What do popular landscaping plants like Japanese maple, forsythia bushes, and English ivy have in common? They’re pretty–and none of them are native to North America. While filling your yard with non-native plants might not sound like a big deal at first, it’s a choice that can have a significant ripple effect on your greater...
If you’ve ever seen leaves that look like lacy skeletons, with only the veins intact, you’ve seen the damage Japanese beetles can do. These pests are relentless, invasive, and incredibly detrimental to our ecosystem. The beetle, originally from Japan, was first discovered in the US (in New Jersey) in 1916. Since then, populations have steadily...
Wondering what all the fuss is about? Gardening in raised beds comes with plenty of benefits—both for you and your garden. #1 Better Soil, Fewer Stones, More Control For many of us, the soil in our yards simply isn’t up to snuff for gardening. It might be full of roots and rocks that interfere with...
Protecting the environment is a big job. Really big. Actually, it feels a bit overwhelming sometimes, doesn’t it? The key is to simplify. It doesn’t take much to make a difference. Just a few select tweaks and shifts can ripple outward into the larger ecosystem–starting with your backyard. Here are just four ways practicing organic...
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...
