One day, I hope to live in a place where I can have sunshine more than a few months out of the year. I tell you, February and March drag on, but I’m starting to think April is the worst! You start to see growth, then you see snow, then the wind and the cold, …
Do you want a beautifully colored yard but don’t have the time to work at it daily? Me too. Even though I work from home, I tend to get busier as the years go on with the kids in sports, and I mostly drive them here and there. Having all the beautiful colors is key …
Pruning and cutting back—oh my, those two things can get you into trouble. When we moved into our farmhouse, I wanted to cut back everything that looked dead in the fall. Yet, through the years, I’ve learned how determinantal that can be and how waiting until the spring makes a huge difference. I was so …
Tulips are the breath of fresh air we all need after months and months of dark grey skies. Seeing anything green in spring here in Western New York brings joy to my day. Last year, I was staring at my tulip beds along the side of the house that no one ever walks by. These …
When it comes to painting the canvas of your garden, climbing flowering perennials can splash your vertical spaces with a riot of colors and scents. With a gentle push, these lively plants will start reaching for the sky, adding dimension and a touch of drama to your plain old garden walls and fences. I know …
Hey there, sun-drenched gardeners and plant lovers! Are you one of those folks who loves to gaze at a garden full of life, color, and the rejuvenating feel of nature but can’t seem to make the time to handle high-maintenance plants? Don’t worry; I’ve got your back! When it comes to perennial gardening, sometimes we …
Spring is right around the corner. If you live in a state like mine that cannot make up its mind in March, thinking about the flowers of spring gets you through the March snow. At this point, we are all waiting for that. I love to start my seeds and gardening in March. A tiny …
Are you ready to turn your outdoor garden into a sun-soaked paradise? You have options for budget-friendly plants that will thrive in the bright rays of full sun. With so many options, finding the perfect plants that won’t leave you strapped for cash and can handle all that sunshine can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’m …
I have always loved the idea of eating seasonal foods. It always seemed like a wholesome, back-to-basic approach to cooking. But as I got older, I realized there is more to seasonal eating than just wholesome meals. If you’ve had your own garden and eaten the harvest, you were eating with the seasons. When I …
Homesteading, what exactly does that word mean? I’m learning as we go. It doesn’t mean you need a ton of land to harvest your own hay and be completely self-sufficient. Homesteading looks different for each of us, but the main idea is we all are trying to be a little bit more self-reliant. Homesteading doesn’t …
Are you tired of the dirt under your nails, early morning rooster calls, and feeling like you will never catch up? Yet, no matter all of the ups and downs with homesteading, you know it’s right where you are meant to be. I’ve been where you are – starry-eyed, full of ambition, and ready to …
I’m relieved I didn’t have TikTok six years ago because the pull to get our homestead would have been so strong. I would have rushed for something I wasn’t ready for because of comparison. It’s so easy to get caught up in social media posts, seeing others’ success, and wondering whether your desire is even …
As a gardener in a short growing season, I want flower beds filled with perennials I don’t have to maintain. Not only do I want low maintenance, I want cheap plants, too! Maybe that’s too much to ask for you’re thinking, but I’m here to prove to you that you can grow beautiful plants well …
If you’re like me, keeping a vegetable garden alive during the winter seems impossible. Cold nights and unpredictable temperature changes often make it seem as though our hard work over the summer is all for nothing. I used to spend these colder months feeling a little bit helpless, resigned to watching my prized vegetables succumb …
Don’t let the winter weather coming get you down. I’ve got the perfect antidote – a fall garden! It’s like a little slice of paradise amidst the cold and dreary days. And let me tell you, gardening is a wild adventure. You never know what tricks Mother Nature has up her sleeve. One year, you …
Maximize your space by integrating perennial vegetables into your landscape. No need to harm your beautiful surroundings with a traditional garden – instead, seamlessly incorporate your food plants into your existing landscape and enjoy the benefits. I remember when I started seeds in our first home and mixed up the labeling. I thought I was …
Are you ready to create a stunning shade perennial garden without breaking the bank? Shade Gardens are like cool, refreshing oases on scorching summer days. Plus, they’re low maintenance and require less water than sun-loving gardens. Let’s dive in and transform your outdoor space! Prepare the Soil Before planting your garden, let’s get the soil …
Tomato Stakes are one of those things I hate to pay for because they aren’t cheap at your local garden store. Yet when you want to plant enough tomato plants to can sauce, salsa, and more, you find yourself scrambling to keep the tomatoes supported. And let’s not forget the big debate- is a tomato …
That’s it, I told my husband, I’m not doing a garden this year.” You said that last year, He says. I know, but this year, I mean it. Well, maybe I’ll do the easy stuff. He replies that he will be sticking to his pumpkins again because, you know what, they are the easiest things …
Maybe I am SUPER late to the game, or maybe you are like me and haven’t heard about this before. I discovered this last fall and knew I had to write a blog post about it for you. It’s time to get those FREE seeds. Right now, I’m surprised that in our small city, we …
If you want to add color and beauty to your outdoor space, consider adding flowers to your potted plant collection. Flowers can be a great addition to any garden, balcony, or patio, and wide varieties are well-suited to container gardening. Container gardening is a great way to bring color and life into your home, and …
Potted plants are a great way to bring beauty and greenery to your yard, especially if you don’t have space for a traditional garden. Or if you are reaching an age where a container filled with flowers is just your speed this year. Every year I question whether I want to add more to a …
Do you want to maximize your garden’s potential and double your harvest? Planting asparagus and strawberries together could be just what you need! With this easy companion planting tip, gardeners of all levels – from beginners just starting to seasoned critical thinkers who love a challenge – can get more food for their efforts. In …
Transforming your backyard into an outdoor oasis doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the great outdoors. Before you order something on Amazon or book someone to come and give you quotes, consider taking a …
