Fences—Tricky Propositions

Have you done the obligatory “Christmas light display drive by” yet? You know, the annual event where you load the kids in the van and take a spin around the neighborhood to view the light displays in other people’s yards? We drove around our neighborhood last night and what struck me more than how much time, effort, and money some people are willing to put into their holiday masterpieces is the inordinate amount of fencing some homeowners have around their properties. Perhaps, the fact that the fences were aglow with twinkling red, green, white, and blue lights, is what made … Continue reading →

New Snow Removal Innovations

As I mentioned in my previous blog in a few hours the remnants of our last snowfall should be history. Hooray! Don’t get me wrong I love the look of a fresh blanket of snow. It’s gorgeous—–for the first few minutes. I agree nothing is more beautiful the way the full moon glistens off a lawn of new fallen snow—in a photograph. And, yes, you just can’t beat 12-inches of perfect snowball packing snow—if you’re a kid and you’re getting a snow-day. However, if you’re a homeowner, nothing spells hours of backbreaking work more clearly than a few inches of … Continue reading →

All About Snow Removal

As I write this I am watching a steady rainfall melt what is left of a recent snowfall, which blanketed our lawn. I can’t help but smile as I watch the falling drops slowly eat away at the remaining piles of dirty snow (what can I say I’m from Hawaii). We were lucky, this last storm only brought us a few inches, while our neighbors to the south saw up to 20 inches of the white stuff fall in less than 24 hours. Back then snow removal was the talk of the state. Today I sit and watch as Mother … Continue reading →

What is Xeriscaping?

Unless you live in a warm climate you are likely in the midst of winterizing your yard and garden. We winterized our yard a few weeks ago (and it’s a good thing since it has snowed twice since then). Our recent snowfalls got me thinking about all of the other homeowners who don’t have to deal with the white stuff… or the wet stuff—rain. If you happen to live in a hot dry climate and are struggling to maintain a bountiful garden you should know about xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is a term used to describe low water gardening or landscaping. Xeriscape … Continue reading →

Five Winter Lawn Care Tips

Currently, our lawn is covered with a blanket of fresh snow. Nothing compared to what our neighbors to the north received (more than a foot fell there in less than 5 hours). We just have a couple of inches, but it is enough to get me thinking about what should be done out there prior to the inevitable—I know that we were spared by this storm, but next time I can guarantee we won’t be as lucky. Here are five things you should do before your yard hibernates under a blanket of snow this winter: 1. Aerate. (Otherwise known as … Continue reading →

Preparing Your Yard For Fall—Part 2: Pruning and Planting

If you thought prepping your home’s interior for the change of seasons took a lot of planning and work, you must not have started tackling your yard. Readying your yard for autumn can be just as challenging and labor intensive. However, if you start early and create a checklist you will likely have everything done in time for Christmas (I’m kidding). In all seriousness, creating a master plan will go a long way in helping you accomplish the following tasks: Fall Pruning Fall’s cool weather provides the ideal climate to get outside and prune those woody plants. However, don’t get … Continue reading →

Preparing Your Yard For Fall—Part 1: Leaves, Leaves… EVERYWHERE!

Autumn gets it’s nickname for a good reason—falling leaves are EVERYWHERE. Currently, in my region of the country, we are about two weeks away from the leaves reaching their peak color potential. Then, it’s all down hill from there. By this time next month we’ll be lucky if we can even see our trees from under the snow (I’m exaggerating–well, slightly, but such is life in Wisconsin). I recently, provided tips for getting various rooms in your home ready for autumn, so now I am moving outdoors. Yards and gardens need to be prepped for the change in season as … Continue reading →

The Lawn You Never Have To Mow

No weeds, no watering, no bugs, no pesticides, and no mowing… sound too good to be true? If you are the one who maintains the yard, it may be. But, it’s true—there is a way you can achieve a pristine lawn without hired help—-get a fake one. Hold on, don’t check out just yet… allow me to explain. According thousands of homeowners who recently participated in a study sponsored by a major synthetic turf manufacturer—-fake lawns are in style. But are they worth it? If you spend countless hours fighting weeds, brown spots, the lawn mower and pet damage, I … Continue reading →

The Backyard: Another Guest Room?

In warmer months, a backyard can serve as another room for both guests and family members. At other times of the year with the help of accented lighting, a yard can provide pretty views. The outdoors is seen by lighting designers as a room exposed to the elements. The hedges are walls and the trees are ceilings while all of their inhabitants, birds, insects and other fauna, are guests and pests, two entities often synonymous with rooms. An attractive feature, such as a colorful flowerbed, is usually highlighted in whatever lighting design is chosen. Night lighting has its advantages. Unlike … Continue reading →

Dealing With A Crooked Landscaper–Part 2

In my previous blog, “Dealing With A Crooked Landscaper Part 1,” I told of an unfortunate situation my grandmother had with a “not-so-nice” landscaper and provided tips to consider when dealing with a landscaper or gardener. Please know I am not insinuating that all landscapers and gardeners are looking to rip you off. I am merely suggesting that you do research on a potential landscape company or individual gardener prior to signing on the dotted line. The following are more ways you can protect your yard, home, and wallet from being taken by a crooked landscaper: Read The Fine Print. … Continue reading →