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
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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
Top Fruit Trees for Backyard Orchards
Plant a few top fruit trees for backyard orchards on your property, and your taste buds will thank you. There is nothing quite like fruit trees in the landscape to delight the eyes and nose with springtime blossoms. And there's nothing a wonderful as biting into freshly picked homegrown apple or peach. That's why we've chosen the top fruit trees for backyard orchards that will grow almost anywhere. Selecting the right kind of fruit tree to grow in a landscape comes down to two main factors: the varieties of trees that grow well in your area and your own personal taste. According to Ed Laivo, fruit tree specialist for Natural Hills Nursery, the top fruit trees described below have proven to be dependable growers in the widest range of climates and are better than others when it comes to consistent fruit production and flavor of the fruit. Here are Laivo’s top recommendations for backyard fruit trees that will produce bushels of delicious fruit, year after year. Top Fruit … [Read more...] about Top Fruit Trees for Backyard Orchards
How to Build a Floating Deck
If you are wondering how to build a floating deck, you’ve come to the right place. A floating deck is an inexpensive, freestanding platform that is surprisingly easy to build. The deck floats just above the ground atop preformed concrete blocks. It is not difficult to build, and it can be installed in most lawn or garden areas. Raising the deck off the ground allows the wood to dry out after rainstorms, helping it to last longer. The simple act of stepping up onto a platform helps establish a sense of place in the landscape. Elevating the floating deck also accommodates unique design elements. In the project described in detail below, we built a deck that cantilevers over a water garden. The floating deck is attractive, and it creates a serene gathering spot where the landscape can be enjoyed. How to Build a Floating Deck: Materials Needed The tools and materials specified below are required to build a floating deck that is 10 feet by 10 feet. Adjust board lengths … [Read more...] about How to Build a Floating Deck
Best Pellet Grills for Backyard BBQ
The Best Pellet Grills for Backyard BBQ Offer a Mouth-watering Way to Cook Outdoors Backyard BBQs and cooking on a grill are popular outdoor activities. But the best wood-burning pellet grills take outdoor barbecues to the extreme. (And we mean that in the best possible way.) Gas grills and charcoal grills have dominated the art of barbecuing for decades. That’s because both kinds of grills have their own advantages. Cooking on a gas grill is convenient. Propane gas provides a clean, mess-free burn, and a gas grill starts instantly. Meanwhile, cooking on charcoal grill is a time-honored tradition. Charcoal gives you better control over the shape and size of the grilling fire. But the best pellet grills create the perfect environment for cooking meats—and just about anything else. We love cooking outdoors, and we love cooking on a wood pellet grill. So, we decided to spread our love by reviewing the best pellet grills for backyard BBQ cooking. What’s So Great … [Read more...] about Best Pellet Grills for Backyard BBQ
