Blog

 Our vertebrae in our spine are separated by tough gel filled discs that absorb shock and separate the small bones of our vertebrae from rubbing on one another. But.....Did you know that after the first 20 years of your life these very important structures no longer recieve a direct blood supply to help them remain effective cushions? So how can you keep your back healthy and limber you may ask? Think of your discs like little sponges, absorbing fluids and nutrition when pressed and... More...

 I like to share this idea with people who want to create a new garden bed without having to use harmful chemicals, break their back removing sod, or fight endless weeds.  It's easy, environmentally friendly, and low maintenance once your done! So here's what you do.... Gather newspapers from your local post office, neighbors, or any other place where you can get your hands on a stack. Make sure you are not using glossy color papers that are often inserts in these newspapers... More...

 Will Spring ever come? Seems to be the question on everyone’s mind lately,  While we are all waiting for that snow to go away, this is a great time to plan what you intend to do when it finally happens. I recently had a customer ask me a question about a difficult area in her yard, and how she can plant a very steep slope. Here are a few options to create something beautiful. One of the most beautiful, but also the most labor and cost intensive would be to create a water... More...

 Pumpkins! What a great long keeping vegetable to grow, and enjoy while the snow flies outside. Think they are just for pumpkin pies at thanksgiving? Think again! I just cut into my last one in February, and there is nothing like the taste of freshly roasted pumpkin seeds like the ones I got from this Styrian Hull-less variety that I grew last year. Bake the flesh on parchment paper till soft and browned slightly on the bottom to bring out the rich flavor of the natural sugars to ... More...

 Although I embrace winter with outdoor activities like skiing and snowshoeing, I have to say, not having fresh produce of my own, at my disposal during winter gets to me. One way to combat that is utilizing fresh herbs to spruce up the winter fare. Placed in a nice sunny window, you can enjoy the fresh taste of rosemary in your favorite dishes all year. Rosemary potatoes, sweet potato baked fries with rosemary, as well as an array of chicken and lamb dishes. Yum! Possibilities for ... More...

 Ok, so we are all getting a little tired of the white stuff out there and are looking forward to Spring, However….. this is a great time to pay some attention to our “Winter” landscape (or lack thereof) Jade Carousel Barberry is a great little shrub to add some interest to an otherwise boring landscape during the “other” 6 months of the year when we are no longer gardening. As you can see from this photo I took this winter, it is covered with beautiful... More...

  I was recently reading an article by Landscape architect, Thomas Rainier, on top garden trends for 2011, and was pleased to see the top trend was "Intention Gardens." What is an Intention Garden you ask? Yards that are no longer just pretty fillers, but becoming yards with a purpose as home owners embrace the role of stewards of the earth. Lawns are being dug up and vegetables are going in, edible ornamentals mixed into ornamental flower beds are the new chic. So.... on t... More...