Many people want to try gardening, but they’re living in an apartment or small home without a yard. Maybe they love the idea of growing their own food, but imagine the need for a small farm in order to do so. Perhaps they want to try their hand at exotic flowers, but imagine they need…
You’re building a new home, or perhaps you’re renovating an older one. At some point your focus will turn to the yard, since you’re concerned with curb appeal and the usefulness of your outdoor space. Whether you’re considering installing a lawn or thinking about changing the current one, size is a major consideration. Remember that…
Now that summer has arrived, you might be looking forward to months of delicious homegrown veggies. But of course, you have to get those veggies to grow first, and hot, dry weather can pose a challenge to those of us with backyard gardens. Specifically, you might be wondering how often you need to water your…
Maybe you intentionally purchased a home with a small yard, because you didn’t want to deal with a lot of upkeep. Or, perhaps you’re just trying to make the most of what you’ve got. Whatever the reason, you might find yourself trying to make the most of a small area. If so, you’ve come to…
Last week, we discussed some more traditional grass options for lawns. But we also have other options for groundcover, that you shouldn’t overlook just because they’re less common. In fact, many landowners are using Kurapia these days, and it’s growing in popularity due to its suitability to our climate in California. A low-water option. One…
If you’re dreaming of a lush, grassy lawn, you will probably read a lot about Bermuda and Fescue grasses. Both types of grass are commonly used as turf on well-traveled areas, from front lawns to soccer fields and even golf courses. But as with any plant, careful research is required so that you choose the…
Do you dream of a lush, flowering garden… but you’ve been cursed by a black thumb? Don’t worry; no one is permanently “cursed” this way! There’s nothing about you that actually causes flowers to wilt in your mere presence. Gardening is a skill that you can learn. Follow these steps to turn your black thumb…
Last week, we gave our readers some advice on setting up safe play spaces in the backyard, but some of you are reaching the other end of the swing set days. Your kids have outgrown the equipment, and the swing set is just sitting there collecting dust and pollen. Now that it’s time to remove…
Summer is almost here, and soon the kids will be out of school. Or, if you have grandchildren, maybe they’ll be coming for a visit soon. Like most parents or grandparents, you probably want to encourage them to put down the video games and play outside more. Installing a swing set in your backyard can…
Summer is the time for harvesting lavender, a lovely and fragrant herb you might have growing in your own garden. You probably chose it for its scent, or its gentle purple hue, so you might be surprised at how versatile lavender is! Once your lavender begins to bloom, you can dry bunches of it to…
What good is a beautiful, fragrant garden, if you don’t spent time outdoors enjoying it? That’s why we often blog about more than just flowers, trees, and other plants. Creating a space to relax and enjoy your hard work is important, too! So, picture this: It’s a warm, summer day, and a gentle breeze is…
Most of us think of gardens as something beautiful to look at. However, a sensory garden can be designed to appeal to all five of your senses, so that spending time in your backyard can become a relaxing, immersive experience. Since research has shown that spending time outdoors can lower blood pressure and reduce stress,…
If you visit a home improvement or gardening supply store, you can always find a variety of lovely planters for your garden. But sometimes “found objects” add the most unique and interesting touch to a landscaping project. These can be objects that you already have lying around your tool shed, or things that you pick…
There’s nothing quite like a bouquet of roses, whether you’re presenting someone with a romantic gift or simply want to enjoy them in your home. Creating a rose bouquet involves much more than simply gathering a bunch of blooms! There are a few secrets to creating the perfect bouquet. First, we tend to be partial…
If you would enjoy a garden full of flamboyant blooms with a tropical look, canna lilies might be an excellent choice for you. These perennial flowers are available in a variety of different colors, and they sport large paddle-shaped leaves. The plant itself is lovely, and would make a terrific addition to your landscaping even…