Tag Archives: plants

Indoor Air Pollution

I try to be really green with the things I use in my home, like cleaners and air fresheners. The main reason for this is Hailey’s asthma, I try not to subject her to additional chemicals and pollutants. Even though I never use chemicals in my home, the air in your home can be up to 100 times more polluted than the air outside, that’s a little scary considering home is where you spend most of your time. I thought I was doing all the right things, no one smokes in my home, I use vinegar and baking soda to … Continue reading →

Live Plants for Your Aquarium

Live plants look great in the tank and give your fish places to hide and explore. There are different types of plant you can include: stem plants, rooted plants, floating plants, and specialty plants. Tank plants will generally do well if you have a nutrient-rich substrate at the bottom of your tank and a layer of gravel to keep debris away. And don’t forget a light source! Plants need sunlight in order to survive. Place large, heavy objects like rock and driftwood before you plant your plants — if you try to add heavy objects last, you may damage your … Continue reading →

10 Fall Plants that Attract the Birds

Now that fall is here, we have been enjoying the cardinals for whom the pine tree outside of our dining room window appears to be particularly comforting. These bright red birds with the black masks are always a treat to enjoy, especially when they show off their colors against the green pine needles or the white winter snow that is sure to fall sometime in the next month or so. If you want to attract cardinals and other birds that may be visiting in the fall, consider providing them with a birdie buffet of all of their favorite plants. These … Continue reading →

Healthy Houseplants

If you’re looking for a way to keep your houseplants healthy, you can check the Home Blog. If you’re looking for houseplants that can keep YOU healthy, you’re in the right place. Plants can brighten your home — but they have a ton of health benefits. Lower stress with some greens in your workspace. Even in low light or offices without windows, you can keep a dragon tree, bamboo palm, snake plant, or arrowhead vine. Studies from Washington State University have shown that exposure to plants can lower your systolic blood pressure by as much as four points. Compare it … Continue reading →

Gifts for Gardeners

Just because we may be dreaming of a white Christmas doesn’t mean that gardeners aren’t also dreaming in green. If you are looking for something special to get that person who loves to putter outside and grow things, here are some great gift ideas. And if you yourself are the gardener, well, print this article, circle what you would like to have, and leave it somewhere conspicuous. Nursery Gift Certificate It was only recently that I learned that many nurseries offer gift certificates. I suppose that this never occurred to me before. But it is true. Local garden centers or … Continue reading →

Odds and Ends

Sometimes, I come across things that I find interesting or useful, but there isn’t quite enough information to write a full article. So, here are some odds and ends that I hope you’ll find helpful: Disposable Toilet Wand If you have been wanting to try one of the new disposable toilet wands, give Scotchbrite a try for free. Visit Scotchbrite.com for a rebate plus coupon for future savings. I’ve tried other brands, but the Scotchbrite version has a unique shape designed to fit under the rim. It’s certainly worth trying at this price… free. Ceiling Fan Cleaning Trick Take an … Continue reading →

Yard Work is Hard Work

After doing something strenuous, I’ve heard people say, “I found muscles I never knew I had.” I’m here to tell you that yard work gives that statement a whole new perspective. Ouch! I’ve been working in my yard and garden for the past several days, and I’m starting to feel my age! I have never ended up this stiff and sore from yard work or gardening in my life. Of course, my husband and I have turned into Mr. and Mrs. Super Gardener, so it’s true that we’re doing more than usual, but still… Wow! I’m sure it will be … Continue reading →

Can’t Wait to Garden? Start Early…

Are you suffering from spring fever already? One really warm day is usually all it takes for me. Most of us cannot wait to get out and about, but many also can’t wait to get out into the garden. Well, there’s no need to wait for perfect weather; you can start a little early with prep work doing some plantings indoors. Start those Starter Plants If you have the extra space, now is a good time to get some starter plants going, so they’ll be ready for transplant when the growing season begins. There are some convenient options available at … Continue reading →

Five Tips for Caring for Houseplants

I love plants, but I have never been very good at tending them. So, I’ve been doing a little research, hoping that I may eventually be able to get rid of the “black thumb” label and keep a little greenery alive and well in my home. These are general tips that apply to a large number of houseplants: Most plants need to acclimate to their environments. When bringing plants home, try to place them in a setting most like the one they came from (cool or warm, shaded or well lit). You can slowly begin moving them to other locations, … Continue reading →

Vinegar in The Garden

Vinegar has many uses for the garden. It is very frugal, and unlike those chemicals you can buy, very safe for the environment. I was first exposed to the idea of using vinegar for a garden when I lived in a small house on a lake in Connecticut. My neighbor grew the most beautiful roses. Every day he went out to care for them. One day, I noticed that he was spraying something on the rose bushes. I was very curious, since our houses relied on well water, and liquid chemicals of any sort for gardening were definitely prohibited. He … Continue reading →