Tag Archives: lawn

Creating a “Shabby Chic” Garden

A few weeks ago I confessed that I knew little about the design concept: “Shabby Chic.” (See my blog: “What is Shabby Chic?”) Since then, not only have I taken a crash course in the popular decorating style (I’m almost done completely transforming my home—what can I say, it’s addicting), I also learned there are ways to take the “Shabby Chic” theme outdoors to create a “Shabby Chic” garden. Some successful “Shabby Chic” gardeners call it an extension of their home decor… and the techniques are just as easy. You simply follow the same rules outdoors as you do indoors. … Continue reading →

The “Mosquito Magnet”–and Other Weapons of Mosquito Destruction

I live in a state that has recently experienced record breaking rainfall which was followed by a heat wave the likes of which the area hasn’t seen in decades. The rain and the heat create the ideal conditions for breeding mosquitoes. In a previous blog, I covered some simple ways you can safeguard your home from these blood sucking pests. This blog covers some mosquito control methods that folks in our neighborhood have experimented with in the wake of a warning made by our local health department. Apparently, by their estimates, millions of mosquito eggs will hatch in the next … Continue reading →

Yard and Garden: Never Mow Your Lawn Again!

What would you say if I told you that you could have a great looking lawn even if you never mowed it again? You might be skeptical, but it’s true; the RoboMower automatic lawnmower will do it for you! Today’s technology makes life easier in so many areas, and now it’s also true for the lawn. The RoboMower can be programmed -once- and it will maintain your lawn all by itself throughout the entire season. It has a charging station, where it returns to recharge itself once it cuts the grass. It even takes care of the details like edging, … Continue reading →

Yard and Garden: Helpful Hints and Tips

Maintaining a pleasant yard or garden can be a lot of work. Try some of these helpful hints to make lawn and garden maintenance simpler: 1. Plant some marigolds around the entrance to your home to keep bugs away. They don’t like the fragrance. 2. It is a good idea to plant onions, hot peppers, and herbs such as chives or garlic around the perimeter of your garden. The naturally strong, pungent aromas will help ward off pests. 3. Rainwater is best for plants because it contains more of the minerals plants need than tap water does, so collect rainwater … Continue reading →

Caring for Your Home When You’re Not There

When you travel for the holidays or go on vacation, do you worry about the security of your home while you’re away? It’s a common concern, one that keeps many homeowners from fully enjoying their vacations. If you hope to avoid such worries when planning your next trip, plan for your home’s care while making your other arrangements. These simple tips will help you keep your peace of mind. -Stop mail and newspaper delivery. Even if you have someone checking on your home on a daily basis, that person might not arrive in time to collect deliveries. Mail and newspapers … Continue reading →