For eco-conscious homeowners, a rain barrel seems like a smart choice for a free water source that also helps manage stormwater. However, before you set one up, you should check your local laws. While no state outright bans rainwater collection, some have strict rules. In the Western U.S., for instance, old “prior appropriation” laws mean …
Gardening
Struggling to find the perfect birthday gift? Instead of another gift card, why not give something with a personal touch? Birth month flowers, much like birthstones, offer a unique and thoughtful way to celebrate someone’s special day. Each month is represented by one or two special blooms, each with its own rich history and symbolic …
Few sights feel as wild and lively as the rapid tap-tap-tap of a woodpecker at work on a tree trunk. For garden lovers who enjoy bird-watching from a patio or a window, these birds offer color, sound, and movement in equal measure. In this article, we will explore ten woodpecker species to keep an eye …
Plants might be quiet roommates, but they know how to make their rent. They clean the air, brighten corners, and do it all without hogging the remote. The trick isn’t owning a jungle-worthy collection, but knowing how to use what you have to bring comfort and character into every nook. With the proper staging, greenery …
Sometimes you stand at the window on a freezing morning, coffee in hand, staring at a little sparrow on the fence and wondering how on earth it hasn’t turned into a tiny ice cube. It seems impossible that something weighing less than a slice of bread can survive temperatures that send us running for the …
Gardening requires a bit of foresight. While your local nursery is filled with lush, green options that look perfect in their little plastic pots, some of those beauties are hiding expensive secrets. Certain plants are so aggressive they’ll try to redecorate your home’s foundation, while others have messy habits that create endless cleanup chores. Planting …
Winter is beautiful in its own pale ways, but when lush, leafy trees suddenly stand bare and stark against gray skies, an otherwise vibrant yard can seem a bit glum. It’s easy to assume the garden’s charm hibernates for months. Luckily, winter doesn’t have to mean looking out at a collection of forlorn branches. The …
Winter is like nighttime for gardens. The bustling activity of spring and summer fades, and a blanket of snow or frost often covers the ground. For the birds that stick around, this picturesque scene presents a serious challenge: finding food. Their usual buffet of insects and seeds gets buried or disappears entirely. This is where …
Life always seems to be divided into two types of people: those who love cats and those who love dogs, early birds and night owls, extroverts and introverts. Many times, extroverts find themselves holed up in a box of various stereotypes. While extroverts can be outgoing and spirited, these specific characteristics may not apply to …
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably reached the point where every flat surface in your home has become a designated plant display. Your windowsills are a jungle, your coffee table is a forest floor, and you’re one pothos away from your dining table being completely unusable. Or maybe you’d love to start a collection …