Lavender Orpington chickens just might be the perfect breed for a backyard chicken flock. These are delightful birds that make an excellent “starter” breed for your first chickens. They also make a wonderful addition to any flock. When you start or add to your chicken flock, you’ll find yourself inundated with hundreds of breed options. From fuzzy silkies to giant brahmas, the choices are practically endless! If you want to have chickens that are suited to the family backyard, however, you’ll have to select your breeds carefully. And for the perfect urban family backyard chicken breed, look no further than the Lavender Orpington chickens! Lavender Orpington chickens are beautiful, fluffy, friendly birds with silvery-blue feathers. Maxing out at 6-8 pounds, their color and puffy appearance makes them look like soft, grey clouds wandering around the yard. They are good egg layers, sweet-natured, and great for beginners and children. With so much to love, it is no wonder this breed … [Read more...] about Lavender Orpington Chickens: A Perfect Backyard Chicken Breed
How to Start a Victory Garden 2.0
The COVID-19 outbreak has forced millions of people worldwide to quarantine and stay at home. But instead of feeling helpless, thousands of people are turning to gardening by starting a Victory Garden 2.0. Why? Because growing plants and tending a garden provides stress relief, a healthy outdoor activity and food security. Many people don’t realize that gardening has a history of being a coping tool during times of national crisis. During the first World War, the U.S. government encouraged Americans to plant vegetable gardens. Today, in a time of crisis that seems a lot like a war, these “victory gardens” are seeing a huge resurgence. It's time we all embrace it. It's time for everyone who has a backyard, patio or a sunny balcony to start a Victory Garden 2.0 of their own. The History Of Victory Gardening Starting a victory garden is about as American as apple pie. Growing a backyard vegetable garden has been an essential part of American life since America was … [Read more...] about How to Start a Victory Garden 2.0
2020 Garden Trends Include Tiny Gardens and Hardy Tropical Plants
The start of a new decade brings exciting new developments and ideas—including new 2020 garden trends. Fortunately for gardeners, the 2020 garden trends include a new way to look at tiny space gardens, embracing cold-hardy tropical plants and even pet-friendly gardens. The new 2020 garden trends are all about challenging the conventional aesthetics of gardening. At Home, Garden and Homestead, we think that’s a good thing! Read on to learn what garden industry experts have to say about gardening in 2020. Tiny Space Gardens Everyone deserves a little garden in their lives, so it’s no wonder that small space gardening is a big trend for 2020. Even centuries-old techniques like espalier are making a comeback. One of the most exciting 2020 garden trends is the wide availability of true dwarf trees. Unlike their larger 50-foot-tall cousins, these diminutive trees max out at only 10-15 feet high. That’s a perfect size for small yards—and even growing in containers on … [Read more...] about 2020 Garden Trends Include Tiny Gardens and Hardy Tropical Plants
5 New Year’s Resolutions for Gardeners
Did you make any New Year's resolutions for gardeners for the coming New Year? Whether you’re a horticultural expert or you want to try gardening for the first time, these are my favorite New Year’s resolutions for gardeners in 2020. New Year's Resolutions for Gardeners #1: Get Gardening! The #1 resolution on my list is to get gardening! Gardening comes with many benefits for our physical, emotional and mental well-being. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gardening for just 2.5 hours a week can reduce the risk of common conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure and osteoporosis. Gardening has also been shown to ward off depression and anxiety. Plus, nothing beats the smell of flowers in bloom, or the taste of fresh, homegrown vegetables. Getting started and growing your first tomato plant (or any annual vegetable) is easier than you think. If you’re worried you might have a “black thumb,” or just short on space, try your … [Read more...] about 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Gardeners
12 Cold Hardy Tropical Plants to Grow Now
Everyone loves the feel of the tropics. Palm trees swaying in the breeze. Exotic flowers with intoxicating aromas. The fragrant fruit that seems to melt in your mouth. But did you know you can grow cold hardy tropical plants as far north as New York State? By incorporating some of these cold hardy tropical plants in your garden, you can enjoy your own tropical stay-cation without leaving your backyard! Cold-hardy tropical plants can be hard to find in local stores. That's why we have included some of our favorite website sources for these plants, including NatureHills.com and Amazon. When you click one of our links to a recommended product, Home, Garden and Homestead will receive a small commission for qualifying sales. Thanks for supporting this website! We really appreciate it! Happy Face Emogi! Best Cold Hardy Tropical Plants for Cooler Climates Hardy Banana You can’t get much more tropical than a banana tree. And luckily … [Read more...] about 12 Cold Hardy Tropical Plants to Grow Now
