Heather A Herrick, Author at Adventures in Botany

Soil Science 101: What Makes Soil Healthy and How to Improve Yours

environment, general gardening, soil, sustainability / Heather A Herrick

Introduction When you think about a thriving garden, visions of lush greenery and colorful blooms might come to mind. But underneath all that beauty lies the true hero: the soil. Healthy soil is the foundation of successful gardening, yet it’s often the most overlooked element. Understanding the science behind soil — its composition, pH, microbiology, […]

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Rare and Unusual Orchids: A Look at a Few Fascinating Species

Flowers, orchids, rare plants / Heather A Herrick

Introduction Orchids have long captivated the hearts of gardeners, collectors, and botanists alike with their stunning blooms, elegant forms, and exotic charm. While many people are familiar with popular varieties like Phalaenopsis or Dendrobium, the world of orchids is far more diverse and surprising than most realize. With over 25,000 species and counting, orchids make

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Introduction to Hydroponics: A Beginner’s Guide to Soilless Gardening

general gardening, How to Grow, lighting, small space gardening / Heather A Herrick

Hydroponics is transforming how we grow food by removing one of the most traditional elements of gardening: soil. With a focus on water, nutrients, and innovative growing systems, hydroponics allows gardeners to grow fresh produce just about anywhere—including indoors, in greenhouses, or even in urban high-rises. This method of growing has become especially important in

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Backyard Microclimates: Make the Most of Your Garden’s Unique Conditions

environment, general gardening, Hawaii Gardening, How to Grow, small space gardening, sustainability / Heather A Herrick

Your garden isn’t just one climate—it’s a patchwork of microclimates, each with its own unique conditions. Understanding these subtle variations can help you grow a wider variety of plants, solve tricky growing problems, and get better harvests and blooms. In this post, we’ll explore what microclimates are, how to identify them in your backyard (or

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Grow Your Own Herbal Apothecary: Medicinal Plants for Home Use

Flowers, Hawaii Gardening, herbs, How to Grow, sustainability / Heather A Herrick

Imagine stepping outside into your garden and gathering ingredients for your next cup of tea or a salve for a minor scrape—all grown by you. Creating a backyard (or lanai!) herbal apothecary is a rewarding way to reconnect with the healing power of plants. Medicinal herb gardening combines practical self-sufficiency with beauty, fragrance, and the

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Orchid Blooms: How to Get Your Orchids to Flower Again

Flowers, Hawaii Gardening, How to Grow, orchids / Heather A Herrick

Orchids are known for their stunning, long-lasting blooms, but every orchid lover eventually faces the same question: Why isn’t my orchid blooming again? While orchids don’t bloom continuously, the good news is that with proper care, they will rebloom. In this guide, we’ll explore why orchids stop blooming, how to encourage reblooming, and the best

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Fruit Trees for Small Gardens: Best Choices for Limited Space

environment, general gardening, Hawaii Gardening, How to Grow, small space gardening / Heather A Herrick

Just because you have a small garden doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the joy of homegrown fruit! With the right choices, even the tiniest outdoor space—or even a lanai—can be transformed into a productive mini-orchard. Dwarf fruit trees, espalier techniques, and container gardening make it possible to grow apples, citrus, figs, and even tropical fruits

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Edible Landscaping: How to Make Your Yard Beautiful AND Productive

environment, Flowers, general gardening, herbs, How to Grow, pollinators, sustainability, tomatoes, Uncategorized / Heather A Herrick

Imagine stepping into your backyard and being greeted by lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and the scent of fresh herbs. Now, imagine that same beautiful landscape providing fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs for your kitchen. That’s the magic of edible landscaping! Edible landscaping (also called Foodscaping) blends aesthetics and functionality, allowing you to create a visually

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Sensory Gardens: Engaging All Five Senses

butterflies, Flowers, lighting, native plants, pollinators, sensory garden / Heather A Herrick

What is a Sensory Garden? A sensory garden is a carefully designed outdoor space that stimulates all five senses—sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. These gardens are meant to be immersive and therapeutic, making them perfect for everyone, from children to the elderly and those with sensory sensitivities. Sensory gardens are commonly found in schools,

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Kona Orchid Society Show and Sale Recap

1 Comment / Flowers, Hawaii Gardening, How to Grow, orchids / Heather A Herrick

Every spring, orchid lovers (and those who hope to learn more about orchids) across the Big Island eagerly anticipate one of the most vibrant horticultural events of the year: the Kona Orchid Society’s bi-annual Show and Sale. Held at the Old Airport Pavilion, this event brings together passionate growers, skilled vendors, curious newcomers, and community

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Author name: Heather A Herrick