Gasoline cans are an unsightly nuisance. Ugh! Where’s the best place to put ‘em? That space under the deck stairs is big enough, shaded from all but late afternoon sun, well ventilated, out of the way, and mostly hidden from sight . . . Okay, so what’s my problem?
Author Archives: editor
Climbing Hydrangea
May 29, 2011 – 10:06 am
Yes - the mophead varieties are lush and sexy, coveted by gardeners for centuries. Their massive heads in rich pinks and violet blues (depending on the soil) are irresistible to many.
Internet Tools: How to Build an Arbor
May 27, 2011 – 1:09 am
Arbors are a great way to add a level of sophistication to any household exterior. A decorative arbor allows for vines, hanging plants, unique lighting schemes, and other festive arrangements that simply would not be available otherwise. But how do you build one?
Remote Controlled Drink Float
May 25, 2011 – 10:42 am
Have you ever been floating around in your pool, sipping on a nice cocktail, enjoying the calm flow of the water—and then noticed that your cocktail is empty? If you’re lucky, somebody out of the water will be available to refresh your beverage, thus allowing you to continue your soothing float uninterrupted. But sometimes that luck just [...]
Backyard Pests
May 23, 2011 – 10:33 am
Sometimes it’s tough to enjoy your own backyard amidst the wildlife that wanders into it. This includes everything from slugs and beetles to your neighbor’s exuberant mutt.
Cool Houses: Werner Sobek
May 21, 2011 – 10:10 am
If I happened to be driving along the coast and saw the object in the picture above, I would swear that an alien invasion had begun. I’d be wrong, of course . . .
Tool Tip: Step On It Dustpan
May 19, 2011 – 12:19 pm
My wife gave me a hard time about this one. And I’ll admit, it seems like a gimmick. But here’s the thing – after any messy job, I often find myself wishing the cleanup fairy would come along, so I just could go have a beer. She never does. So, I’m on my own [...]
Great Landscape Shrub
May 17, 2011 – 10:23 am
: Pieris japonica (pronounced Pie-air-iss juh-pon-i-kuh) Pieris japonica (also known as Japanese Pieris, Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub, or Andromeda) is a compact, evergreen shrub with much appeal as a landscape plant. It’s versatile and works well in the shrub border, as a foundation plant, or massed in the woodland garden. Its attractive leaves emerge bronze or red, [...]
Quirky Switch
May 15, 2011 – 11:07 am
The Quirky Switch may very well be the ultimate multi-tool. Before I get into how to use it, I feel it necessary to list all of the attachments offered in this little gadget: Standard Knife Pliers Scissors Nail File Tweezers Thin Flathead Screwdriver Phillips-Head Screwdriver Eyeglass Phillips-Head Screwdriver Eyeglass Flathead Screwdriver Wood Saw Serrated [...]
Life on the Compost Heap
May 13, 2011 – 10:03 am
We’ve been composting vegetative kitchen scraps all winter long. And as a result we’ve got a great start on the next batch of compost. Here’s how our system works.
