My husband’s family takes their roses very seriously. I know it is April because the fervent calls start . "Have you pruned the roses yet?" "No of course not, you know the best time is the first sign of leaves on the Birch trees." "‘Don’t be silly, the perfect time was last weekend." And so it goes, every year. As a relative rose beginner, this is my third year caring for my own roses; it is intimidating being in the middle of the debates, but here is what I have learned from the experts and my own experience.
1) Pruning
Landscaping in February
by Jessica B. February 24th, 2012 Landscaping
It’s gray, damp, and cold. Looking out the window it might seem a good idea to let well enough alone and wait until spring before playing with your landscaping again; however, there is a lot you can do to prepare for the spring even now in February. Here are a few tips for keeping your outdoor space in great shape, so you can begin to get to work on larger projects this spring.
1) Lawn care – Make sure you have no leaves lying on your lawn. Rake them and discard them, as they can lead to problems down the
1) Lawn care – Make sure you have no leaves lying on your lawn. Rake them and discard them, as they can lead to problems down the
Inexpensive Path Materials
by Heather Duchan January 18th, 2012 Landscaping
Pathways are a charming addition to many yards and gardens. Building a path can be the perfect finishing touch for your landscape and provide an invitation for guests to take a stroll through areas of your yard or to your doorway.
Installing pathways using many common landscaping materials like poured concrete or flagstones can get expensive, especially if you’re interested in a long path. If you’re set on a pathway in your yard but have a budget, there are some alternatives that work well and look good for the purpose.
Mulch, one of my all time favorite landscaping aids, is one
Installing pathways using many common landscaping materials like poured concrete or flagstones can get expensive, especially if you’re interested in a long path. If you’re set on a pathway in your yard but have a budget, there are some alternatives that work well and look good for the purpose.
Mulch, one of my all time favorite landscaping aids, is one
Make Your Vegetable Garden Attractive
by Heather Duchan December 6th, 2011 Vegetables
When we think of vegetable gardens, we usually think of boring rows in dirt, nothing beautiful or worthy of a second look; however, that doesn't have to be the reality of your vegetable garden. With a few tips and a little bit of creativity, you can grow edible gardens that have the beauty of the best landscaping or flower gardens. Here are ways that any vegetable gardeners can use to add oomph to an otherwise boring garden.
1. Choose the Prettiest Varieties
We all love the beauty and color of flowers, but many vegetables look nearly as lovely. Some Swiss chard
1. Choose the Prettiest Varieties
We all love the beauty and color of flowers, but many vegetables look nearly as lovely. Some Swiss chard
Landscaping List for Fall
by Heather Duchan October 26th, 2011 Landscaping
As colder weather sets in, there is less and less work to be done in the yard; however, before you abandon all landscaping chores, make sure you do three last things.
1. Mulch. Mulching in the spring and summer aids in weed control and helps retain moisture in the soil. Mulching during fall and winter is also necessary in many areas, but for different reasons. During the colder months of the year, the temperature of the soil will go below freezing and come back up, exposing plants to dangers. A layer of mulch, such as compost, chopped leaves, or wood
1. Mulch. Mulching in the spring and summer aids in weed control and helps retain moisture in the soil. Mulching during fall and winter is also necessary in many areas, but for different reasons. During the colder months of the year, the temperature of the soil will go below freezing and come back up, exposing plants to dangers. A layer of mulch, such as compost, chopped leaves, or wood