No matter how you feel about your Elf on the Shelf, one thing is for sure: The kids expect him to move periodically. Parents can get a bit bored or overwhelmed, trying to think of increasingly imaginative pranks to play with their elves. This holiday season, why not add a touch of nature to your…
In a world where wellness is gaining more importance, there’s a growing appreciation for all things natural, including our beverages. Enter botanical mocktails – delightful and refreshing concoctions that celebrate the vibrant world of plants and herbs. In this blog, we’ll explore the art of crafting botanical mocktails, celebrating flavors and aromas from the garden…
When you hear the word “garden” you’re probably already thinking of plant life. But many aspects of traditional gardens aren’t technically alive. We use fencing, hardscape, furniture, decorative objects, and more in our outdoor spaces. But with a little ingenuity, you can build structures that are living works of art all by themselves. These ideas…
The holidays have come and gone, and if you’re like most people you can’t wait until spring. For now, we’re stuck with the dreary cool weather of January and February. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some fun nature-themed activities indoors. Create a succulent garden. All you need is a bag of rocks, a…
As your interest in gardening grows, you ironically might find yourself longing for more indoor space. We all think of gardening as an outdoor activity, but there are certain times that you need shelter for your plants. A backyard greenhouse can provide exactly the space you need to expand your gardening hobby, fur a number…
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and many of you are busy planning your menus and shopping for ingredients. But what’s a great meal without a beautiful table? Have you had time to consider a seasonal centerpiece that will accentuate your meal? Yes, it’s just one more chore to add to your list! But a…
Like many homeowners, you might require a backyard shed to store your gardening equipment. But the shed itself can serve as an eyesore that detracts from your overall landscaping. The key is to carefully plan the landscaping around your shed, so that it blends in seamlessly with the rest of your backyard. First, of course,…
Wine has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in recent years, with many of us enjoying wine tastings, vineyard visits, and that relaxing afternoon glass of wine on the porch. But have you ever considered making your own wine? Experiencing the entire process from start to finish can be a truly educational hobby, and you could…
Everyone’s favorite season has finally arrived! And with it comes the changing of leaves on deciduous trees. While raking the lawn might not be your favorite chore, you can at least have fun with a variety of fall-themed craft activities. The following ideas are great for kids and adults alike, and can help you use…
Summer is a time of fun outdoor parties, lounging by the pool, and barbecues with friends. And due to the heat, everyone needs a nice cold beverage. If you’re looking to add festivity to your get-togethers, or simply enjoy a more posh atmosphere when you’re hanging out alone, ice cubes infused with edible flowers or…
Now that spring has arrived, you’re probably thinking about seasonal crafts and holidays. If you’re trying to decide what to gift your loved ones for Easter, why not combine these two ideas and make them a special basket right from your own garden? They will receive a gift made with love, and you (and your…
Valentine’s Day has arrived, and you might be considering a cut flower arrangement for your special someone. And sure, you can just head to the floral department at your grocery store and pick up an arrangement… And you probably will since it’s February and your garden isn’t exactly blooming in full force right now. But…
Orchids carry such an exotic and mysterious aura, that it can be easy to feel intimidated by them. But with a little knowledge, orchids aren’t actually all that difficult to grow. Here’s what you need to know. First of all, orchids are epiphytes. This means that instead of growing in soil, most grow by hanging…
You might remember the old saying, “waste not; want not.” The idea is that when we use our resources carefully, we are never in need. But how many usable resources from our gardens go to waste every year? In many cases, we’re overlooking opportunities to reap so much more from our landscaping than pretty flowers….
Each year, Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday in May. Over the years, we have evolved from honoring not only our own mothers, but also other relatives, friends, and neighbors who are mothers. If you’re looking for some simple but heartfelt gift ideas for the special mothers in your life, why not a bouquet…
Planting your garden and watching it grow is considered the “fun part” of gardening. The clean-up chores often feel less glamorous. But with a little creativity, you can put many garden byproducts to use in or around the home, giving some of them a second life. Planning fun projects for your “leftovers” can make these…
As you’re setting up an outdoor seating area, you will face a number of options. Outdoor seating can provide a place for conversation, eating, reading, working from home, or just soaking up some sunshine instead of feeling cooped up indoors. Lately, basket seats are all the rage, featured in social media ads and on websites…
Easter is soon to arrive, and spring will be in full swing along with it! You probably want to enjoy a little outdoor time with your family on this day, even if larger gatherings are cancelled at this time. The following ideas can get your yard looking its best in time for Easter weekend. Refresh…
If you’ve ever visited botanical gardens, or even Disneyland, you might have marveled at the beauty of topiaries. They do add a whimsical, striking effect to your landscape, and learning to make them yourself can be fun (plus help you save money). Basically, there are two ways to make topiaries: You can construct them from…
With New Year’s Day rapidly approaching, you might be thinking about the resolutions you plan to make. Getting into shape is a common theme at this time of year, and many people also plan to become more disciplined with regard to chores at home. We have some great news for you: You can “kill two…
If you’re looking for ideas for unique gifts, you’ve come to the right place. Plants can serve as the gift that keeps on giving, for many seasons or even years. With a little forethought and creativity, your offering will be the star of each round of Dirty Santa at this year’s holiday parties. How about…
For those who love landscaping and gardening, oncoming winter might represent the beginning of a dormant time for your favorite hobby. But you can still have fun sprucing up your yard, and add holiday cheer to the exterior of your home, by utilizing seasonal decor in your landscaping. Replace summer arrangements with winter version. With…
Most of us appreciate the cooler weather that arrives with autumn, and we all know about the fervor over pumpkin spice lattes, scented candles, and other products. But fall can also serve as the perfect opportunity for some fun outdoor projects, to decorate your yard and have fun with the kids. Fall decorating can go…
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,…