13 Backyard Micro-Oasis Ideas Perfect For Small Outdoor Spaces (And The 5 Mistakes That Ruin The Look)
You don’t need a huge backyard to create a spot that feels like your own little escape. I’ve turned even the tightest corners into cozy …
You don’t need a huge backyard to create a spot that feels like your own little escape. I’ve turned even the tightest corners into cozy …
Your backyard should be a place to unwind—but if you’re thinking about resale, it’s also something buyers will look at closely. I’ve learned that not …
I’ve definitely fallen for a few pretty landscaping trends that seemed harmless at first—until they turned into pricey headaches a couple of seasons later. That …
So your cucumber patch got a little out of hand, huh? I’ve been there—thinking I’ll harvest “tomorrow,” only to find a jungle of oversized, yellow …
Maine’s wild beauty is one of the things that makes living or gardening here so special—but that charm is at risk thanks to some pushy, …
Roses aren’t just there to look pretty—they can actually play a big role in supporting pollinators. I used to think all roses were equal, but …
Your front walkway says a lot before anyone even steps inside. I used to think mine was “fine”—until I realized the cracked pavers and weedy …
I used to pull every single dandelion from my lawn the moment it popped up—determined to keep things neat. But then I learned how much …
Pruning tomatoes used to intimidate me—what if I cut off the wrong thing and ruined the plant? But once I gave it a try, I …
Mulch seems like a simple garden add-on, but I’ve learned the hard way that not all mulch is created equal. Some types may look nice …
Designing your dream patio should feel exciting—not like a stressful project that leaves you second-guessing every choice. I’ve seen firsthand how one small misstep can …
Gardening in small spaces used to leave me feeling stuck—too many plants, not enough room. Then I discovered grow bags, and honestly, they’ve been a …
Japanese beetles show up like uninvited guests every summer and waste no time tearing through gardens. I remember the first time I saw their shiny …
Keeping your calendulas blooming all season long takes just a little bit of care, and deadheading is key. Removing those spent flowers not only tidies …
Coral bells have been one of my go-to plants for adding color to shady spots, especially when I want something that looks good without much …
Harvesting seeds from your coneflowers is one of those satisfying garden tasks that feels both thrifty and thoughtful. I started doing it just to save …
Gardening is usually my happy place—quiet mornings, coffee in hand, and a bit of weeding before the sun gets too high. But a few years …
Choosing the right flowering vine for your trellis took me way more trial and error than I’d like to admit. I once planted a fast-growing …
Planning a summer wedding is exciting, but picking the right flowers can feel overwhelming with so many gorgeous options in bloom. I remember flipping through …
Planting calendula by my front door started as a way to brighten things up with a bit of cheerful color. But I quickly realized these …
Summer heat can sneak up on your garden fast. One week everything’s lush and blooming, and the next you’re wondering why your tomatoes look fried. …
Summer gardens have a way of softening everything, especially when you add in heart-shaped flowers that feel like little love notes from nature. The first …
Houseplants bring so much personality to a space—but I’ve learned the hard way that scattering them randomly doesn’t always look great. At one point, I …
Have you ever found yourself just standing in the garden, watching flowers sway in the breeze? There’s something oddly calming—and almost hypnotic—about plants that move …
Succulents have always been my go-to for low-maintenance greenery, but some varieties take things to a whole new level. I’m talking about plants that look …
Growing your own nuts might sound like something only farmers do, but it’s totally possible—even in a small space. I started with just a couple …
Bees are the quiet champions in our gardens, working behind the scenes to turn blossoms into the fruits and veggies we love. Watching a variety …
Dahlias really are the crown jewels of summer gardens, bringing bursts of color and texture that last from midsummer all the way to the first …
Ever since I started planting more for pollinators, I’ve noticed how yellow climbing plants seem to be a favorite. They light up a garden like …
I used to toss eggshells without a second thought—until I learned they could actually help my lavender thrive. Now, I crush them up after breakfast …
Have you ever spotted those masked little visitors sneaking through your yard after dark? At first glance, raccoons might seem like nothing more than mischievous …
Spotting a snake in your yard can definitely make your heart skip a beat—even if you’re someone who loves wildlife. Most snakes aren’t out to …
Ever feel like your plants are just waiting for you to slip up so they can throw in the towel? Same here. But thankfully, not …
Growing calendulas has been one of my favorite garden joys—they’re cheerful, easygoing, and just plain happy-looking. But even these sunny blooms can hit a rough …
When I first started gardening, I thought any pretty bloom would make the bees happy. I’d load up on whatever looked good at the garden …
Succulents are my go-to for adding charm to the porch without all the fuss. They don’t need much attention, but they sure know how to …
Windowsills are underrated little slices of garden magic. Even with limited space, they’re perfect for growing flowers that brighten your home and lift your mood. …
Walking barefoot through a garden should be a pleasure, not a painful adventure that ends in tears and bandages. My own backyard transformation began after …
Last spring, I spotted what looked like purple butterflies dancing in my neighbor’s yard—but they were actually Siberian irises. I’d been so focused on the …
Ever wonder where you could live to minimize your chances of a slithery encounter? While no place in America is completely snake-free, some states have …