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 »
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 »
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 »
Windowsill gardening is a great option if you want freshly grown herbs, vegetables or flowers but live in an apartment or other situation with little outdoor garden space. Even if you have outdoor space, you may like the convenience of snipping fresh herbs at your kitchen window. Here’s how to convert a small, sunny space… Read more »
When you buy your first home, friends and family shower you with “housewarming” gifts that mostly center around decor and sentimentality. But practical items are must-haves when you’re moving into your first house. Here are the essential items you’ll need for day-to-day life in your new home. General use Cleaning supplies: broom, mop, bucket, dustpan,… Read more »
It’s June, which means it’s time to relax and enjoy the kick-off of summer, but before the fun can begin, be sure to tackle this handy home and garden to-do list. Change the filters in your air conditioning vents to help your unit operate at optimum capacity. If you haven’t already, schedule an annual maintenance… 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 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 »
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 »
Holes, mounds and trails. When you see any of these critters in your yard or garden, you’ve got uninvited visitors. What — if anything — to do about them depends on where they are and the amount of damage they can do. Here’s a brief guide to what crawlies and critters could be lurking underfoot… Read more »
Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, isn’t as hard as you might think — even without a large yard. Where do you start? Here are the basics to a successful backyard kitchen garden. Start your gardening at the computer. Many online gardening sites provide planner templates, giving step-by-step instructions on everything from starting with… Read more »
Homeowners generally put time, money and energy into front landscaping that gives their homes great curb appeal or backyards that allows for entertaining in style. But the side yard is often a forgotten netherworld littered with garbage cans, hose reels, and half-hearted landscaping. There’s untapped potential here, so let’s transform that space from awkward to… Read more »
In most climates, after fall’s riotous hues fade, landscapes become dreary and devoid of color. Whether you live in a snowy or moderate climate, here are some tips for transforming your barren yard with winter plants. Problems winter plants can solve for you Problem: Your grass is hibernating, and your yard looks brown and drab…. Read more »
Although dogs and cats are carnivores, they sometimes munch on potentially hazardous plants. Here’s a list of some common indoor and outdoor plants that are dangerous to pets and a second list of pet-friendly plants. Plants that can be hazardous to pets Azalea can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and possible death. Baby’s breath, a filler… Read more »
Buying and installing full-grown plants from a nursery is the quickest — and most expensive — way to landscape a backyard. But if you’re a gardener on a budget or have a green thumb, try gardening the old-fashioned way. From seeds. Purchase envelopes of plant seeds from a local garden center. Or order them from… Read more »
There’s something magical about the beauty and delicacy of butterflies. Wouldn’t it be fun to have them as frequent visitors around your home? Here’s how to invite them into your yard. Learn your butterflies. Research local websites for butterfly field guides highlighting types native to your area. Pay close attention to the types of plants… Read more »
A vegetable garden is a good way to provide delicious and healthy produce to your family without spending a lot of money. With some careful planning and prep work, you can grow nutritious vegetables in every season. Follow these steps to ensure a bountiful harvest year-round. Design your garden. Two to three raised beds (four-foot… Read more »
Forget about a green thumb, a good gardener needs a quality set of tools. Check out our handy list of the most helpful gardening tools for the backyard landscaper. Shopping List of Essential Gardening Tools Gloves are a must, especially if gardening is a weekend-only activity and blisters are a likely result. Gloves can also… Read more »
Healthy flowers and shrubs depend on good soil and plenty of water. But you’re wasting your time and money if you don’t add a third ingredient to the mix — a three- to four-inch layer of quality mulch. Let’s dig a little deeper to explore the benefits of this material. Importance to your Landscape Mulch… Read more »
