Melinda Myers

WINTER CARE FOR TREES, SHRUBS & PERENNIALS IN CONTAINERS

December 4, 2020December 7, 2020 Melinda Myers

As you prepare your landscape for winter don’t overlook the trees, shrubs and perennials you have growing in containers. These need a bit of extra protection to help them survive cold winter temperatures. ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

EXTEND YOUR ENJOYMENT OF NUTRITIOUS PUMPKINS

November 6, 2020November 6, 2020 Melinda Myers

Pumpkin is not just for dessert. Consider using this low calorie, flavorful vegetable, botanically classified as a fruit, in any of the courses of your fall or holiday meals. ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

FALL GARDEN TASKS TO PROTECT YOUR LANDSCAPE FROM WINTER WILDLIFE DAMAGE

October 23, 2020October 27, 2020 Melinda Myers

As the seasons change, we adjust our gardening tasks and plantings to match. Animals also make changes this time of year, often changing their eating habits and dining locations. These adjustments can impact your gardens. Reduce the risk ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

PLANT IN FALL FOR A COLORFUL SPRING DISPLAY

September 25, 2020September 28, 2020 Melinda Myers

It’s time to think spring. Fall is the time to plant tulips, daffodils, crocus and other spring flowering bulbs. Use these early bloomers to welcome spring to your landscape. You’ll appreciate the color and cheery blooms after another long ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

GIVE YOUR LANDSCAPE A LATE SUMMER FACELIFT

August 28, 2020September 3, 2020 Melinda Myers

Whether it is the hot weather, the age of your landscape or simply the need for change; a late summer makeover can help you increase your landscape’s beauty. Put the “wow” back into your garden with a few new plantings, garden art, or other simple ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

SUPPORT NATIVE BEES & ENJOY THE MANY BENEFITS

July 31, 2020August 3, 2020 Melinda Myers

Pollinators are responsible for about 75% of the food we eat. The European honeybee is the most well known but our native bees are also critically important. ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

THREE WAYS TO HELP YOUR GARDENS THRIVE WITH MINIMAL CARE

July 3, 2020July 10, 2020 Melinda Myers

So, you filled your shopping cart and gardens with lots of new shrubs, flowers, and vegetables. Now what? Keep your plants looking their best with minimal effort so you can enjoy them and your summer even more. ... Read more

Health & Exercise The Great Outdoors

MANAGE MOSQUITOES FOR A SAFER & MORE ENJOYABLE SUMMER

June 5, 2020June 5, 2020 Melinda Myers

Don’t let the buzz of mosquitoes keep you indoors. Most mosquitoes are a nuisance, causing rashes and itching but some species can transmit diseases that can make you sick. Understanding how they breed and spread disease can help you gain the ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

PROTECT YOUR SKIN WHEN OUTDOORS

May 22, 2020May 22, 2020 Melinda Myers

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and a busy time for gardening and other outdoor activities. Gardening provides many benefits but like any outdoor activity it’s important to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays. More ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

EXPAND YOUR EDIBLE GARDEN INDOORS

February 14, 2020February 26, 2020 Melinda Myers

No matter the season, size of your garden or climate, you can inject homegrown flavor into your meals. Just clear a shelf, countertop or windowsill and get busy planting herbs, greens and even tomatoes to enjoy year-round. ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

PUT FALL LEAVES TO WORK IN YOUR LANDSCAPE

October 25, 2019November 2, 2019 Melinda Myers

Raking fall leaves can seem like a chore and a never-ending one, at that. Reduce time and effort spent managing fall leaves by putting this valuable resource to work in your landscape. ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

STRATEGIES FOR GROWING EDIBLES LATER INTO THE SEASON

August 16, 2019August 20, 2019 Melinda Myers

Don’t let fall or potentially frosty temperatures stop you from enjoying garden-fresh produce. Extend the nutritional value and homegrown flavor into your fall and early winter meals with the help of short season crops and season extending ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

STILL TIME TO MAKE ADDITIONS & CHANGES TO YOUR LANDSCAPE

August 2, 2019August 20, 2019 Melinda Myers

The cool wet spring delayed planting, deck and patio installations and other outdoor projects. Fortunately, there is still time to complete much of your outdoor work. ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

CHEMICAL-FREE OPTIONS FOR MANAGING MOSQUITOES

July 19, 2019July 24, 2019 Melinda Myers

It’s time to get outside and enjoy summer BBQs, gardening, hikes and much more. Don’t let mosquitoes keep you inside. Instead, enlist these chemical-free strategies to manage these pests in your landscape. ... Read more

Health & Exercise The Great Outdoors

PREVENT TICK-BORNE DISEASES WHILE ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS

June 21, 2019June 27, 2019 Melinda Myers

You’ve grabbed your water bottle, sunscreen and hat for a hike in the park or some gardening. Add a bit of tick protection to your must-have items when you head out the door for an adventure, to garden or play. ... Read more

Spotlight The Great Outdoors

CAN YOU START AN INDOOR GARDEN WITH KITCHEN SCRAPS?

October 12, 2018October 16, 2018 Melinda Myers

The pantry is full of fall favorites like squash, onions and potatoes, but busy schedules may have you finding a few things growing in the back of your cupboard. With little effort and a pinch of creativity you can grow these into a very imaginative ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

BRING IN THE BIRDS FOR WINTER BEAUTY AND ENTERTAINMENT

January 19, 2018January 19, 2018 Melinda Myers

Brighten your winter days by inviting birds into your landscape. Their beauty and motion help enliven the garden and lighten your spirit. Not only do they provide entertainment, but also an opportunity for all ages to stay involved with nature ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

BRIGHTEN THE INDOORS WITH COLORFUL AMARYLLIS BLOOMS

December 22, 2017December 23, 2017 Melinda Myers

Brighten those gray winter days with a few colorful, easy-care amaryllis. The 6- to 10-inch trumpet shaped blossoms are sure to generate a smile and brighten your mood. And consider sharing the fun of growing these beauties with friends and ... Read more

Health & Exercise

PLANT BASED ESSENTIAL OILS BOOST THE MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

December 8, 2017December 8, 2017 Melinda Myers

Ease into the hectic holiday season with the help of aromatherapy. The fragrances of plant-derived essential oils have long been used to improve the health of our mind, body and spirit. Boost your energy and increase your focus as you work to ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

PLANT EASY CARE DAFFODILS NOW FOR ADDED SPRING BEAUTY

October 13, 2017October 13, 2017 Melinda Myers

Daffodils have a cheery presence in the spring garden and are a surefire way to chase away the winter blues. These fall-planted bulbs are also reliable perennials that require no maintenance and are not bothered by deer or other pests. The National ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITION HOUSEPLANTS FOR WINTER

September 29, 2017September 29, 2017 Melinda Myers

Help your houseplants make a smooth transition from their outdoor summer home back inside for winter. The lower light and humidity indoors along with any insects that hitched a ride indoors make it difficult to keep these plants looking their ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

PROPER TREE PLANTING AND CARE IS CRITICAL TO SURVIVAL

September 15, 2017September 15, 2017 Melinda Myers

Whether planting a tree to add seasonal beauty, grow backyard fruit, provide a bit of shade, or reduce energy costs, it’s a big upfront investment. Make the most of your money spent by giving your tree its best chance at survival with proper ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

ONE SIMPLE STEP CAN IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND VIGOR OF YOUR LAWN

September 1, 2017September 1, 2017 Melinda Myers

Do just one thing this fall and you can improve the health and vigor of your lawn. Fall fertilization helps lawns recover from the stresses of summer and provides needed nutrients to grow deeper roots and a denser stand of grass. And that means ... Read more

The Great Outdoors

KEEPING IT FRESH FROM THE GARDEN TO THE TABLE

August 18, 2017August 20, 2017 Melinda Myers

You spent the summer weeding, watering and tending to your vegetable garden. Now all your effort has paid off with a bountiful harvest. Maximize the flavor and nutritional value of your homegrown vegetables with proper harvesting and storage. ... Read more

Spotlight The Great Outdoors

WORK IN CONCERT WITH NATURE TO MANAGE GARDEN PESTS

July 7, 2017July 8, 2017 Melinda Myers

A garden filled with flowers, birds, bees and butterflies is a sight to behold. These winged beauties add color, sound and motion to our gardens. Plus, they help maximize a garden’s productivity by pollinating plants and managing plant-damaging ... Read more

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