Put your garden to work over winter by planting a cover crop this fall. Covering the soil with plants that are turned into the soil or smothered and allowed to decompose in spring provides many benefits. Fall-planted cover crops protect the soil from erosion over winter and reduce stormwater runoff into nearby waterways and storm […]
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Posted inHome
Designing for Outdoor Entertaining
Now more than ever, homeowners are acquainting themselves with their home’s outdoor spaces in an endeavor to expand their living space and to enhance their quality of life. Historically, many homeowners opted to de-stress and connect with nature away from home and to entertain family and friends at restaurants and other hospitality venues. However, there […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
How to Build a Firewood Rack for Your Backyard
If you’re like many outdoor enthusiasts, the warm months mean fun bonfire parties with sing-a-longs, scary stories and s’mores right in your backyard. But having a wood-burning firepit requires having a dedicated place to store firewood. “A firewood rack is not only important for an organized yard, it protects your fuel source from moisture, making […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Five Common Spring Lawn Care Mistakes
Longer days and bountiful sunshine mean the outdoor season has arrived. As excited as you may be to enjoy the fresh air out on your lawn, there are several spring lawn care tasks to complete first. It’s no secret that homeowners love a lush green lawn, with 36% of American homeowners revealing that their lawns […]
Posted inAt Home
Ways to Extend the Life of Your Deck
Last year, over 50,000 new homes with decks were built in the United States. Clearly, homeowners love having a deck to enhance their backyard and enjoy outdoor living. To get the most out of your deck, you need to ensure you take good care of it throughout the year. Below, you’ll learn the importance of regular deck maintenance […]
Posted inAt Home
Stay Safe as You Get Back Outside to Work on Your Lawn and Backyard
Spring is coming, and as we get out our lawn mowers and other outdoor power equipment from storage to work in our yards, businesses and other green spaces, it’s important to put safe practices in place. “Think safety first,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Put Your Citizen Scientist Hat on for the Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 17-20
The 26th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place Friday, Feb. 17, through Monday, Feb. 20 — and everyone is invited to participate. Bird and nature lovers everywhere unite in the effort to tally as many of the world’s bird species as possible over these four days. Combined with other bird counts, GBBC results help create a […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Designing Your Garden for Better Mental Health
Gardening is not only a means for beautifying outdoor spaces and growing delicious foods. According to those who spend significant time in the yard, getting outside can also support your wellbeing. “Gardening is good for the mind, good for the soul and good for the body,” said legendary football coach Vince Dooley. “I enjoy coming […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Living and Work Room
The pandemic thrust us into a new reality, and the backyard has a starring role. Yards and other managed landscapes became a safe haven. Backyarding became a way of life as lawns, gardens, patios and decks evolved into outdoor offices, classrooms, family gathering places and the new “hot spots” in our neighborhoods. According to a […]