These top 10 ways to protect the environment at home take very little time to do. It’s just a matter of making a commitment to doing something good for the planet and sticking to that plan. I call this “my environmental to do list.” Earth Day happens in April and lots of people talk about …
Fall greenery is perfect to use when decorating with natural elements. It’s both bold in color and rustic in texture and gives a calming look to any home decor project. I love the feel and look of fall. There is nothing like cool days when the garden starts to die down for winter. It may …
Preparing a homemade mosquito repellent with a lovely aroma and natural ingredients is easy with this tutorial. This DIY essential oil mosquito repellent spray is made with a few common household ingredients, and works well to keep the mosquitoes away. Summer is here. The days are longer and it’s so nice to sit outside in …
Do you have a problem with squirrels? If so, these natural squirrel repellent ideas may prove useful to you. Dealing with squirrels has been an ongoing problem for me in one way or another for several years. If you read my blog often, you may remember reading about the squirrels in my vegetable garden a few …
We love to camp at our house, but sometimes it’s hard to find the time to get away for a real camping weekend or the weather just won’t allow it. For times like this, the kids can still have a lot of fun by having an indoor camping party. Are your kids feeling cooped up …
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens has something special in store for both animal lovers and those interested in botanical gardens. This 135 acre zoo and botanical garden was founded in 1966 and is home to more than 1,400 birds, amphibians, mammals and reptiles. Comfortable shoes are a must, since there is a lot …
Nature and history buffs have a chance to merge by visiting the Oklahoma City Riverwalk area. This long, leisurely walk combines nature and water views with sculptures of the Centennial Land Run Monument. Seeing statues which depict real people is something that I enjoy visiting when we travel. (See the Elizabethan Statues of Roanoke for …
How does a gardener go about attracting birds in winter? These bird feeding tips will make sure that your yard is a welcoming place for our feathered friends all year long. Many gardeners try to plant shrubs and flowers that attract birds during the spring and summer. But what about the winter months? It is …
Plants, vegetables and trees can grow into the most amazing shapes. These oddities of nature show that twists, bends and outgrowths can turn an ordinary plant into something that looks totally different. This inspiration for this post came from a morning breakfast jaunt. After breakfast Richard and I were driving around and we came upon …
Have you ever been in a garden setting and wondered how to identify a plant that you have just come across? So have I! That is where the PlantSnap mobile app comes into use. With this handy phone app, all you need to do is snap a photo of the plant, and PlantSnap will give …
Touring a botanical garden with children in tow can be a challenge. But this is not so with Beech Creek Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve. This delightful garden center seems tailor made for kids and is the perfect way to introduce them to flowers and nature! This delightful botanical garden is located in Alliance, Ohio and …
Our summer vacation this year was a mainly tour of Historic Homes and Botanical Gardens in 7 Eastern and Midwest States. But while we were in Ohio, we stopped into the Cleveland Zoo and spent a few hours admiring the animals. This big zoo houses 3,000 animals of over 600 species on abut 180 acres …
These Rope Wrapped Eggs have a pretty farmhouse, rustic look that is perfect for both spring and Easter. I love pretty home decor projects that can be used for an upcoming holiday but aren’t TOO seasonal. This project came after a trip to my local Dollar Store to pick a package of their over sized plastic Easter …
It’s time to learn about growing heirloom seeds! Heirloom vegetable seeds have so much going for them. They end up giving you plants that you can’t go to a big box store and buy, they cost less than hybrid vegetables and you can save your own seeds from one year to the next. Have you …
Did you know that May 19 is Plant Something Day? The weather is warming up and gardeners are itching to get growing! Do you remember those days from years ago when May baskets were added to a friend’s doorway on May Day, the First of May? I remember those days, fondly, and it saddens me …
My North Carolina winter garden is a sight to behold right now. Winter storm Jonas has been all in the news this week. It left a blanket of snow and ice from the South in the US right up the corridor to New England. Winter storm Jonas may break some records on the east coast! …
This framed Thanksgiving menu is a tasteful and professional way to let your dinner guests know what will be on the menu for the holiday. The project is easy to make with a few supplies and some greenery from your yard. Thanksgiving tablescapes often make use of a centerpiece that gets showcased in the center …
Join me for a trip down the Pottery Highway. Seagrove, North Carolina is located about an hour and a half west of Raleigh and featured the largest group of working potters in the USA. All around this small town, for about 30 miles, one will find Pottery Studios and stores that showcase the work of …
There are times that I am simply amazed by the beautiful, unusual and sometimes humble side of our planet. I especially love unusual nature photos. Since I am a gardener, it stands to reason that I love everything beautiful in nature. I thought it would be fun to have an ongoing page featuring some of …