There is always a new idea or feature to add to the garden. Some projects require a lot of time and others, a moment, but they all add something special. Gardeners love designing their gardens, dreaming about them during the cold days of winter and planning them well in advance. They can’t wait for the…
Crushed stone walkways are easy to install, and will make strolling through the garden a pleasure. Stone paths are loved by gardeners. They add structure and beauty to a garden. They make a wonderful sound when walked on, and the stone helps to keep your shoes free from mud while doing your garden chores. Constructing…
Some people see chemicals as a quick & easy fix for lawn problems, but the chemical approach addresses the symptom, not the problem. Instead, go for an organic lawn! The signs of a chemically-dependent lawn are obvious – sparse grass, moss & mildew, yellow spots, insect damage and a spongy feel underfoot caused by a…
Five super-easy ideas to keep a lawn healthy, lush, green, and safe for kids and pets! A green carpet of lawn adds beauty & functionality to a landscape. It can also wreak havoc on both the environment and the homeowner’s wallet. Synthetic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides only appear to help lawns thrive. In reality, they degrade the…
To revamp your landscape, know your obstacles, don’t rush the process and put the right plant in the right place. The tools you’ll need are: a metal measuring tape a pencil with eraser a ruler a notepad graph paper a digital camera (helpful, not required), and a clear vision of what you want to end…
Find out how to prepare herb gardens to survive till spring in cold-winter climates. With a little planning and a little work, gardeners can significantly improve the health, survival, and quality of their herb gardens through wintertime. Proceed Carefully in Autumn Many perennial herbs will be more likely to survive the winter if the gardener…
Early Fall frosts can decimate crops such as tomatoes and peppers. Use row covers to create a warm micro-climate. It is Fall and night-time temperatures are getting into the 40s and the sunshine of summer is replaced by rain and overcast. Pole beans are still producing and carrots are not yet ready to harvest. There…
You can lug large container plants into the greenhouse or garage for the winter, or you can provide each plant with frost protection right where it lives. All serious gardeners have special plants; they spend large amounts of time and money on these beauties and will do almost anything to protect them from damage. When…
Gardeners love to grow plants that will not survive the winter outside. Overwintering tender plants successfully takes a little preparation. Tropicals and tender perennials add beauty and charm to a patio, deck or garden in the summer. To insure that these tender plants survive to beautify the yard another year, it is necessary to bring…
While some tropical and subtropical plants will be fine at temperatures above freezing, most sustain damage at temperatures below 40 degrees. Living in a subtropical or tropical area is a wonderful experience for gardeners. Year-around gardening without a greenhouse is every serious gardener’s dream. While temperatures in subtropical and tropical areas rarely dip below 40,…
Preparing your lawn for wintertime is easy and inexpensive. Simple things you can do now will help make your grass green next spring. Our yards are similar to our bodies in basic needs. We both require good food, air and water to thrive. Before the cold weather sets in, there are some basic things to…
Living in an apartment without a yard doesn’t mean gardening is out of reach. Container gardens work well for those with limited outdoor space. Renters need not shy away from gardening because of the lack of outdoor space. All that is needed is an area that receives five hours or more of sunlight each day….
Most backyard-for-dogs guides are a feature wishlist: a splash pad here, an obstacle course there, a photogenic dog bed under a pergola. What they skip is the actual design problem. A dog doesn’t care that a flower bed looks nice, it cares that the dirt underneath is diggable. The real question isn’t “what features would…
The ficus is one of the most popular and perhaps most temperamental houseplants in the world. Here is a quick guide to this beautiful houseplant and tips to keep it happy The Ficus family is among the most popular houseplants in the world. Varieties range from lush trees up to six feet high to tiny…
Here are 9 easy tips and tricks for happy, healthy houseplants. From blooming tricks to ways to repel pests, these tips and tricks will help your plants look their best. 1. Get stubborn violets to flower For African Violets that are green and healthy but just won’t bloom, make sure they aren’t hungry. Use a…
Have you ever wondered why some plants struggle to thrive in dim corners of your home or office? The truth lies in the critical role of light for plant health. Choosing the Plants for Low Light Areas is not just about beautifying these spaces but ensuring the plants you select can grow and flourish despite…
The right soil is crucial to your plants. Without it they won’t thrive and may even die. Here is a look at potting soil and a guide to choosing the right one. Houseplants need many things to survive and thrive-light, water, fertilizer, and soil. Many people underestimate the importance of choosing the right soil for…
They may look gorgeous and healthy in the store, but once they are brought home, things may go downhill fast. Here are the most common causes of houseplant death. It’s always disappointing when a houseplant dies, but most of the causes are easily preventable. Here’s how! Related: Why Do Your Plants Die And How To Avoid…
Shade has cooling effect on a home and garden. When trees, the best sources of natural shade aren’t available or practical, there are alternative plants. Shade is cooling and quieting in a yard or garden. It is the canopy from the sun. Trees offer shade but sometimes aren’t feasible to grow due to space, climate,…
Landscaping gardens to conserve water not only saves a precious resource, it also saves money. Use smart watering techniques plus mulch to create a water-wise landscape. During a hot, dry summer, a landscape overflowing with colorful flowers and lush green leaves usually only comes after hours and hours of watering. Fortunately, your landscape doesn’t have…
Marigold flowers are an annual flower that you only need to purchase once for years of beautiful flower gardens. Marigolds are a hardy flower that will continue to bloom all summer long. With proper sunlight and water, these colorful flowers will fill out any garden and add beauty to any yard. There are two basic…
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