Want to grow Glass Gem Corn? If you are looking for the most colorful corn variety of all time, Glass Gem Corn is it. What exactly is Glass Gem Corn? Think of it as Indian corn on steroids. Or LSD. Or both. But it grows like other common corn varieties. So, if you’ve grown yellow corn or sweet corn or white corn, you can grow Glass Gem Corn. (Don’t worry, I will give you some basic tips about how to grow corn below.) Why grow colorful Glass Gem Corn seeds? Well, the dried kernels make great popcorn. You can grind the kernels into a multi-colored cornmeal. Or you can grow it for a showy fall decoration. (The kernels are simply too hard to eat them off the cob.) How Glass Gem Corn was Born We wouldn’t have glass gem corn today if it weren’t for the efforts of two men—Carl Barnes and Greg Schoen. So, my hat is off for both gentlemen and their love for colorful corn. Carl Barnes, a part-Cherokee farmer in Oklahoma, began gathering heirloom corn seed varieties as an homage … [Read more...] about Grow Glass Gem Corn for a Colorful Harvest
Create a Stress Reducing Outdoor Retreat
It’s simple to create a stress reducing outdoor retreat. Just follow these easy steps. Gardens and outdoor spaces can be places of tranquility, harmony, and mindfulness. But knowing where to begin your design can sometimes be overwhelming. Creating a stress reducing outdoor retreat can be accomplished with the right planning, furniture, and plants. Here’s how you can create your own Zen garden retreat that promotes happiness and a greater sense of well-being. In this story, we focus on on the types of furniture you can use to create your outdoor retreat or "outdoor living space." In the second part of the story, we'll cover the types of plants you may want to include in your outdoor retreat. We have included Amazon links to the products mentioned in this story. HG&H is a proud member of the Amazon Associates Program, and we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) for sales generated by the links in this story. Know Your Space When creating a relaxing outdoor … [Read more...] about Create a Stress Reducing Outdoor Retreat
Outdoor Games for Kids and Families
Looking for some great outdoor games for kids to play? You are not alone. It seems like every parent is trying to find fun things for the kids to do outside. It’s too nice to stay indoors. And you don’t want your kids to play video games ALL DAY. It’s time to reach into your parental “bag of tricks” and find some really fun outdoor games for kids—and some fun outdoor activities, too. So here are some great ideas to keep your kids happy as they keep busy in the backyard. Some of these are classics, and some of these are new. But all of these great outdoor games for kids and families are fun! Slip and Slide: A Classic Outdoor Game for Kids Many parents have fond memories of backyard fun on a slip-and-slide toy. Well, today there are lots of slip-and-slide toys available. All you do is unroll the long plastic slide, hook up a hose, and turn on the water. It’s instant warm-weather fun! Nowadays there are many choices in slip-and-slide toys. There are single-lane slides, … [Read more...] about Outdoor Games for Kids and Families
Tree Watering Made Simple: The Root Quencher Story
The Inventors of the Root Quencher Want to Spread the Word about Deep Tree Watering to Save One Million Trees. Trees are the anchors of a landscape. Their awe-inspiring size and stature are the first things we notice about a property. But trees need special care, and trees need deep watering to stay healthy and beautiful. Quite simply, when trees don’t receive enough water, they become stressed. And when tree roots don’t receive periodic deep waterings, trees can die. Robert Summers and Maria Caceres know first-hand how devastating it can be to receive bad news about water-stressed trees. They consulted an arborist about the 50-year-old trees planted by Robert’s father on the family-owned property in Pasadena, California. The prognosis was not good. Many of the mature trees in the landscape were dying and aging out. They would have to be replaced. Robert and Maria rejected that idea. Rather than cutting down the trees, they embarked on a concerted effort to revitalize their … [Read more...] about Tree Watering Made Simple: The Root Quencher Story
Best Air Purifying Indoor Plants
These 10 air purifying indoor plants help purify and clean the air at home and in your office. There are many reasons to have houseplants. They are beautiful. Indoor plants can improve your mood and make a home feel like… well, home. But did you know that many plants can actually improve indoor air quality by removing toxins from the air? When we bring furniture, carpets, inks, and dyes into our homes, we often unwittingly introduce toxins into the air. If left unabated, these toxins can cause long-term issues such as respiratory ailments, allergies, and headaches. The best air purifying indoor plants can help. Not all houseplants are ideal for purifying indoor air. But these houseplants that have been found to effectively improve indoor air quality. Plus, these 10 houseplants help you to create a healthier home with minimal effort. Common Indoor Air Pollutants Toxins in our furniture, in building supplies, and products we use can accumulate in our environment reducing … [Read more...] about Best Air Purifying Indoor Plants
