Find times for gardening maintenance
Well, January is upon us, and spring begins on Friday, March 20, only 79 days away! The colder months are the perfect time to plan for the coming planting season. January is also National Garden Catalogue Month, so I am sure you will be receiving many of these guides...
Turn over a new leaf this new year
Last year was a tough year for so many of us. For some, it brought unexpected challenges, loss or simply a level of exhaustion that lingered longer than expected. As we step into a new year, I am stepping into gratitude. For me, gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the...
What’s in store for you?
Healthy Everyday Recipes for Real Life
Wilson woodwork helping to save history
Greg Wilson had been tinkering in woodworking for years after retirement from the U.S. Navy in 2005, making a lot of lamps and other items, and dabbled in furniture restoration, but “nothing major” until this fall. Furloughed from his current work at the National...
Mahjong: Fit to be tiled
Looking for a trendy and social hobby, but maybe not ready to brave pickleball? A bruise-free alternative is trying out the game Mahjong. As with many things, everything old is new again. In Mahjong’s case, very old, with a start that dates back hundreds of years ago...
Give caterpillars a ‘soft landing’ under your trees
If you’re like most well-intentioned gardeners, you might give a lot of thought to planting the “right” plants to nourish pollinators and other wildlife, with nectar, pollen, seeds and fruit. But have you given much thought to those animals’ habitat? In addition to...
Transform fallen leaves into valuable leaf mold this fall
There are a lot of leaves outside my window, and I’m guessing your view might be similar. This carpet of dead foliage is often viewed as a nuisance, but it can be an important component in the garden. I’ll push a 3-inch layer of them into beds and borders to serve as...
Simple gifts, big meaning
In a world overflowing with flashy gadgets, overnight shipping, and perfectly curated gift guides, it’s easy to forget that the most meaningful gifts are often the simplest ones. They don’t require a big budget or an elaborate plan—just intention, attention, and a...
’Tis not the season to neglect the garden
December is upon us, and there are still some gardening chores that can be done in between holiday decorating, visiting and hosting. You can pick and choose any job based on how much time you have and the weather. Remember, some of the things you do now will help keep...
