Vegetable Gardening 101: How to Start

Vegetable Gardening 101: How to Start

Vegetable gardening is a very rewarding (and tasty!) experience, even for the beginner! But, before you run out to the nursery to buy your first vegetable plant, you need a garden to plant it in. Here, we will show you the first step in vegetable gardening - building your plot. Choose your plot Sun is Everything - Most vegetables (and herbs!) need at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Soil is also Everything - Plants need soft soil that their roots can easily grow through, so loamy soil is ideal. Proper drainage…continue reading →
All About Terrariums

All About Terrariums

Terrariums are low maintenance, beautiful mini gardens that are great for small spaces indoors. Whether you received one as a gift or want to build one for your home or office, here is our guide. What are terrariums? Terrariums are also called mini greenhouses. They are small, sometimes enclosed, environments for plants. The plants and the soil in the terrarium release water vapor – essentially recycling water. The vapor is then collected onto the walls of the vessel and trickles down to the soil. Terrariums are self-nourishing, which is why they require little…continue reading →
The Ins and Outs of Indoor Seed Starting

The Ins and Outs of Indoor Seed Starting

The Ins and Outs of Indoor Seed Starting Indoor seed starting can be a rewarding experience, especially for the new gardner or a gardener who has a hard time waiting each year for Spring to come! If you are new to indoor seed starting, here's our step by step guide to get you started. Get Your Timing Right The goal to indoor seed starting is to have seedlings ready to go outside by the time the weather is favorable. This means that timing is everything. You will need to plant your seedlings early…continue reading →
Orchid Care 101: How To Keep Your Orchids Thriving

Orchid Care 101: How To Keep Your Orchids Thriving

Orchids, or Orchidaceae family, are known for having bright blooms and a fragrant scent. The beautiful flowers are known for having structural variations in their blooms. In nature, they typically grow in the tropics on trees and shrubs; however, there are variations that live in grasslands or in forests. They are originally native to regions in Asia and Australia, but today the majority of neotropical orchids are found in Central America, South America, and countries along the Andes Mountains.    Orchids are not any average plant, they are diverse and easily distinguishable from…continue reading →
Purposeful Planting: Nature’s Pollinator Gardens

Purposeful Planting: Nature’s Pollinator Gardens

Twelve years ago, the US Senate dedicated one week in June as National Pollinator Week. This effort raised awareness of the declining pollinator populations and helped to educate people internationally about the importance of pollinators in the ecosystem.   What are pollinators? Pollinators are primarily insects like bees, flies, and butterflies, but can also be birds or small mammals. These animals move pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers fertilizing plants as they go. When flowers have been fertilized, they produce seeds surrounded by fruit.   Why do we need them?…continue reading →
Tips for Choosing Organic Lawn Supplies

Tips for Choosing Organic Lawn Supplies

Americans have a lawn addiction. Drive through a typical U.S. suburb, and you’ll see dozens of lush, manicured, weed-less yards, watered by clicking sprinklers. The fixation has spread across the nation — estimates suggest that between 30 and 40 million acres of U.S. land are devoted to turfgrass, and we spend roughly $40 billion annually on seed, sod and the chemicals we need to care for them. Whether you already have a perfect yard or you’re trying to get one, you’ll probably have to invest in lawn products. Vibrant green grass doesn’t weed…continue reading →
8 Best Fall Perennials for Seasonal Color

8 Best Fall Perennials for Seasonal Color

8 Best Fall Perennials for Seasonal Color When it’s time for some perennials to go dormant it’s time for others to come out in all their glory, and now is the time for fall perennials to shine. Make sure you incorporate a seasonal interest in your yard, blending bloom times so you will have continuous color and appeal throughout the seasons with little effort. Whether you need foliage or flower, have sun or shade, dry soil or clay; there is a plant for you.  Fall perennials massed together make a statement by adding…continue reading →
Tips for Building and Maintaining Outdoor Fireplaces & Fire Pits

Tips for Building and Maintaining Outdoor Fireplaces & Fire Pits

After months of work, you finally have the backyard of your dreams. Maybe you’ve paved a new patio and set out chairs perfect for relaxing in, or maybe you’ve landscaped an immaculate garden and draped glowing string lights from trees. But despite everything, once night falls, guests wander inside. As the months grow cooler, less time is spent enjoying your hard work. You need something to draw conversation back outside, and nothing is quite as attractive as an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Whether it’s family s’mores nights or casual dinners with friends,…continue reading →
Tips for Maintaining Mulch Year-Round

Tips for Maintaining Mulch Year-Round

Mulch can make a landscape pop with color and create an appealing, polished look. Mulch also helps plants stay healthy and keep them growing strong. There are plenty of reasons to love your mulch, since mulch: Provides insulation, keeping roots warm in the winter and cool in the summer Helps the soil retain moisture Improves soil nutrition Protects soil from erosion and compaction Discourages weed growth Helps protect plants from lawnmower damage Best of all, mulch takes care of your plants without asking for much in return. With that said, there are a…continue reading →