You know how you feel crispy and look like a lobster after a long day in the sun without sunscreen and a wide-rimmed hat? Well, turns out your fruit trees might feel the same way. Sunburns aren’t just a human thing. Fruit trees, especially young ones, can get scorched by the sun, and when that …
Landscaping
Gardening is a beloved ritual for many reasons. It’s a way to connect with nature, relieve stress, and take pride in growing something beautiful or edible. But for people with mobility issues—whether due to age, disability, or injury—bending, kneeling, and heavy lifting can turn that joy into frustration or even risk. According to a 2018 …
While we all appreciate a garden bursting with vibrant color, the most memorable outdoor spaces go beyond the visual—they delight all five senses. A truly captivating garden doesn’t just look beautiful; it smells intoxicating, feels inviting, sounds alive, and sometimes even tastes sweet (hello, edible herbs!). This season, enhance your garden’s sensory experience by planting …
Many invasive plants started innocently, as ornamental landscape plants in gardens or as agricultural or other functional plants. Only after these nonnative species were introduced did we realize their aggressive nature in this new environment, as they rapidly spread and outcompeted native plants. In addition to damaging native ecosystems, invasive plants in New Hampshire also …
Landscaping under any tree can be challenging, thanks to the dense shade cast by the branches and the abundance of thick roots in the soil. But black walnut trees (Juglans nigra) seem to be in a category all their own; nothing will grow anywhere near them! Although landscaping under black walnut trees may feel like …
Easy to grow and easy to love, mint is among the most common perennial herbs. Whether you grow peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, pineapple mint, or common garden mint (or one of the many other varieties!), knowing the best companion plants for mint can help you grow healthy, happy plants. First, it’s helpful to know the …
We all have that one problem tree in the backyard around which nothing will grow. The ground under the branches displays little more than patches of bare soil. If you’re reading this post, your problem tree might be a spruce, or perhaps you’re simply searching for inspiration on landscaping for under your spruce trees. Whatever …
It’s beyond frustrating to look out your window and see your garden stripped clean—flowers gone, leaves chewed, and stems standing like sad little reminders. If your yard is starting to feel more like a deer buffet than a flower bed, it’s time to fight back (beautifully). Deer will avoid certain plant varieties due to bitter …
Tired of weedy, bare patches in the shady corners of your garden? Shade-loving ground cover plants are the secret to transforming those tricky spots into lush, low-maintenance oases. These hardworking plants do more than look pretty—they act like living mulch, helping to suppress weeds, lock in moisture, and prevent soil erosion. And while it can feel …
Harvesting honey from their own beehives is a sweet and delicious reward for beekeepers and those who purchase it from them. Bees work hard to gather pollen and make honey, so you might wonder how this affects their ecosystem. Do they have enough to eat? Do they get mad that their honey is being taken? …