This content includes affiliate links. I get a small percentage of the sale for purchases made through links in this post. However, I use each product I review and only recommend those that I like and have worked well. Read my disclosure for more information. When I decided that the raised bed in my front yard needed a little height to give it added structure and color, my first though was some sort of permanent structure, whether it be … [Read more...]
Landscape Solutions for the Base of Trees
Updated: July 8, 2017 Leaving the base of the tree bare can often look unkempt or out of place since it's not easy to mow right up to the edge of a tree or to even weed-eat around it carefully. Plantings or mulching around the base of the tree trunk can not only help protect roots from the mower's blades, but also make your existing trees a part of the landscape design and reduce the amount of weed-eating that is necessary. Here are some of my … [Read more...]
A Living Wall of Shade Plants in a Colorful Pattern
You never know where you will come across amazing gardening ideas or unique plants. I wouldn't necessarily think a zoo is a great place to find gardening ideas, but on a recent trip to the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I came across this gorgeous display of functional landscaping. In a shady corner, near the otters and turtles, the retaining wall has been created out of shade plants in a diagonal pattern planted between the concrete … [Read more...]
Adding A Little Magic to My Garden: Using Fairy Lights
This content includes affiliate links. I get a small percentage of the sale for purchases made through links in this post. However, I use each product I review and only recommend those that I like and have worked well. Read my disclosure for more information. This year I planted Mandevilla in the spring/summer container gardens I planted for my mom. I just took out those summer plants and replaced them with fall mums, pansies, decorative … [Read more...]
Gardening in Small Spaces
I enjoy walking through my town and the towns that I visit. It gives me a great perspective on the town, the people that live there, and an up close and personal way to enjoy people's gardens. I have seen some very creative ways of utilizing every inch of space to garden in small yards. Don't think you are limited just because you only have a couple of feet to spare. Be creative! These are some of my favorite ideas for small space gardening that … [Read more...]
Tips For Halloween-Proofing Your Garden
With Halloween just around the corner, I finally got my decorations put up outside. I love seeing the neighborhoods kids in their costumes when they come to trick-or-treat. Some of my scarier decorations have even been known to send little kids running. It’s all in good fun. While I love getting trick-or-treaters at my door on Halloween, I also love my garden. Some of the kids, especially the little ones, are eager to get to the front door and … [Read more...]
Stream Bank Erosion Control Using Rocks and Flowering Plants
Fast running water can erode the banks of a stream quickly. While keeping the bank planted is important, I wanted to reduce the amount of weed-eating necessary to keep the grass (and weeds) down and also make the stream bank more attractive. I opted for lining the stream edge with large landscaping stones and mixing in irises, daylilies, and even some daffodils. The stream in my back yard A small intermittent stream runs through my back yard. … [Read more...]
Winter Garden Project: Count Birds at Your Feeder This Winter to Help Track Bird Populations
Want something fun to do while your garden is sleeping this winter? How about signing up for Project Feeder Watch? If you live in North America, you can participate in collecting data that helps scientists determine changes in bird distribution and abundance. This is a great way to teach your kids about scientific data collection and bird identification. You just need some bird feeders, seed, and to sign up. Project FeederWatch Project Feeder … [Read more...]
Please Clean Up After Your Dog Yard Signs
If you're out in your garden a lot, the last thing you want to do is step in a mess left by a dog. I seem to have several pairs of shoes that have fallen prey to that problem. I own a dog, so I know it's not fun to pick up after your dog, but it's the right thing to do. For a while there, I had quite the problem with the dog owners who walked in our neighborhood. Some would even turn their dogs loose and let them use the middle of the yard or … [Read more...]
A Visit with a Fellow Gardener
I had such a great time this weekend visiting with a fellow gardener. It is such a joy to see what others do with their gardens and to share their enthusiasm for gardening. And on this particular visit, I came away with a whole trunk full of plant cuttings to root - a wonderful addition to my garden. Visiting someone else's garden is so great for getting ideas and just sharing your love of the outdoors. Structures Structures in this garden … [Read more...]