Does a classic English garden, mixed with ornate embellishments and a few touches of whimsy, sound appealing to you? If so, a Victorian style garden might be a good fit for your aesthetic tastes. Contrary to common belief, Victorians weren’t completely stuffy and old-fashioned. Their landscapes were a wonderful blend of refined English sensibility, exotic…
What happens if you’re unable to breathe? We all know the answer to that question. But here’s the thing: Your lawn, and the soil underneath need to breathe, too! Over time, a loose layer of dead and living organic matter builds up between the soil and your grass. It’s called thatch, and it’s mostly composed…
We all have our reasons for loving trees. You might enjoy the shade they provide on a hot day, and how they keep your home cooler. You might love to witness their beauty as leaves change color in the fall, or happily munch on the fruit they provide. Then, of course, trees also offer ecological…
We’ve all heard at least one amusing anecdote about poison oak. Your friend’s brother’s neighbor’s cousin went camping, used the bathroom in an unfortunate spot in the woods, and earned himself an itchy rash in an unfortunate place. These stories can make for a bit of entertainment, until you’re the one suffering from an itchy,…
Insects. Bugs. Creepy crawlies. Whatever you call them, you might feel anything from indifference to loathing. Most people don’t like insects very much. But these tiny creatures are your friend and they actually play important roles in our ecosystem. Many of them really don’t deserve all the hate they receive. Check out the following examples…
We always say that putting together a detailed plan is the first step to a successful landscaping project, but those plans don’t come out of thin air, do they? First you need inspiration. You need to know exactly what you want to accomplish, before you can measure, draw up a plan, consult with experts, or…
Forgetting to plan a pathway is one of the most common, and surprisingly obvious, landscaping mistakes that we see. It’s typical for property owners to focus on various features in their yards, whether swimming pools, patios, gazebos, or garden spaces, and completely forget to connect them in some way. Sure, you could just walk across…
Your outdoor space can serve many functions, from quiet relaxation to boisterous social gatherings. One element that can complement just about any mood and setting is fire. If you’re thinking about adding an outdoor fireplace or a fire pit, you might be weighing your options. Which one is right for you? As with many choices,…
When you’re planning a hardscape project, such as a patio or walkway, you don’t have to settle for simple broomed concrete. Your project should suit your aesthetic preferences, add beauty to your home’s exterior, and of course, suit your budget. You might be pleased to learn that you can choose from several options, such as…
If you’re interested in unique, lush, and yet surprisingly simple landscaping options, moss might interest you. Moss offers a beautiful green backdrop or accent to other plants, and it’s so low-maintenance that just about anyone can cultivate it. A green carpet of moss makes an excellent backdrop for walkways and stepping stones, since it doesn’t…
Gardening could become a bit boring if we never tried new plants in our yards. Plus, with many varieties carrying so many benefits, learning about new plants can enrich our lives. That’s why we make an effort to introduce you to new plant species periodically. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Lemongrass. Lemongrass carries…
Last week, we reviewed some of the most common benefits of backyard beekeeping. It’s not just a fun and unique hobby; you would be helping your community and the environment! So, let’s say you’re sold on the idea of beekeeping, or at least very interested. Now what? Beekeeping can become a fairly complex hobby, but…
At first, you might wonder why anyone would choose bee keeping as their hobby. Don’t we normally run far away from anything that flies and stings? However, there are some distinct benefits to bee keeping that might surprise you! The most obvious benefit is the honey produced by bees. Yes, you can buy honey at…
Who doesn’t love a frosty cold mug of beer on a hot summer day? If you’re enjoying the craft beer craze, you might be curious about brewing your own beer at home. There are many ways to do this, most people buy their hops and start from there, but if you want to get really…
Whether you’re planning your yard or revamping an existing one, it’s a good idea to drive around and see which types of landscape designs appeal to you. You want an outdoor space that suits your needs, whether you plan to use the yard for recreation, relaxation, socializing, or even growing an edible garden. But beyond…