Often people hear the word ‘hardscaping’ and think “really expensive landscaping project”. But don’t jump to conclusions! Hardscaping projects come in all shapes and sizes–and even a little hardscaping can make a massive difference in the synergy and energy of your outdoor space. First off, let’s get clear on what we’re talking about. The term...
Good landscaping isn’t about taking a plot of land and turfing it with mono-green grass as far as the eye can see. (That’s called a golf course.) Good landscaping is about listening to your environment and carefully crafting a relationship that allows you both to thrive. For hundreds (if not thousands) of years, humans have...
If recent weather patterns are any indication, we’re gonna be getting some real snow this winter here in the Berkshires. Despite having our first big snowfall of the season, there’s still time to prepare your yard to avoid damage from animals and the elements, alike. Settle Snowfall Fears Your hydrangea blossoms may be the envy...
Every season, holiday decorations seem to make their debut earlier and earlier. Dash into your local drugstore for a toothbrush in August and chances are the “seasonal” aisle is already stocked with Halloween decor. If you, or your kids, are tempted by the fun plastic spiders, it’s important to notice that single-use plastic and environmentally...
Organic cleaning products are natural products that offer much of the same cleaning power as those purchased commercially. Unlike most store-bought cleaners, however, they are made using ingredients found in nature and are safe for both the environment and for human health. When buying an organic cleaning product that has the “Organic” seal, it is...
Jumping into a colorful pile of freshly raked leaves is the essence of autumn in New England—but all that raking (or leaf-blowing) of your lawn might not actually be the best idea. In fact, we’d venture to say that your entire fall gardening tradition should probably entail a lot less leaf cleanup. Shocked? It’s not...
Over the past decade, succulents have undergone a resurgence in popularity. Thanks to thousands of indoor appearances in the Instagram feeds of popular interior designers and bloggers, it’s almost easy to forget that these are delightful outdoor plants that are easily grown in pots. Beyond their hardiness, ease of care, and adaptability to both sunny...
When you walk across your lawn, do you feel any spongy or “bouncy” areas under foot? Or are parts of the lawn starting to show weak or thin growth, or pale colors? This isn’t uncommon in our area, and is often a sign that your lawn needs dethatching. While many people like to get out...
It’s easy to get excited at this time of year in the grocery store. Behold the green bounty—ramps, fiddleheads, dandelion greens, burdock root, oh my! But did you know that you can actually get many of these foods for FREE—potentially even in your own backyard? Yep, with a little know-how and some patience, wild foraging...
Ah, springtime in the northeast. Finally. The trees are budding, birds are chirping, the air is crisp and sweet—and if you’re lucky, you’ll see a buzzing little bee flitting about in all the fresh bloomage. For bees, it’s officially the start of their busy season—time to pollinate. Bees are invaluable to local plant life—one bee...
