Research team monitors disappearance of Arctic tundra in Canada's Yukon

Research from University of Alberta biologist Isla Myers-Smith and about 30 other researchers from 10 countries suggests that sizable chunks of the alpine/tundra world are being taken over by shrub cover that is increasingly crowding out those plants that many Arctic animals depend on.

Mother Nature's natural decorations

Grey winter days are much more cheerful if you can look out of your window and see bright berries, colourful stems or decorative twisted branches. This is just as possible for smallspace gardeners as it is for people with large space.

Marianne Binetti: Winter blooms add color

The third week of January is the start of the gardening season – yep, the Tacoma Home and Garden Show will be Jan. 25-29 followed by the Northwest Flower and Garden Show Feb. 8-12, and then a bumper crop of garden shows, plant sales and blooming celebrations to welcome the growing season of 2012.