The “Dirt” on Dirt
This spring undoubtedly has many of us feeling like we live in Seattle, not the Twin Cities. With the rain and cool temps, we’ve had to postpone plantings, bundle up for what little lawn work we can get out and tackle, and rather than Prosecco under a porch fan, we’ve been sipping hot cocoa by a bonfire! These relentless cold temps and rains can be detrimental to our soil if we don’t take a few precautionary measures. Making sure to avoid soil compaction is paramount. Soil is at its best when it is composed of predominantly minerals,...
read moreMinneapolis Landscaping: Earth Day Edition
Earth Day is April 22 and we’re celebrating our planet by offering you a few eco-friendly ideas, tips, and tricks that will not only save you money but will also help save our planet. These are great practices all-around, so even when we’re not celebrating Earth Day, feel free to give them a go and see what you think!. Xeriscaping As our planet changes and our summers get dryer, practicing the eons-old idea of xeriscaping is one way to have beautiful plants without using a ton of water. The basis for xeriscaping is to survive drought....
read moreOutdoor Spring Cleaning
Just as the insides of our homes need a good going-through each spring as we declutter and clean, so do our lawns and patio areas. Spring is the time to get ready for a lovely patio season after so many of us have been in hibernation mode for most of the winter months. Taking the opportunity when the April midwestern weather decides to cooperate is the best way to make your outdoor area pleasant and inviting- which will only add to your desire to get out there and enjoy it! Get Rid of Refuse The first step to lawn clean-up is getting rid of...
read moreChoosing an Outdoor Patio Rug
March 20th is the first day of spring! Being that spring will officially be in the air, it’s time to start thinking about patio decor and furnishings. Similar to your indoor spaces, something that really ties a patio together is a lovely rug. Not only do outdoor rugs look striking, but they also offer protection for your feet and your deck from the summer sun. The material, size, and design of your potential rug are all something to take into consideration as you revamp your spring patio and prepare to spend time outdoors. We’re going to...
read moreSpring Landscape Planning
March is just around the corner and with it comes, longer days, warmer temps, and visions of your landscaping goals for 2022! With evening frosts still inevitable, we can’t be too ambitious but we can start thinking about things like spring plant maintenance, replacing hardscapes, and incorporating water features into your outdoor spaces. Hopefully, the notion of these things only adds to your excitement for the ever-closer spring thaw! To keep your shrubs and trees from becoming overgrown, be sure to trim the new growth each spring....
read moreIndoor Gardening Ideas
February may be the chilliest of them all, but it’s also the month of love! We’re going to share several ideas for making someone’s Valentine’s Day special with a few cute DIY gardening ideas that you can do from the comfort of your cozy house and give away with love. Give the gift of an indoor herb garden Looking to spruce up your culinary game?! An indoor herb garden is a great way to get a little greenery into your home, and a lot of flavor into your favorite dishes. Start by soaking your choice of herb seeds for an hour or so. Next, find...
read moreWeather-Resistant Patio Furniture
We’re in the heart of winter now. During these long months, despite sitting vacant, our patio furniture takes a beating with the fluctuation in temperatures and moisture from rain & snow. If you haven’t updated your outdoor seating areas in several years, it may be time to think about taking advantage of winter discounts on patio furniture. But where do we turn when we think of durable, weather-resistant options? First, we should consider what they are made of. Wood With its timeless appeal, wood is what comes to mind when we plan our...
read moreHoliday Outdoor Decorating
It’s that time of year when we’re busy buying gifts, planning festive meals, and decking the halls, but what about decking the… deck?! With so many festive options and creative ideas out there, it can be a joyful task to bring a little holi-dazzle to your outdoor spaces. You’ll likely bring smiles to the faces of those who happen to be passing by or guests who stop in for a visit. Remember those flower boxes that used to sit outside your windows and held vibrant floral arrangements? Well, those can be reconfigured to include boughs, berries,...
read moreMinneapolis Winter Patio Inspirations
It can be difficult to find inspiration with regards to our patios and porches once winter hits. Getting the whole family involved in a DIY project can be both a mood booster as well as a productive way to use some of that pent-up energy we all feel during the winter months. If you have a garage or workroom with ventilation, try giving your wooden patio furniture or picnic table a facelift with a new coat of paint. In the summer, we’re so busy utilizing these things that we often forget they need some love too. Pick out a color or two...
read moreTime to Winterize!
As we prepare ourselves for the onset of winter, there are a few preventative measures that, if taken, will help to see our patios through the coldest months without detriment. Being that most of us use our patios for 3 seasons, it’s important not to neglect them during the winter- in other words, out of sight should not mean out of mind! Here’s a little to-do list to help you with your winterizing: Sweep & Seal Pavers This will prevent seepage and possible cracking as temperatures fluctuate. An added benefit is that it also helps offset...
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