Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) is a nice spring to early summer perennial that has spiky, grass-like foliage with deep blue, three petaled flowers. It is usually considered a wildflower, native to the Midwest, East and North East United States. The plant is often purchased for garden flower beds. They are grown in zones 4 to […]
Vickie asks, “What is the best fertilizer to use on my plants?” Before I go into a description discussing fertilizer, I want to stress the most important part of producing huge flowers or an abundance of vegetables is building a good soil. The garden soil is the foundation of great plants. You want to develop […]
If you want to encourage pollinators in the yard, look for the good old-fashioned choices that once cheered up outdoor spaces. Lilacs are the first choice for bees. With the twin qualities of beauty and fragrance, lilacs are perfect for the suburban yard. Choose a well-drained location with plenty of sun and space. They grow […]
Will you be completing outdoor home renovation projects this season? To maximize your investment, consider these project ideas, which combine beauty and long-lasting performance: Smart Landscaping Landscaping is a fundamental aspect of curb appeal. A beautiful design has the power to boost your home’s resale value. What’s more, certain landscape choices may last longer and […]
I was reading an article in a magazine about a man who did not like planting spring flowering shrubs and trees into his garden because they only bloomed for a week to ten days. Afterwards he was left with a blob of boring green leaves that took up valuable garden space. I can relate to […]
Thanks to an unusually warm, wet winter, experts predict that Americans will face an extra buggy summer. According to the bi-annual Bug Barometer, a seasonal projection from the National Pest Management Association, conditions are ripe for pesky pests of all stripes to be out in full force. And more bugs outside will likely mean more […]
Summer living can make your family’s clothing vulnerable to stains, splatters and more, even if you are spending more time at home these days. But it’s possible to restore your family’s clothing to like-new condition every time laundry day rolls around with these tips and strategies: • Act quickly: The faster you treat a garment, […]
Jan asks, “ I don’t want to spend a lot of money, but what could I plant on my porch that would look nice all summer and be easy to care for?” I often flip through garden sites and through gardening magazines and look at the very elaborate container gardens filled to the brim with […]
Do you spend summer days outdoors mowing the lawn, tending to the garden and working on the house? Here are a few steps you can take to help you care for and protect your skin as you complete your seasonal chores: • Dress right: A few wardrobe considerations go a long way. Opt for long, […]
Besides a great looking lawn, nothing showcases the backyard quite like a cookout. But anything worth doing is worth doing right. So when it comes to grilling your next rib-eye steak, take a cue from world-class chefs who are all turning up the heat. “All my chef buddies are cooking on high, intense heat, getting […]