Years ago, my family went caving in Kentucky. We learned quite a bit about the plants and animals in the surround areas and the guide was passionate about bats. The bat population in many areas is decreasing due to the spread of numerous fungal illnesses and a serious loss of habitat. Learning how to attract bats to your yard can be a great way to do your part to support the local bat population. You may think they are a bit intimidating but honestly, they need our help if they are going to thrive! Here are a few ways to attract bats to … [Read more...]
Mosquito Protection Tips to Help You Reclaim Your Backyard!
April 10, 2017 by · 2 Comments
Last week, my family and I headed to Florida for spring break. The first half of our trip was spent exploring Everglades National Park which was an absolutely amazing trip. Except for the mosquitos. They were absolutely everywhere! With the threat of West Nile virus, Zika virus and so many other nasty illnesses, I read up on a TON of mosquito protection tips before we left. Of course, your backyard won't have anywhere near as many mosquitos as the Everglades does but it's still smart to protect yourself from mosquito bites.Mosquito … [Read more...]
Tips for Organic Gardening with Kids for a Fun and Rewarding Experience!
April 8, 2017 by · 2 Comments
Kids learn best when they are able to get involved with the learning process. Organic gardening with kids presents a great opportunity to teach your children valuable life lessons with hands-on experience. The most important thing to keep in mind when trying to get your kids engaged in the organic gardening process is to keep their interest. Plant growth takes time, and from seed planting until harvest time of vegetables or flowers, kids often lose interest. Use these tips to capture and hold their attention so you can have a successful summer … [Read more...]
Planting Bulbs in Spring for Vibrant Summer Flowers
March 8, 2017 by · Leave a Comment
With the weather already in the low 60's here in Georgia, we have daffodils blooming and the scent of hyacinths in the air. While most bulbs are planted in the fall for spring blooming, you can still plant bulbs even after the snow melts. Planting bulbs in spring will bring you a nice rainbow of colors in your yard during the summer. However, you need to follow a few of these easy planting tips and make sure to buy the right type of bulbs. I will share a few tips and affiliate links to get you started on your bulb planting journey!How … [Read more...]
How to Grow Your Own Herb Garden
February 14, 2017 by · 3 Comments
One of the best ways to add flavor to your food is to learn how to grow your own herb garden. Fresh herbs are not cheap at the grocery store and once you buy them, they go bad fairly quickly. I cannot tell you how many times I have gone to grab the cilantro only to find that it is slightly slimy and no longer usable. There goes another $1.00 right into the compost bin. Herb gardens are a very easy way to ensure that you have fresh herbs right at your fingertips whenever you need them. Not only do you get fresh flavor in your recipes but … [Read more...]
Garden Journal Ideas and Tips for Year Round Record Keeping
November 1, 2016 by · Leave a Comment
Usually, garden inspiration comes to me at the craziest of times. Sometimes it's late at night, or while I am in the shower and other times it is the dead of winter. If you are looking for garden journal ideas, the first thing to keep in mind is that gardening is a year round hobby. I have been gardening for years and have definitely had my share of ups and downs when it comes to results. Some years I have a plethora of cucumbers and others I get absolutely none. Sometimes I am hunting for the right type of carrot seeds in March and other … [Read more...]
Hiking Tips for Women: What the books don’t tell you!
October 17, 2016 by · 10 Comments
If you are planning a hiking trip soon and happen to be female, you might want to remember these hiking tips for women as you plan your trip. When I was in college, I joined the Outing Club and got my first taste of what hiking and camping were really all about. I had a great group of people at my disposal that had been enjoying the great outdoors for many years and lived to tell about it. I was taught how to put up a tent, build a fire, and prevent bears from rummaging in my food stuffs. I was NOT told quite a number of things that I have … [Read more...]
Fall Outdoor Decorating Ideas that Won’t Break the Bank
October 4, 2016 by · Leave a Comment
I must admit that I enjoy scrolling through Pinterest looking at fall decor ideas for my porch and yard. But, so many of them are way too expensive. I just don't have a huge amount of money in the bank for decorating my home. I have 2 teens that will be heading off to college soon and that has to be my financial priority. I decided to look for a few fall outdoor decorating ideas that would give my porch and yard pizzaz without costing a fortune. If you are frugal (whether by need or by nature!), you might enjoy a few of these fall decor … [Read more...]
5 Reasons You Need Water Features for the Garden
August 28, 2016 by · 6 Comments
With summer on the way out and the cooler weather of fall moving in soon, you should consider getting outside and doing some landscaping. Water features for the garden are a great addition to your backyard space. A few years ago, my husband and I tore out our dilapidated wooden porch and had a stone patio installed. We included a fire pit and seating wall and it was designed in a slightly odd oblong shape to accommodate the area we needed to keep clear for the septic tank. After adding in decorative fence posts, grape vines and an … [Read more...]
How to Attract Birds to Your Backyard
June 26, 2016 by · 2 Comments
If you are looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your kids, you definitely need to learn how to attract birds to your backyard. Bird watching is not only a fun hobby, it's also a great way to keep bugs from eating your garden plants. I love listening to the birds sing their morning songs in the spring. Knowing they are eating all those annoying caterpillars makes me even happier! Many bird species are becoming endangered thanks to humans. We bulldoze over their natural homes, spray insect killer to destroy their food and let … [Read more...]
