Some consider brown-headed cowbirds to be a threat. However, food and water supplies may also attract birds you dont want, like the cowbird. But is it really a backyard bird bully, or is the cowbird simply misunderstood? Credit:SteveByland / Getty Images We talked to Kevin Ellison, a former American Bird Conservancy Program Manager, to find out. Kevin Ellisonis the former Northern Great Plains Program Manager for theAmerican Bird Conservancy. What Is A Cowbird?...

Learn the history of fascinating monuments known as cradle gardens and how volunteers are helping to maintain them. Even today, the massive grounds host hundreds of burials per year. Kim Bearden is the Executive Director at Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis. Credit:Elmwood Cemetery Her career there spans over 25 years. The History of Elmwood Elmwood was founded by 50 Memphis businessmen in 1852. As a result, the cemetery has expansive greenery and features rolling pathways with loads of shady trees....

These damaging wind events are fairly rare, but they can be deadly. A derecho is a large damage-producing wind event that can travel for hundreds of miles. A derecho is less common and may be entirely new to even the most storm-seasoned Southerner. Credit:Getty Images Getty Images What Is a Derecho? Compare that to a tornado, which produces twisting or turning winds. (Tornado comes from the Spanish word “tornar,” which means “to turn....

A dip manicure goes a long way. Read on to determine if it might be a good fit for you. Not even you in the back? Credit: Courtesy OPI It’s not surprising. That’s why whengel nail polishfirst debuted, manicure enthusiasts everywhere got on the UV-lighted bandwagon. Nail color that can last up to three weeks? What Is A Dip Powder Manicure? All the other manicure types faded into the background....

Learn all about this sweet summertime fruit. One of the tastiestand perhaps cutestsummer stone fruitsis the aptly named donut peach. This fruit gets its fun moniker because it resembles a doughnut. Credit: Paul_Brighton / Getty Images However, donut is not the only common name for this peach (Prunus persica var. But what exactly is the donut peach? How does it differ from theyellow peacheswe all know and love? Credit: ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLING: LINDSEY LOWER; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL...

You don’t need anything else besides this glorious utilitarian cast iron piece of cookware. Dutch ovens are an essential piece of cookware. Essentially, Dutch ovens are the Swiss army knife of cookware. Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Torie Cox What Is A Dutch Oven? The heavy lid is crucial to lock in moisture, and it results in more flavorful food. What we know now as Dutch ovens were invented in the early 1700s....

Get to know the bedding basics. Pulling together a polished look for a bedroom starts withbedding. The ensemble of sheets, blankets, and shams sets the tone for your space. Credit:Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Liz Strong Get to know the basics of bedding before shopping to choose the right style. For instance, often used interchangeably, duvets and comforters are actually two different things. Here, we’ll break down the details. Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Liz Strong...

No snow in the forecast? When it comes to holiday decorating and Christmas trees,Southerners go big. What is a Flocked Christmas Tree? Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Jan Showers The flocking effect can be achieved by purchasing an already-flocked tree or by flocking a tree yourself. An expert flocking lends the look of freshly fallen snow, which is a beautiful Christmastime decoration. How Do I Flock My Christmas Tree? Credit: Steve@Colorado/Getty Images...

Were clearing the air on this popular water-clearing system. Theres quite a few misconceptions surrounding French drains. First, despite their name, French drains did not originate in France. Credit: Ralph Anderson Their namesake is actually Massachusetts farmer, Henry French. In some ways, the name has become a catch-all for multiple types of lawn drainage. However, this over-generalization may lead to expensive installation mishaps if you are unclear what youre asking for....

DonNichols/Getty Images Heat pumps are a popular choice for central air in the South. Theyboth heatand cooldespite the somewhat misleading nameand can help save money on utilities. How Heat Pumps Work Unlike a traditional furnace, heat pumps don’t generate any heat. Credit:DonNichols/Getty Images A heat pump is a single system that can both heat and cool by absorbing and transferring heat. In winter, heat pumps extract heat from the outdoors (or underground) and pump it inside....

Everything you should probably know to score $350 worth of Le Creuset for just $50. The answer is: Le Creuset Mystery Boxes. The items in the box retail for $882, but the user received everything for just $50. Credit:Southern Living / Russell Kilgore Where Can You Get A Le Creuset Mystery Box? Mystery Boxes are only available at Le Creusets Factory to Table sales that are hosted in various cities nationwide....

These eye-catching garden structures will shield you from the sun and raise your plants to new heights. So create your own little backyard paradise, and take it easy while sipping an ice-cold glass ofsweet tea. What Is A Pergola? Credit: Alison Miksch How Do You Build A Pergola? What Plants Grow Best On Pergolas? How Do You Furnish A Pergola? Credit:Roger Foley Credit: Tria Giovan Credit:Alison Miksch

Harvesting rainwater has many benefits. Water is essential for life.Your plants need waterto grow and thrive, and more during the hotter months. Ever wondered about catching rain to use during times when there is less or no rain? Credit:Getty Images Getty Images What is a Rain Barrel? A rain barrel is a container that collects and stores rainwater. There are many different styles ofrain barrelsand ways to install them. Both experts recommend choosing a barrel made with food-grade plastic....