Bats get a bad rap but they bring surprising benefits. Inviting them into your yard is actually a smart idea and easier than you think. Drop the myths Unfounded fears about these flying mammals prevent you from reaping the many benefits of having bat neighbors in your yard. Here are a few facts about bats

Earth Day is this Saturday. Join the rest of the world by taking a few minutes to mark the occasion. Even the smallest of efforts honors Mother Nature. Here are three choices of small efforts that can make your home a greener place to live. Regrow food from scraps Did you know that some vegetables

Everything may seem clean and clear one day and totally covered in pollen the next. It can be frustrating. This is why many outdoor living experts strongly encourage residents to budget for covers when looking for outdoor furniture. Not only do covers make spring cleaning easier, they also protect furniture from the weather. Wrought iron

Lawn mowing season is coming. Do you have the right mower for your lawn? New mowers are quite an investment. Many considerations are involved in choosing the right machine for your landscape. Here are 3 major mistakes to avoid when buying a new lawn mower: 1. Getting the power wrong 2. Estimating the size of

It was once thought to be a solely European thing to dine al fresco, but more and more American cities are picking up on the pleasures of wiling away a relaxing meal out in the fresh air. The latest trend is pop-up beer gardens. Pioneering chefs or establishments take over a side lot for a

In the breathtaking catalog spreads on home and garden sites, page after page display perfectly level yards with expertly installed plantings. If you’re lucky enough to have a magazine-ready, flat area as our outdoor space, you have a great start. But if you are facing the seemingly Sisyphean task of beautifying a hill, it can

A bright young leaf in Spring reminds us of nature’s promise: that everything old will be new again. Pantone’s Color of 2017 gives a whole new meaning to “green development.” The color is called Greenery, and it reflects that hopeful feeling one gets from making a fresh start. Pretty up your patio with its energetic-yet-cool

You’ve got your lights up and everything looks great from the street. Here are a few simple additions to the patio for just you and your family and friends to enjoy. Reindeer The backyard becomes a forest at the North Pole with a few animal additions. A few private reindeer “grazing” in around your garden

Water elements add a connection to nature in your landscape. The sounds of a babbling brook bring a serene atmosphere to your outdoor room. Here are three things to do now to ensure you can enjoy your pond next spring.      1. Install a thermometer or “temperature sensor” (or test/change the batteries in your

Playing outside in the fall is more than just jumping in a pile of leaves. It’s digging and planting, garden-style! Kids love jumping in the leaves. The crunch and the deep autumn smell coming from a pile of dry leaves is almost irresistible. But leaves aren’t the only draw outside in the fall. Gardening offers