If you recall the Hundred Acre Wood, from the nostalgic Winnie the Pooh series of books and movies, you might remember fantasizing that such a place could exist in the world. As it turns out, the fictional Hundred Acre Wood was inspired by a real place! Even better, you can actually make a pilgrimage to…
If you need to build a wall or other concrete structure on your property (like the wall of a BBQ or a firepit, for example), one of the first decisions you will make involves poured walls versus block. There are definitely reasons to support either choice, but let’s examine why poured concrete often has an…
Whether you attend the games in person or watch from the comfort of your living room, you might have noticed something about Dodger Stadium and other Major League Baseball fields: They’re really lush and green. Okay, so maybe that’s not your first thought when enjoying America’s favorite pastime. But you can’t deny it; you’ve wondered…
No matter our age or ability level, outdoor time is good for us. Our bodies generate vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure, and natural light helps to regulate our sleeping patterns. And of course, if you’re outdoors you’re more likely to be active. We all know exercise is important for both physical and mental…
Imagine relaxing on your porch or patio, admiring the beautiful blooms and sensuous scents of your garden… at night! Yes, there are plenty of flowers that bloom only at night, offering you the chance to create a unique landscape that even night owls will enjoy. Typically, we think of flowers blooming during the day, but…
Now that your grapes and berries are ripe and ready to pick, what can you do with them? Sure, a handful of sweet, juicy berries makes a great summer treat, but it can get old after a while. Try these ideas to include your homegrown crops into meals, snacks, and drinks. Infuse your water. We…
You might be wondering what an article on bees is doing on a landscaping blog. The reason is simple: Bees are a key part of our ecosystem, and are critical to the health and beauty of both flower and vegetable gardens. When you first think of bees, you might be picturing a flying, stinging insect…
How is your summer going? If you’re like a lot of people lately, you might be frustrated by high water bills, tired of watering your lawn, and maybe a bit sick of mowing it, too. What if we told you that you could address all of those problems with one simple step, by replacing your…
Like any parent, you want to give your child the best. With doctors and child development experts sounding the alarm on kids getting too much screen time, along with too little exercise, building an outdoor play space could be the perfect solution. The right play structure should provide exercise and an outlet for sensory experiences,…
Splash pads are the latest, greatest thing for young children at resorts and parks. So it might surprise you to learn that homeowners have picked up on the trend, and are now installing backyard splash pads for their youngsters to enjoy. But it makes sense, because splash pads provide endless water entertainment without the dangers…
Plants bring life and beauty into your home, but you don’t have to stick to the typical pots and vases. Those who are looking for something a bit more unique and fun might be intrigued by the idea of Kokedama, or Japanese moss ball planters. This art form makes an interesting gift, or a lovely…
Succulent gardens are a hot trend right now, and for good reason. They’re low-maintenance, low water, and super attractive and exotic-looking! Once you start succulent gardening, you might find that the hobby becomes a bit addictive, and that means expensive. To save yourself the trouble of continually purchasing more and more succulents for your projects,…
Summer has arrived, and marks a favorite time of year for many. If you’re looking forward to fresh local vegetables and mornings spent peacefully browsing your local farmer’s market, you probably self-identify as a summer lover! But what if you could extend that feeling throughout the year? Or, what if those of you lacking garden…
Growing up, many of us can remember visiting our grandparents’ farm, fishing in a nearby pond, and spending hours playing in the woods behind our houses. Somehow, the magic of our childhood seems lost today, as we rush about on our daily commutes from townhomes to bustling office buildings. Even our food seems decidedly un-magical,…
Here in Southern California, we don’t often see as much rainfall as the rest of the country. But when it does rain, we have to deal with runoff like everyone else. In fact, water runoff can be harder to accommodate when conditions are normally dry, because it doesn’t soak into the ground as quickly. A…