There are many plans I have for next year. The addition of a new deck, redoing the patio area and finishing repairing the property damage from this years flooding. photo credit: ricardo-pereira But whether you have small plans or larger plans, late fall and winter are the perfect time to plan the Backyard Oasis for next year. Most people schedules let up in the winter and you can see the backyard better when the plants and trees are dormant. Even in the southern climates most vegetation wil... Read Full Story

Our area was hit very hard with tomato blight. Almost everyone lost their entire tomato crop. I believe the reason for this was our cold rainy summer and nights that were chilly. It just put to much stress on the plants. photo credit: kthread And the heavy rain created sickly plants that were the perfect target for any disease. Even a garden that was well maintained and weeded fell prey to blight. The only people who seemd to do well were those who grew their tomatoes indoors or in a greenh... Read Full Story

My front yard has a 90-degree angle or slope, from the road down to the house. Now normally that’s not a problem and the slope look nice when its mowed. photo credit: brewbooks But this year our abundant rain created quite a problem and when the drain directly across the hill filled with rock from a rockslide my yard turned into a waterfalls. Four and one half hours of water crossing the road and bringing rocks, branches, dirt, garbage and anything else that fell in it path into the yard cr... Read Full Story

Indoor Gardening? There are many reasons to consider indoor gardening. photo credit: Hair Squared I have been an avid outdoor gardener for many years but each year I find myself growing more plants indoors. For me a short growing climate, weather concerns and the fact I like to be surrounded by living plants has lead to this change. I also find indoor gardening easier in many ways. For those who in cities and have limited space the indoor garden is a perfect solution gardening. And it’s a p... Read Full Story

The success of next year’s garden depends on proper preparation of your vegetable beds this fall. Clearing out dead plants, turning in some nice old compost for soil regeneration, and even planting some early spring crops is the perfect way to ensure the success of next year’s garden. photo credit: mcmorgan08 Insect Free: Taking all old leaves and plant debris off of your garden is the best way to prevent insects from overwintering in your garden. Old leaves on the soil surface ... Read Full Story

When it comes to a children’s play house, the choices you have are practically as varied as when buying a home. They come in many different styles, sizes and materials. Before you try to sift through all the options, there are some decisions to be made first. photo credit: Paul A Hernandez Size is a good place to start. Do you want a small playhouse that can be used indoors? Or would you prefer a larger one that can only be used outdoors? How many children need to fit in the house? It... Read Full Story

Bentwood furniture seems to tie the backyard in with the patio and home area. Bentwood pieces can include benches, planters, rockers and love seats. The Garden areas also benefit from bentwood garden art with the use of trellises, arbors and plant stands. photo credit: Mike and Kelly Schellhouse The Amish are on my property this week cutting hickory for their bentwood rockers they are so well known for in this area. They have been harvesting small amounts of Hickory wood on and off for abou... Read Full Story

Bentwood furniture seems to tie the backyard in with the patio and home area. Bentwood pieces can include benches, planters, rockers and love seats. The Garden areas also benefit from bentwood garden art with the use of trellises, arbors and plant stands. photo credit: Mike and Kelly Schellhouse The Amish are on my property this week cutting hickory for their bentwood rockers they are so well known for in this area. They have been harvesting small amounts of Hickory wood on and off for abou... Read Full Story

We have several Amish communities in our area and even with our cultural differences our paths cross. I have used the Amish for pressing my cider for years. And with our property containing a large selection of hickory the Amish make arrangements to harvest the smaller trees to use in their bentwood rockers. photo credit: ajagendorf25 Today our side yard has one Amish buggy in the lower drive and one draft house tied to a tree near the barn. A group of Amish are starting to harvest the smal... Read Full Story

Reading gardens or rooms are taking root across America. Many towns are actually creating reading gardens in parks and community centers. photo credit: David Masters Why not create a reading garden in your backyard where you can escape from the stress and pace of today’s society? Take a look at your backyard. Do you have an area that is not in use or could be revamped to include a clear area and a hammock or bench. And by adding shade or light, flowers and plants, you can create a personal ... Read Full Story