closeup of an oldfashioned flower
Gardens
Living
Grubs—the larvae of Japanese beetles, oriental beetles, or chafers—are a common lawn care problem. They eat the roots of grass, eventually causing the grass to turn brown and die. It’s important to get rid of grubs before the infestation becomes so bad that they deplete the root system to the point where the turf will […]
For a return on your investment, there’s no substitute for wood furniture. Cherry, maple and oak are the most durable, although many people like the look of pine, a softer wood that’s susceptible to nicks, dents and scratches. Stay away from pressboard furniture. It’s more unstable than wood, and the piece will have a much […]
Ever wonder how flower farmers and florists make their bouquets so pretty and full? If you have a flower garden in your yard — or an abundacnce of the “right: weeds — follow these ideas for flower arrangements that save money and create beautiful homegrown bouquets. Ideas for Flower Arrangements Choose flowers that have a […]
Matchboxes offer multiple opportunities for use in artwork, playtime, organization, and gift giving. There are so many ways to recycle and recreate matchboxes that I could write an entire book on it. However, I will limit this post to just a few ideas on how to make decorative matchboxes. Let’s start with a basic makeover […]
With all the windows closed, we couldn’t hear the waterfall that recent rainy day when we visited with owner Ruth Steffman, a wonderfully alert 85 years of age, and one of her two sons, Jim, who lives with his wife and five children nearby. However, that surprisingly huge waterfall was very much a part of […]
There are no easy answers when “invasive” plants move into our forests, meadows, and backyards. Learn more about New England invasive plant species.
Gardens
Foraging for Beach Plums
For chef Jason Bond, foraging for beach plums is just another day at the beach…
Quick and easy Fourth of July table decoration crafts are a fun way to add color to your holiday party. This star runner is made using 12×12-inch scrapbook paper or plain red, white, and blue art paper to create a fun pattern of overlapping stars. Party on!
Design
Island Inspired Decor
Want to keep that summer vibe going all year long? Fine art and home goods from Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard evoke an off-the-mainland feeling in any season. 1.Unloading the Boat, an oil-on-wood-panel seascape by Traeger di Pietro($900), depicts a working fisherman in a beautiful setting. Traeger di Pietro, Vineyard Haven, MA. 617-828-9867; traegerdipietro.com 2. Jennifer […]
Whenever I throw a holiday get-together for family and friends, I like to add a handcrafted touch made especially for that event. This month I’m sharing some ideas for quick, easy 4th of July crafts for table decorations to display on a picnic or dinner table. Using 12×12-inch scrapbook paper or plain red, white, and […]
Gardens
The Incredible, Edible Garden
The fact that Thomas Gardner is a foodie is written all over his landscape. Likewise, his fondness for flowers. Merge the two, and you have an Eden where dahlias jostle tomatoes and marigolds weave into peppers, with pawpaws loitering not far away. Because Tom sees no reason to segregate his summer squash or to banish […]