When I was a child growing up in Maine, my grandparents came to our house each and every May Day with little baskets filled to the brim with candies, animal cookies and popcorn. These vibrant baskets were decorated with frilled papers and tissue flowers and were a delight to look at, even after the contents […]
Cold frames are excellent for starting new plants early in the season and extending the growing season into early winter. Essentially a modified miniature greenhouse, cold frames may be purchased at garden centers and home improvements stores for a few hundred dollars but are also easily constructed and relatively inexpensive to build. Now is a […]
Moles are destructive pests that can damage ornamental plants as they burrow underground in search of grubs. Try these techniques to protect your plants and lawn and get rid of moles. One way to control the moles is to treat your lawn with a grub control agent (available at garden supply stores). If you take […]
I am saddened by the fact that this is my last post here at The Crafty Yankee. I will be handing over the reins to a new crafter next week, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us! This change comes about for the very best of reasons: my husband […]
In our March/April issue, we profiled a group of talented folks that we call “The Fixers,” the people who know how to restore your antique quilt or your grandmother’s china or the vintage electric stove you picked up at Brimfield. While researching the story, I spent an afternoon with Seth Barrett, proprietor of Village Green […]
If you’re looking for a centerpiece that lasts longer than flower bouquets, make a container water garden. A vase filled with aquatic plants and colorful fish can add tranquility and peace to a space while injecting a pop of color to your home, deck or sun room. Container Water Garden Supplies: Container. Any container that […]
Violets are spreading through large sections of my lawn. I’ve tried numerous chemical control products, but none has made any impact on the violet leaves. Any suggestions? — P.Q., Wilmington, VT Violets, both perennial and annual, are difficult to eliminate once they become established in a lawn. Not only do they spread vigorously by seed […]
Our family enjoys watching birds from our windows, and we want to landscape with the best plants to attract them around our home. What do you suggest? S.C., Tiverton, RI A wide range of trees and shrubs produce fruit that persists and appeals to birds. Among the favorites throughout New England are blueberry (Vaccinium), evergreen […]
Tulips were the hot item at the farmers market this weekend. I couldn’t resist grabbing a gorgeous pink bouquet to spruce up the dining room table. To compliment my spring-y, bright centerpiece, I decided to craft some napkin rings from pastel colored paint chips. I loved the final result, and the craft take less than […]
At the risk of turning into a Portlandia cliché, I’m really fond of birds’ nests as a decorative motif. Exhibit A: this ring, purchased at a shop in, ahem, Portland (Maine, not Oregon). The symbolism may be heavy-handed, but nests do make me feel happy and cozy. Fortunately, the marketplace agrees with me. Any vaguely […]
When furnishing a home or apartment, deciding to buy used furniture and fix it up is a sound economic choice, and it keeps more items out of the landfills. If the finish is in terrible condition, however, it may require a lot of time and effort to restore it to its former glory. Use our […]
Use our handy chart to identify animal tracks you see in the snow when you’re out on your next nature walk. You never know what you might find!
