With summer vacations looking a little different this year, infusing new energy into playtime — and making it a family affair — can turn time at home into a fun “staycation.” Both kids and adults can quickly grow tired of the same scenery and activities, but new ways to engage together can help bring back […]
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Posted inGarden
The Garden of Lynn and Jim McIntyre
“Why would you want to buy that piece of swampland?” asked the strawberry farmer when Jim and Lynn McIntyre showed interest in a plot of land he had tried to cultivate. The land was full of rocks and wet clay, and a big section consisted of a 3-inch-deep peat-like layer. Full of scotch broom, with […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Victory Garden
“When the pandemic hit, I decided to plant a vegetable garden.” I’ve heard this from consultation clients and Plantrama listeners for the past three months, and my response is always the same. “Congratulations! You made a terrific choice.” I recognize that the stress of the COVID-19 crisis can easily prompt people to eat sweets or […]
Posted inHome
Makeover with Texture
Interior design is an ever-changing industry of color and pattern. It can be difficult to make decisions regarding your home’s “new look,” particularly if you find yourself quickly getting tired of revolving design trends. Texture — what may be considered the most interesting element of design — adds variety and depth to each space in […]
Posted inAt Home
Things to Do This Summer: Make a (Virtual) ‘Visit’ to the Smithsonian
If you are looking for new things to this summer do while staying home or social distancing, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has you covered. The museum has lots of free content available for both adults and kids, including digital learning tools for students of all ages and online versions of many […]
Posted inGarden
The Garden Shed Takes Back Stage in the Garden
Every garden needs a work area: a “behind the scenes” staging space where all the glories of the garden are dressed, groomed and rehearsed until they are ready to make their entrance. This can be a spot tucked away out of sight with a simple table, a bag of potting soil and a stash of […]
Posted inAt Home
4 Steps for Developing a Thoughtful Estate Plan
Many people may avoid estate planning because they think it can be put off until later in life. But experts agree that adults of any age should have a plan in place to make sure their financial affairs are in order after they pass on or in case they are incapacitated. A complete and thoughtful […]
Posted inHome
How to Become a Barbecue Master
It’s summer. That means long days, fun outings, get-togethers with family and friends — and, of course, barbecue. Mmmmm, barbecue: bold, smoky, sweet, tangy. The flavors are as much a part of summer memories as the smell of fresh-cut lawn and the feel of beach sand under the feet. But before you break out the […]
Posted inAt Home
Recipe for a Delightful Family Dessert
Make family meals part of your home by digging into kid-friendly desserts like these Cheesecake Cupcakes with Oat and Walnut Crust, and join the Family Meals Movement, which encourages Americans to pledge to share one more family breakfast, lunch or dinner at home per week. Find tips, recipes and ways to increase your family meal […]