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Even after peak flower season, Fernwood Botanical Gardens in Niles, Michigan is worth visiting for its fall leaves, late blooms, and scenic walking trails. A quiet, colorful place for anyone who enjoys trees and seasonal change. Is it worth visiting Fernwood after the flowers are done blooming, in the fall? Even after the flowers fade, Fernwood Botanical Gardens stays alive with color. The trails are lined with bright leaves, textured bark, and a few late blooms that prove how well the gardens are cared for. Surprisingly, for November 1st, there were still a few flowers in bloom at Fernwood Botanical Gardens which is a testament to how well they maintain the foliage and gardens. Plants don’t last long if they’re dehydrated or neglected, so having anything blooming right now is incredible. But mostly, what you go for this time of year are the fall leaves and changing colors. It’s genuinely enjoyable to walk the trails and see the variety of tree species, noticing how each one changes differently. Some leaves go from green to yellow to orange to red, while others stay green longer. The shapes and colors make it feel like a living field guide to trees. If you enjoy trees, this is a great time to visit. The few flowers that remain are just a bonus. There are also other attractions like the train displays, art exhibits, and indoor collections, more than enough to fill a visit even when the main blooms are gone. Corky Lorenz November 2, 2025

How to connect power to a ducted RV air conditioner. Includes wiring details, terminal block reference, and safety steps for secure installation. How to connect power to a ducted RV air conditioner Connect the RV air conditioner to a dedicated circuit that meets local wiring codes. Locate the power cord inside the RV and securely connect the active, neutral, and ground wires to prevent shorts or overheating. Electrical Connections (Ducted Systems) In a ducted RV air conditioner system, the unit must be connected to a dedicated power circuit that can be shut off and meets all local wiring standards. From inside the RV, locate the air conditioner’s power cord as shown in the diagram. Connect the external power lines to the unit, making sure to match the active, neutral, and ground wires correctly. For most models, a 3-pole terminal block is used for these connections. Tighten all screws firmly to remove any chance of loose wiring. Improper or unsecured connections can cause overheating, short circuits, or fire. If your system is a non-ducted model, follow the non-ducted installation guide instead. Corky Lorenz November 6, 2025

The next NARBC Tinley Park Reptile Expo is March 14–15, 2026, at the Tinley Park Convention Center. See show hours, ticket prices, vendor info, and what to expect. When is the next Tinley Park Reptile Expo? The next NARBC Tinley Park Reptile Expo will be held March 14–15, 2026, at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Illinois. It’s one of the largest reptile shows in the U.S., featuring vendors, breeders, and reptile enthusiasts from around the country. Spring dates The NARBC Tinley Park Reptile Expo returns March 14–15, 2026, at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park, Illinois. This event is hosted twice each year, drawing reptile keepers, hobbyists, and exotic pet fans from across the country. Show hours: Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Tickets: Adults: $15 Kids (ages 6–12): $10 5 and under: Free VIP pass: $55 (includes both days and early access before public entry) You can buy tickets online through the NARBC website or purchase them at the door. Vendor booths are currently sold out, but vendors can join the waitlist directly on the NARBC site. Many well-known exhibitors return each year to their same booth locations, which helps regular visitors find familiar faces and favorite species. The show floor includes reptiles, amphibians, supplies, feeders, terrarium setups, and educational talks. Parking is available at the convention center, and hotels nearby often fill early during show weekends. If you’re planning to attend, consider arriving early on Saturday to avoid lines and get first pick at rare animals and morphs. Corky Lorenz November 7, 2025

Crested geckos can live 5 to 15 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity with proper care. Photos from Critters, Khaos & Creations at the Goshen Reptile Expo show several gecko morphs, enclosures, and supplies for long-term Crested Gecko lifespan support. Crested Gecko Lifespan Crested geckos can live 5 to 15 years in the wild, and up to 20 years in captivity with good care. They do best in environments with stable humidity, low stress, and proper nutrition, which I learned after meeting the vendor Critters, Khaos & Creations. The tail might yeet itself on a random Tuesday, but your crestie will probably live a long time. At the Goshen Reptile Expo, the Critters, Khaos & Creations booth had a wide selection of reptiles and supplies for building enriched enclosures. There were several gecko morphs and color variations on display, each with unique markings and color patterns. As I approached the table with my camera, one of the people tending to guests asked if I wanted to see one of the geckos outside of its container. I said I would be happy to, and she carefully took the gecko out and placed it on top of the light above the display table. The gecko was calm once it got oriented. It didn’t mind being observed closely and gently touched. The vendor answered questions when asked but also gave people space to look around without feeling pressured to talk the entire time. After I got home and looked through my photos, I learned that crested geckos live much longer than many reptiles or insect pets. In the wild, they can live 5 to 15 years. In captivity with ideal conditions, some live up to 20 years. Good care includes consistent humidity, low stress, and a balanced diet with enough protein and limited sugar. Critter Khaos & Creations posts updates about new expo dates on his Facebook account. You might also like to read: Are turtles reptiles? Corky Lorenz November 9, 2025

Photos from John Chausmer Reptiles at the 2025 Tinley Park NARBC Expo. Featuring striking boas and ball pythons on display, photographed by Corky Lorenz. John Chausmer Reptiles at Tinley NARBC Expo This vendor brought an impressive variety of boas. The patterns and colors were striking. I was happy to be able to walk up and observe this boa up close. Corky Lorenz October 14, 2025

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Synthetic backing fabric for flowy folds. Poly fleece tool A thick, synthetic fabric made from polyester. Used behind fabric in the flowy ice dye method to mimic the structure of thicker folds. Tie dye links See all glossary items See tutorials for flowy ice dye and geode tie dye .

A container used to hold fabric during dyeing or draining. Often used with racks or bins. Basket tool A container used to hold fabric during dyeing or draining. Often used with racks or bins. Tie dye links See all glossary items See tutorials for flowy ice dye and geode tie dye .

A synthetic fabric that doesn’t bond with fiber reactive dye unless treated or coated. Polyester fabric A synthetic fabric that doesn’t bond with fiber reactive dye unless treated or coated. Tie dye links See all glossary items See tutorials for flowy ice dye and geode tie dye .