Tag Archives: leaves

Should I Burn Leaves?

Before you decide to burn leaves, please take some things into consideration. First, it may very well be illegal in your area or you may be under a temporary burn ban if it’s been unusually dry. Also, please consider how easily such fires can get out of hand. For those that do burn, please keep a hose nearby and call your fire department in advance to let them know you intend to burn. Burning leaves (or other trash) also causes pollution. Certainly, this doesn’t come as a surprise. However, some people may not realize the health issues burning leaves and … Continue reading →

Fall Decorating and Design

How formal are you when it comes to fall decorating? I’m more of a “decorate” person than a “design” person. I arrange, adjust, and arrange some more until I achieve a look I like. I try not to do the same thing twice two years in a row, unless it’s just something I adore (the same is true for Christmas and other holidays). I have heard of people that create a specific design, and stick to it year after year, even taking photos of the completed design to store with the decorations. That way, the next year, they can decorate … Continue reading →

Halloween or Harvest Décor Tips

Pumpkins are a big hit this time of year and people have come up with some really creative ways to use them. Probably the biggest concern, especially if the weather is still warm in your area, is how to make pumpkins last longer. The truth is you might have to replace them between now and Halloween although keeping them whole will make them last longer. By not carving your pumpkins just yet, you won’t have to worry about them decaying so soon. It’s also a good idea to place them where they get at least some shade during the day. … Continue reading →

Cruising For Color

It’s one thing to view autumn’s rich color palette at a park, resort, or botanical garden. But, to be able to soak in the golden foliage from a ship is an experience like no other. Typically, most travelers shy away from taking cruises in the fall. Many wait until the winter months to board ships that take them to sunny locales. However, winter cruises come with a hefty price tag. By taking an autumn cruise, not only are more apt to find an outstanding rate, but you also get to experience phenomenally beautiful sights along the way. Here are a … 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 →

Fall Crafts: Framed Poetry and Leaf Art

If your child likes to write poetry, that’s great. If not, no problem. You can go online with your child and help him or her find a cute autumn poem or an inspirational message to use for this project. Pick up sheets of cardstock or pretty computer paper that is the proper size and weight for your printer. Choose an attractive font, and print the poem in the center of the page (or off to one side, wherever you don’t plan to decorate). Trim the page down to 8” x 10” or be sure to select a larger frame. Take … Continue reading →

Make a Scarecrow

Now is the time to start collecting long grasses or harmless weeds and drying them so you can use them to make fall projects, including scarecrows. While there is plenty of hay within easy access of my home, and it can even be purchased nearby, in some areas, it’s not going to be easy to find. You can make a substitution for hay by drying out grasses. A simple way to make a scarecrow is to use things you have lying around your home and yard. Fill up plastic grocery sacks with leaves and grass clippings and use these to … Continue reading →