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Trump administration ends 988 suicide prevention service for LGBTQ+ youth : Shots

Health

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June 21, 2025

Trump administration ends 988 suicide prevention service for LGBTQ+ youth : Shots

When the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched in 2022 it included a pilot to offer specialized support to LGBTQ+ kids. The Trump administration is ending that.

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The Trump administration is ending specialized suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

While anyone in a mental health crisis can call or text 988 and be connected to a trained counselor, the line has specially trained counselors, often with similar life experiences, for high risk groups like veterans and LGBTQ+ youth.

The federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, announced Tuesday it was ending these specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth on July 17.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

“This is devastating, to say the least,” Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, said in a statement. The Trevor Project is one of several nonprofits administering the services. “The administration’s decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible.”

A homemade sign with black marker on brown cardboard reads, "I don't need the President's permission to be myself."

SAMHSA said in its statement that while it “will no longer silo LGB+ youth services,” “everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors who can help with suicidal, substance misuse, or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress.”

SAMHSA launched the LGBTQ+ youth service as a pilot program when it launched the 988 helpline in 2022. It has received nearly 1.3 million contacts from LGBTQ+ people (calls, texts and online chats) since the launch.

The higher risk of suicide for LGBTQ+ youth has been well documented by surveys, psychologist Benjamin Miller, an adjunct professor at Stanford School of Medicine told NPR.

“Just last year alone, approximately 40% of LGBTQ youth considered suicide,” he says, citing data from the most recent survey by The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth. “One in 10 had an attempt. And for those looking for help, only about half could get the help they need.”

A line like 988 makes it easier for such youth to get mental health support, he adds.

He notes that SAMHSA’s announcement omitted the “T” for transgender and “Q” for queer which are typically included in the acronym LGBTQ+.

Cutting off support for this group of youth, he says, sends a message “and that message is more like you’re on your own.”

He says, there were clues that something like this might happen — the service wasn’t in the president’s budget for next year, for instance. But he says it’s destabilizing “because it’s a system that has been set out over the last couple of years that people are beginning to finally utilize and rely on.”

“As someone who has worked in this space for over two decades, I just don’t understand the strategy,” he adds.

HHS did not respond by deadline to NPR’s request for an on-the-record comment on this story.

Miller says the data are clear that there is a need for support for the specialized service.

This January and February, he says, the LGBTQ+ service fielded about 100,000 contacts, “which means that there are a lot of people who identify as LGBTQ+ who are seeking help through this line.”

“What they get with that specialized services line is they get somebody who cares, somebody who’s been there with them, who has shared experiences, who can understand where they’re coming from, and who has been specially trained to address the situations that they are dealing with,” says Hannah Wesolowski, the chief advocacy officer at the non-profit National Alliance for Mental Illness.

“And we know that crisis services geared towards LGBTQ+ youth and young adults work,” says Wesolowski. “These services save lives.”

Taking that service away from 988 could be devastating for individuals, say Wesolowski and other mental health advocates.

Black wants gay and trans youth to know that they can still reach out to The Trevor Project’s own helpline.

“I want every LGBTQ+ young person to know that you are worthy, you are loved, and you belong,” he said in a statement. “The Trevor Project’s crisis counselors are here for you 24/7, just as we always have been, to help you navigate anything you might be feeling right now.”

However, the organization doesn’t have the capacity to handle the same volume of calls and chats as 988, says Black.

Wesolowski notes that a recent poll by NAMI showed that 61% of respondents supported specialized mental health services through 988 for high risk groups like LGBTQ+ youth.

In a statement, Senator Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., said that the funding for 988’s LGBTQ+ service had been passed through Congress with bipartisan support.

She said she’ll fight to continue to fund suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ children. “Suicide prevention has been and should continue to be a nonpartisan issue, and I call on my Republican colleagues who have long supported this program to fight for these kids, too.”

Episode 182: Favorite Plants with Red Flowers

Gardening

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June 21, 2025

Red flowers—love ‘em or hate ‘em—add an undeniable fiery look to gardens. The hue stands out brilliantly against the predominant greens of most landscapes, which makes red flowers an instant focal point. For many gardeners, red blooms are the heartbeats of their beds and borders, radiating passion, energy, and a timeless charm. Perhaps it’s no surprise that the familiar line “Roses are red . . .” from the popular nursery rhyme comes so readily to mind; those four words have etched red flowers into the cultural imagination as symbols of love and beauty.

Whether it’s the velvety petals of a crimson peony or the fiery spikes of a hummingbird favorite, these blooms offer not just color but drama. If you think you’re not a fan of red-flowered plants, give this episode a listen because we offer up some options for every imaginable shade of this controversial color, from magenta pinkish-red to dark and moody burgundy.

Expert: Erin Schanen is creator of the Impatient Gardener blog and YouTube channel and a Fine Gardening author.

Danielle’s Red-Flowered Plant Picks

‘Sword Dance’ peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sword Dance’, Zones 4–9)
‘Major Wheeler’ trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens ‘Major Wheeler’, Zones 4–8)
‘Claude Shride’ martagon lily (Lilium ‘Claude Shride’, Zones 3–9)
Red trillium (Trillium erectum, Zones 3–7)

‘Sword Dance’ peony

Major Wheeler lonicera — ‘Major Wheeler’ lonicera

Claude Shride martagon lily — ‘Claude Shride’ martagon lily

Carol’s Red-Flowered Plant Picks:

‘Red Rouge’ pinks (Dianthus ‘Red Rouge’, Zones 4–9)
‘Showy Lantern’ redvein enkianthus (Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Showy Lantern’, Zones 4–7)
‘Strawberry Fields’ gomphrena (Gomphrena ‘Strawberry Fields’, annual)
Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia, Zones 4–8)
Bonus plant: ‘America’ peony (Paeonia ‘America’, Zones 4–9)

Showy Lantern redvein enkianthus — ‘Showy Lantern’ redvein enkianthus

Strawberry Fields Gomphrena — ‘Strawberry Fields’ gomphrena

Expert Guest Erin Schanen’s Red-Flowered Plant Picks:

‘Golden Delicious’ pineapple sage (Salvia elegans ‘Golden Delicious’, Zones 7b–10)
Breadseed poppy (Papaver somniferum and cvs., annual)
- ‘Red Giant’ (not pictured)
- Frilly hybrid cross
‘Ladybird’ poppy (Papaver commutatum ‘Ladybird’, annual)
‘Lucifer’ crocosmia (Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, Zones 5–9)

'Golden Delicious' pineapple sage — ‘Golden Delicious’ pineapple sage

Breadseed poppy courtesy of Erin Schanen

'Ladybird' poppy courtesy of Erin Schanen — ‘Ladybird’ poppy courtesy of Erin Schanen

'Lucifer' crocosmia — ‘Lucifer’ crocosmia courtesy of Erin Schanen

All photos from the contributor unless noted otherwise.

How To Transform Your Yard Into a Permaculture Paradise

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June 19, 2025
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Years ago, I started questioning why we pour so much time, energy, and chemicals into maintaining the “perfect” lawn. A lawn that doesn’t support biodiversity and often leaves our soil depleted and our schedules packed with weekend mowing. What if instead our yards could feed us, support pollinators, heal the soil, and still be beautiful?

If you haven’t already heard of it, let me introduce you to the world of permaculture! This design approach transforms lawns into living, self-sustaining ecosystems. Whether you have acres, a suburban backyard, or just a small patio, permaculture is a way to reimagine your space. It helps bring life, food, and health back to the land, starting right outside your door.

What Is Permaculture?

Permaculture is short for “permanent agriculture,” a concept first developed in the 1970s. But it’s more than just gardening. It’s a philosophy rooted in working with nature, not against it. And even though it seems like a newer concept, really it’s a return back to what yards used to be. Heavily maintained grass lawns started to become popular in 17th century England and spread from there.

Rather than fighting weeds, pests, or the seasons, permaculture mimics the patterns and rhythms of natural ecosystems. The result? Landscapes that regenerate themselves, require less work over time, and support both people and the planet.

Think of it as regenerative gardening with multiple functions (kind of like habit stacking). Your yard can feed your family, attract pollinators, hold water in the soil, and improve air quality, all at once.

Where Can You Practice Permaculture?

One of the best things about permaculture is that you can apply the principles anywhere. While most people may think of a homestead out in the country, permaculture can just as easily thrive in small backyards, front yards, or even apartment patios.

The key is thoughtful design. A few potted plants on a balcony is just as much a permaculture feature as a sprawling food forest in the countryside. It’s not the size of the space, but how you use it.

Why Consider a Permaculture Yard?

If you’ve ever dreamed of a low-maintenance garden that supports your health, your family, and the earth, permaculture is a natural next step. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

Less Maintenance Over Time

Permaculture systems are designed to be self-sustaining. It focuses on partnering with nature’s innate rhythms, instead of fighting them. The more mature the system becomes, the less hands-on work it requires. Perennials come back year after year. Mulch suppresses weeds, holds in moisture, and breaks down over time adding to the soil health. Companion plants lessen the amount of pests. Eventually, the system (mostly) takes care of itself, leaving you more time to enjoy it.

A Naturally Healthier Environment

Most traditional yards rely on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to stay pristine. But those chemicals damage soil health, pollute waterways, and negatively impact the health of our kids and pets. Just one example, children who live on or near areas treated with pesticides are significantly more likely to develop cancer.

Permaculture yards, on the other hand, avoid synthetic inputs. They build soil naturally through composting, mulch, and plant diversity. Plus, there’s no need for constant mowing, watering, or leaf blowing. This translates to less pollution and quieter Saturday mornings.

A Pollinator Haven

Even if you do nothing to your lawn but mow it once a week, it’s not having much of a positive net effect. Flip the script and instead have your yard be a part of the solution!

Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects are in decline, but your yard can help. By planting a variety of flowering species (especially natives), you can create a thriving habitat for these essential creatures. You can even build bat houses or plant patches of wildflowers to encourage biodiversity.

Fresh, Organic Food for the Whole Family

Even a small permaculture plot can yield a surprising amount of food. Herbs like thyme and basil, vegetables like kale and tomatoes, fruits like strawberries and blueberries, it all adds up. And because you’re growing bioregional food without harmful chemicals, it’s healthier (and tastier!) than even the organic produce at the local grocery store.

Grow a little extra and you’ll have enough to share with neighbors, friends, or a community food pantry. Not allowed to have a front yard garden patch? Grow one in the back. Get creative and do what you can, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

Regenerates Soil Health

One of the most overlooked benefits is the way permaculture rebuilds soil. Conventional yards often leave soil depleted, compacted, and lifeless. But with practices like no-till planting, composting, and the use of ground covers like clover, permaculture revitalizes the soil. Not only does it feed soil microbes that are essential for all life, but it improves water retention/drainage, and supports the eco-system.

How to Get Started With a Permaculture Yard

Creating a permaculture yard doesn’t require a total overhaul. In fact, starting small is often the best way to start. Begin with one corner, one garden bed, or even a few pots on your porch. Then, let the journey grow from there.

You can even get your yard certified as an official wildlife habitat. The National Wildlife Federation is a great resource for information on creating an eco-conscious space.

Start Small, Think Big

It’s tempting to rip out your whole lawn and dive in all at once, but that can quickly become overwhelming. Instead, choose one small area to start. A sunny patch near your back door is ideal for an herb garden. Or plant a few pollinator-friendly flowers near your mailbox. Install a bat house or begin a compost pile. Each small step brings you closer to a larger vision.

Observe and Plan for Your Local Conditions

Permaculture always begins with observation. Take time to notice where the sun hits during the day, how water flows when it rains, and where plants already thrive. Use this information to plan around your USDA hardiness zone, your microclimate, and the unique features of your property.

Before planting anything, it’s helpful to do a soil test. Most garden centers or cooperative extensions offer affordable testing kits. You’ll learn your soil’s pH and nutrient levels, which helps guide the plants you use and what you need to add to the soil.

Choosing the Right Plants: Perennials and Natives

Whenever possible, prioritize perennial plants, since these return year after year. Fruit trees, berry bushes, perennial herbs, and flowering plants reduce the need for replanting. They also help stabilize your soil and ecosystem and over time are less work.

Also focus on native species. These are naturally adapted to your region’s soil, pests, and climate. They often require less care and provide essential habitat for local wildlife. On the other hand, steer clear of invasive plants, like this infamous (but very popular) tree.

Think in Layers

Permaculture mimics a natural forest, which means designing your yard in vertical layers. Picture it like a stacked ecosystem:

Canopy layer with fruit or nut trees

Understory shrubs like currants, blueberries, or blackberries

Herbaceous layer of culinary and medicinal herbs

Ground cover like creeping thyme or clover

Root zone with carrots, garlic, or radishes

Climbing vines, like grapes, beans, or flowering vines that reach into vertical space

Each layer plays a role, like catching rain, shielding the soil, providing food, or attracting pollinators. When you’re planning your layers look into how much space each plant needs. If you have a small yard, there’s no point in planting 10 fruit trees that will quickly outgrow the space! In some spaces, especially neighborhoods with stricter yard requirements, you’ll want to opt for middle and lower layers.

Companion Planting and Plant Guilds

In permaculture, certain plants are grouped together because they benefit one another. These clusters form mini-ecosystems that work together, reducing the need for fertilizers or pest control. For example, a fruit tree “guild” might include:

A fruit tree

A nitrogen-fixing plant (like clover or comfrey)

Aromatic herbs to deter pests (like chives or mint)

Pollinator flowers (like borage or calendula)

Ground cover to protect the soil (again, clover)

Build and Conserve Healthy Soil

Permaculture is grounded in soil health. Instead of tilling or disturbing the soil, focus on building it naturally. Use compost from kitchen waste, apply mulch to retain soil moisture, and plant ground cover to add nutrients back to the soil. Healthy soil is the foundation for a healthy yard and a healthy body, too.

Harvest Rain and Conserve Water

Instead of relying on sprinklers or hoses, permaculture uses smart water management. Rain barrels collect runoff from your roof. Swales (shallow ditches) slow and spread water across your property. Mulching and ground covers help lock moisture in, meaning you’ll water less often and conserve more.

Keep a Garden Journal

I’m a big fan of journaling. It’s a great way to see what’s working, what’s not, and reflect on what you’d like to change. As your permaculture yard grows, so will your understanding of it. Keep a simple garden journal where you track things like what you planted, how it performed, and what insects you saw. These notes become invaluable as you plan future plantings or troubleshoot gardening challenges.

It also helps to draw up a layout of where you planted what. Or maybe I’m the only one who has so many plants that I don’t remember where they all are in the yard!

What About HOAs or Small Spaces?

Some people may hesitate to start a permaculture yard because of neighborhood rules or limited space. The good news? It’s possible to design a permaculture space that meets most requirements and still supports the environment.

If your HOA has restrictions, carefully look through them to see what you can do. You may not be allowed to grow dandelions or tall grasses, but pollinator-friendly flowers in a neat bed with mulch and edging are okay. Opt for tidy, intentional design over wilder chaos when necessary.

Also, keep communication lines open and be friendly. Educate your neighbors. Sometimes, simply sharing a bowl of strawberries from your garden is enough to turn skeptics into supporters. And if you’re passionate, consider joining your HOA board to influence policy from the inside.

As for limited space? A few containers of herbs, a vertical trellis for tomatoes, or a hanging basket of strawberries still counts. You don’t need lots of acreage to grow something meaningful. Whatever you can manage to plant in your yard’s soil will further benefit the soil health and overall eco-system. But even if you’re in an apartment with no yard, you can still contribute something with an apartment garden!

Help!

If designing your own permaculture yard feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. There are now professionals who specialize in permaculture design. They offer consultations, full-scale designs, and will even install it for you. Hiring one is similar to bringing in an interior designer, but for your outdoor space, with a holistic focus on the eco-system.

There are also plenty of online courses and books that walk you through the process step-by-step. Or find a local class or workshop that focuses on permaculture or regenerative practices.

Final Thoughts on Creating a Permaculture Haven

Creating a permaculture yard is more than a gardening project, it’s a mindset shift. It asks us to slow down, observe, and partner with nature rather than try to control it. It reminds us that every patch of soil, no matter how small, is innately designed to heal, nourish, and sustain life.

You don’t have to do it all at once. Start with an herb spiral. Add a butterfly garden. Maybe hang a bat house. Then step back, observe, and let nature show you the next move. Over time, you’ll build a space that supports not just your family, but the broader ecosystem around you. You might even inspire your neighbors to start their own permaculture yard.

What kinds of plants do you grow in your yard? What are some ways you’d like to transform it? Leave a comment and let us know!

Learn How to Grow Cucumbers in Pots and Containers

Gardening

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June 19, 2025
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Growing Medium

C. sativus are heavy feeders, and for the crispest, firmest, and most flavorful fruits, they require a light, well-draining soil mixture that’s rich in organic materials with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 6.8.

Photo by Lorna Kring.

I find that potting soil alone is too lightweight in texture and nutrients for container grown veggies and prefer to mix my own blend.

Here’s how to make it:

Into a large bin or wheelbarrow, place two parts of loamy garden or potting soil.

Mix in two parts of organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or worm castings.

If desired, add in one-half or one part of moisture retentive materials such as coconut coir, peat moss, or vermiculite. This can be helpful in smaller pots where the soil tends to dry out more quickly than large planters.

If using larger pots or planters, add in one part of gritty materials such as landscape sand, stone chips, pea gravel, or perlite to prevent compaction and ensure the soil is well-draining.

Also, avoid using garden soil alone for potted vegetables – it’s too heavy and compacts easily, causing problems for the roots.

Cultivars to Select

There are many vigorous bush varieties that are ideal for container cultivation – here are a few popular choices to get you started.

Bush Champion

A non-climbing, compact cucumber, ‘Bush Champion’ is early fruiting and produces an abundance of large cukes with a crisp texture and full flavor.

The fruits measure eight to 12 inches long on plants that grow up to eight inches tall with a 24-inch spread.

‘Bush Champion’

‘Bush Champion’ has good disease resistance and is a smart choice for patio pots and other containers.

You can find ‘Bush Champion’ seeds available at Burpee.

Pick A Bushel

A semi-bush variety, ‘Pick A Bushel’ is a small cucumber cultivar but reliably high yielding with up to 20 flavorful and firm-textured fruits per plant.

The small, light green fruits grow three to six inches long on 12-inch plants that spread up to 24 inches.

‘Pick A Bushel’

An easy choice with good disease resistance, ‘Pick A Bushel’ is ideal for hanging baskets, kitchen potagers, or patio planters.

You can find seeds in a variety of packet sizes available at Eden Brothers.

Saladmore

Perfect for container gardens, ‘Saladmore’ is a reliable bush variety that provides an ample harvest of crisp, sweetly flavored fruits.

The dark green cukes grow seven to eight inches long on cucumber plants that reach up to 24 inches with a similar spread.

‘Saladmore’

A handsome, disease resistant choice for patio pots and mixed veggie planters.

You can find seeds available in a variety of packet sizes at True Leaf Market.

How to Grow

Heat-loving cucumbers shouldn’t be planted out until overnight temperatures remain above 50°F and soil temperatures are a minimum of 60°F.

To ensure the deeper soil in pots doesn’t become soggy, I like to add a one- to two-inch layer of porous drainage material, like broken pottery or pebbles, to the bottom of the container.

Prepare your pots with your favorite soil mixture then allow it to warm in the sun for a couple of days.

Screen addiction and suicidal behaviors are linked for teens, a study shows : Shots

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June 19, 2025
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The study asked about signs of addiction to mobile phones, social media and video games. Those signs can include being preoccupied thinking about them and being unable to cut down on using them.

Catherine McQueen/Moment RF/Getty Images

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If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline via call, text or chat.

A new study finds that addiction to social media, mobile phones and video games is linked to a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

The study, published in JAMA on Wednesday, looked at data on more than 4,000 kids from an ongoing longitudinal study following them for years, starting at ages 9 to 10. It found that by age 14, about a third of the kids had become increasingly addicted to social media, about a quarter had become increasingly addicted to their mobile phone and more than 40% showed signs of addiction to video games.

“And these youth are significantly more likely to report suicidal behaviors and thoughts,” says study author Yunyu Xiao, a professor at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.

“It’s an important study and raising awareness about screen addiction,” says Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician specializing in adolescent screen use at the University of California, San Francisco. “It shows that elements of addiction related to screen use are more strongly predictive of poorer mental health and even suicide risk compared to just screen time. So, I think that it provides more nuance.”

A large study known as ABCD

Xiao and her colleagues used data from a large-scale ongoing longitudinal study called the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. It’s been following thousands of kids over the years, and assessing them periodically for both their average daily screen time as well as for symptoms of addiction, which also allowed them to see how these addictive behaviors changed over time.

They assessed addiction with a standardized questionnaire asking them to respond to statements like, “‘I spend a lot of time thinking about social media apps or planning to use the social media apps,'” explains Xiao. “‘I try to use the social media app less, but I can’t.’ And also ‘I feel stressed and or upset if I am not allowed to use my social media apps’ or ‘I use it so much already it has a bad effect on my schoolwork.'”

Her team was able to group the teens based on how these answers changed over time.

With social media, they found that almost 60% had low levels of addiction to social media and that stayed stable over the years. But about a tenth had increasing addiction that peaked around year three and four of the study, and a third showed increasing addiction.

With mobile phone use, about half showed high addiction and a quarter had increasing addiction. With video games, they found only two groups — with about 60% showing low addiction that stayed stable over time, and 41% were highly addicted to it through the period.

Questions about suicidal behavior

The study also evaluated suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It uses a questionnaire that asked about passive and active thoughts of suicide, as well as any suicide attempts. At year four of the study, nearly 18% reported having had suicidal thoughts, and 5% admitted to suicidal behaviors, which includes making suicide plans and attempts.

The groups with high and increasing addiction to mobile phone and social media were associated with a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The highly addictive group for video games also had a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to the group with low addictive use. However, total screen time was not linked to a higher suicide risk.

“What surprised us is that these are substantial groups, and they are associated with 2 to 3 times [risk] of suicidal behaviors,” says Xiao.

Screen time is not inherently good or bad

Researchers, educators, and parents often point to the amount of time teens spend on their screens to gauge problematic use, say Xiao and Nagata.

“We all get reports from our phones about our weekly screen time,” says Nagata. “Screen time is an easily understandable metric because it’s minutes or hours a day that we’re spending on screens.”

But, he adds, screen time isn’t inherently good or bad, so he welcomes the nuance this study adds to the conversation since it flags signs of addiction.

“Some kids might spend their time on screen reading the news, and some might be trolling some pretty dangerous sites,” says psychologist Mitch Prinstein, a professor at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “So it’s really hard to know what to make of screen time as a risk factor.”

That’s why screen time alone is “not a helpful measure,” says psychologist Mary Alvord. It’s more important to understand how a teen is using their screen time.

“They may be talking to a friend, but are they talking to a friend I-R-L, or are they talking to an avatar created by AI?” says Alvord. “And are they using screens to avoid things in real life?”

Avoidance of real life is a red flag

One of the statements in the addictive use questionnaire is: “I play video games so I can forget about my problems.”

“Avoidance is a key symptom of both anxiety and depression,” says Alvord, and it is revelatory about a teen’s mental health status and relationship with video games or screens in general.

“We’re starting to really try and understand what are the specific features or the specific behaviors that might be more concerning,” explains Prinstein, who has co-chaired the American Psychological Association’s advisory panel on social media use in adolescents. “And the extent to which kids say, ‘I can’t stop even when I’m trying to. I’m having withdrawal, dependence, tolerance symptoms,’ that’s important.”

Nagata has also used data from the ABCD study to understand how teens are using social media over time and how that’s affecting their risk of mental health symptoms.

“One thing that was really striking to me is that, unfortunately, these symptoms of screen addictions are actually pretty common,” says Nagata. He also found that some of the symptoms get more common over time.

He and his colleagues found that 47.5% of 11-12 year olds said that “I lose track of how much I am using my phone,” 22.5% said “I spend a lot of time thinking about social media apps or planning my use of social media apps” and 18.4% said “I use social media apps so I can forget about my problems.”

By age 12-13, 25% said they use social media to forget about their problems, and 25% admitted to spending a considerable amount of time thinking about social media apps.

Using the same data from the ABCD study, he and his colleagues also found that time on social media increased for preteens over the course of the study. “At the beginning of the study, the average time was only 7 minutes a day, but four years later, the average time was over 70 minutes a day.”

And the more time these kids spent on social media, the more their depressive symptoms increased.

“Parents, teachers, clinicians should be, on the lookout for warning signs for screen addictions, particularly as they may relate to higher depression risk or suicide risk in teenagers,” Nagata says.

Heidi’s Pots, Plants, and Yard Art in Washington

Gardening

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June 19, 2025
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Hi GPODers!

One of the many reasons I love the Garden Photo of the Day community is because of the many diverse gardening stories we get to hear. From lifelong plant lovers who have fond memories of playing in their grandmother’s gardens to enthusiasts who caught the gardening bug later in the life, it’s inspiring how we can all come together to enjoy each other’s unique journeys and landscapes.

Today, we’re hearing from Heidi Behrens-Benedict, an interior designer in Bellevue, Wash., who had a very unconventional path to her garden in the Pacific Northwest. She shares the story of how an interior design job at Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle gave her a new introduction to the world of gardening and shifted her perspective that stemmed from an initial unfortunate experience with plants in her youth.

Dear Friends at Fine Gardening ~

Many years ago, I was prime on the new Arboretum Visitors Center in Seattle. I remember my first meeting with a group of guild members who had raised money for the project. As I sat around the conference table, I was introduced to the hosta expert, the rhody expert, the native species guru, gardeners who were passionate about gardening in the Puget Sound.

One of the group asked me what kind of gardening I liked. While I believe I am a good designer, I knew from nothing about gardening. When I was growing up, my father was in the military. We lived in hot, dry bases. When my father would come home about 4:30 p.m., he’d walk in the door and say, “Why are you just sitting there? Go outside and weed.” Since it was 115 degrees in the shade, gardening always felt like punishment.

I remember once tilting my head back as I was standing on the black, hot tarmac one recess and praying, “Please, God, when I grow up, I want to live someplace it rains every day.” When I graduated from college, I moved to Seattle. The first summer, it did rain every day. The windows sheeted with water day after day. Mid-August, I was standing at the window and saying, “Please, God, I should have been more specific. Perhaps not every single day.”

Which brings me to my arboretum project, when I stumbled with an answer for what kind of gardening I liked and said, “Container gardening.” What I really liked about container gardening was not so much the plants but the vintage pots. Large glazed pots. Large terracotta pots. Large Chinese pots. Square pots. For years, I collected beautiful pots and beautiful yard art.

About 20 years ago, I started putting plants in the pots. What I really like are perennial plants with interesting leaf structure, and lately, after becoming a novice beekeeper, I’ve focused on flowers that my bees will love.

So here are a few pictures of my pots, plants, and yard art.

With every good wish ~
Heidi

Heidi’s background in interior design, particularly her focus on architectural salvage, is evident in her outdoor space. Aside from the color she has potted into her incredible collection of containers, interest abounds in all the artful touches and decor.

A closer look at the colorful annual flowers Heidi potted this year

Annuals tend to get the bulk of the container space in gardens every year, but, as Heidi mentioned in her intro, the beautiful foliage of perennials and shrubs can be just as successful in a pot as they are in the ground. I love how this Japanese mock orange (Pittosporum tobira, Zones 8–10) is spilling out of its gorgeous green pot.

When a backyard is full of this much fascinating art, even a simple planting can create a big impact. This ornate pillar and relief sculpture already have a lot going on, so a simple red geranium is all that’s needed for a colorful pop of extra interest.

The outdoor seating area of a real collector: not only a space to enjoy Heidi’s lush gardens, but a spot to admire her thoughtfully curated art and furniture pieces.

Thank you so much for sharing your artful potted displays and creative garden adornments, Heidi! Your story is certainly a unique one, and your garden truly reflects that unique background as well as your designer’s eye.

What was your introduction to gardening? What journey brought you to your current garden? If you haven’t shared your garden on the blog yet, or it has been a while and you have a lot to update us on, consider sharing photos of your space this year! Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.

We want to see YOUR garden!

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

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