Useful Things to Do with Fall Leaves (No Crafting Involved)

Sure the fall leaves can be pretty, but around this time I get overwhelmed with what to do with them all. It seems so silly to clean up nature and “toss” it away. You may have ready my earlier post about My Love/Hate Relationship with the Fall Leaves. We have two acres of property, so that is a lot of leaves. Fortunately, most of it is wooded, so at the moment, there is only a few spots where the leaves have to be collected, along with any areas near those areas, to prevent leaves from blowing back where we don’t … Continue reading →

Involving Kids in Fall Cleanup

Around our house, fall yard work is a complete family affair. Everyone is expected to do his or her part, even the youngest. While this may see like cheap labor (in fact it sometimes takes more time when kids help then when they don’t) it is actually a way of spending time together as a family while doing what needs to be done. Involving kids in fall clean up also builds valuable life skills. It can build self-confidence, a feeling of having a place in the world and being important in the family, and a sense of responsibility. Tasks such … Continue reading →

Defining Our New Front Walk

In an earlier post, Putting in a New Front Walk, I talked about starting our new project of replacing the problem walk. Unfortunately the weekend project turned into a week-long project due to a need for additional supplies as well as a freak hail storm. After removing all of the weeds that had grown within the path between the flagstone I previously removed, I moved on to defining the path. It needed to be wider and more even than it was previously. I used the same hand tool that I used for weeding to define and edge the walk, and … Continue reading →

Putting in A New Front Walk

This weekend we took on the project of repairing our front walk. It was made up of 18-inch square flagstone that acted as stepping stones from the long driveway to the front porch of the house. It traveled straight for most of the walk and then turned in to the left to the house. We had a few issues with the walk. The first was the fact that the stepping stones had shifted out of place, and some of them even started to rise and tip in places. This was a hazard, and more than one person in our family … Continue reading →

Finding Time for Yard Work

Who is not busy these days? We all seem to spend more and more time working just to make ends meet. So, after putting in more hours at work than you plan, where do you squeeze in some time (and energy!) for yard work? It is not always easy. Instead of trying to do it all at once, you may have to settle for a work in progress. Even a few minutes here and there will make a difference. Instead of blowing it off altogether or continuing to say, “I will do it next week,” just start attacking small areas … Continue reading →

Your Yard: Stuff to do Outside

How many people are beginning to hear the familiar cries of, “I’m bored! There’s nothing to do!” Well, good news, there’s plenty to do, right in your own back (or front) yard. Get everyone up and out of the house. Something as simple as a bottle of bubbles can lead to a laugh-filled afternoon. Take the time, even if it’s just a few minutes, to go outside and play. Yes, adults too. You really don’t even have to have kids as an “excuse” to go outside and blow bubbles or do something silly and fun. Using your imagination and encouraging … Continue reading →

Killing Jack

It looks like we have killed Jack. At the end of the day, this may have been a good thing, although the kids are still saddened by Jack’s passing. But it really wasn’t our fault. Or at least we can claim ignorance and self defense rather than outright murder. Please don’t hate us. Here is how it happened. First, let me reassure you that Jack is not a person. Nor is Jack an animal or any mammal or rodent or bird. Jack is plant, well many plants, and therefore many Jacks. He emerged one day (along with his doplegangers) this … Continue reading →

Pulling Out the Vinca

The ground cover at the front of our house is a mess. That is because I have been attacking it at the suggestion of my husband. You see, part of the ground cover is a lush covering of pacasandra. This pachysandra is in areas around our yard. To the right of the house as you are looking at it, the pachysandra is well established and looks great. To the far left of the house, the pacasandra also looks well. But in between, we have a problem. Vinca, another nice ground cover has started to take over, choking out the pachysandra … Continue reading →

What is Grass Cycling?

How many of us conscientiously clear our yards of grass clippings when we mow the lawn? Maybe your mower has a bag or perhaps you carefully rake until the yard is nearly spotless. Some people use the clippings as a form of compost for gardens or flowerbeds, while others bag up grass clippings and other lawn debris and set them out with the trash. Not only do bags of lawn clippings take up more space in landfills, but they may also even be forbidden by some waste removal companies. At the same time, it may be a waste to toss … Continue reading →

Lawn Maintenance Expenses

Depending upon the size of your lawn, and the amount you pay to have it maintained, you may or may not find hiring a lawn service the more economical option. For some, the convenience is well worth any cost, but for many who are feeling the economic crunch, every dollar counts. Unless a lawn service is able to provide a great deal, purchasing a mower and cutting the grass yourself may prove to be a good investment. If you can find a quality lawnmower at an affordable price, it could pay for itself in less than a year’s time (as … Continue reading →