Yard Ideas Blog

Koi And Goldfish Pond Tips

Koi ponds are all the rage for homeowners these days. There is nothing like relaxing at the water’s edge while feeding a writhing school of koi or goldfish as they fight for every last scrap of Purina fish chow. It kind of makes you feel like a benevolent despot with your own little fiefdom of fishy peasants.

Birds, Butterflies and Bats: Welcome Them to Your Garden

With the continued growth in population throughout our country, many wildlife species face increasing pressure from lack of natural habitat—the number one threat to wildlife today. So creating welcoming places for these wonderful creatures in your yard—no matter how small—will help...

Good Drainage Could Transform This Disaster Zone

New or neglected lawns can be a problem that’s easy to acknowledge but tough to fix. Sometimes the challenges are so great that homeowners feel helpless to make a difference. These folks want a well landscaped yard but don’t know where to start.

Water Fountains: Large and Small – Classic and Quaint

On the Fence – Dressing Up Your Boundaries

Your fence says just as much about your yard as the flowers you choose for decoration. Fences are actually critical for setting the tone around which the rest of your landscaping is developed.

Growing Carnivorous Plants

Got an insect problem? Start a collection of carnivorous plants and get ready to watch the action. Invite your friends and neighbors—these “carnival” plants will put on a show. Seriously, and joking aside, these are very interesting plants, indeed.

Give Your Flowers Some Companions, Part 2

There are just too many flowers that help other plants – companion plants, we call them. Either that, or these columns are too short. In any case, I find myself compelled to write about some more helpful flowers that are wonderful companions to their friends.

Give Your Flowers Some Companions, Part 1

There are some people I just love to work with. No matter what we're doing, I always do better work when I'm with them. I'm sure you know how that works. And then there are some people who make all my ideas shrivel up and die. Plants are the same way.

The Lure of Lovely Lavender

Those fortunate enough to have walked in a field of lavender and inhaled the heady aroma emanating from the purple waves of the flowering plants will most likely never forget the experience. It could be the beginning of a passionate love affair with this wonderful herb.

Small Yards Need Pools Too!

Water lovers around the world agree: even in the smallest yard, there’s always room for a pool. Sure, it might seem like Chris Farley’s fat guy in a little coat, but you can make it fit! Actually, your pool can look just fine if you pay attention to detail.