Posted on Jul 6, 2011 | Tagged in: weather , tips , nature , family , community
Although I have never been known as a Green Thumb, when my 5 year old asked if we could have our own garden, I felt a parental - and eco – obligation to make it happen. As we talked about all the things we might like to grow, I had a flashback to my childhood and filling buckets with berries that grew wild on our back fence. We had so much fun picking then and could devour a whole bowl in one sitting at our picnic table.
So, I did a little research, and was happy to find out that blackberries are pretty easy to grow in our Southern region. Before we bought them, I did a little more reading to see what they would require and here is what I found:
- Blackberries are not so picky about their soil, but their roots cannot tolerate sitting in water, so make sure they are in an area with good drainage.
- They need stability, so plant them in an area with a little protection from high winds, like against a fence or near a wall that shelters them from the weather.
- Choose a variety that doesn’t have stickers to keep little gardeners fingers safe.
- To get the best harvest, avoid trimming or fertilizing. They grow easily in the wild because they like to trail freely. The only thing they will need is occasional watering with our hot, hot summers.
According to my little guy, all plants need to grow is Dirt, Water and Love (aka singing them a song). And, I love that we actually found something we can grow together that fit those simple parameters. The first time you look out your kitchen window and find your child “loving” their vines, you will have created an unforgettable memory!
Posted on Mar 8, 2011 | Tagged in: weather , tips , homeowners
March is definitely “in like a lion” with warm winds signaling a refreshing change of seasons, but the harsh winter months may have been hard on our homes' exteriors.
Although it’s not quite time to redo the flower beds or make dramatic landscape changes, you can definitely bring a little life back to your home this weekend by freshening up the porch and entryway.
One way to stay on top of your home’s esthetic appeal, and protect your investment, is to look at it from the curb, as if you are a stranger considering it for purchase. Perform cosmetic repairs first, which will protect your monetary investment and then focus on adding a little something special to the home’s curb appeal.
Next, flank the front door with large, matching planters filled with easy to maintain greenery such as large foxtail ferns. Then you can plant a colorful seasonal flower around the base where it can easily be changed as necessary.
Finally, put a fresh coat of pain or wood polish/stain on the front door and pressure wash the brick or breezeway. A clean entry, free of spider webs and dead bugs is much more inviting for your summer guests!
