Pruning mistakes may result in misshapen and weak ornamental trees. Shearing and topping are two of the most widespread and injurious pruning methods. Shearing and topping are two methods of pruning flowering ornamental trees often used instead of more beneficial methods. Reasons for using shearing and topping may include: Lack of knowledge about tree growth…
Low-maintenance small evergreen shrubs are first-rate selections for DIY landscape foundation plantings. They enrich the looks of shady front yard landscapes. Plant breeders continue to introduce shrubs that save maintenance time, effort, and money. These introductions are smaller than their normal-sized relatives and often labeled as dwarfs. They are relatively disease and pest resistant. Both…
Rain gardens use run-off from roofs, driveways, other impervious surfaces. Rainwater is used by native plants rather than running to the storm sewer or ditch. A rain garden is just that – a garden that utilizes the rain. It can be a personal contribution to cleaner water and an improved environment in a backyard and…
Low impact development (LID) includes means to reduce the effects of increased stormwater runoff due to urbanization. Rain gardens are an important tool for this. The increase in impervious area—buildings, driveways, and streets—results in more stormwater being discharged rather than infiltrating into the ground. Urbanization in all its forms, including dense urban centers, suburban sprawl,…
Rain barrels are a great way for homeowners and gardeners to benefit both the environment and their wallets. Using a ran barrel is simple. Rain barrels are a popular way to collect excess water for use around the house and in the garden. There are many benefits to installing a rain barrel for residential water…
Easy-to-make table decorations for Valentine’s Day can be created by using items from around the house or by purchasing a few low-cost supplies. Simple Valentine’s Day centerpieces can be striking, easy to make and budget-friendly. These no cost and low cost ideas work for a quiet Valentine’s Day dinner at home, a family love feast…
The bathroom faucet is an integral part of any bathroom design. Choosing the right size, faucet valve and finish can ensure the faucet’s long life. Not all bathroom faucets are created equal. In addition to the style of the faucet and type of handle used, the finish, size and faucet valve can have a big…
Express love on Valentine’s Day with passion and sincerity. Here’s a list of classic love poems, poems for lovers, and poems for married couples. Looking for Valentines Day gift ideas? Why not write a poem expressing the depth of passion and love felt in the relationship – or better yet borrow the words of established…
Even when faced with a tight budget, romance needn’t be ignored. Using flowers to deliver the perfect message of how much that wonderful holiday meant or just how wonderful it is going to be is romantic and touchingly sweet. Remember, Valentine’s Day may be the day of love but there’s no reason to confine thoughts…
Although most gardeners are ready for a break as winter approaches, the garden does not have to be lackluster during the winter months. Simple ideas can add interest. Landscaping in a winter garden is a bonus. If the space is “unlevel”, then low stone walls will accommodate creeping plants in the summer months and eye…
A raised bed goes together with lumber and a drill, but the wood, the soil, and the site decide whether it lasts.
Attractive options are available even in gardens in shady conditions. Mosses are easy to grow and are low maintenance. Proper preparation will ensure planting success. Gardeners often consider moss in their lawns as weeds. Rather than scorn their presence, embrace it. Mosses add interest and dimension to a garden and provide texture. Mosses are non-vascular…
This is your one-stop online orchid guide, with brief descriptions and links to a series of farmfoodfamily articles on the basics of orchid cultivation. This collection of Orchid Care Articles will help you easily find all of the basic information you’ll need to begin to successfully grow and bloom orchids. It’s not nearly as difficult…
The amount of light an orchid needs depends on the type of plant, but here are general guidelines that will help optimize the health of your plant and coax it to flower. Light is necessary for all life, but plants have the unique talent of being able to harness sunlight energy and turn it into…
The key to styling a bathroom with modern vintage design is to choose three major pieces in classic shapes. Accessories complete the modern vintage look. Designing a modern vintage bathroom can be approached from two ways. First, the room’s major items (bathtub, toilet, sink) can be chosen to suit a sleek, modern design, and then…
Finding the perfect Christmas present for family and friends can be a challenge. However, picking out just the right gift is simple with a few easy tips. Finding the perfect Christmas gift can be a stressful part of the holiday season, but it doesn’t have to be; coming up with great Christmas present ideas is…
With Spring here and Summer just around the corner it’s time to get your houseplants ready for a new growing season. Here’s a quick guide to show you how! The days are getting longer and warmer, and that means it’s time for houseplants to come out of dormancy and begin putting forth lots of new…
Lilies, castor beans, cycad palms, rhododendrons, azaleas, laurels, yews, crocuses, foxgloves and oleanders are among the most common poisonous plants for cats and dogs. Many of the plants kept in homes and gardens contain substances which can be extremely toxic when ingested by pets. Some of the most poisonous varieties can cause severe illness and…
When Christmas season rolls around, a Christmas tree decorated with doggy ornaments may be found in the dog lover’s home. Dog lovers are known to get a bit extreme at times but hey, man’s best friend is worth it. Some dog owners include their dogs in every area of life. Scruffy joins them in family…
There are many sites offering free or inexpensive Christmas clip art designs. What are the best ways to use these popular and festive images? Top 10 Easy Ways to Use Clip Art at Christmas personalize family newsletters create unique gift tags decorate inexpensive plain gift boxes or tins add flair to plain brown paper wrapping…
Keep an organic vegetable garden using herbs as companion plants. They attract beneficial insects that repel pests from hybridized bedding plants, and supply the kitchen. Herbs do their work effectively in containers, traditional vegetable patches, and raised bed gardens. It’s important to maintain a variety, because different herbs offend different pests, and attract specific beneficial insects….
