Latest Posts
- Have a purpose when backyardingAugust 5 2021
- Study: Time outside alters our microbiomeAugust 4 2021
- Happy National Mutt Day from Mo-MoJuly 27 2021
- New home? Avoid these common mistakes in your yard.July 26 2021
- Infographic: Plan a backyard staycation this summerJuly 22 2021
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Archive
August 17th
By Mutt Mulligan Plant more plants, it’s that simple
We found a web site that has a nice, simple motto: Plant more plants. The information revolves around the Chesapeake Bay but touches on a choice we all have – do we want more ‘concrete jungles’ or do we want more plants? I think we know the answer to that question. Plantings help reduce runoff […]
August 10th
By Mutt Mulligan Varied Landscapes Can Be a Bountiful Idea
A recent article discusses how horticulture is now melding ideas from the agriculture and ornamental sphere. It’s no longer a choice between – do I grow food or do I plant some beautiful perennials and some lawn for the kids? You can weave both types of plants to create a varied, productive and bountiful home […]
August 3rd
By Mutt Mulligan Outdoor time makes us more caring
We wanted to share a 2009 study from the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin that highlights another benefit of getting outdoors and into Nature. According to the coauthor: “Stopping to experience our natural surroundings can have social as well as personal benefits,” says Richard Ryan, coauthor and professor of psychology, psychiatry and education at the University […]
July 26th
By Mutt Mulligan Hone in on the Zone, The Climate Zone That Is….
We often talk about climate zones in the U.S. and the importance of knowing which plants thrive in which zone. The USDA Hardiness Zone Map divides North America into 11 separate zones; each zone is 10°F warmer (or colder) in an average winter than the adjacent zone. But, did you also know there are heat […]
July 19th
By Mutt Mulligan The physical and mental rewards of getting outdoors
Summer time is the perfect time to get outdoors. Granted, there are moments that heat and humidity make it dangerous to be outside for too long, but when the temperature allows, there are a multitude of physical and mental benefits to getting outside (and away from the TV and other electronics). A good article summarizes, […]
July 12th
By Mutt Mulligan Watering Triage
We like this Associated Press article that showed up in today’s Washington Post. When summer starts to bake our plants and lawn, it does feel like we have to resort to watering triage to keep the plants alive during the worst of the heat. The article is full of good ideas, here are a few: […]
July 7th
By Mutt Mulligan Staycation in your Yard
Many people are taking ‘Staycations’ this year. Staycations are a great way to save some money, but also to have quality time with the family in familiar surroundings. And, it’s a great way to put your yard to great use. Why not camp in the yard? Build a mini-golf course. Create your own family or […]
July 1st
By Mutt Mulligan Drought Tolerant Plants
There are plants for every location and climate condition – even unrelenting drought. Check out this nice visual collection of drought tolerant plants that you may want to consider for your garden and landscape. Do you have a successful plant to share with us that can withstand heat and little rain?
June 28th
By Mutt Mulligan Lawns and Gardens in Harmony
A recent Washington Post article points out the role and positive aspects of a diversified backyard. Do you want a garden, do you want some lawn space, do you want a perennial border, do you want a rock garden? Well, you can have all of that and more. Barbara Damrosch points out how lawns intermingled […]
June 21st
By Mutt Mulligan How Plants Deal with Heat
Sometimes we look at our plants and lawn as ‘things’ we buy and plant and forget that they are working hard to store carbon, release oxygen and deal with the stresses wrought on them by Mother Nature – like heat and drought. A good article discusses how plants transpire, or cool themselves, when the heat […]
