The oldest known pottery found in the world dates back 18,300 years ago to Yuchanyan Cave, Hunan Province, China. During that time, people worked small pebbles into the clay and low-fired it, resulting in thick, coarse pottery. The lower temperatures of low-firing also produced a grainy texture. Whe

Freeze-drying rose petals is a more expensive process than other drying methods as it requires expensive equipment. As the name suggests, the petals are quickly frozen. The moisture in the petals turns to a solid and is then removed as a vapor. Non-freeze-drying methods include air-drying, pressing

Washington State produces six varieties of cherriescerises image by MONIQUE POUZET from Fotolia.comWhile Washington is most commonly associated with apples, there are many other varieties of fruit trees which flourish in the climate. Pears, cherries, apricots, peaches and plums are also...

Red poppies bestow spectacular splashes of color to landscaping. Despite their appearance, they are not the same type of poppies that grow seeds for baking or making opium. Gardeners can grow these flowers up to heights of 12 to 14 inches. Their blossoms are between 2 to 3 inches wide. Choose a plan

Mexico is home to many diverse and beautiful flowers.mexico scenery image by Cosette from Fotolia.comMexico is an incredibly diverse region, its landscape including everything from snow-covered mountain tops to dry deserts. The diverse environment supports a widely varied and abundant...

The prickly pear genus (Opuntia spp.) boasts more than 200 species of plants characterized by flat, wide green pads, edible, egg-shaped fruits and clusters of spring blooming flowers. Native to the American Southwest, as well as Central and South America, prickly pears have a long history of human u

Creeping Charlie can choke grass if left uncontrolled.grass image by green308 from Fotolia.comCreeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is a low growing, invasive perennial weed which can choke out desirable grass. It prefers shady and moist areas and thrives in sun on thinner lawns as well....

Store paper in a dark and stable environment.pile of paper sheets with paper-clips image by stassad from Fotolia.comFamily documents, legal documents and other important papers will last longer if stored properly. The U.S. National Archives states stable environments are best to preserve...

Many homeowners consider ladybugs in the garden a nuisance, since ladybugs have a tendency to invade homes as the weather cools. However, ladybugs dine on many beneficial insects, especially aphids. Gerber daisies, also known as gerbera daisies, benefit from ladybugs in the garden, as aphids are a s

Achieving planting success with winter-ready pansies all comes down to when you plant them and what zone you live in. Pansies are available in blue, white and yellow. They are also known as "ice pansies." Tiny but brilliant flowers bloom during the cold months and are seen in window boxes, flower be

Tree ferns number about 600 different species worldwide. Botanically are described as arborescent, or tree-like in habit. Not true trees since they lack cambium and bark, tree ferns grow tall and upright with a canopy of umbrella-like fronds.

Flowers take in water through a process called transpiration. In this process, xylem (tiny tubes) suck water up through the stem. Just as you suck a drink through a straw, flowers "drink" water the same way. Adults and children can enjoy watching this occur as their favorite-color dye makes its way

Hydrangeas are among the most widely used shade-friendly shrubs in the home garden. They are fairly easy to grow, and require very little care from the grower once established. These plants thrive in the shade, producing nice color and texture where some plants can't. Hydrangeas are notable for thei

A number of bugs are likely to infest cherry trees.American Images Inc/Photodisc/Getty ImagesCherry trees are susceptible to a number of diseases and pests, which if left uncontrolled can seriously affect harvest and long-term health of the tree. Weaker and less vigorously growing trees...

Grapes are hardy and versatile plants. There are many varieties, each one preferring different conditions, so most gardeners can find one that will grow well in their area. The vines are especially easy to transplant. Generally, young plants should not be disturbed, but established grapevines are su

Luffa cylindrica is also called California okra, discloth gourds, Chinese okra, running okra, strainer vine and loofah. It is grown as a vegetable that is used much like squash, or for its fibrous interior, which can be used as a sponge, as a filter or for crafts. It is a relative of the cucumber, a

Lily of the Nile flowers bring an blue touch to the home garden.agapanthus image by Karin Lau from Fotolia.comBy selecting blue summer flowers, you can add a sense of coolness to your home garden during the warmer months. With your color choice in place, your options are still wide open...

In comparison to living at home, dorm life can leave a lot to be desired. When you live in a small space with hardly enough room to do your homework and, on top of that, share the space with at least one roommate, it leaves you jonesing for the days when you lived comfortably at home. However with a