A backyard retreat is a special place where you can relax and escape the stress of the day. One of the best ways to create a backyard retreat is to choose the right plants. One of the most effective ways for many people to relax and find their happy place is by gardening. Growing herbs and vegetables has many therapeutic benefits that can help you find your center, recharge, and feel better. Few things can be as relaxing and tranquil as gardening. Growing plants and being surrounded by plants helps one practice patience and enjoy the moment. Gardening doesn't require a lot of space to have an impact. A small garden space, a back deck or a balcony makes a great backyard retreat. You can get the benefits of having a relaxing and tranquil garden almost anywhere. Planting and growing herbs, like the ones listed below, will get your new garden off to a good start. Editor’s Note: This story is a companion piece to Create a Stress Reducing Outdoor Retreat. So please read that story, … [Read more...] about Backyard Retreat: How to Choose the Right Plants
backyard
Best Gardening Podcasts for Fun and Inspiration
The best gardening podcasts can entertain, inform, and inspire you. You might be a beginning gardener or a professional landscaper. Either way, there is plenty you can learn from the best gardening podcasts. How many garden podcasts are there? More than the number of ripening fruits on a healthy cherry tomato plant. Way more. Each of these best gardening podcasts offers a wealth of ideas, tips and tricks to help you become a better gardener. Here are some of the best gardening podcasts that you can listen to right now. And don't forget to check out the Home Garden and Homestead Store on Amazon to find great garden and home products. Best Gardening Podcasts: Plantrama The co-hosts of Plantrama, Ellen Zachos and C.L. Fornari, like to say that this is the podcast where there are no stupid questions…as long as the topic is plants. From houseplants to holly, cacti to cannabis, or roses to radishes, each weekly episode covers the world of plants. Zachos and Fornari deliver … [Read more...] about Best Gardening Podcasts for Fun and Inspiration
Chicken Enrichment Ideas for Happy, Healthy Chickens
Keep your chicken flock healthy, happy and occupied with these chicken enrichment ideas, toys, treats and activities. Happy chickens are healthy chickens. At least that’s the idea behind the trend of chicken enrichment. Your favorite chicken breeds could be Lavender Orpington, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Australorp, White Leghorn, Silkie, Easter Egger or something else. No matter your breed of choice, keeping your chickens productively busy will most likely keep them productively laying eggs. That is one of the main reasons you have chickens. Right? Then let’s learn about chicken enrichment. Benefits of Chicken Enrichment What exactly is chicken enrichment? Well, animal enrichment is a “principle that seeks to enhance the quality of captive animal care by identifying and providing the environmental stimuli necessary for optimal psychological and physiological well-being.” For backyard chickens, this means improving the quality of their lives beyond just the bare … [Read more...] about Chicken Enrichment Ideas for Happy, Healthy Chickens
How to Choose and Care for a Living Christmas Tree
A living Christmas tree can make this year's holiday season special for many, many years. Selecting the family Christmas tree is an exciting holiday tradition. But instead of buying a cut tree this year, why not choose a living Christmas tree? A decorated living Christmas tree celebrates the holiday season—and then becomes a growing part of your landscape for years to come. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, the average retail price of a farm-grown holiday tree is approaching $100. Sure, a freshly cut holiday brings the delightful scent of a pine forest into your home. But for a few dollars more, you can buy a living Christmas tree. A living, container-grown tree can be purchased at local garden centers and some “big box” stores. If strong north winds are a problem in your yard, now is a good time to start planting the first of that hedgerow of evergreens to break the wind. This is the fun way to get the job done. Each living Christmas tree will have its … [Read more...] about How to Choose and Care for a Living Christmas Tree
Sebright Bantam Chickens
Sebright Bantam chickens are a great breed to add to your chicken flock. They are also a delightful breed to begin your chicken flock. Of course, there are hundreds of chicken breeds. From fuzzy silkies to giant brahmas, the choices are practically endless! If you are looking for something truly flashy and unique to add to your flock, look no further than the spunky Sebright bantam! The Sebright bantam chicken is an ornamental bantam breed. Unlike many other breeds, the Sebright is a “true” bantam, meaning it comes only in a small size. This diminutive breed comes in two beautiful colors (silver and gold). Both colors have a spunky character that adds a lot of fun to a backyard flock. Need a chicken coop or other chicken-keeping items? Check out the Chicken Supplies on Amazon. History of Seabright Bantam Chickens The Sebright Bantam chicken has been an established breed since 1874 when it was submitted to the American Poultry Association. This breed was … [Read more...] about Sebright Bantam Chickens
