Earth Day Landscaping Tips
We’re celebrating Earth Day this year by giving you a few landscaping pointers that are easy to implement and are also easy on the planet! April 22nd marks 51 years since the birth of the modern environmental movement and we’re excited to share some ideas that will help lower your environmental impact and hopefully bring you a little joy in the process. Go for Native Plants Opting for native plants is a great place to start. Not only are they better for the local wildlife, but they also tend to thrive- since they’re...
read moreWelcoming Spring Entryways
Have you ever noticed what a new coat of paint on your front door will do to your entryway?! There’s a street on my block where each house has a different paint color on their door and I often take that way just to look at them. It’s little improvements like these that can really pack an aesthetic punch when it comes to making a statement out of your entryway. Likewise, a fresh coat of paint on your porch swing, bench, or planters can help you channel some of your DIY energy as well as give your space a little facelift. Think about the...
read moreSpring is Hardscaping Season
Hibernation is coming to an end! We’re all eager to get back outside and enjoy our yards, gardens, and patios after another long Minnesota winter. Now that our yards aren’t covered in several feet of snow, we’re able to better envision all the landscaping possibilities. And it’s the perfect time to see some of those potential plans come to fruition. Between the extreme temperature fluctuations and the salt build-up we experience in this climate, our driveways and sidewalks take on a lot of wear and tear in the winter months. They...
read moreProductivity in the Shortest Month
February can be the month where we start to get a little shack happy. Luckily, it’s only 28 days long, and then we’ll be turning the corner into spring. While you’re waiting for warmer temps and the chance to get out and tend to your bulbs & bushes, we have a few activities to help make you feel like spring is growing ever nearer – even if your crocuses still have a few weeks to go! Now is the time to take out that seed catalog and place your order. By the time your seeds arrive, it will be roughly 10-12 weeks before the last frost,...
read moreSimplifying in the New Year
Most Januarys are filled with resolutions of reading more books, losing those post-holiday pounds, or planning your perfect vacation- but his year is slightly different. Chances are, you’ve already read all the books on your list. You’ve probably been diligently utilizing your home gym in between math lessons for your children’s distance learning at home. And planning for that perfect vacation sadly might need to wait just a little bit longer. So we’re offering some ideas to simplify your year and to remind you to take a moment to appreciate...
read moreHow to Have a Green Thumb This Winter
It may sound crazy, but it’s actually not too late to do some planting… even outdoors! If your green thumb has an itch to stay busy this winter, we have some suggestions to stay in the gardening game, despite the dropping thermometer. Milkweed is a plant that requires winter stratification- meaning, the seeds need to be exposed to cold temps in order for them to sprout in the spring. Seeds like those of the milkweed plant have a very hard outer coating that protects them from sprouting prematurely in the event of a February thaw....
read moreHoliday Gift-Giving for the Gardener in your Life
The season for bestowing gifts upon our loved ones is here! Even though winters are long for us Minnesotans, having a collection of fun and functional yard toys will give the gardeners in your life a little something to look forward to. These gift ideas for your favorite trimming, pruning, plant-loving friends & family are sure to be a hit this holiday. Why should the kids be the only ones to unpack a stocking this season?! We recommend an adult stocking filled with a set of pruning shears & trowel, a pair of stylish gardening...
read moreUnderstated Holiday Decorating
Understated Holiday Decorating You don’t need to have the flashiest house on the block to show your holiday spirit. This month, we’re exploring a few simple, yet chic ideas to dress up your door, your porch, and even your mailbox with a little holli-dazzle! We all know that wreaths seem to be the obvious go-to for a classic-looking front door during the month of December, but there are so many fun variations on the wreath that we wanted to get you thinking outside the box a bit. From burlap & sage to pinecones & cloves, there...
read moreWinter Preparations
It can be a sad thing to haul in your patio plants, store your outdoor furniture, and cover the grill for the last time of the season. Whether you’re a snow bird heading for a warmer climate or a snow-loving Minnesotan who sticks around to enjoy the cross-country skiing and hot cocoa, we’re here to help you prepare for the long winter ahead. A kitchen herb garden allows you to enjoy a little piece of the outdoors in the warmth of your home. It’s nice to add a little greenery to your culinary environment once the leaves outside are gone and...
read moreFire Features for Fall
The season is upon us to seek a little extra warmth while enjoying our outdoor spaces. We’re here to shed some light (and heat) on a few options to consider when deciding to outfit your home with a fire feature. Fire pits are a choice that might offer the most individuality, being that they can be constructed in just about any shape, size, or design you could dream up! Fuel options are plentiful and vary from wood or charcoal to propane and natural gas. There are now many electric models to select from as well. Whether you opt for...
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