You may get a thrill from watching a graceful deer nuzzle an adorable fawn near your house, but when the deer come onto your property to munch on your prize plants, the thrill is gone. And deer on your property will bring ticks that can make you and your family sick. Proper fencing is the… Read more »
Looking like something from a science fiction movie, what’s known as dog vomit slime mold may appear on your lawn or in your flowerbeds. It may give you the heebie-jeebies, but is it toxic? And should you keep children and pets away from it? Here’s what you need to know about dog vomit slime mold…. Read more »
Growing new plants using cuttings from other plants is a low-cost alternative to buying from a nursery. Here’s what you need to know to begin stocking your garden or pots with plants grown from cuttings. How new plants grow from cuttings Many plants will grow new roots from a properly cut section of an older… Read more »
Few things delight the eye, like watching colorful birds flitting around the yard. You can use cozy birdhouses to attract these beautiful creatures to stick around to become neighbors. Here’s how to make birds feel at home in your birdhouses. Know your neighbors Consult your state parks and wildlife department or research online for species… Read more »
We live in the golden age of outdoor grilling. Your choices for the ultimate backyard barbecue range from gas and charcoal to pellet and Kamado grills, all of which offer other great features. Let’s get grilling! Methods of delivering heat The major difference in grill performance lies in the fuel used. Gas grills burn either… Read more »
Wooden fences are a simple, beautiful boundary around your property. They need regular maintenance, however, to keep their beauty and to stand straight and tall. Here are some basic steps for maintaining a wooden fence. A new wooden fence Moisture is the biggest enemy of wood structures, including fences. The most popular woods for fencing… Read more »
Trees add important value to residential property, and among tree species, oaks are one of the most prized. It is hard to overstate how oak trees benefit the world. Here are just some of the reasons these majestic trees are so valuable. Accolades for the oak Probably no species of tree has been as lauded… Read more »
A massive snowstorm paralyzed the nation’s heartland in February 2021. Millions faced frozen pipes, freeze-burned plants and treacherous sidewalks. How can you prepare for future Arctic blasts, even if such events are rare where you live? Safety first When a snowstorm heads your way, remember the four “Ps”: Protect pets, pipes, plants and people. Bring… Read more »
Summer travel season is at its height! If you intend to take your pet along for the ride, here are some important tips for pet-friendly travel. Preparation pet-friendly travel Have your veterinarian examine your pet before the trip. Get copies of her vaccine record, since some states may require it in certain circumstances. Put together… Read more »
Poison ivy is not just a hazard for kids at summer camp. This toxic plant can show up in your landscape and, when touched, cause people and even pets a nasty, blistering rash. Let’s identify this landscape nemesis and dispose of it safely. Leaves of three, let it be Poison ivy’s appearance can vary by… Read more »
Fueled in part by an alarming decrease in the honey bee population in 2015, beekeeping has rapidly caught the attention of hobbyists and new bee farmers across the U.S. Is beekeeping for you? The importance of bees Bees are pollinators. As they flit from bloom to bloom, they carry pollen that perpetuates plant life. According… Read more »
Temperatures can vary widely in spring, potentially exposing your newly planted tender garden plants to freezing temperatures overnight. The same is true in the fall. How can you keep your plants safe from Mother Nature’s whims? Cold frames could be just the answer for protecting your vulnerable plants and extending their growing season. What are… Read more »
A gorgeous deck in the backyard is a place to relax with family and friends. Occasionally, though, you’ve heard news stories about elevated decks collapsing and injuring people. How can you ensure that your deck stays safe, or build a new one that is trustworthy? Here’s our guide to safe construction and deck maintenance. Anatomy… Read more »
A chill is in the air, the leaves are falling, and the scent of pumpkin spice is in the air. It’s time to finish your last vegetable harvest and winterize your garden for the frosty months ahead. Fall maintenance lessens the amount of work you’ll have to do come spring and will make your garden… Read more »
Mosquitoes aren’t just the source of an irritating itch — they can also carry diseases such as the West Nile virus. Eradicating mosquitoes on your property is an important health exercise, as well as a way to make time spent outdoors more enjoyable. Read on for tips about getting rid of these pests. Prevention is… Read more »
Outdoor plants take a beating during extreme conditions such as drought. How do you keep plants flourishing, despite the weather? Here are some survival tips on how to care for plants during a drought. Drought tolerant plant selection If you live in an area that tends to have long hot and dry summers, choose plants… Read more »
A living wall consists of plants hung vertically on a wall instead of on horizontal surfaces like tables, shelves, or the floor. Whether indoors or outdoors, living walls benefit your health and the ecosystem. If you want to include more green living in your home, here’s how to install a living wall. Where to begin?… Read more »
It’s an unsettling topic but one that must be confronted: Children can drown. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among 1- to 4-year old children and is also a leading factor with 10- to 19-year-olds. A child or at-risk adult can drown quickly and silently before caregivers even realize what is happening…. Read more »
Trees can be the best addition you’ll ever make to your yard, but choose wisely, plant carefully and don’t forget to prune. When shopping, think about why you want trees. Is it for shade? For pretty color in spring or fall? To block out neighbors or noise? Your answer will help narrow your choices. Next,… Read more »
When it comes to carpenter bees, homeowners tend to fall into one of two camps: those who see the giant bees as a menace and those who see them as pollinators. They can be both Carpenter bees, if you’ve yet to encounter one, are large and resemble bumblebees. Like bumblebees, they are great to have… Read more »
