Flowers such as gardenias or azaleas typically grow from the ground or on bushes. Take flowers to the next level with vines that spread the beauty of blossoms to eye level and above on a trellis or pergola. Three ways vines climb Three types of vines climb structures. Two similar types, twining and tendril vines,… Read more »
Overseeding can reinvigorate lawns where the grass has developed thin patches. In some parts of the country, homeowners can also overseed their yards with winter rye grass for a lush green lawn through the winter months. Here’s a guide to why, how, and when to overseed your yard. What is overseeding? When a lawn has… Read more »
Owls are amazing birds. They make good neighbors, eating mice and rats around your property. If you want to attract owls, you can build an owl house for the birds to nest in. Owls provide pest protection You can control rodents with traps inside or feral cats outside, but those are undesirable. An owl can… Read more »
Homeowners’ encounters with black bears are increasing in America, partly because neighborhoods are expanding into bears’ natural habitats. These encounters can be terrifying and sometimes lead to people foolishly approaching bears. How can you keep bears away? And what should you do if you encounter one? Types of bears and what attracts them The black… Read more »
Heavy rainfall runoff can be detrimental to your home, your landscape, and the environment. A creative solution to that gully washer is to channel the water into a colorful rain garden. Here’s how to do it. Why you may need a rain garden Water pooling against your house can cause the foundation to become structurally… Read more »
Lawn mowing can be a tedious and tiring chore. What if there were a way to turn that drudgery into something more like fun? Introducing the zero-turn lawnmower. Best used for large properties, zero-turn lawnmowers zip nimbly across lawns like a go-cart. Let’s ride! What is a zero-turn lawnmower? Zero-turn lawnmowers have powerful engines that… Read more »
Pumpkins can add a warm and homey touch to your decor throughout the fall, not just at Halloween. Consider these creative ideas for decorating with pumpkins. All kinds of pumpkins Today’s pumpkins come in a dazzling range of colors, from traditional bright orange to more muted orange tones, white, green and gray. Sizes vary, too:… Read more »
All gardens are beautiful, but a meadow garden provides additional benefits. These gardens help support wildlife and are easier to maintain than lawns or other gardens. Here’s what you need to know about converting all or part of your yard to a meadow garden. Meadow garden basics Meadow gardens feature native plants. That means they… Read more »
Weeds invade every part of your landscape. Gardens require constant vigilance because weeds can interfere with your flowers or vegetables. Here are some tips for whacking those weeds. Weeds and their seeds are everywhere Weed seeds are constantly on the move. They travel in the wind and in bird droppings. They can even hitch a… Read more »
Want to beautify your garden and save time and money on maintenance while giving Mother Nature a hand? Add native plants to your yard, a relatively simple task that pays off big. Here’s a primer on gardening with native plants. What are native plants? Native plants are those naturally found in your area, as opposed… Read more »
If you’re a bird lover, it takes just a few steps to turn your backyard into a haven filled with brilliant colors and cheerful songs. Here’s how to attract birds to your backyard. Birds want the basics Much like humans, birds want food, water, shelter and a place to nest. The more of those you… Read more »
Electric vehicles now seem to be everywhere, but you might not realize there’s a quiet electric revolution going on in lawn care as well. Quiet is the optimal word: The roar of gas-powered engines is yielding to the purr of electric motors. Let’s look at the current quality of electric lawn care tools and how… Read more »
Creatures that crawl and slither give us the heebie-jeebies. We tend to assume anything with scales or eight legs is deadly. Yet most snakes, spiders and scorpions are mere nuisances, not reasons for terror. Very few of these creatures pose a real danger, so if we learn to identify the bad guys, we can take… Read more »
When you buy plants at a garden center, you can also buy soil in which to plant them. Maybe you’ve wondered whether to get potting soil or garden soil. What’s the difference? Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice for your plants. What is potting soil? As its name implies, potting… Read more »
If grass clippings have accumulated on your lawn, you should periodically clear the resulting thatch so that water and nutrients can penetrate the soil. Known as scarifying, this process of raking up thatch is essential for the health of your lawn. Here’s what you need to know. What is and is not thatch If you… Read more »
With their summer shade, fall color, dramatic winter branches and spring leaves, stately trees bring beauty year-round and are a boon to the environment. It’s easy to become emotionally attached to nearby trees you associate with fond memories. But no tree will last forever. So is it time to say goodbye to one of yours?… Read more »
You may not expect pet predators in suburban neighborhoods, but wildlife can dwell in a greenbelt or a few acres of undeveloped land. So don’t be complacent about protecting your smallest, most vulnerable pets when they’re outdoors. Here’s what you need to know about pet predators. Wildlife predators in your neighborhood Wildlife is amazingly resilient… Read more »
Whether your front porch is a tiny stoop or a full-blown wraparound, you can decorate it just as you would any room in your home to make it a welcoming introduction to the rest of your house. Not only will you gain curb appeal, but you’ll also create a space where you and guests want… Read more »
Nothing beats a hot summer day at the pool for beauty and relaxation. And it’s not just the refreshing water that makes a pool picturesque. Landscaping around a pool can enhance its crystalline beauty and give a spa-like feeling to your backyard. It can also provide privacy. Check out these recommendations for landscaping around a… Read more »
Deer will scarf down your tasty, tender petunias and nosh on your geraniums, but not every landscape flower or shrub will whet their appetite. Protect your landscape by using deer-resistant plants the animals will turn up their noses at. Plants with unappealing textures Deer dislike plants with fuzzy textures. Plants such as lamb’s ear, lady’s… Read more »
