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After living in our house for over 20 years, we finally decided to do a complete landscape makeover. It will take dozens of DIY projects to finish the job. To get things started, I dusted off my old power tools and made these two planter boxes, a perfect project for a beginning woodworker. Find out how I did it!
We made an unexpected trip back to Missouri this month to say goodbye to a dear, sweet gardener – my mother-in-law. She represented an era gone by of rural farming during the Great Depression. While away, the garden flourished without me. Fall plantings began to emerge, while some summer crops and flowers found new life once the temperature cooled, bringing my heirloom tomatoes to peak production. Succession planted veggies continue to fill our baskets. I can’t believe how quickly the season went!
Leaving the garden unattended for two weeks while visiting family and friends out of town presented some challenges and opportunities. Pests and diseases left unchecked destroyed some plants, while unharvested crops opened up more seed saving opportunities. Steady rainfall kept the garden well-watered, and overall the garden flourished without me! It was a testament to the power of nature.
With the frosty weather behind us, the fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs have hit their stride. But a new foe has invaded my garden – BUGS! The tomato plants are looking fabulous, but what to do with those aphids? And what is eating my beans? Will organic solutions save them?
Get into the holiday spirit by going to the Bull Run Festival of Lights located in Northern Virginia. The annual drive-through light show and holiday village are a festive treat for the whole family.
Looking for holiday family fun in Northern Virginia? Check out the Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Walk through the garden under shimmering colorful lights shaped like flowers and garden animals. Then stop for a sweet treat at the fire pit. What a delight!