May is a volatile month, so watch the weather forecast for your location and elevation. Although the city’s average last frost date (32 degrees) is May 10-15, it’s not unusual to have a hard freeze (28 degrees) in late May. General maintenance • Clean and sharpen...
Maybe it’s the cost of water, or the mowing, or a desire to provide better habitat for native pollinators. Whatever the reason, you want to replace some of your lawn with a native plant garden or just mulch. First, you need to kill and remove your turf. You might ask:...
Here’s my semi-annual lecture on drainage. As a former builder, I spook easily when water is found in or around a house. Few things can cause more loss of sleep, heartache and value erosion than to be stuck in a house with those dreaded “water problems.” Buyers and...
May is a volatile month, so watch the weather forecast for your location and elevation. Although the city’s average last frost date (32 degrees) is May 10-15, it’s not unusual to have a hard freeze (28 degrees) in late May. General maintenance • Clean and sharpen...
Maybe it’s the cost of water, or the mowing, or a desire to provide better habitat for native pollinators. Whatever the reason, you want to replace some of your lawn with a native plant garden or just mulch. First, you need to kill and remove your turf. You might ask:...
Here’s my semi-annual lecture on drainage. As a former builder, I spook easily when water is found in or around a house. Few things can cause more loss of sleep, heartache and value erosion than to be stuck in a house with those dreaded “water problems.” Buyers and...
Soon we’ll shop for new plants, replacement plants and annuals at local garden centers. Most centers have great variety — but no guarantee that they stock plants “designed” for Colorado. Before we buy, we need to know what plants do well in our area. Research, then...
Spring is in the air in the Pikes Peak region, and gardening and related classes and events are sprouting all over. We’ve singled out a few coming to the Colorado Springs area and beyond. Check with your favorite gardening center to see when new classes are scheduled....
Here’s my semi-annual lecture on drainage. As a former builder, I spook easily when water is found in or around a house. Few things can cause more loss of sleep, heartache and value erosion than to be stuck in a house with those dreaded “water problems.” Buyers and...
Dear Ken: We’re about to buy a 1971 house. The current owners thought they saw termites, so they had a pest control company put in a perimeter bait system. Do you think I really need it? — Chris Answer: Termites are relatively rare in the Rocky Mountain West. There...
Spring is just around the corner, which means it's almost time to spruce up your outdoor space. Here are a few simple tips for creating the ultimate outdoor oasis. 1. Light Up Your Outdoor Space Every outdoor space needs contemporary lighting. From string lights to...
Many of us have memories of gardening as a child. I was 10 when I planted my first garden. When Mom heard my younger sister scream, she thought I had cut off her toe with the shovel, only to find that Sis had just seen a worm. Children can participate in many...
Vines can add instant pizazz to your garden. Vertical interest, color, a welcoming shady space, flowers and foliage are only a few of the attributes they add. It can be a bit tricky to match a vine to the structure it will climb. Vines can climb four ways: twining,...
Clematis are almost the perfect vine. They’re easy and rewarding to grow and have showy blooms and great variety. All they need is sunlight, a little extra water and a trellis to twine. The challenge is knowing when and how to prune them. For pruning, they are grouped...
If you want to make your backyard a haven for a variety of wild birds, then why not skip the expense of traditional bird feeders and unleash your creativity instead by making your very own DIY bird feeder. By using just a few simple ingredients you can easily make...
The holidays are in full swing! If you're looking for any last-minute gift wrapping ideas, we've got you've covered. Here's your guide for gift wrapping like a pro. 1. Tie Gifts With Ribbon Get creative and decorate your presents in style this year! From glittery...
Go green and clean your home naturally without the use of harsh and nasty chemicals. This easy, all-natural cleaning solution is made with only a few simple ingredients including lemons and vinegar. Make your home shine from top to bottom and remove persistent stains...
The tomatoes in my container garden had been slow to grow and produce fruit. But over the past couple of weeks, the small orbs suddenly morphed into softballs and started turning red, seemingly all at once. Even the cherry tomatoes in the hanging basket are bursting...
A charcuterie (pronounced shar-koo-tur-EE) is a board or platter of meats, cheeses, fresh fruits, crackers and condiments. The meats tend to play a starring role and are surrounded by all kinds of deliciousness that guests can’t wait to get their hands on. These often...
I’ve raved about sheet pan suppers, but it’s time to give them another shout-out for the new year. This efficient cooking method is especially great if you’re like me — time-strapped but determined to make sit-down family meals every day. In a recent class on...
Looking for different ways to save money on travel? Here are 6 smart ways to cut down on your travel expenses. 1. Research and Plan As fun as "winging" it may sound, it could end up putting a dent in your budget. Take the time to invest in your travel plans. Make...
Looking for any last-minute stocking stuffer ideas? Look no further! Hands-down these are the best Christmas stocking stuffers you can possibly think of. 1. Concert Tickets Surprise your friends with concert tickets for the holidays. Everyone loves a good concert,...
Quickly cure winter sickness with all-natural home remedies. Here are some of the most powerful remedies recommended for naturally treating the common cold. 1. Get More Sleep The number one way to naturally fight off sickness is to get plenty of rest. Your body needs...
There’s been a big push in recent years to make the outdoors accessible to all, as it should be. Thankfully, a few destinations around Colorado are making an effort to do so. Here are a few great outdoorsy Colorado attractions that go above and beyond to cater to the...