Native plants have evolved to our seasons and soil types, so they thrive in less-than-ideal conditions. Native flowers flourish in their natural habitat, even if the soil is depleted, if there’s not enough or too much rain, or if you see caterpillars and other insects on the plants. If your ornamentals are failing to thrive, plant to native flowers in your garden. ...

Mentor Marsh is a local treasure with state- and nationwide impact. It is one of the largest natural marshes remaining along the Lake Erie shoreline, attracting huge numbers of migrating birds and breeding fish. ...

Ohio, we’ve got a problem. To put it bluntly, we’re sicker and tend to not live as long as other Americans. When it comes to health indicators among Ohioans, we have a higher incidence of chronic disease than the national average. Accordingly, that negatively affects our longevity scores. Read on for your get-healthy game plan. ...

While our grandchildren are immersed in a “gimme-gimme-gimme” culture, don’t underestimate their capacity to be kind and generous, especially during the holiday season. And don’t overlook the power of your example in helping them reach that potential. ...

Tiger. Elephant. Dolphin. Bulldozer. Lawnmower. Snowplow. Helicopter. Free-Range. Lighthouse.  What do all of these have in common? They’re all trending parenting styles. The current generation of parents may be authoritarian, authoritative, permissive or neglectful, just as in our day, but the labels have changed. Deciphering today’s terms can reveal the motivations behind the parenting approach you see from your children or in other families you know. You may even recognize your own parenting style(s) along the way. ...

"Your Best Life" is the theme of our latest issue of Northeast Ohio Boomer & Beyond Magazine for July/August 2021. Start with our cover subject, Cleveland native and rock-n-roll veteran Neil Giraldo, to show us how it's done. ...

Whether you live nearby or far away, you hold a special position in your grandchildren’s lives. Especially as they enter teen years and adulthood, members of each new generation sort out their identities and values, often in opposition to their parents. But grandparents can hold unique influence over their beloved grandchildren.  ...

Before you rush into the heat of the moment with either advice or action that was neither requested nor appreciated, wait for a time when heads are calm and tempers are cool. Then bring up the incident(s) that trouble you. ...