Martinis and Marigolds - Refreshingly Quick Tips for Home and Garden

Flocking to the Feeders

Flocking to the Feeders

EDITOR'S NOTE: The winter months are upon us. And now that the holidays are over and spring is a few months away, there's not much to do in the garden. So what's a gardener to do?

Well, our resident blogger Paula Marolewski, really enjoys the birds that visit throughout the winter. Please enjoy Paula's article with some helpful tips to get birds to flock to your feeders.

 

5 Tips for Turning Resolutions into Reality

5 Tips for Turning Resolutions into Reality

The New Year is finally here. And with it comes the time-honored tradition of making New Year's Resolutions. 

For most us, resolutions don't really work. Studies have shown it. While stating what you want to see happen in your life is always a good idea, many times things don't change. But in 2018 I found a way to achieve at least some of the goals I set for 2018.

Read on to find out the 5 things I did to Turn Resolutions into Reality

Beauty in Every Season

Beauty in Every Season

As 2022, with all of its challenges, draws to a close, it's a great time to reflect on what this year brought to us and take time to appreciate the good things it had to offer before moving on to 2023.

Most of us have a favorite season of the year. But part of the joy of gardening is that, as we actively engage with nature in the intimacy of our own yard, we can find beauty in every season.

Read on as Paula shows us the beauty she finds in every season of her 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!

2022 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

2022 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!

Veggie Garden Roundup

Veggie Garden Roundup

For those of you who have been following me this year, you know this year was my first real attempt at vegetable garden. If you missed that post, you can review it here.

I decided to start small with a raised bed. And I tried to choose plants that were pretty easy to grow and did not take up a lot of space. I planted 3 different types of tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, jalapeño peppers, green peppers and cilantro.

Read on to find out which varieties I planted, how they faired at the end of the season and what I'm going to do differently next year.

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

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 resident bloggers Paula Marolewski uses succulents to add some green to her home without a lot of work.
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.
Shuttin' Her Down Boss - 5 Garden Cleanup Chores to Do This Fall

Shuttin' Her Down Boss - 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 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!