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Lawn and Garden News Articles
The Sting of Summer -- Take a Bite Out of Mosquito Myths
You may want to rethink your summertime protection rituals as the OFF! PowerPad survey reveals several common mosquito myths.
Published: 2008-05-19 00:00:00 read more...
Fountains Make a Big Splash in Your Garden
Here are some simple guidelines from the experts that will help you choose the perfect fountain for your garden space.
Published: 2008-05-08 00:00:00 read more...
Tips for Green Summer Pest Control
Living green doesn't mean yielding your yard to birds, bugs and critters that can be both a nuisance and a health hazard. It's possible to keep unwanted animal guests away from your gardens, landscaping, lawn and outdoor living areas without contributing to the groundwater contamination associated with many chemical pesticides.
Published: 2008-05-01 00:00:00 read more...
Landscape Lighting: A Great Way to Dress Up Your Home
As the outdoor living trend continues to gain in popularity, so does the need for adequate outdoor lighting. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Published: 2008-04-30 00:00:00 read more...
Opening Your Pool for the Season: What You Need to Know
Opening your pool should be fun, not tedious. Follow these tips to guarantee your water is sparkling ready for an enjoyable season.
Published: 2008-04-28 00:00:00 read more...
Ride the Heat Wave for Beautiful Summer Gardens
The heat and humidity of a typical summer leave little ambition to do much, especially worry about the condition of the garden. But, every proud homeowner wants to have a landscape that is attractive, despite the heat.
Published: 2008-04-23 00:00:00 read more...
Gardening Gift Guide
Whether you have a few plants at your desk, a container garden on your deck, or a full-fledged garden in your backyard, gardening is enjoyed on many different levels. Here are some unique gift ideas that are bound to make your favorite gardener happy.
Published: 2008-04-18 00:00:00 read more...
Water-saving Secrets for Gardeners and Lawn Lovers
"Think green; save blue" will likely be the motto of environmentally aware gardeners and lawn lovers across the country this summer as drought conditions are expected to persist in many regions. It is possible to grow a thriving garden and nurture a lovely landscape while minimizing water consumption. Here are some tips for conserving water in your corner of the great outdoors.
Published: 2008-04-17 00:00:00 read more...
Community Gardens Bring Together People and Green Spaces
Something green and wonderful is growing across the country. Friends, families and neighbors are rolling up their sleeves and nurturing community gardens that are sprouting to life.
Published: 2008-04-16 00:00:00 read more...
Lawn Equipment Maintenance Made Easy
As plant life begins to thrive all around us, the warmer weather is a reminder that it's time to get lawn equipment out of storage and back in working condition. But what do you do if you pull your lawn mower out, turn the key and nothing happens?
Published: 2008-04-15 00:00:00 read more...
Bugged? Easy, Eco-Friendly Ways to Control Insect Pests
Some insect pests just bug you. Yet being an environmentally conscious American, you don't care for many of the pesticide sprays or baits that are commonly used to deal with insects either. How can you protect the environment and your enjoyment of the great outdoors this summer? Here are some unique ways to control common insect pests.
Published: 2008-04-15 00:00:00 read more...
Secrets to a Successful Container Garden
Outdoor container gardening is an easy way to add splashes of color to all your outdoor spaces and regardless of your gardening experience or level of expertise, it's really as easy as 1-2-3.
Published: 2008-04-14 00:00:00 read more...
Top Tips for a Healthy Lawn
Whether you're on the golf course or in your own backyard, spring and summer are all about enjoying the outdoors. The right tools and techniques will help turn your lawn into a golf course-quality green space all year long.
Published: 2008-04-11 00:00:00 read more...
Shrub Roses Add Easy, Ever-blooming Color to Landscapes
Looking for instant color to dress up your deck or patio for that summer garden party or backyard barbeque? Or maybe you need a dash of color to brighten your landscape with long-lasting visual drama. Whatever your garden quandary, consider a low-maintenance shrub rose for nonstop color from spring until fall.
Published: 2008-04-10 00:00:00 read more...
Garden Design Tips from Better Homes and Gardens
Great-looking garden design doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming. If you don't forget about the basics, it's easy to create a professional look like you see in gardening magazines.
Published: 2008-04-10 00:00:00 read more...
How to Have a Beautiful and Fruitful Garden
Many gardeners who love their ornamental landscape are not sure if they want to give up space for a vegetable garden that needs to be replanted every year. Fortunately, there are dozens of incredible edibles that add beauty and style to the garden -- and provide a bounty of fruits and herbs.
Published: 2008-04-09 00:00:00 read more...
Fertilizer Can Be Green
The impact phosphorus - a common component of lawn fertilizer - has on the environment is drawing a lot of attention as summer approaches. Not all sources of fertilizer phosphorus are the same. Here's what you should know about fertilizers and phosphorus.
Published: 2008-04-09 00:00:00 read more...
Plants with a Purpose
Thank a plant today. Silent and always "working," these green heroes toil tirelessly to purify our environment and improve our lives, naturally cleansing the very air we breathe. And since most of us spend 90 percent of our lives inside, pay special attention to your indoor plants. They provide truly amazing health benefits. Working 24/7, they filter the very air we breathe from common pollutants and continuously release oxygen and moisture in our homes and offices.
Published: 2008-04-01 00:00:00 read more...
Maintain Your Landscaping the Easy Way
Whether you need to turn over the soil for a vegetable garden, create tidy rows for planting, carve out trails or clear away debris in the yard, here's how to get the job done fast.
Published: 2008-03-27 00:00:00 read more...
Don't Let Ants March In
With backyard barbeques, pool parties and afternoon picnics come uninvited house guests - ants! One by one, trails of tiny black specks make their way into homes across the country, but knowing how they come in and how to keep them out can stop a pesky, pest-filled season.
Published: 2008-03-26 00:00:00 read more...
Strategies for Saving a Bundle on Groceries
As food prices continue to rise, shoppers are on the hunt for easy ways to save money on groceries. Here are some great ideas.
Published: 2008-03-19 00:00:00 read more...
Ideas for Decking Your Back Yard this Spring and Summer
More Americans than ever are turning to their back yards for spring and summer enjoyment, and decks have become the center attraction. You'll want your deck in tip-top shape this season for relaxing and entertaining.
Published: 2008-03-18 00:00:00 read more...
Save Water and Create a Healthy Lawn, Beautiful Garden
With spring upon us it's time to start enjoying the great outdoors by planting in the garden and maintaining the lawn. When caring for a lawn and garden this season there are several tips to keep in mind to maximize your landscape's potential with minimal use of water.
Published: 2008-03-18 00:00:00 read more...
Plants Rule
From the rain forest in the Amazon to a fern in your bedroom, plants rule as the 'king of green.' Whether it's a majestic oak, a Knock Out rose or a Norfolk Island pine, plants provide us with fresh oxygen and absorb harmful carbon dioxide. Here's what you need to know to incorporate plants into your indoor and outdoor environments.
Published: 2008-03-17 00:00:00 read more...
Expert Tips for Picture Perfect Azaleas
Long adored for their luscious blooms and stately stature in the garden, azaleas remain one of the most popular shrubs in modern-day landscapes. But to ensure that these super-bloomers operate at peak performance, there are a few tips that every well-intentioned gardener must know.
Published: 2008-03-17 00:00:00 read more...
This Spring Take a Walk on the 'Wildflower' Side
Springtime. Time to start thinking about your flower beds and curb appeal. If you're tired of the same old annuals, or too many choices leave you bewildered where to begin, this spring consider thinking outside the planting box. Plant wildflowers. Lots of them.
Published: 2008-03-12 00:00:00 read more...
Getting a Great Lawn Without Breaking the Bank
Here's a cost effective way to make your yard the best looking one on the block.
Published: 2008-03-06 00:00:00 read more...
How to Turn Your Back Yard into a Retreat
Turning a muddled back yard into a gentle haven is not only pleasing to the eye but soothing to the soul. Here's how to do it.
Published: 2008-02-20 00:00:00 read more...
Tool Tips: A Gardener's Essentials
For many long, cold months, the avid gardener sits inside the house, eagerly thumbing through seed, plant and gardening catalogs. At last, spring is in sight. But before turning the first spade-full of dirt, it's time to gather your gardening friends: those tools that save you time, defend your garden from pests and generally make your hobby a delight.
Published: 2008-02-14 00:00:00 read more...
Customizing Outdoor Spaces - A Great Investment
With money tighter for many homeowners, people are prioritizing now more than ever. Does it make more sense to put in a pool or take a trip to Tahiti? While a once-in-a-lifetime trip can provide relaxation and lasting memories, customizing the outdoor spaces of your home provides a much better return on your investment.
Published: 2008-02-11 00:00:00 read more...
Backyard Vacations Save Money
Gas prices continue to go through the roof, giving Americans more reason than ever to stay close to home. For businesses that cater to home improvement, particularly those involved in the popular "outdoor living" niche, the desire to stay close to home resonates strongly. Many building products companies and remodeling contractors say their sales are up -- way up -- on items like decks, swimming pool installations and outdoor "rooms."
Published: 2008-02-11 00:00:00 read more...
When it Comes to Feeding Wild Birds Less is More
Feeding wild birds is a popular interest of many Americans. In fact, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, around one third of Americans feed wild birds. Whether it's the enjoyment of viewing wildlife up close and personal or listening to the pleasant chirps and trills of the birds' songs, more and more Americans are being inspired to put up feeders, buy outdoor pet food and turn wild birds into lovable outdoor pets.
Published: 2008-02-08 00:00:00 read more...
February is Wild Bird Feeding Month and This Year Less is More
February is Wild Bird Feeding Month. Here's advice on how to attract birds to your backyard.
Published: 2008-02-08 00:00:00 read more...
Lawn Care Gone Lazy: Two Simple Steps to Greener Grass in No Time
The real secret to a great looking lawn is the soil. It's your lawn's foundation and ultimately determines the health and beauty of your lawn throughout the season. This spring, start from the ground up and you're sure to see a decided difference in your grass.
Published: 2008-02-07 00:00:00 read more...
One Very 'Green' Backyard Improvement
When looking to "green" your backyard this spring, consider the advantages a composite deck offers.
Published: 2008-02-06 00:00:00 read more...
Backyard Battleground
Few sights ignite as much frustration in the hearts of bird-lovers as a squirrel's bushy tail bobbing happily in the bird feeder. Serious birders and casual bird lovers alike know that when the squirrels move in there's not often much left for the birds. It is possible, however, to provide for your feathered friends and keep squirrels out of the feeder.
Published: 2008-02-06 00:00:00 read more...
Deck Out Your Outdoors with Green Home Improvements
Warm weather is here and everything is going green, including home improvement. Increasingly, environmentally conscious citizens are looking for "green" home improvements that will enhance the enjoyment of their outdoor spaces with minimal environmental impact.
Published: 2008-02-06 00:00:00 read more...
Defend Your Bird Feeder and Send Squirrels Packing
The birds are back … and unfortunately so are the squirrels. Serious birders and casual bird lovers alike know that when the squirrels move in there's not often much left for the birds. It is possible, however, to provide for your feathered friends and keep squirrels out of the feeder.
Published: 2008-02-06 00:00:00 read more...
Pass on the Grass
Where traditional turf fails in the landscape, using creeping perennials is an alternative that is both ornamental and functional.
Published: 2008-02-05 00:00:00 read more...
Inexpensive, Eco-Friendly Green Lawn Care
Times are tough. The household budget is tight, and you are bombarded with the expectation of being green. Plus, you want a nice lawn. Are being eco-friendly and green compatible with a nice lawn? Yes, when you make use of some easy tips.
Published: 2008-02-05 00:00:00 read more...
'Cooking' with Containers: Container-friendly Plant Combination Recipes
When spring has sprung, the chill of winter has gone, cooking up plant container combination recipes can invite life back into to the garden. Plants add colorful texture, contrast and variety to an array of outdoor spaces.
Published: 2008-02-05 00:00:00 read more...
Simple Solutions for Three Common Landscape Challenges Facing Homeowners
Today's new crop of low-maintenance perennials, annuals and shrubs is making a big impact in the garden and on homeowners themselves. Here's a look at what's available.
Published: 2008-02-05 00:00:00 read more...
Backyard Garden Becomes a Destination
Now more than ever the back yard is the most popular place to retreat. Expect the following outdoor living and lifestyle trends to flourish in 2008.
Published: 2008-02-04 00:00:00 read more...
Spring Garden Fixes Safely Fend Off Furry Friends
Spring will arrive as scheduled on March 21st and so will families of groundhogs, rabbits, squirrels, deer and other troublesome animals, each ready to pounce and plunder your garden, digging burrows where they're not wanted, and otherwise coming into conflict with their human neighbors. Here's how to discourage them from disturbing your garden.
Published: 2008-01-11 00:00:00 read more...
Groundhog Day Drama: Will Puxatawny Phil See His Shadow and Make Way for Spring?
Groundhogs don't have to be the enemy of our gardens, and trapping them won't solve the problems between humans and these large, likable rodents. Here's how to discourage them from disturbing your garden.
Published: 2008-01-11 00:00:00 read more...
Organic Solutions to Deter Garden Intruders
Warm weather has arrived and summer's bounty of blooms and vegetables are finally in sight. And so are families of groundhogs, rabbits, squirrels, deer and other critters who just can't wait to feast on the fruits of your labor. It is possible, however, to kindly encourage animals to look for their next meal somewhere other than your garden - and be kind to the environment at the same time.
Published: 2008-01-11 00:00:00 read more...
How to Have a Beautiful Spring Garden Despite Drought
In these times of severe drought in many parts of the country, consumers are desperate for plants that will make their gardens shine, in spite of water restrictions. The secret is selecting plants that are naturally not thirsty.
Published: 2008-01-03 00:00:00 read more...
Remember to Feed The Birds This Winter
Feeding birds is becoming more and more popular every year, and while birds don't rely solely on feeders in the winter, feeders do provide a beneficial food source that helps outdoor wildlife survive the colder months. No matter what the season, feeding birds is important, and feeders should be kept full year round.
Published: 2007-12-18 00:00:00 read more...
Feed Your Feathered Friends All Winter Long
Winter doesn't have to be a dreary, bleak landscape outside our windows. This year, provide some winter entertainment by making your yard like that little cabin in the woods -- an enticing stopover spot for the nourishment of our feathered backyard friends.
Published: 2007-12-11 00:00:00 read more...
The Ultimate Gardening Gift Guide
According to the National Gardening Association, more than 75 percent of Americans enjoy gardening, making it one of the most popular pastimes in the country. Whether a small herb garden or a collection of outdoor plants you brought inside to nurture greenery makes the entire year brighter. Gardening gifts are perfect for the person who has everything because it encourages the enjoyment of plant life and flowers all year long.
Published: 2007-11-21 00:00:00 read more...
Spring Cleaning Tips for Wooden Yard Structures
Warmer days and shorter nights mean it is time to get out garden tools and hoses, tidy up the yard and prepare your home's wooden outdoor structures for spring and summer use. Caring for decks, gazebos and pergolas, often made of Western red cedar, should be a regular part of the spring cleaning checklist.
Published: 2007-11-12 00:00:00 read more...
Darn Those Deer!
Winter is the worst season for deer damage to your landscapes. Deer will eat just about anything in the winter -- their food supply is low and they can't be choosy.
Published: 2007-10-18 00:00:00 read more...
The Benefits of Birding
The benefits of birding -- a subject that probably elicits a gamut of reactions, anywhere from "are there any?" to "which one: economic, environmental or educational?" For those tired and overly-stimulated plodders in the "bits, bytes and bauds" world of today, the focus here is on birding and the tangible benefit it provides in the area of biophilia. Bio-what?
Published: 2007-10-09 00:00:00 read more...
A New Breakthrough in Gardening
Whether you have an extensive greenhouse or a small container garden in your home, you want your plants to do well. Common knowledge tells us that plants need water, sun and nutrients to flourish. But according to recent studies, surprisingly, there is another crucial element for successful gardening: Oxygen. Here's what you can do for your plants.
Published: 2007-08-31 00:00:00 read more...
Get Your House in Shape for Football Season
According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), extending the footprint of your home by creating living space outside is one of the hottest trends in home remodeling right now. Here's a project that will give you a good start.
Published: 2007-08-09 00:00:00 read more...
Green Landscaping Adds Green Value
Thinking of selling your home? Sprucing up your yard will help get buyers attention and can add up to 15 percent to its value.Here are some tips on how to do it.
Published: 2007-08-06 00:00:00 read more...
Manage Rainwater Runoff With Beauty and Style
The growing desire to create a "green" environment combined with the trend of extending our outdoor living space bring functional and decorative ways to manage water on our property. Water management is a great way individual households can help to keep watersheds, rivers, lakes and oceans from filling up with polluted runoff. Here are a few ways the environmentally conscious homeowner can manage the water that falls on their little corner of the world -- and do it in a way that adds beauty to the yard.
Published: 2007-08-06 00:00:00 read more...
Revive Your Summer-stressed Lawn This Fall
People associate lawn care with spring and summer, but the fall is actually the optimal time to take steps toward a healthy, greener lawn. Here are some tips for your fall lawn care.
Published: 2007-08-03 00:00:00 read more...
A Beautiful Landscape Starts in the Fall
Every year, a lot of time, money and effort is devoted to the pursuit of a beautiful and well-maintained home landscape. Keep these tips in mind when tackling the landscape for fall and winter.
Published: 2007-08-01 00:00:00 read more...
Pests Fall with Autumn Treatment
As the summer months come to a close and autumn sneaks in, homeowners in the southern United States know one thing is for sure: Fall brings not only more comfortable weather, but also an increased fire ant threat.
Published: 2007-07-31 00:00:00 read more...
How to Get Your Yard Ready for Winter
There are a few simple things you'll need to do in the coming weeks to help your yard endure the winter. Some of those chores are easier than others, but you don't need to call a professional landscaping company to do the job. You can do it yourself with the help of rented tools.
Published: 2007-07-31 00:00:00 read more...
Using the Right Tools to Maximize Fall Lawn Cleanup
Many homeowners enthusiastically care for their lawns and gardens during the spring and summer months but tend to neglect them during the fall. After all, there's no need to spend time maintaining the yard with winter on its way, right? Wrong.
Published: 2007-07-31 00:00:00 read more...
Autumn Trends in Outdoor Living
Autumn. The very word conjures up colorful images, comforting impressions and cool feelings of a restful season. With the cooler temperatures that autumn brings, now is the perfect time to finally realize the relaxation you have been promising yourself all through the summer months. And what better place to relax than in the great outdoors.
Published: 2007-07-27 00:00:00 read more...
Three Simple Steps to a Fresh Fall Landscape and Garden
Every garden and landscape space needs freshening up by summer's end. Exhausted from the scorching sun, heat and drought of the season, updating the landscape with a few simple projects and garden chores can have it looking revitalized for fall in no time.
Published: 2007-07-26 00:00:00 read more...
The King of Daffodils Is Dead: Long Live the Kings!
Every fall, thousands of daffodils bearing the name King Alfred are sold and planted in the United States, an amazing feat for a bulb that has been out of commercial production for many years. So what are they really? Here's the answer.
Published: 2007-07-06 00:00:00 read more...
Take Advantage of Every Last Moment You Can Spend Outside this Season
The summer solstice has passed, the days are getting shorter and soon the fading sunlight will serve as a signal for the leaves to start turning color and fall from the trees. But just because Mother Nature is preparing for her winter slumber doesn't mean you have to do the same. Here's how to prolong your enjoyment of the great outdoors.
Published: 2007-07-06 00:00:00 read more...
The Rose: The Queen of Flowers Blossoms in Summer Arrangements
You can;t help but notice that roses are blooming all over. During the summer months, this ever-popular flower, also known as "The Queen of Flowers," is at the height of blossoming. With almost 120 varieties available, roses are a classic favorite, ranking as the number one choice of almost 85 percent of flower buyers and receivers. Whether your taste leans to the subtle, the flamboyant or the delicate, there is a rose to please, say the floral experts at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM.
Published: 2007-05-31 00:00:00 read more...
Petunias: The Perpetual Petal Pusher
Flowers, buds, blossoms, blooms -- it's what we all long for: non-stop color in our gardens and landscapes. Why not make it easy on yourself this season? Stop worrying and wondering if you've chosen the right plant for the right place. An easy solution to achieve a glorious garden brimming with blooms and continuous color is to plant petunias.
Published: 2007-05-24 00:00:00 read more...
Get Geese to Go the Natural Way
Ah, spring and its many joys! Lush lawns, playing outdoors, picnics, camping trips, fun in the sun . . . and pounds of Canada Goose droppings on walkways, lawns, near ponds and swimming pools. The geese return with the warm weather, looking for a cozy spot to feed, mate, raise young and do their business.
Published: 2007-05-11 00:00:00 read more...
How to Get the Best Looking Lawn in the Neighborhood Without Breaking the Bank
Every year around this time, there's at least one yard in the neighborhood everyone wishes were their own. You know, the one with the perfectly manicured lawn, the rounded hedges and the flowers that just won't quit blooming.
Published: 2007-05-11 00:00:00 read more...
Premium Feeding: Attracting High-Quality Birds with High-Quality Food
Feeding birds is a hobby shared by roughly 63 million people around the world. With bird feeding becoming even more popular, so has the enthusiasm to attract an elite group of birds.
Published: 2007-05-07 00:00:00 read more...
How to Clean and Care for Outdoor Furniture
When spring rains rinse and refresh the outdoors, decks, patios and everything on them get a bath, too. But, once it's dry you see the remaining film that stays: dirt, bird droppings, sticky tree sap and buds, and whatever other debris that gets carried in the wind to land on your patio.
Published: 2007-05-01 00:00:00 read more...
Eight Awesome Annuals that Add Instant Impact
It's all about annuals. If you want to make a dramatic difference in your garden this spring, you gotta get annuals.
Published: 2007-04-24 00:00:00 read more...
Birding -- Enhancing Your Backyard Experience
In today's highly interactive and short attention-span society, the backyard increasingly beckons to us as that accessible personal space in which to repair from life.
Published: 2007-04-20 00:00:00 read more...
Six Simple Questions to Help You Choose the Best Mower for Your Lawn
Though lawn mowing can be time-consuming in the spring and summer months, it's a "must do" for both the health of your lawn and basic curb appeal. Consequently, homeowners are looking for mowers to help them maintain their yards as quickly and easily as possible so they can spend more time enjoying their lawns.
Published: 2007-04-18 00:00:00 read more...
How to Increase Time Spent Enjoying Your Pool
Pool season is short -- especially when you consider that most people work during the day and the best opportunity to use the pool is in the evening. While you can't make the summer season longer, you can extend your time in the pool by adding light. The right lighting will transform your pool and patio into an aquatic oasis that offers ambience as well as functionality.
Published: 2007-04-17 00:00:00 read more...
Expand Your Square Footage with Comforts of Home Outdoors
The yard work is done and you just want to sit back and admire your surroundings. If you're reclining into an old lawn chair that's seen better days, it's time to treat yourself to something that better complements your outdoor living space.
Published: 2007-04-16 00:00:00 read more...
Greener Lawns with Green Fertilizer
The trend towards a "green" lifestyle has arrived on the front lawn. Many "lawn warriors" who once relied on chemicals to create the lush, natural carpet of their dreams are now turning to greener means to achieve green lawns.
Published: 2007-04-13 00:00:00 read more...
All About Annuals
Millions of us are getting ready to start our summer lawn and gardening projects. If you want plants that come to flower quickly, provide a long season of blooms and require little more than sunlight and water, annuals are the way to go.
Published: 2007-04-09 00:00:00 read more...
Landscaping Your Yard for Birds
Due to rising human population and suburban sprawl, land for bird habitats is decreasing. With the ever-increasing abundance of concrete and asphalt comes the disappearance of food sources and nesting grounds for birds. The good news, however, is that you can help.
Published: 2007-04-05 00:00:00 read more...
Six Simple Steps to Going Green
You don't have to compost your kitchen waste or pick bugs off plants by hand to help the environment. From the red carpet to your favorite garden shop, new "green" products are making it easy to have a beautiful yard while being good stewards of the earth in your own back yard.
Published: 2007-04-05 00:00:00 read more...
Mowing Down a Burden on Service Personnel
Sometimes an offer sounds too good to be true -- like this one, for example: "Free lawn and landscape care for families of armed forces personnel who have a major breadwinner serving in the Middle East."
Published: 2007-04-02 00:00:00 read more...
Landscapes Services Eases Burden for Our Troops
Sometimes an offer sounds too good to be true -- like this one, for example: "Free lawn and landscape care for families of armed forces personnel who have a major breadwinner serving in the Middle East."
Published: 2007-04-02 00:00:00 read more...
Neighborhood Teamwork Helps Defeat Fire Ants
With spring and summer almost upon us, many families turn their attention to picnics, parks and playgrounds. The summer months are when people spend the most time outdoors, and also the time when families are most at risk to encounter fire ants, an annoying, and sometimes dangerous, summertime pest. Homeowners can prevent fire ant infestations by banding together with neighbors for a block party to stamp out the bugs.
Published: 2007-03-30 00:00:00 read more...
Spraying for Japanese Beetles Creates Uproar in Utah Town
A public outcry is pitting neighbor against neighbor and a number of residents against city officials in Orem, Utah. This usually quiet, religious town with a high agrarian population is located 45 minutes from the state capitol Salt Lake City where Utah agriculture officials are now getting into the fray.
Published: 2007-03-30 00:00:00 read more...
How to Create Easy Container Gardens with Better Drainage and Lighter Pots
The ground is thawing, tulips are poking up, birds are chirping: all signals to the container gardener that it's time to pull out the pots, planters and window boxes to get ready for spring planting. Container gardens are perfect for small yards, balconies and wherever you want to add color and interest.
Published: 2007-03-30 00:00:00 read more...
How to Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal
Does your home have curb appeal? Better make sure the answer is "YES" before you put it on the market. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), it just may make the difference between selling your property quickly, or having it linger on the market for months.
Published: 2007-03-29 00:00:00 read more...
Make a Hummingbird Habitat for Mom This Mother's Day
From the first breadcrumbs she helped you toss on the lawn for the birds, your mother has nurtured your love of the natural world around you. This Mother's Day, why not help her foster a closer relationship with Mother Nature by creating a backyard habitat for one of her favorite creatures?
Published: 2007-03-22 00:00:00 read more...
Oh Deer! Please Don't Eat The Daisies… The Daffodils, The Daylilies, The Dahlias!
Manners are lovely, but they just don't cut it when it comes to preventing pesky deer from foraging in your foliage!
Published: 2007-03-16 00:00:00 read more...
Oh Deer! Please Don't Eat the Daisies!
Manners are lovely, but they just don't cut it when it comes to preventing pesky deer from foraging in your foliage! Here's how to do it.
Published: 2007-03-16 00:00:00 read more...
How to Keep Deer from Lunching on Your Landscaping
Manners are lovely, but they just don't cut it when it comes to preventing pesky deer from foraging in your foliage! Here's how to do it.
Published: 2007-03-16 00:00:00 read more...
Seven Steps to a Spectacular Lawn this Spring
Spring is the time for renewal, think of it as similar to getting your body ready for beach season. If you want washboard abs come July, you better start working out a lot earlier than that.
Published: 2007-03-15 00:00:00 read more...
How to Choose a String Trimmer
String trimmers are the most-purchased outdoor power tool. Here are some guidlines for choosing the string trimmer that's right for you.
Published: 2007-03-12 00:00:00 read more...
Shopping for a String Trimmer Made Easy
According to "Consumer Reports," more people buy string trimmers each year than any other type of outdoor power equipment. After all, they are a necessity when it comes to tackling tall grass and weeds and providing the finishing touches on a manicured lawn.
Published: 2007-03-12 00:00:00 read more...
Design Your Deck To Last
Spring is just around the corner and as soon as the weather changes for the better, you'll want to start spending time outdoors again.
Published: 2007-03-07 00:00:00 read more...
Ring in Spring with Tulips
Tulips are a vibrant, timeless symbol of spring. They are available from January through May and join groundhogs, grass and new leaves on trees as indicators that warmer weather is on its way. Their delicate shape, graceful posture and vibrant colors have inspired this flower's popularity across cultures and throughout time. They are a great way to celebrate spring holidays, including Easter.
Published: 2007-03-06 00:00:00 read more...
From Cheetahs to Japanese Beetles
The cheetah is the fastest animal on earth and there may only be a few thousand left. Cheetahs that once roamed Asia, North America and Europe have become extinct. The remaining animals are found only in two small parts of Africa and the problem is these cheetahs are exactly alike.
Published: 2007-03-05 00:00:00 read more...
Tips to Keep Your Home Termite Free
Your home may have something that it has been hiding from you, but it cannot keep secrets forever. Each year almost 4 million homes are invaded by termites. The wood-destroying insects silently devour homes and can sometimes take years to be discovered.
Published: 2007-03-02 00:00:00 read more...
Make Over Your Garden Room with Five Expert Tips
Whether you are looking to create an outdoor retreat or just want a great place to entertain this summer, night and day backyard transformations can be a blooming success with tips from a pro any gardener can follow.
Published: 2007-03-02 00:00:00 read more...
Chew on This: Tips to Keep Your Home Termite Free
Your home may have something that it has been hiding from you, but it cannot keep secrets forever. Each year almost 4 million homes are invaded by termites. The wood-destroying insects silently devour homes and can sometimes take years to be discovered.
Published: 2007-03-02 00:00:00 read more...
Cut Yard Maintenance Time in Half with Helpful Tips
With winter giving way to spring, thoughts are likely turning to the untouched lawns or gardens as homeowners prepare for another year of backyard chores. The beautiful lawns and gardens of years past were a result of weekends spent grooming the yard instead of spending time with your family or at the golf course. But, that does not have to be the case much longer.
Published: 2007-02-15 00:00:00 read more...
2007 Trend Alert: Accessories for the Fence and Deck
Home may be where you hang your hat, but the backyard is where you hang out. Today, backyards are losing ground to space under the roof, as well as shrinking lot sizes. That makes their limited square footage take on a heightened importance.
Published: 2007-02-06 00:00:00 read more...
Five Quick Tips to Combat Japanese Beetles
It seems like everybody is having problems with Japanese beetles. If you have fruit trees, grape vines, roses, crepe myrtle, you'll see Japanese beetles every summer.
Published: 2007-02-06 00:00:00 read more...
Is Your Garden in Style? Tips and trends for 2007
Each year, new gardening trends emerge, fueling more than 83 percent of American households to participate in lawn and garden activities, according to a recent survey by a leading gardening association.
Published: 2007-02-05 00:00:00 read more...
All Bird Food Is Not Created Equal
Katharine Elliott loves her yard and her dogs, and spares no expense in providing them the best in care and nourishment. Between her two passions, she thought she had little time for anything else, until she was the recipient of a rather strange gift -- a small bird feeder.
Published: 2007-02-02 00:00:00 read more...
How to Choose the Right Lawn Mower
Ask anybody who toiled in the backyard in the 60s, 70s or 80s: Mowing the grass used to be an exercise in frustration. People struggled with equipment that was limited by the technology of the day.
Published: 2007-02-02 00:00:00 read more...
Cutting-Edge Trend Report: Homeowners Want to Make Lawn Mowing Easier
Ask anybody who toiled in the backyard in the 60s, 70s or 80s: Mowing the grass used to be an exercise in frustration. People struggled with equipment that was limited by the technology of the day.
Published: 2007-02-02 00:00:00 read more...
Light It and Forget It: New Landscape Lighting Saves You from Hassle
Imagine not having to change the bulbs in your landscape lighting for 18 years! That's right -- no more wrestling through bushes or wading in ponds year after year to swap out bulbs. One of the latest lighting advancements is making its way outdoors, adding ambiance to outdoor décor and saving you nearly two decades of hassle. The secret? A whole new kind of LED lighting.
Published: 2007-02-02 00:00:00 read more...
Six Must-Have Features on Today's Cutting-Edge Lawn Mowers
Ask anybody who toiled in the backyard in the 60s, 70s or 80s: Mowing the grass used to be an exercise in frustration. People struggled with equipment that was limited by the technology of the day. Here are six high-tech features to look for when you're choosing a mower:
Published: 2007-02-02 00:00:00 read more...
Dinosaur Dirt for Your Garden?
Believe it or not, you may be able to forget about all those half-full containers of last year's chemical fertilizers sitting in your garage. A new natural product called Rich Earth composed of ancient composted material (dinosaur droppings perhaps?) and prehistoric plant matter that's thousands of years old has arrived on the gardening scene.
Published: 2007-02-02 00:00:00 read more...
Quick Fixes for Your Yard are Easy and Sure to Please
Summer is the time of year to kick back and enjoy outdoor living. Thanks to family barbecues and backyard baseball games, summer has much to anticipate.
Published: 2007-02-01 00:00:00 read more...
Getting Your Lawn Ready for Spring
Most of us do not think much about getting our lawns ready for spring until the grass looks like it needs mowing. Then you realize there are a few small chores to make your lawn ready for the season. Let's take a look at what these may be.
Published: 2007-02-01 00:00:00 read more...
Container Gardening: Pick a Pot, Plant and Enjoy
A beautiful plant can be enhanced by the right container, and you can save yourself time and effort by selecting a container suited to your needs. Here are a few tips to help you plan for a pleasant season of low-maintenance container gardening...
Published: 2007-01-31 00:00:00 read more...
Tips for Finding the Perfect Fountain
For centuries fountains have been popular aesthetic elements that enhance the ambience of the environment. In fact, some of the world's most visited attractions today are fountains.
Published: 2007-01-31 00:00:00 read more...
February Is Wild Bird Feeding Month, And Finches Are Ready To Celebrate!
February is Wild Bird Feeding Month, an observance established in 1994 by the National Bird Feeding Society. It was created in order to help educate Americans about feeding wild birds -- particularly in wintertime, one of the most difficult periods in much of North America for birds to survive in the wild.
Published: 2007-01-23 00:00:00 read more...
Tips for Winter Bird Feeding
Wild birds are beautiful, graceful and intriguing. Starting your adventure into bird watching can be easily done by learning about feeding birds in your own backyard. Because wintertime is one of the most difficult periods in much of North America for birds to survive in the wild, learning about birds' feeding habits now can help them get through these difficult months.
Published: 2007-01-23 00:00:00 read more...
Tips for Summer Bird Feeding
Wild birds are beautiful, graceful and intriguing. Starting your adventure into bird watching can be easily done by learning about feeding birds in your own backyard. Because wintertime is one of the most difficult periods in much of North America for birds to survive in the wild, learning about birds' feeding habits now can help them get through these difficult months.
Published: 2007-01-23 00:00:00 read more...
When Ants Take Over the Kitchen
Ants are among the most intelligent and prevalent insects on earth. Hardly a household kitchen hasn't had an invasion of them. Ants will arrive unannounced quickly and silently, day or night seeking out sweet foods like bears after a honeybee hive.
Published: 2007-01-16 00:00:00 read more...
Mother Nature Says Listen to Your Plants
When Nancy and Sam Cheek of Camden, S.C., bought their dream home two summers ago, they fell in love. They loved the home's gracious Southern architecture, quiet neighborhood and good schools, but what they loved more than anything was the new lush landscape.
Published: 2007-01-10 00:00:00 read more...
Get Your Kids Excited About Spending Time Outdoors this Spring
After a long winter of being cooped up indoors, on that first warm spring day, all the kids are going to want to do is run outside and play. But where will they go? The park, a friend's house or the backyard?
Published: 2006-12-28 00:00:00 read more...
Garden Superstars for Spring 2007
From patio-perfect perennials to ever-blooming annuals and landscape shrubs, Spring 2007 promises to be an exciting year for all things gardening.
Published: 2006-12-20 00:00:00 read more...
Home and Garden Trends Grow on the Web
With an abundance of new home and garden décor and appliances on the market this year, shopping for these items can be daunting. It takes lots of time and research to find what's best for your home, and what will complement your existing items. The simplest approach is to use the Internet, where all the information you need is in one place.
Published: 2006-12-20 00:00:00 read more...
Garden Superstars for 2007
From patio-perfect perennials to ever-blooming annuals and landscape shrubs, Spring 2007 promises to be an exciting year for all things gardening.
Published: 2006-12-20 00:00:00 read more...
Upside-down Planter Moves Tomato Gardening to Your Deck
How would you like to grow a huge tomato plant right on your patio or deck that takes up almost no space, can be watered, fed, tended and harvested without bending over and gives you huge tomato yields almost without effort?
Published: 2006-12-19 00:00:00 read more...
What in the World is Milky Spore
Master Gardeners use it. Savvy homeowners have tried Milky Spore. You may have heard about it, but what is it? Milky Spore was developed by USDA researchers after World War II and is considered the most important insect control ever devised by man. One USDA scientist, Dr. Samson R. Dutky, spent his entire 40-year career, at tax payers expense, perfecting Milky Spore and turning it into a fabulous product. But, what is it?
Published: 2006-12-15 00:00:00 read more...
Dreaming of Gardens: A Design and Care Primer
Does walking into a nursery or browsing through plant catalogs give you a headache? Do you agonize over where to start? Do you wonder how can you get your plants to look like, or somewhat like, those in the catalogs?
Published: 2006-12-12 00:00:00 read more...
Gardening 101: A Design & Care Primer
Does walking into a nursery or browsing through plant catalogs give you a headache? Do you agonize over where to start? Do you wonder how can you get your plants to look like, or somewhat like, those in the catalogs?
Published: 2006-12-12 00:00:00 read more...
Gift Ideas for the Gardener in Your Life
Are gardening gifts on your holiday list this year? They should be. Eighty-three percent of American homeowners polled said that they work in their yards and gardens on a regular basis (weather permitting, of course). And true gardening enthusiasts are thinking about gardening year-round.
Published: 2006-12-11 00:00:00 read more...
Bringing Simple Gardening Back To A Modern World
The realities of modern life are fast pushing gardening out of reach of many Americans - from apartment dwellers and senior citizens experiencing reduced mobility, to folks who simply don't have the time or space to devote to a full-size garden. Ironically, even as our ability to garden shrinks, news of gardening's health and spiritual benefits continues to grow.
Published: 2006-11-29 00:00:00 read more...
How to Choose a Pot and Planter
There are signs all around us that spring will soon be here. The song birds are returning, buds are starting to appear on the trees, and the sales ads at all the garden centers and home improvement stores are filled with pictures of lush, healthy plants in pots and planters.
Published: 2006-11-27 00:00:00 read more...
The Buck, And The Deer, Stop Here
Remember Bambi? Adorable. Remember Flag, the naturally destructive fawn from The Yearling? Unhappily, the deer that invade our yards every year belong in the second category. They're just not Bambi . . . they're more like Flag.
Published: 2006-10-03 00:00:00 read more...
Rejuvenate Your Lawn for Fall
After a heat- and drought-ridden summer in most areas of the country, it's not unusual to see plenty of bare and brown spots in the lawn. With fall upon us, now is the ideal time of year to rid lawns of those bare spots by reseeding or planting new grass seed to ensure a full and lush lawn for next year.
Published: 2006-09-29 00:00:00 read more...
Unique Gifts that Really Make a Difference
The holiday season really brings out the best in people. It's the time of year when kids are on their best behavior, you actually get along with your mother-in-law, and you discover your boss is a good guy after all.
Published: 2006-09-27 00:00:00 read more...
Valentine's Day Gifts for the Eco-Minded
As Valentine's Day approaches and you start thinking about the perfect gift for that special person in your life, consider gifts that make a difference as well as show how much you care.
Published: 2006-09-27 00:00:00 read more...
The Four Best Things You can do this Fall for Next Year's Spring Garden
As the crisp fall air ushers in a new season, many gardeners may be left wondering: what now? Garden experts from across the country weighed in with their tips on the four best things you can do this fall for a fabulous spring yard and garden.
Published: 2006-08-07 00:00:00 read more...
The Best Things You can Do this Fall for Next Spring's Garden
As the crisp fall air ushers in a new season, many gardeners may be left wondering: what now? Garden experts from across the country weighed in with their tips on the four best things you can do this fall for a fabulous spring yard and garden.
Published: 2006-08-07 00:00:00 read more...
Time to Winterize Your Lawn Mower
Soon, the leaves will change color, the birds will fly South, squirrels will hide acorns and the grass will slip into a dormant state of rest.
Published: 2006-07-26 00:00:00 read more...
Bird Feeding Without the Waste
It has happened to almost everyone who feeds outdoor pets (especially birds). You fill up the feeder, and the next day you're thrilled to see that almost all of the food is gone. Then you see it: a pile of uneaten bird food under your feeder. Sometimes it even starts to grow into a bizarre little garden born of bird food leftovers.
Published: 2006-07-24 00:00:00 read more...
Get Ready for Next Spring Now
The air is cooler. Clouds are darker. Plants are loosing their summer luster. Fall flowers are blooming. Now is the time to get ready for spring!
Published: 2006-07-20 00:00:00 read more...
North, South, East, West -- There's a Daffodil for You
For gardeners the arrival of fall means it's time to plant spring-flowering bulbs: tulips, crocuses and, perhaps most valuable of all, daffodils.
Published: 2006-07-11 00:00:00 read more...
How to Have Mosquito Free Backyard Parties
Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance - they are carriers of West Nile Virus and other diseases. Mild cases of West Nile infections may cause a slight fever or headache. More severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever with head and body aches, disorientation, tremors, convulsions and, in the most severe cases, paralysis or death.
Published: 2006-06-16 00:00:00 read more...
Choosing the Right Pot for Your Garden Spot
Cast stone, terra cotta or maybe glazed. With the overwhelming range of container choices, selecting the perfect pot for that special place in your garden can be a real conundrum.
Published: 2006-06-15 00:00:00 read more...
How to Keep Your Garden Growing in Times of Drought
Some blame it on El Nino, others on La Nina. No matter what the cause, the majority of the states in our Union are likely to experience the driest summer on record.
Published: 2006-06-13 00:00:00 read more...
Try Easy-To-Grow Echinacea in Your Garden
For some people, Echinacea is merely a dietary supplement that is purported to prevent a cold. But if you like to garden, you'll want to discover colorful Echinacea - also known as Coneflowers.
Published: 2006-06-01 00:00:00 read more...
Outdoor Living goes Upscale
Once upon a time, decorating your outdoor living space meant putting a few folding lawn chairs and a grill on your deck. But Americans are moving outdoors in a big way this spring and summer.
Published: 2006-05-03 00:00:00 read more...
Great Gardening Tips for Novices and Know-it-alls
Every gardener knows that no matter how long you've been growing your garden, there's always something new to learn. And whether you're faced with an unfamiliar garden pest or are curious what variety of green bean thrives best in your climate, the best people to learn from are other gardeners.
Published: 2006-05-01 00:00:00 read more...
Seven Tips to Maximize and Celebrate Your Outdoor Living Space
After years of limiting decorating to the interior of their homes, many people are turning their energy outside to create outdoor spaces for relaxing and entertaining. This shift reflects a new lifestyle - outdoor living - that extends beyond a home's traditional walls.
Published: 2006-04-24 00:00:00 read more...
Tips that Will Help You Maximize and Celebrate Your Outdoor Living Space
After years of limiting decorating to the interior of their homes, many people are turning their energy outside to create outdoor spaces for relaxing and entertaining. This shift reflects a new lifestyle - outdoor living - that extends beyond a home's traditional walls.
Published: 2006-04-24 00:00:00 read more...
Got Grass Clippings? Here's What to Do
Ah, the aroma of freshly mown grass. Few scents better evoke the essence of summer. Mowing grass can be satisfying on so many levels - from having a beautiful, healthy lawn to getting out in the sunshine and enjoying some exercise.
Published: 2006-04-21 00:00:00 read more...
Outdoor Lighting as Art
In the old days of landscape lighting, the philosophy was "never reveal the source of the light." That's because most outdoor lighting fixtures were plain, utilitarian and unattractive. Those days are gone, thanks in large part to the on-going trend towards creating beautiful, functional outdoor living spaces.
Published: 2006-04-11 00:00:00 read more...
Low Maintenance Summer Living
The hectic pace of life seems to slow down during the summer - kids are out of school, families are on vacation, the long evenings are made for relaxing. But any homeowner knows that with summer comes yard work. Don't let your yard work cut into your enjoyment of the all-too-brief summer months.
Published: 2006-04-11 00:00:00 read more...
From the Garden to the Runway: Bold Colors and Intricate Details are in the Forecast for Summer
Plants come in and out of style with time, just like with fashion. "Right now, it's very hip to use bold plants with a big wow-factor in gardens and landscapes," says Justin Hancock of Garden Ideas & Outdoor Living magazine.
Published: 2006-04-06 00:00:00 read more...
Water Garden Havens - Create a Sanctuary for the Senses
The love of the trickling sound of water dates back to early civilization when settling near naturally-occurring water sources was needed to sustain life. Once cities began forming away from oceans, rivers and other water supplies, the appreciation for its innate beauty, calming effects and salubrious properties were longed for. Today, the long-standing art of water gardening thrives among homeowners eager to maintain these aesthetic benefits.
Published: 2006-04-03 00:00:00 read more...
Less is More!
Getting outside and enjoying your lawn is one of the greatest joys of home ownership. Empty nesters, singles and parents with kids all share the same thought… what can I do to have a great yard without being a slave to it? It's easy…and less is more!
Published: 2006-03-30 00:00:00 read more...
You're Never too Young to Garden
As people grow older, they sometimes lose sight of or interest in activities that they used to enjoy as a child. And then there are those activities that no matter how many years may pass, never lose their charm and appeal. Gardening, for example.
Published: 2006-03-28 00:00:00 read more...
How To Attract the Seven Most Desired Wild Birds
Every year, more and more people are adopting "outdoor pets" in their back yard, whether they are squirrels, rabbits or the most popular outdoor pets of them all -- wild birds. People have loved feeding birds almost since the beginning of time, but for most of those years there wasn't much nutritional science involved. We just put bread crumbs or bird seed in the yard and took what we could get. Luckily for wild birds (and those who love to feed them), times have changed.
Published: 2006-03-17 00:00:00 read more...
Gorgeous Gardens Inside Out
Gorgeous gardens are simple to cultivate when you nurture plants from the inside out. So say scientists at Eden Bioscience who manufacture a plant health regulator called Messenger.
Published: 2006-03-01 00:00:00 read more...
How to Make Your Garden Really Grow
Whether you're a novice gardener or someone who has been doing it for a long time, you know that in order to grow healthy looking plants with an abundance of blooms, you must provide them with the proper amount of sunlight, water and aerated nutrition-rich soil.
Published: 2006-02-10 00:00:00 read more...
The Key to Maintenance-Free Landscaping
Soon the barren landscape we've been looking at for months will once again give way to green grass, flowering bulbs, and budding trees and shrubs. The first day of spring (March 20, 2006) is almost upon us.
Published: 2006-02-07 00:00:00 read more...
Tool Time: Make Life in the Lawn and Garden Easier
In the beginning, there was the shovel. Then came the pitchfork. And the rake. For decades, homeowners were stuck with basic, multi-purpose tools that attempted many tasks, with mixed results. If a gardener needed a specialized tool designed specifically for weeding, tilling or pruning, they were out of luck.
Published: 2006-02-06 00:00:00 read more...
The Right Tools for the Job
In the beginning, there was the shovel. Then came the pitchfork. And the rake. For decades, homeowners were stuck with basic, multi-purpose tools that attempted many tasks, with mixed results. If a gardener needed a specialized tool designed specifically for weeding, tilling or pruning, they were out of luck.
Published: 2006-02-06 00:00:00 read more...
Choosing the Right Tools for the Job
In the beginning, there was the shovel. Then came the pitchfork. And the rake. For decades, homeowners were stuck with basic, multi-purpose tools that attempted many tasks, with mixed results. If a gardener needed a specialized tool designed specifically for weeding, tilling or pruning, they were out of luck.
Published: 2006-02-06 00:00:00 read more...
Looking for a Way to Reduce Mowing Time?
If you feel like you have better things to do than mowing your lawn and are looking for a way to reduce mowing time, then a zero-turning-radius mower should be at the top of your "must-buy" list. That's because zero-turning-radius mowers save time mowing and trimming since there's no need to back up when cutting around trees and other objects around the yard.
Published: 2006-02-03 00:00:00 read more...
As Geese Numbers Rise, So Do Hazards
We see them at the park, in our neighborhoods and even in our own backyards. Encountering a flock of wandering geese is the closest many of us ever get to wildlife, but too many geese and their droppings can render an area unusable and pose potential health risks.
Published: 2006-02-03 00:00:00 read more...
Make the Grass Greener for Geese Elsewhere
We see them at the park, in our neighborhoods and even in our own backyards. Encountering a flock of wandering geese is the closest many of us ever get to wildlife, but too many geese and their droppings can render an area unusable and pose potential health risks.
Published: 2006-02-03 00:00:00 read more...
Six Steps to a Stress-Free Back Yard
If your thoughts are turning to the time and energy you'll spend in the back yard this season, you're not alone. A new survey says that the majority of homeowners have concerns about the condition of their lawns and mowers as they think about getting into their yards this spring.
Published: 2006-02-02 00:00:00 read more...
Ways to Make Lawn Care Easier on the Body
Taking care of the yard can be good exercise, but it can also cause uncomfortable pains and strains. A 2006 national consumer study reveals that mowing the lawn can result in a variety of physical ailments, many of which can be avoided, according to industry experts.
Published: 2006-02-02 00:00:00 read more...
Brightening the Backyard: New Lighting Options Makeover Outdoor Living
Outdoor living spaces are turning as warm and cozy as the family room, whether you can enjoy them for two months or twelve. In the latest outdoor makeovers, indoor style has fast become an outdoor phenomenon, from growth in exterior kitchens to advancements in outdoor furniture, lighting solutions and more.
Published: 2006-02-02 00:00:00 read more...
Add Charm and Style to Your Yard with Arbors
This is the time of year that gardeners love. Seed and plant catalogs have arrived, and chilly winter nights can be spent planning what the yard and garden will look like this spring and summer. Don't forget to include plans for hardscaping, the non-plant accents that give your yard its backbone.
Published: 2006-02-02 00:00:00 read more...
The Rewards of Gardening with Your Children
William Wordsworth once said, "Let nature be your teacher." He was just one of the many scholars who believed that nature was therapeutic for the soul and provided an abundance of lessons - especially for children. One of the best (and most fun) ways for children to experience the outdoors is through gardening.
Published: 2006-02-01 00:00:00 read more...
Modular Deck Tiles Go Anywhere, Cut Deck Costs in Half
Do you dream of a new wood deck, but are daunted by the cost of having one built or the difficulty of doing it yourself? Don't despair. Modular deck tiles can make a beautiful do-it-yourself deck possible for even home improvement neophytes.
Published: 2006-02-01 00:00:00 read more...
Showstoppers: Stage a Sensation in the Garden
There's no excuse for planting the same old pink and white impatiens year after year, staging the same old garden scene.
Published: 2006-01-31 00:00:00 read more...
A Great Tool for the Serious Gardener
If you enjoy America's favorite pastime, Spring is surely your favorite time of year. The grass grows green again, the trees sprout new leaves and you're finally able to plant that garden you've been dreaming about all winter.
Published: 2006-01-31 00:00:00 read more...
Showstoppers: Stage a Sensation in the Garden this Spring!
There's no excuse for planting the same old pink and white impatiens year after year, staging the same old garden scene.
Published: 2006-01-31 00:00:00 read more...
Are Insecticides Poisoning Your Yard?
You may not know what a Japanese beetle looks like, but chances are if you have a yard, you've seen the damage they do. The beetle is a highly destructive non-native pest that was introduced to the United States almost 80 years ago.
Published: 2006-01-31 00:00:00 read more...
The Ultimate Gardening Tool
If you enjoy America's favorite pastime, Spring is surely your favorite time of year. The grass grows green again, the trees sprout new leaves and you're finally able to plant that garden you've been dreaming about all winter.
Published: 2006-01-31 00:00:00 read more...
Tips for a Successful Garden
With spring fast approaching, it's time to decide what you would like to do with your garden. Seed catalogs conjure visions of beautiful bouquets around your home, their sweet fragrances permeating every room. Your appetite is whetted for meals prepared with homegrown vegetables. But how can you best prepare that plot of soil behind your house to help make your garden grow?
Published: 2006-01-30 00:00:00 read more...
Gardening Tasks Should Bring Satisfaction, Not Pain
When it comes to tools, gardeners today have more options than ever before. With all the choices in colors, shapes and sizes, it's easy to overlook one of the most important gardening tools - your body.
Published: 2006-01-27 00:00:00 read more...
Cut Mowing Time in Half
The hottest trend in home mowing is a fast, fun tool that the professionals have been using for decades: zero-turn-radius mowers. Once considered too costly for home use, zero-turn-radius mowers are now priced to compete with common lawn tractors.
Published: 2006-01-25 00:00:00 read more...
Make Your Back Yard into a Sanctuary for Outdoor Pets
A huge percentage of Americans have pets. Whether we live with dogs, cats, fish or any of our other animal friends, we love the companionship they offer. On the other hand, we consider anything outside our home to be "wildlife." While that word is accurate, it can also be misleading.
Published: 2006-01-11 00:00:00 read more...
Turning the Tomato-Growing World Upside-Down
Tomatoes are by far the most grown fruit (yes, "fruit," not "vegetable") in home gardens around the world. Nutritionists and health professionals tout the anti-oxidant health benefits of the fruit. Clearly, Americans love tomatoes. Yet most gardeners aren't very enthusiastic about the amount of work involved in successfully growing tomatoes.
Published: 2005-12-30 00:00:00 rea