This seems to be the week for stories about creative uses for storage sheds. Today, I just heard about how a family with three little boys transformed an old wooden shed on their property into a grand ol’ fortress!
Seems that the shed was unusable for storing anything of value because of a water drainage issue, but rather than tear it down when they bought a new vinyl shed, they simply added a few details, and let the kids have it!
Oh, to be a kid again!
I just read an article about a naturalist author who needed a place to get away from his home so he could concentrate and write without distractions. Not really wanting to rent space and pay separate utility bills, etc, he got creative and turned an old, unused garden shed into his writer’s nook!
From the sound of it, it’s a tiny space, just big enough for a space heater, a laptop, a lap dog, and a few reference books on a small desk, but with the help of his wife, they were able to fancy it up a bit and make it homey.
I am looking for photos to post up soon. What a clever idea!
I recently found a website that, though not gardening specific, is a great resource for anyone who is following the global environmental issues of the day. You can get a feel about the challenges of the global shortage of water, what is happening in regard to climate and energy around the world as well as what is happening in agriculture, food and sustainability. However, it goes further and explores the solutions to these growing challenges, which is great!
There is also a wonderful community of bloggers that are both well versed in the issues and fun to read. Planet 2025 is well thought out giving perspectives and an actionable plan for individuals as well as small and large businesses. This is good news for those who believe in being good stewards whether that be in the backyard or in the world.
I was recently asked what greenhouse would meet the following criteria; good for someone just starting out; small enough to fit in a backyard and still not take it totally over; a great known brand with good reviews; and affordable. It didn’t take me long at all to respond with the Rion 6 x 8 Silverline Greenhouse! It meets every one of the criteria with flying colors and is a great greenhouse to learn the art of greenhouse gardening. The only problem you may have is it won’t be big enough after you get going.
Of course there are starter greenhouses that are larger and those that are even more inexpensive and are smaller, if you need a mini grow house. If you are looking for a larger starter greenhouse there are plenty of those to choose from. Just make sure you get a greenhouse that is suitable to your area. One of the two biggest mistakes that are made when purchasing or building a green house is not getting one big enough or not buying one with good insulation values. If you do a little research before you buy, you should be okay!
That’s right. It is time to clean out the old and get ready for the new in more ways than one. I really took a look at my yard yesterday and I did not like what I saw! I have been so busy, unlike any of you… right, that I have completely let my yard go this year. There are dead plants that need to be pulled up and put in the compost pile that needs to be turned and leaves that need to be cleaned out of the gutters and put into the compost pile that needs to be turned and sticks and debris that need to be picked up and put into the compost pile that needs to be turned. Did I mention the compost pile needs to be turned!
I am behind and if you are like me, you have to put these things on your calendar or to do list in order to get them completed and off the list. So today, I got all those little things listed on the calendar so I can be ready when March comes roaring in like a lion. Spring is almost here so I am determined to be ready; are you?
It’s a great time to start planning your spring garden and flowerbeds. You can go to the library or get on the internet and do some research on what plants, flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables do well in the area you live in. You will have more to choose from the further south you live but that doesn’t mean you have to give up color all together.
I could list a bunch of my favorites but they may not work for your region. Instead, don’t forget to look at the large variety of grasses and shrubs that have some beautiful rich colors that can enhance your typical blooms from perennials and annuals. Also do some research on climbing vines and roses and other great plants that can be used to accent walls or other areas like arbors, pergolas and decks. Having a great garden is not being lucky; it’s learning what grows in your region and sticking to those indigenous species that are native to your area. If you want to plant some other types, you will find having a greenhouse to be invaluable.