Problem: Article: Small plants require smaller holes to be planted in, which will cause less stress to the tree above them. Aim to buy plants with coin-sized bulbs that you can tuck in between the tree's roots. If you want to create a bold effect, plant many small plants instead of fewer big plants, choosing from options like: Siberian irises, violet-colored flowers with delicate petals Japanese ferns, small plants with silvery-green leaves Columbines, small plants with colorful bell-shaped flowers Japanese forest grasses, elegant clumps of grass with small blooms The area beneath large, mature trees will not get much sun, which narrows down your options for planting. Be sure to select hardy plants and flowers that thrive in the shade. These might include: Common columbine, or Aquilegia vulgaris, white flowers with green tips. White campions, or Silene fimbriata, delicate white flowers with pink tips. Lungworts, or Pulmonaria, red or blue flowers with leaves with silver markings. Hart's tongue fern, or Asplenium scolopendrium, a fern with tongue-shaped leaves. Wood anemone, or Anemone nemorosa, plants with white, pink, or blue blooms. Most flowers don't bloom year round, meaning that there may be a lack of color and texture under your tree through most of the year. To compensate for this, choose some leafy plants with different colors and shapes of foliage to create visual appeal all year long. Some examples include: Ruscus aculeatus (also known as butcher's broom), a plant with long, spiny foliage. Daphne laureola (also known as spurge laurel), a plant with dark green, leathery leaves. Japanese laurel 'Crotonifolia', a plant with large, glossy, yellow-speckled leaves. Continus 'Flame', or Cotinus coggygria, a plant with light green leaves that turn orange or red in autumn.
Summary: Opt for small plants to minimize disturbance to the tree's root system. Pick out plants that thrive in shade to put under big trees. Choose leafy plants with interesting foliage to fill the space year round.

Problem: Article: Although single-malts are arguably more prestigious than blends their price tag certainly advertises it there are some very tasty blends out there, sometimes even nicer than single-malts. Overall, you'll probably squeeze more quality out of single-malts, but they're more expensive than blends and not always better. When drinking Scotch, it pays to be judicious and agnostic. Don't be a complete and utter snob. Some whiskies are given caramel color injections before bottling, ostensibly to maintain visual consistency from one bottling to the next. Steer clear of these whiskies. If the whisky tastes good, what does it matter how it looks? Here's the bottom line with Scotch and with other spirits to which colorant are added: If the distiller or bottler is willing to lie about the color of the spirit, what else are they willing to lie about? While whisky can technically be produced the world 'round Canada, Australia, and even Japan all make fine whisky start off with whiskies from the wind-tipped rim of Scotia. You almost can't go wrong. Here's a quick look at the different regions of Scotland, some of their characteristics, and some of their most heralded whiskies:
Summary: Don't blindly prefer single-malts over blends. Look for all-natural whiskys without added colorants. Note where the Scotch comes from.

Problem: Article: Endangered animals can seem like a far-away problem, but there are likely threatened species, from birds to bears to bugs, in your own neighborhood. Invasive plants that overrun native vegetation and invasive animals without existing predators can combine to devastate native animal populations. Note the difference between invasive and non-native species; invasive refers specifically to species that thrive and overtake native species. Many non-native plants and animals are just fine. In fact most of our animal and plant foods are not native. When planting, choose plants and flowers that are native to the area. Native vegetation is more likely to attract native birds, butterflies and other insects, and other animals that may be endangered. Remove invasive weeds and non-native plantings in favor of local varieties. Build bird feeders suited to native species. Eliminate the use of chemical pesticides in your yard or garden in favor of natural deterrents. Give your local threatened or endangered species a fighting chance to thrive without dealing with unnecessary toxins. Water runoff can spread pesticide chemicals far from your home as well, so you will be benefiting a larger habitat than you might think. "Integrated pest management" is an option that relies on "natural" ways to combat pests and unwanted plants. If, for example, you have an aphid problem, try attracting lady bugs that feed on aphids. The feeling among people who practice permaculture (and others as well)is that if you have an abundance of snails or slugs in your garden, the problem isn't the abundance of snails and slugs, it's the lack of ducks who would eat the snails and slugs and keep them in check. Also, start composting to create natural, ultra-locally sourced fertilizer instead of relying on chemical-laced, long-distance hauled store brands. Many people dream of having the huge backyard with the pristine green lawn, but the growing encroachment of humans into wildlife habitats is a major cause of species endangerment. Consider turning your yard into an edible landscape. In drought-stricken areas like California, focusing on using native and/or drought adapted plants can help animal species survive. When it is time to move to a new home, think carefully about the amount of space you really need. Also consider the benefits of a smaller space (less mowing, for one!) as well as living in an area of existing development rather than a newly-carved suburban enclave. If moving is not on your to-do list, consider whether it is possible for you to reduce your footprint on your own property. Would you be able to permit part of your land to return to a more natural state -- for instance, by replacing lawn space with native plantings that you allow to grow freely?
Summary:
Look for local species that need help. Grow naturally. Consider your space needs.