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 are always damp. Water them once per week and allow the potting media to dry out between watering. Lighting … [Read more...]
A Picket Fence for Front Yard Curb Appeal
April 3, 2019 By 9 Comments
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 be established in strategic locations to provide greater viewing pleasure. Photo by Inside the fenced front yard, I can create new garden spaces and … [Read more...]
Martha’s Flowers: Book Giveaway
March 26, 2019 By 82 Comments
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 - a practical guide to growing, gathering, and enjoying! What immediately caught my eye in this book is the gorgeous photography of beautiful … [Read more...]
Inspiring Tulip Garden Ideas
March 23, 2019 By 6 Comments
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 by color in your yard. You'll have impressive pops of color here and there. On the flip side, you can mix all your bulbs up and plant … [Read more...]
Easy Houseplants Create Cozy Spring Living
March 2, 2019 By 9 Comments
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 cascades so gracefully. Dieffenbachia Tropic Snow is one of many easy houseplants to consider adding … [Read more...]
Elements of a Cottage Garden
February 9, 2019 By 6 Comments
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 a focal point since cottage gardens tend to be a little on the wild side. When it comes to flowers in a cottage … [Read more...]
Create a Staycation: My 2019 Resolution
January 16, 2019 By 9 Comments
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 Conservancy (TNC). I'm going to help the planet and create a staycation in my very own yard! After downloading and … [Read more...]
My Late September Garden and Pond Tour
October 1, 2018 By 15 Comments
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. I have a couple more varieties of zinnias in the garden. I love the speckled look of this dainty bloom. I'm going to … [Read more...]
Garden Pond Creates Total Backyard Transformation!
August 23, 2018 By 20 Comments
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 our hot mess of patchy grass, weeds, and beat-up sidewalk into a beautiful garden pond that's the focal … [Read more...]
Garden Tour and Sneak Peek of the New Pond!
August 4, 2018 By 28 Comments
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 a few blogging buddies to share ways to cozy up your living during the month of August. For me, August is all about the garden and relishing its … [Read more...]
Country Garden Tour in Upstate New York
April 24, 2018 By 10 Comments
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 gardens. Second-hand treasures dot the property in really delightful ways. Photo by Rikki Snyder Charming outbuildings add architectural … [Read more...]
Favorite Houseplants to Filter the Air
March 31, 2018 By 3 Comments
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 watering. This plant has a nice green hue to it. Probably my favorite houseplant right now is … [Read more...]
Oak Brook Garden Tour
March 22, 2018 By 6 Comments
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! This Oak Brook home outside of Chicago is beautiful and the garden spaces frame it perfectly. The archway and brick walkways invite you … [Read more...]
Hi! I'm Jennifer and I'm happy to have you here! I live where the suburbs meet the country, which affords me the best of both worlds. Come along on my journey where I share decorating, cooking, gardening and more as it relates to both city and rural life. 
