Summer is my favorite season but the one thing I don’t like about it is – mosquitoes! Rather than use chemicals or sprays to keep them away, I prefer a more natural method, like this list of 10 mosquito repelling plants! Basil. Did you know that basil essential oil is deadly to mosquito larvae? The…
Viewing Gardening
Yes, You Too Can Grow Orchids!
Contrary to popular opinion, orchids are fairly easy to grow once you know what they like. And if you’re the type of indoor gardener who forgets to water her plants, then the choice to grow orchids is perfect for you! Watering Requirements Orchids don’t like wet feet and won’t live long if their roots…
A Picket Fence for Front Yard Curb Appeal
Ever since I moved into my humble home I’ve toyed with the idea of adding a picket fence for front yard curb appeal. I love the idea of a quaint little fence defining the landscape with an element of charm. Photo by Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects Once the fence is up, garden areas can…
Martha’s Flowers: Book Giveaway
I’m determined to instill the love of gardening and all things green into my readers – even if it’s just a small leaflet of desire. Of course, many of you are avid gardeners both indoors and out! To celebrate the love of flower gardening, I’m giving away a copy of the book, Martha’s Flowers –…
Inspiring Tulip Garden Ideas
Every spring I always wish I had planted more tulips in the fall. So last fall I did indeed plant more tulips – but I fear it’s not enough. I adore masses of these spring beauties in the landscape and decided to share tulip garden ideas on the blog today. Organize clusters of tulips…
Easy Houseplants Create Cozy Spring Living
Spring flowers typically populate my home this time of year, but 2019 is the year of easy houseplants for me. See how to create cozy spring living with a variety of pretty greenery. I’m completely smitten with Philodendron Brasil. The heart-shaped leaves feature a pretty pairing of dark and light green and the plant…
Elements of a Cottage Garden
Every year about this time I start missing my garden spaces. I look across the expanse of my snow-dusted lawn and start making plans for spring and summer. Today I’m pondering the elements of a cottage garden. A quaint garden shade is a classic element of any cottage garden. Anything that gives your eye…
Create a Staycation: My 2019 Resolution
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Nature Conservancy for IZEA Worldwide. All opinions are 100% mine. Almost every year my New Year’s resolution is to lose weight. Unfortunately, I don’t always stick to it. So this year I chose a more creative 2019 resolution inspired by The Nature…
My Late September Garden and Pond Tour
Although it’s officially the first day of October, I’m sharing a tour of my late September garden and pond. The State Fair zinnias are still going strong in our cutting garden. This is my favorite zinnia variety. They grow up to five feet tall and the more you cut them, the more they bloom….
Garden Pond Creates Total Backyard Transformation!
I’m in love! We now have our long-awaited garden pond that totally transforms our backyard! An amazing pond designer drew up the plan several months ago and we waited patiently. Our installation date on their schedule finally arrived and I’m bursting with joy over the new addition to our household! The super-talented crew turned…
Garden Tour and Sneak Peek of the New Pond!
August has arrived and there’s no place I’d rather be than outside enjoying sunshine and nature. The flowers are at their peak so I thought I’d share my garden tour with you – along with a peek at my new backyard garden pond! It’s the first Saturday of the month which means I’m joining…
Country Garden Tour in Upstate New York
Somewhat warm breezes are beginning to blow and I’m in the mood to get dirt under my fingernails! I stumbled across a country garden tour photographed by Rikki Snyder and it’s got me inspired. Stepping up to the front door of the historic Colonial home, you get a hint of what you’ll see throughout the…
Favorite Houseplants to Filter the Air
Some people collect antiques. Others collect shoes. Lately I’ve been collecting houseplants. I’m trying to place a few plants in every room of the house to help filter the air. Here are some of my favorite houseplants. Philodendrons are an easy-to-care-for plant that enjoy bright, indirect sunlight. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before…
Oak Brook Garden Tour
My plan was to blog about favorite houseplants today, but then I stumbled across a beautiful outdoor setting that captivated my heart. So instead of ivy and pothos, we’re taking an Oak Brook garden tour by Bertrand Landscape Design that’s sure to put you in the mood to get a little dirt under your fingernails!…
Spring Bulb Gardens to Soothe Your Soul
It’s the end of January and I figure we can also use a dose of cheery spring goodness to soothe our souls! Enjoy this collection of spring bulb gardens to lighten your mood and help you anticipate the joy of longer days and warmer breezes, not to mention the beautiful colors of spring! Entryway Gardens…
How to Grow Herbs Indoors
Fall is such a beautiful season and I enjoy it immensely. But once the first frost comes I really start to miss my garden. I love stepping outside to grab tomatoes off the vine and clip some herbs for homemade marinara sauce. Since this option is no longer available, I’ll move and grow herbs indoors…