Ideas for creating hardscape using thrift store and estate sale finds Story and Photos by Leslie Derrenbacker Hardscape (by a much watered down definition) is something added to your garden that is not a plant. Hardscape is a very important element when planning any garden space. It provides four seasons of interest, requires little to …
The experience of bonsai Story and Photos by Carolyn Tomlin As a teenager, Brad Foresythe was looking at a gardening book about Japanese gardens, when he noticed a one-page description of bonsai. Intrigued, he discovered more material in the World Book Encyclopedia. However, neither article explained how they were created or maintained. Spellbound by this …
Create a space to spark children’s imagination Story and Photos by Cindy Shapton Children seem to have a natural love of the outdoors, a connection if you will. As parents and grandparents, we can nurture that love by spending time and providing opportunities to experience what nature has to offer. One way is to incorporate …
Try this tasteful, rustic autumn look for your own garden gathering Story by Peggy Hill Photos by Trace Barnett Southern summers are brutally hot; all but the sweatiest of us spend them cocooned in our air-conditioned spaces, and when we finally emerge in fall, we are ready to party. For me, throwing a fall party …
Using nature’s harvest and a bit of imagination to liven up the landscape Story and Photos by Susan Jasan Fall is a delightful time of year with cooler temperatures, fall color, and a bountiful harvest from your summer garden. It’s a delightful time for youth and adults alike as Halloween brings alive a host of …
An old construction technique that’s perfect for the modern garden Story and Photos by Cynthia Wood If you’ve visited historical gardens, you’ve probably noticed fences that resemble wooden croquet wickets. These are variations of wattle, an ancient craft that’s been practiced in England and Europe since the Bronze Age. Although wattle was traditionally made with …
The basics of harvesting and preserving herbs Story and Photos by Rebecca Stoner Kirts Fall is one of my favorite times in the herb garden. It is the time to gather the fruits of your labor so you can enjoy these amazing plants all winter long. Many years ago, I was visiting one of my …
Decorating with fruits and vegetables Story and Photos by Loretta Gillespie Decorating your table with fruits and vegetables is fun and easy. And it’s not only prettier than a floral centerpiece, but it’s more economical – you can eat it! In the summer you can turn a simple watermelon or honeydew into a stunning vase …
How to build a mason bee house Story by Sue Hughes The Problem If you’re like me, you’ve entertained the idea of beekeeping – until the over-$100 starter kits, ridiculous outfits, and the prospects of a sticky, syrupy harvest caused that thought to make a beeline right out of your head. Yes, I want to …
How to make your own garden markers Story and Photos by Sue Hughes Every spring I struggle with how to identify what I’ve planted. Part of the problem is that I demand my plant markers have the following attributes: • Inexpensive, if not free • Durable enough to last all season, if not multiple seasons …
