Gardening & Landscaping

Originally posted 2009-02-26 10:30:27.

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  I was in my yard last summer and heard the pitiful mewling of a kitten.  It cried continuously and the sound tore at my heart.   Where was the little guy?   I began to search, following the plaintive sound.  Finally, I discovered a tiny calico kitten in my basement window well.  I don’t know how [...]

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A backyard does not have to be a thorn in your side when it comes to outdoor work. A little imagination eliminates the drudgery of mowing and turns your piece of the outdoors into a beautiful and relaxing place to spend time. Patio fire pits are a great addition that help you get more use out [...]

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If the myriad of garden and landscape ideas weren’t enough to draw visitors to the 52nd annual Indiana Flower & Patio Show, producers added a few attention-grabbing details of their own.   Giveaways, contests and gourmet cuisine were a few of the items on tap for show attendees this year, held March 13-21, at the West [...]

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I have to admit that when I first read the name of this company Flip Flop Flower Pot, I wondered how they could possibly piece together flip flops to make a flowerpot worthy of holding a plant. Boy, was I strolling down the wrong path! The idea behind the Flip Flop Flower Pot is its [...]

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To start an herb garden, ideally you will need to locate a sunny spot that drains well. However, if your yard is filled with shade, you can still grow herbs. Use containers that can be moved into patches of sunlight. If possible, grow your herbs near the kitchen, where you can reach them easily, especially [...]

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I remember the days when the sight of a worm could send me running and screaming to mom. Having been traumatized by a cousin who loved throwing the wiggly critters on my head, it took a long time to get over my fear of worms. You could not have paid me enough to consider having [...]

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Finally, the time is drawing near–backyard swimming pool season!   If you’re a homeowner considering installing one of the new in ground swimming pools, you may be feeling slightly intimidated by the many decisions you must make.  After all, this is a big investment and you want your family to get maximum enjoyment from the pool for years [...]

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I don’t know if a tree that falls in the woods makes a sound if I’m not there, but I do know that when a tree falls, it sparks a marvelous chain of events that support the forest ecosystem. That event is decomposition. Mother Nature, in all her wisdom, created enterprising microbes to begin the [...]

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I moved my peony bush last year from the back yard to the front of my home. I didn’t need to hire a professional to do that job, but I wouldn’t have minded renting someone else’s back for the afternoon.  This summer, I’d like to swap out an ailing evergreen for a red maple, plant [...]

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Think about the last time you relaxed.  Did it come naturally to you?  Or did you have to work at settling your mind?  Was it nearly impossible to resist the urge to check your email or your Facebook account? In today’s hectic, wired, and always-connected world, it can be hard to just do nothing.  Many [...]

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Like photography or woodworking, you can never own too many tools for hobby gardening. And like other hobbies, owning the right suite of garden tools determine if you achieve worthwhile results. Here are the indispenable tools we recommend for your garden tool collection: Originally posted 2008-06-10 16:48:17.

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Jason Garvey has a saying, “There is no green without blue.” His company, Portland Purple Water helps homeowners who want to take one more step toward green living by incorporating water conservation. Rainwater catchement dates back to the first human beings who needed water to live, but didn’t have spigots. Jason says, “It’s ok if [...]

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Whether for resale value or just the daily enjoyment of your home, sustainable landscaping designs are great investments.  Sure, you can create your own garden and landscaping plan.  But starting with a professional’s design ensures that all of the latest developments are incorporated.  After that initial stage, handling maintenance yourself will be simpler and more enjoyable.  [...]

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Set your 10-year-old inner balloonist free at the Builders St. Louis Home and Garden Show I want to be 10 years old again. This year at the Builders St. Louis Home and Garden Show, I want to be 4-ft high, have a cookie in my pocket, and be responsible for nothing. I don’t want to [...]

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While it may not be landscaping season where you live, it is definitely home and garden show season.  These mega shows offer consumers a one-stop shopping experience where you can shop and compare without driving all over town, and in some cases all over the state. Most of the time these homeshows feature show gardens [...]

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Visit the Builders St. Louis Home and Garden Show this weekend for green home design inspiration Ten years ago, you were green if you recycled your plastics and insulated your attic. Five years ago, we were told to change to CFL light bulbs and buy a hybrid car.  Now, in the spring of 2010, America’s [...]

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The beauty of a backyard water feature is universal.  You know you want that calming, peaceful atmosphere.  But the real question is – are you cut out for pond maintenance?  Let’s find out.   Did you know that backyard ponds and fountains require a lot of work?  It takes diligent monitoring, frequent chemical additions and a [...]

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Paints and stains are harsh, often harmful chemicals.  Granted there are a handful of “green” paint products coming out on the market. But what happens when you need to rejuvenate and protect wood that has braved the elements for years?  It’s hard to find an environmentally friendly product for that job, can you? Relax – there [...]

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These days, stress is hard to avoid. It comes at us in many different forms – from work, school, relationships, and just too many things to do and not enough time to do them.  Stress causes sleepless nights.  And that lack of sleep can lead to poor health – including stress-related pain and overall anxiety. [...]

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