Weather so far this season has been really really cold, and of late, nice, and wet. Not a great time to be outside wording in the yard. It IS, however, a great time to do some much-needed primping of your indoor plants. If you keep your plants clean and neat, they’re not only more attractive, […]
Take a Good Look at your Indoor Plants Read More »
If you’re a parent, a pet owner, or both, you likely love spending time in your outside spaces together. You’ve likely removed any potential hazards indoors for kids, dogs, and cats, but how about outside? Are there possible dangers lurking, especially related to pesticides? Here are some things to consider: Weed and feed products for
Parents and Pet Owners Beware! Read More »
Want to add some natural insect control to your yard? Think amphibians. This group of creatures include frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders. They are among the most beneficial creatures you can find in your garden. Most, like tree frogs, start life in water and then move to land. Some, like the California newt, remain in
Invite Amphibians into your Yard Read More »
It’s fall, and there are plenty of leaves on the ground. Before you rake, mow, and blow this year, think about leaving some behind. Insects rely on fallen leaves and other organic debris to cover and insulate them from the elements over winter. In addition, the annual dropping of leaves by trees is nature’s method
Fall is for planting! And no better time to add some native plants to your garden. Why natives? There are lots of reasons including conserving water, reducing chemical usage (no pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are needed with natives) and encouraging wildlife. Want a colorful garden and don’t think you can do it with mostly natives?
Think about Planting Natives Read More »
Do you have a “let them be” approach to managing weeds? Why remove them when they’ll eventually die back? Time to reconsider. Some weeds are aggressive and invasive; tops may die down, but roots remain alive until conditions are right for them to grow. Many spread by seeds. That one little dandelion plant in your
Prevention is the best Way to Manage Weeds Read More »
October is Bat Appreciation Month. So, why would a whole month be devoted to these odd-looking creatures? It has nothing to do with Halloween or vampires. It’s more about getting to know these mysterious flying superheroes that help our environment, and aren’t as scary as you might think. Often having the undeserved reputation of nighttime
Bats get a Bad Rap! Read More »
Thursday, September 22 is the autumnal equinox, astronomically the day when the sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. From this point until the first day of winter, days will get shorter. The time of the year usually ushers in cooler weather, which is a good reminder to start cleaning up the garden. Referred to
Autumnal Equinox is Time for Fall Cleanup Read More »
You’re likely familiar with the smallest of all birds – the hummingbird. Found only in the Americas, these tiny aerial acrobats are important pollinators AND insect eaters, doing their part as flying pest controllers! They can use our help by providing them with the basics – shelter, water, and food. September 3, 2022 is National
Protect our Amazing Hummingbirds Read More »
Could be voles. Also known as field or meadow mice, voles are small rodents that resemble hamsters. With a compact, heavy body, short legs, a short-furred tail, they can measure 5 to 8 inches long, including the tail. These rodents are plant eaters, with an appetite for a lot of different plants – from artichokes,
What’s Chewing Your Tree Trunk? Read More »
