Do you remember the first time you felt “grown-up” and independent? For me, it was the day I walked to a doctor’s office and explained what was hurting without my dad’s help. I didn’t realize what a turning point it was until my dad mentioned later how great a moment that was. I’m now sitting …
Gardening
People turn to gardening for peace of mind, a sense of purpose, and the simple joy of harvesting something they grew themselves. But for many, gardening goes beyond a hobby—it’s a way to build resilience and self-reliance. Whether you’re preparing for uncertain times or just aiming to grow more of your own food on a …
Perennial crops put food on the table year after year. It is a joy to gather kale from the kitchen garden, to cut the first spears of asparagus in spring, and to dig up a fresh garlic bulb in late summer. Perennial vegetables not only taste better than grocery store varieties, but they are also …
Fairy gardens are one of those rare projects that make you feel like the best parent ever and keep the kids busy long enough for you to finish a full coffee. TikTok creator @beksmarden made one, then made another after moving—because you can leave the coffee maker behind, but not the fairy garden. This project …
Lawns (aka a lush carpet of green grass) used to be the default choice for yards. All you needed was Dad driving a lawn mower on them on Saturday morning, and you got yourself a neat patch of HOA-approved Bermuda grass. That may be true, but it’s also true that a basic lawn doesn’t provide …
Whether you live in southern Florida or get buried in the snow every winter, you may dream of having a tropical oasis in your backyard. Of course, this will be easier to implement if you live further south, but even those of us in areas that experience freezing temperatures can bring a bit of the …
We could all use more peace in our lives, and a beautifully designed garden, however simple, can provide a calm space for rest and meditation. The sound of rustling leaves, the scent of blooming flowers, and the gentle trickle of water can quiet the mind and soothe the soul. Whether you have a sprawling backyard …
Blue shade perennials are a great choice for gardeners who want to add some cool, calming colors to their gardens. If you’re wondering what blue flowering plants grow best in full shade, the list below has some that will make a great addition to your sunless spots. Few blue plants grow in full shade, but …
You’re missing out if you don’t have shrubs around your home. Shrubs can add color, fragrance, and even protection from unwanted attention. Shrubs can create interesting patterns and designs that please the eye. Picking the right spot for the right shrub can make or break your curb appeal. There are two varieties of shrubs: Angiosperms …
Getting older means you’ve finally earned the right to wear slacks daily, speak your mind without any filters, and do what you want with time. If you haven’t picked up a hobby now that you’re done balancing balance sheets or sending “circling back” emails at work, now is the time, and I’d like to propose …