the fatty part of steak or pork." Grace knew about water lilies but not so much about their roots. She said: "The group I was with and I have wondered about it for the past two years and randomly would bring it up as a joke. I've shown lots of people and everyone was just disgusted, no one had any context as to what it is until I brought it to Reddit." Redditors were spooked and grossed out by the unusual plant sighting in the viral post. U/Previous-Wasabi-4907 said: "This looks like something out of a horror movie! I can't be the only one who sees the 'head' and 'face'?!" U/UarNotMe wrote: "I was already grossed out by me feel nauseous looking at it." U/BabyOnTheStairs simply said it is a "water lily root" and u/truthhurts2222222 said: "I'm inclined to agree [it's a] water lily root." U/moldylindsey was amazed, noting: "That's wild, because I've been around water lilies my whole life, and I guess I've never seen the root." Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Newsweek
30-04-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Attract Morning Birds With These 4 Magical Flowers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Some flowers do more than just brighten up your garden; they can act as natural bird magnets, turning your outdoor space into a perfect gathering spot for feathered creatures searching for food or shelter. If you want to attract more morning visitors, these four flowers are the best choice for creating a vibrant and colorful oasis for birds. Trumpet Vine Michael Clarke landscape architect, horticulturalist, and founder at Yardwork, told Newsweek that these bold and fiery tubular blooms are full of nectar, which hummingbirds can't resist. With bright red and orange tones, these flowers grow on a plant commonly known as campsis, This is a self-clinging climber—able to grip onto fences, bare walls and other vertical surfaces without support—that can grow as tall as 30 feet. A stock image shows a hummingbird flying by some bright Trampet Vines. A stock image shows a hummingbird flying by some bright Trampet Vines. getty images Bee Balm Also known as Monarda, these bright pink blooms also produce a good amount of nectar, along with aromatic foliage, attracting hummingbirds and warblers, as well as insects like bees and butterflies. According to the Royal Horticultural Society of the United Kingdom, these flowers need a spot in the sun to thrive, and they can rot in waterlogged soils, especially during the winter. A stock image shows the bright pink color of the Monarda flowers. A stock image shows the bright pink color of the Monarda flowers. getty images Sunflowers Perhaps the best choice of flowers to make your garden attractive to birds are sunflowers, which according to Clarke provide shelter and food to birds, attracting multiple species, including finches, sparrows and chickadees. When in full bloom, during the summer, these huge flowers can reach almost 12 inches across, with bright yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center full of yummy seeds. A stock image shows a yellow bird resting on a blooming sunflower. A stock image shows a yellow bird resting on a blooming sunflower. getty images Salvia There are different types of salvia, also known as sage, some grown for their edible aromatic leaves and others for their beautiful long-blooming flowers, that are a nectar source for Hummingbirds. When planted in a sunny, warm, and sheltered spot these Mediterranean plants can live for years with minimal maintenance. A stock image shows a closeup of blue salvia flowers in bloom growing in herbal garden. A stock image shows a closeup of blue salvia flowers in bloom growing in herbal garden. getty images How to plant and maintain these flowers Clarke explains that when choosing flowers, it's best to go for native varieties, which are more effective at drawing local bird species. For best results, these flowers should be planted in full sun, ensuring there is plenty of space to allow airflow and for birds to land safely. Gardeners should water regularly, especially in the first few weeks after planting. "Avoid using pesticides, since birds eat insects, that would be affected by these pesticides" Clarke said. Layering plants by height also helps create bird-friendly levels between taller and shorter blooms, which make it more attractive to most species. The best time to plant is around early to mid spring, for most perennial and annual flowers. A stock image shows two red cardinal birds hanging out by a garden birdbath. A stock image shows two red cardinal birds hanging out by a garden birdbath. getty images Other flowers that can enrich your garden Zinnias, according to Clarke, have seed-rich heads and bright colors that attract finches and cardinals. These flowers not only attract bids, but they are also loved by slugs and pollinating insects. Coneflowers, also called Echinacea, are another great choice when it comes to attracting wildlife, drawing in insects, goldfinches, and wrens. Their shape resembles a large daisy, with a rounded cone-shaped center, and their petals can be orange, pink, red or white. Placing a birdbath or small fountain nearby, says Clake, also helps making your garden more attractive to morning birds, and planting shrubs and trees near flowers will give them a place to hide or rest. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures you want to share? Send them to life@ with some extra details and they could appear on our website.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
9 common houseplants that are toxic to dogs, according to experts — plus 7 safe bets
It only makes sense that you would want to keep your children safe, happy and healthy — we're talking about dog and plant children here. Unfortunately, though, sometimes the two just don't mix. Instead of just winging it and filling your home with all the greenery your heart desires, it's important to learn what plants are toxic to dogs. The reality is that you can't bet on your dog ignoring your plants (especially puppies), and it's always better to be safe than sorry. "All plant material has the potential to cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested," explains Dr. Anna Walker, DVM, a veterinarian at the Veterinary Emergency Group in Larkspur, Calif. However, a handful of common houseplants can cause issues like diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and damage to the kidneys and other organs. According to Michael Clarke, a horticulture expert and the founder of Yardwork, the main culprits are the insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and saponins found in certain plants. "These compounds act as a defense mechanism for the plants to deter animals from eating them," explains Clarke. In terms of just how toxic these plants are, that depends on a few things. According to Dr. Liza Cahn, DVM, a veterinarian and consultant at Embrace Pet Insurance, the severity depends on what plant was consumed, how much was ingested and the length of time before you get to the vet. It also depends on the specific breed, size, age and overall health of your dog. No matter what, though, seek help immediately. "If your pet eats a toxic plant, time is of the essence," explains Cahn. "Contact your vet or an emergency facility immediately. Be sure to take pictures or bring samples of the plant to the vet." It's important to note that sometimes symptoms might appear later, so it's crucial to speak with a medical professional if you think your dog has ingested toxic houseplants, even if they seem fine. So, what are some of the usual suspects? Dog owners should avoid certain greenery, including snake plants, aloe, pothos and monstera — yes, even though they look so good in your space. And when it comes to flowers, avoid bouquets with lilies, daffodils, azaleas and tulips. Even though they're an excellent way to naturally purify the air in your home and they look cool with those spindly, indestructible leaves, snake plants are not it when it comes to pets. Why? They can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Yes, it's a healing powerhouse for us, but it's the exact opposite for your dog. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, loss of appetite and lethargy. It can also cause significant distress and dehydration. Yikes, that's a lot. Honestly, just keep it out of your home — and make sure that aloe gel in your fridge stays out of reach. Don't be fooled by the name and gorgeous looks — a peace lily is anything but peaceful for your dog. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate, which can irritate your dog's mouth and digestive tract. Some symptoms to look out for include excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and swelling or burning of the mouth and lips, all of which can make it hard for them to breathe. Unlike the peace lily, it makes sense that a plant like devil's ivy (aka pothos) would be a no-go when it comes to keeping your dog safe. Like the peace lily, though, these plants contain insoluble calcium oxalates that irritate the mouth and GI tract. While the leaves look pretty cascading out of the planter, the forever-popular philodendron can cause major issues thanks to the insoluble calcium oxalates. Like with other toxic houseplants on this list, keep an eye out for vomiting, mouth and throat swelling, excessive drooling and general oral discomfort. The iconic and fun Swiss cheese plant is a staple in any and every modern home (especially since it's so easy to take care of). However, this kind of cheese should be kept far away from your dog thanks to, again, the insoluble calcium oxalates, which can irritate the mouth and GI tract, leading to uncomfortable swelling and vomiting. While all parts of the sago palm are toxic, it's the seeds that are the worst. The seeds (which, according to Walker, tend to be what dogs consume) contain high amounts of cycasin toxin. If ingested, the toxin can cause liver failure and death. Ingesting any part of the jade plant can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. And while it's more common in cats, it can also lead to neurological symptoms, including tremors, loss of coordination and depression. Commonly known as dragon trees and ribbon plants, dracaenas are a great beginner-friendly plant. However, it contains saponins. This can cause bloody vomiting, excessive salivating and depression. Reminder: If you suspect that your dog has eaten a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian or take them to the emergency room as soon as possible. If you still have concerns about which plants are safe for your dog-friendly home, take a look at the ASPCA's list of toxic and nontoxic plants. (They also provide lists for cats and horses.) Don't worry, though, it's not all doom and gloom when it comes to your dog and greenery. There are still a slew of fan-favorite plants out there that are safe for your pups — and they're pretty to boot. Below, find some nontoxic and safe plants for dogs to liven up your space (and a few pretty pots and planters to dress 'em up).
