Archimedes of Syracuse was an ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, and inventor whose principle of water displacement inspired the design of the World’s Coolest Rain Gauge®. He wrote about the discovery in his famous work On Floating Bodies — and more than 2,000 years later, here we are, still having fun watching things float in water.

Archimedes Backyard: Resources For The Modern Gardener

caterpillar on flower

Why Caterpillars Matter More Than You Think

Caterpillars do far more than become butterflies. They feed birds, support pollinators, and form a critical link in the backyard food web. Learn why a few chewed leaves may be...

Why Caterpillars Matter More Than You Think

Caterpillars do far more than become butterflies. They feed birds, support pollinators, and form a critical link in the backyard food web. Learn why a few chewed leaves may be...

person standing amongst fireflies

Why Fireflies Are Disappearing

Fireflies have long been part of summer evenings, but in many places their numbers seem to be shrinking. Habitat loss, light pollution, pesticides, and changing weather patterns all play a...

Why Fireflies Are Disappearing

Fireflies have long been part of summer evenings, but in many places their numbers seem to be shrinking. Habitat loss, light pollution, pesticides, and changing weather patterns all play a...

bee on white flower

Moon Gardens For Night Pollinators

A moon garden does more than glow under the stars. By using fragrant flowers, pale blooms, and wildlife-friendly design, you can support moths and other nighttime pollinators while creating a...

Moon Gardens For Night Pollinators

A moon garden does more than glow under the stars. By using fragrant flowers, pale blooms, and wildlife-friendly design, you can support moths and other nighttime pollinators while creating a...

rain gauge among hosta plants

Tracking Rainfall: Why You Should Keep A Rainfa...

Tracking rainfall does more than satisfy curiosity. It helps you water more efficiently, understand your local climate, and make better gardening decisions throughout the season.

Tracking Rainfall: Why You Should Keep A Rainfa...

Tracking rainfall does more than satisfy curiosity. It helps you water more efficiently, understand your local climate, and make better gardening decisions throughout the season.

Frost on garden plants

Understanding Frost Dates: When to Plant and Pr...

Frost dates influence everything from seed starting to fall harvests. Learn how last frost and first frost dates help you plan planting schedules, protect tender plants, and make better gardening...

Understanding Frost Dates: When to Plant and Pr...

Frost dates influence everything from seed starting to fall harvests. Learn how last frost and first frost dates help you plan planting schedules, protect tender plants, and make better gardening...

pruning dead wood from a shrub

Pruning and Watering: How Rainfall, Irrigation,...

Learn how pruning affects watering, rainfall, drought stress, and plant health. Discover when to prune, when to avoid pruning, and why a rain gauge is an essential garden tool.

Pruning and Watering: How Rainfall, Irrigation,...

Learn how pruning affects watering, rainfall, drought stress, and plant health. Discover when to prune, when to avoid pruning, and why a rain gauge is an essential garden tool.