Martinis and Marigolds - Refreshingly Quick Tips for Home and Garden

My 5 Favorite Holiday Beverages

My 5 Favorite Holiday Beverages

It's no secret that I like a good cocktail. I really don't like soda. In fact, I don't like super sugary drinks (including ones with alcohol) at all. And while I try to drink a lot of water, it's well -  boring. So I look forward to something more interesting. However, there are times when I don't feel like drinking alcohol. I'm always looking for something fun and festive (including non-alcoholic options) to drink when I'm at a party or out to dinner.

Since the holiday party season is upon us, I thought I'd share 5 of my favorite drink options. Read on to find out what I'm drinking this holiday season!

Making the Holidays Your Own

Making the Holidays Your Own

The holiday season is in full swing. While this can be a happy time, it can also be very stressful. The pressure to find the perfect gift, have a beautifully decorated home and bake the most amazing cookies can be overwhelming. Your list of 'shoulds' can be a mile long. And social media can sure add to that pressure.

And what if you're just not feeling it? That can make things even more stressful. in this blog post I'm going to share my tips for navigating the holidays whether you're feeling festive but overwhelmed or you're just not in a fa-la-la-la-la kind of mood.

Read on to find out how I'm navigating the holidays!

5 Tips for Keeping Your Christmas Tree Fresh This Season

5 Tips for Keeping Your Christmas Tree Fresh This Season

The holidays are upon us and for many that means putting up a Christmas tree. Choices abound - live, fresh cut, or artificial. While I have friends that swear by their artificial trees, I just haven't been able to find one I really like. Year after year we keep coming back to a nice, fresh cut Douglas Fir.

While the cleanup of dropping needles is never enjoyable, there are things you can do to prolong the life (and your enjoyment) of this special holiday tradition. 

Read on to find out how!

2024 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

2024 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Finding the Perfect Gift can be Hard... Let us make it Easy

Read on for Great Gift Ideas for the Gardeners in your Life!

Posted in Christmas gift, gardening gifts, gifts for gardeners

5 Easy to Grow Houseplants That Also Help Clean the Air

5 Easy to Grow Houseplants That Also Help Clean the Air

As the temperatures drop during autumn in many part of the US, we gardeners are forced to turn our attention to indoor activities. Houseplants have long been a way to get a ‘gardening fix’ as we put our outdoor gardens to rest.

As an added bonus, studies have shown that these plants can help to clean harmful chemicals out of the air. 

Read on to find out about 5 indoor houseplants that are easy to grow and help to clean the air!

5 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Gift Giving

5 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Gift Giving

A few years ago, I decided to take a more relaxed, stop-and-smell-the-pine-trees approach to the holidays. And I’m about to share one of my secrets to a more relaxing holiday season – stressing less about shopping and gift giving.

Read on while I share my 5 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Gift Giving

Posted in Christmas gift, gardening gifts, gifts for gardeners, holidays

Splendid Succulents

Splendid Succulents

NOTE FROM DONNA - My garden bed has been put to sleep for the winter. I'm looking to add to my indoor garden but want something easy to care for, especially during the busy holidays.

Read on to find out how one of our resident bloggers Paula Marolewski uses succulents to add some green to her home without a lot of work.

Posted in indoor gardening, succulents

Shuttin' Her Down - 5 Garden Cleanup Chores to Do This Fall

Shuttin' Her Down - 5 Garden Cleanup Chores to Do This Fall

I have a friend who is a just a hoot to be around. Every day when he is getting ready to leave work, he tells his supervisor - "Shuttin' her down boss". I keep hearing those words ringing in my ears as I look at my garden. Doing a few quick cleanup chores now can really feel good and set you up for success in the spring. 

Read on for my list of chores and helpful tips if you are going to be 'shuttin' her down' too!

Transform Your Garden Year-Round with These Stunning Shrubs

Transform Your Garden Year-Round with These Stunning Shrubs

In our effort to add really unique perennials and annuals to our gardens, we can overlook the value of shrubs. Maybe it's because they can seem a bit boring.

But shrubs can provide a great filler for larger beds and become a nice backdrop for flowering perennials and annuals. They are an important addition for curb appeal in your front yard. And, can really add to the backyard landscape if chosen for low maintenance and interesting textures and colors.

My favorite reason to grow shrubs is that they can provide multiple seasons of interest.


Read on to find 4 of my favorite shrubs that add color, texture and interest to my yard throughout the year.

Posted in beginner gardener, garden design, garden planning, landscaping, shrubs

How to Save Time and Money by Planting Perennials

How to Save Time and Money by Planting Perennials

Fall is a great time for planting and a great time to take advantage of plant sales. By planting perennials in the fall you get a jump on spring. Read on to find out how to get the best value for your dollar when buying and planting perennials.

Posted in flower gardening, gardening, perennials

Easy-to-Grow Perennials to Plant This Fall

Easy-to-Grow Perennials to Plant This Fall

Perennials are one of the most popular types of flowering plants, both for the beginning and experienced gardeners.  And fall is a great time to plant them.

But there are so many varieties, choosing can be overwhelming.

Read on to find out about some of the most popular varieties to plant and how to get started.

Posted in fall gardening, flower gardening, gardening, perennials

Using Ornamental Grasses to Enhance Your Landscape

Using Ornamental Grasses to Enhance Your Landscape

Fall is definitely a great time for planting. As we decide on what to plant, most of us think of flowering perennials, trees and shrubs. But as you consider your choices, consider perennial grasses.

Read on to find out why ornamental grasses are a great addition to any landscape.

Posted in gardening, ornamental grasses, perennials