With a reduced ozone layer, exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun has made skin cancer more of a risk for all of us. Since it can be hard to tell what the actual exposure to UV rays is on any given day, the National Weather Service along with the Environmental Protection Agency has made it easy with a daily UV Index. This index (online at weather.gov) gives a forecast of what the expected risk of overexposure from the sun is on that day for wherever you are in the country. But as any health professional would say: Cover up and wear sunscreen if you want the best protection.

With California facing one of the worst droughts and water crises ever, more attention is being paid to the way we use water at home. One big culprit is the lawn. Green, verdant, lush lawns often mean an extraordinary amount of water being used to keep the grass thriving and alive. Instead of wasting water on grass, one easy solution is to look into xeriscape, which is gardening that takes advantage of rainfall retention in an area. Lush and green groundcovers like thyme, yarrow, succulents and sweet woodruff require almost no mowing or maintenance and can thrive on very little water. Every climate is different in plant choices, so ask a local nursery what works for your growing region.

Bees aren't the only insects who help pollinate fruits, flowers and veggies. Butterflies are also an important part of the ecosystem. To help attract butterflies to your garden, avoid insecticides altogether, because they are lethal. Be aware that butterflies aren't attracted just to flowers, but to flowering plants and bushes that are rich in nectar. Look for flowers like milkweed, mint, zinnias, buddleia and heliotrope, which are nectar-rich. Also, filling a shallow dish with fresh water every day is a simple way to give them a place to drink, too.