10 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Moms Who Love Gardening

Mother’s Day is coming up on May 11th this year, and it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to show some appreciation to the moms and mother figures in your life. As a mom myself—and someone who spends a good amount of time in the garden—I thought I’d share a list of gift ideas that are both useful and thoughtful for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors with their plants.

These are all items I either already use and love or have on my own wish list. If the mom you’re shopping for lights up at the sight of fresh soil, seedlings, or just a quiet hour with her plants, there’s something here she’ll genuinely appreciate.

Quick note: this post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. It doesn’t affect the price on your end, but it helps support what I do—so thank you.

1. Garden Gloves 

A solid pair of women's garden gloves is a must. Look for ones that are durable but still flexible enough to handle delicate tasks like transplanting or pruning. I really love the Digz brand because they stand up so well, and last for years compared to less expensive brands. It's a great little investment in my opinion. 

2. Garden Bench/Kneeler 

These are a lifesaver for the knees and back. It’s a nice bonus when one flips from a kneeler to a seat, especially for longer gardening sessions. I have this one and it has been very valuable when I am potting up plants, or pulling weeds in a garden bed. Being able to push yourself up from your knees without pain or struggling is priceless! 

3. Container with Trellis 

Ideal for anyone short on space, or just looking to grow vertically. These work well for tomatoes, cucumbers, or climbing flowers. It's like having a portable raised bed that you can keep on a patio or small backyard. 

4. Storage Bench 

Practical and neat. A place to sit and a place to stash gardening tools, gloves, or bags of soil all in one spot. We have an older version than what is pictured, but it has held up to all types of weatherconditions over the years. It stays dry inside the bench, so you won't have to worry about your hand tools rusting or your soil getting soggy.  

5. A Wide-Brim Hat 

Sun protection is important, especially for those long mornings spent outside. A breathable, comfortable hat makes a big difference. I bought this hat last month, and it was not only super affordable (under $10!) it really makes a huge difference on the extra hot and sunny days. I wear glasses so this hat gives me the right amount of protection from sun glare. It looks super cute on, and I love that my ponytail fits and sticks out perfectly. 

6. Plant markers/tags

We bought these pretty copper plant labels, and they give such a nice look to our container plants! These were a little more pricey at $20, but I still love them. We will see how well they hold up compated to the basic plastic ones. 

7. Decorative Solar Lights or Statues 

These add a nice touch to the yard or garden path and are especially pretty at dusk. A small detail that makes the space feel more complete. I grabbed this adorable crocodile statue as an impusle but at TJ Maxx, and have no regrets! The eyes light up at night, and it's an adorable addition and greeter at the entrance of our garden. We also got these solar ground lights that look so pretty at night! 

8. Lightweight Hose

If she’s still dragging around a heavy, tangled hose, it’s time for an upgrade. A lightweight version makes daily watering so much easier. Once I got this lightweight hose, I don't see myself ever going back to the heavy rubber kind. This is a cinch to wrap up and pull to where you need to use it. 

9. Seed Starter Pack 

Great for starting a garden early indoors or planning ahead for the next season. Also just a nice way to try growing something new. We love the Survival Garden brand. We have had great success with germination, and have even been able to save seeds from a few crops from last year that we were able to plant this year. It's like getting free plants! 

10. Houseplant Puzzle 

For quieter moments indoors. This one’s a thoughtful, low-key gift for plant lovers who like a little downtime between garden tasks. I actually have this puzzle on my wishlist! Isn't it pretty?

Whether you’re celebrating your own mom, a close friend, or even picking something out for yourself (no judgment here), I hope this list gives you a few helpful ideas. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there—whatever kind of garden you’re tending, inside or out.

Transforming Your Backyard: Family-Friendly Benefits of Thoughtful Landscaping

Creating a beautiful and functional yard can do wonders for any home, especially for families with small children. A well-designed outdoor area not only enhances a home's aesthetic appeal but also provides children with a safe, engaging environment to explore and play in. As parents, it's important to consider how your landscaping choices affect your children's well-being and development.

Benefits of Family-Friendly Landscaping

Encouraging Physical Activity

Outdoor spaces encourage children to stay active, and a thoughtfully designed yard makes all the difference. Introducing elements like paths, hills, and play structures helps promote physical exercise while fostering creativity. Children are naturally curious, and a diverse landscape captures their interest, inviting them to explore.

Imagine a yard where kids are constantly on the move, climbing rocks, scrambling up small hills, or navigating through a winding path. In contrast to screen time, this setting promotes healthier lifestyles by reducing sedentary behavior.

Boosting Imagination

A versatile yard sparks a child’s imagination. Families create storytelling opportunities around every corner by incorporating features like sandboxes, treehouses, or fairy gardens. These features add depth to children's play, encouraging them to create and embark on imaginary adventures.

Gardening areas are another excellent addition to a family-friendly landscape. Children learn about plants, insects, and ecosystems, gaining knowledge while having fun. Beyond the educational aspect, gardening fosters a sense of responsibility as children care for their plants and observe growth.

Creating a Safe Environment

Safety is a priority for families with young children. A well-planned landscape minimizes hazards, ensuring children's outdoor experiences are safe and enjoyable. By opting for smooth paths, secure play equipment, and soft landing areas, parents can reduce the risk of injuries.

Plant selection also plays a crucial role. Non-toxic plants and bushes maintain a safe environment for curious toddlers who might like to taste or touch everything in sight. Furthermore, clear boundaries and barriers around water features or steep areas provide additional precautionary measures.

Supporting Mental Well-Being

Nature has a calming effect on children, aiding mental and emotional well-being. A thoughtfully landscaped yard serves as a tranquil space where children can unwind and relax. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature create a soothing atmosphere that relieves stress and anxiety.

Offering children quiet corners in the backyard, perhaps with a hammock or cozy reading nook, ensures they have personal space to retreat to when needed. Having access to nature regularly positively impacts their emotional health, aiding focus and reducing restlessness.

Fostering Family Bonding

A beautiful backyard enhances family time. It becomes a shared space where parents and children can bond over activities like barbecues, picnics, or simply lounging in the sun. Families can play games together, host gatherings, or work on gardening projects collectively.

Shared experiences in a well-maintained yard strengthen family relationships, creating cherished memories. Regular family gatherings in a harmonious outdoor setting contribute to a more connected and harmonious household.

Elements to Incorporate in Your Yard

Versatile Play Areas

Install multi-use structures that cater to various age groups and interests. Think swing sets, climbing walls, or nature-inspired play areas with logs and boulders. Such structures evolve with children's growing interests and can be customized over time.

Nature-Based Learning

Create educational spaces, like vegetable gardens or butterfly habitats, to instill a love for nature and learning. Consider adding signs or markers highlighting plant names or insect-friendly areas, further encouraging curiosity and interaction with the environment.

Gathering Spaces

Design a patio or deck area as a central spot for family activities. Comfortable seating, outdoor cooking facilities, and shaded areas enhance usability. Setting up a fire pit or outdoor fireplace is an excellent way to extend family time into cooler evenings.

Water Features

Children find running water exciting, so consider adding a child-safe water feature like a shallow pond, bubbling rock, or splash pad. These elements act as tactile play zones while incorporating the soothing sounds of water.

Top Tips for a Family-Friendly Yard

• Use Durable Materials: Opt for materials that can withstand active play. Rubber mulch under play structures is an excellent choice for safety.
• Soft Landscaping: Choose plants with soft foliage rather than prickly or hard branches for ease and comfort.
• Balanced Sun and Shade: Provide both sunny spots for play and shady areas for relaxation.
• Accessibility: Ensure paths are wide and even, accommodating strollers or wheelchair access where necessary.
• Perspective: Design the backyard from a child's point of view, prioritizing elements that attract and engage them.

Investing in Your Home’s Future

Transforming your outdoor space into a family-friendly oasis is an investment. It increases property value while enhancing your family’s quality of life. Adapting the landscape to suit their changing needs enables long-lasting use and enjoyment as children grow.

Families may consider the assistance of professionals when designing their yard. Experts in the field, like those involved in Utah County Landscaping, understand family needs, ensuring all aspects of safety, entertainment, and aesthetics are addressed efficiently.

Last Thoughts

A well-landscaped yard benefits every family member, offering space to play, learn, and relax. By investing time and resources into creating a functional and beautiful outdoor area, families can enjoy years of shared experiences and memories. The right design fosters an enriching environment where children thrive, simultaneously providing peace of mind to parents.

6 Tips for Starting a Backyard Garden

Starting a backyard garden can be a great way to save money on groceries and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce. However, it can also be costly to get started, especially if you plan to purchase expensive equipment and plants. Fortunately, there are several economical ways to start a backyard garden and maximize your yield. 

1. Plan your garden before you start. Before you begin buying plants or seeds, take some time to plan your garden. Consider the size of your backyard and the amount of sunlight it receives. Think about the types of plants you want to grow and the best way to arrange them. This will help you avoid buying unnecessary plants or seeds and ensure that your garden is productive from the start.
2. Use seeds instead of seedlings. Buying seedlings can be expensive, and they may not be as hardy as plants that you grow from seed. By starting your own plants from seed, you can save money and also have a greater variety of plants to choose from. You can purchase seeds for a fraction of the cost of seedlings, and you can also save money by reusing seed packets from year to year. 
   
   
   
3. Create a compost pile. Composting is an excellent way to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into rich, nutrient-dense soil that is perfect for your garden. By creating a compost pile, you'll be able to save money on expensive fertilizers and soil conditioners. Plus, the compost will help your plants grow strong and healthy, which will lead to a higher yield.
4. Use natural pest control methods. Chemical pesticides can be expensive and can also be harmful to the environment. Instead, use natural pest control methods such as companion planting, row covers, and hand-picking pests. This can save you money and also help your garden to be organic.
5. Take advantage of vertical space. By using vertical space, you can grow more plants in a smaller area. This is a great way to maximize your yield and save space in your backyard. Examples of vertical gardening are trellises, hanging planters, or stacking planters.
6. Grow in containers. If you have limited space in your backyard, growing plants in containers can be a great way to maximize your yield. Container gardening is also a great option if you have poor soil or if you want to move your plants around to different locations.

By following these tips, you can start a backyard garden that is both economical and productive. With a little planning and effort, you'll be able to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all season long.

3 Easily Grown Flowering Plants

Many homeowners who have acquired a new house or done major renovations to change the look of their existing house long to do something special with the landscaping. Inexperienced gardeners can make mistakes, so it is important to plan out what to buy and where to place it ahead of time to avoid nasty surprises. Plants that are easy to care for are the best friends of anyone who is just learning about gardening, or who does not have much free time to tend to their yard.

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1. Black-Eyed Susan

One of the easiest flowers in the world to grow is the black-eyed Susan. A lovely yellow flower with a black center that stands about two feet tall, it is a great complement to all types of landscapes. It is a perennial plant with a strong root system that ensures it can come back stronger every year. It is native to North America and is hardy to heat and cold. They can spread into other parts of the garden, so it is prudent to keep them in check. There are different varieties available, so make sure that an annual is not selected by mistake, as it will likely not come back the next year. They can be grown from seeds or purchased as seedlings.

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2. Hostas

Hostas come in different shades of green, with some varieties being all one color and others having two different colors on the leaves. They are a leafy green plant that flowers in mid-summer. The flowers appear on long stems that grow from the middle of the plant and are usually white or purple. Once the flowers have died, the stems can be cut down and just the fleshy leaves will remain as attractive foliage until the late fall. They can be purchased as small plants from a garden center, but they can also be gotten from any friends or neighbors who have some. They need to be split in half or thirds when they grow too large, so most people try to give away the cuttings during the spring or fall.

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3. Marigolds

Most commonly known for their puffy orange or yellow blooms, marigolds are incredibly easy to grow. They can be started from seed a month or so before planting season starts to give them a head start in making the garden beautiful. They can be planted directly in the ground to create a stunning garden or walkway border, but they also do great in pots. In fact, pots are a great way for a new gardener to learn how to care for plants, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes that bring a lot of character to a yard.

Not everyone is born with a green thumb and great instincts for plant care. Most people who are just starting out need to do research into proper plant care. Anyone who is looking for something that can be cared for with minimal effort should plan their gardens with sun and shady spots in mind and get appropriate plants that will thrive in different areas.

Beautiful Flowering Trees That Would Enhance Any Garden

If you like flowers as well as trees, why not plant a couple of flowering trees? That way you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

There are hundreds of different types of flowering trees for you to choose between. So, I thought I would do a little bit of research and share the details of some of my favorites to help you to narrow down your choices.

Flowering fruit trees

I am going to start by speaking about flowering fruit trees, which actually covers quite a big group of trees. These days, it is easy to find ornamental cherry, plum, pear and crab apple trees. They are all hybrids of trees that produce blossoms, which then turns into fruit.

The way they have been bred means that they produce an enormous amount of blossoms. Far more than a natural fruit tree would. They do go on to produce fruit, but people rarely eat that as if you bought them from a farmer's market. You may have some success with making juice, jellies, and jams using them.

Photo by Henry & Co. on Unsplash

Of course, if you think you would like to eat what you grow you could always just buy a traditional cherry, apple, pear or plum tree. You will still get some nice blossoms, in the spring. Just nowhere near as much as you would if you were to plant ornamental varieties.
If you want to enjoy double the color for your money, take a look at purple-leaved plums. As the name suggests, once the blossoms have gone, you will still be able to enjoy the rich purple leaves.

Crape myrtles

These trees produce long-lasting, brightly colored flowers throughout the summer. You can buy both evergreen and deciduous varieties. There are about 50 varieties available, most of which can be trained to grow as a bush or a tree. Their versatility is part of the reason this family of plants is so popular. We have these all over South Carolina.

Magnolias

A lot of people assume that magnolias are bushes. This is because most of the ones they see have been kept short or have not enjoyed the growing conditions they need to grow into full-blown trees.

If you can, let yours grow it into a tree. It really is worth doing. They are stunning looking trees even when they are not in full bloom. So, if you have enough space and the right conditions, a magnolia tree would be a great addition to your yard.

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Mimosas

Another nice option is mimosas. These flowering trees have interesting leaves and produce a riot of complex flowers during very hot conditions. Keep a special eye out for varieties like the Chocolate Mimosa Silk Tree. These elegant trees feature stunning looking purple-colored leaves. They are not yet widely available. So, if you want to stand out, search out and buy one of these.

Redbuds

If you only have a small garden, take a look at redbuds. These compact trees bloom through the spring at the same time their distinctive glossy heart-shaped leaves grow in. They are nice and hardy, so you can plant them in most warm temperate climates.

Hopefully, one of the five suggestions above will appeal to you and suit your needs. If not, don’t worry, you can easily buy some nice flowering shrubs instead and let them grow rather than keep them trimmed back. Many varieties will reach 20ft, or more, once mature. This slide share style article tells you about 23 of the tallest ones.

The Best Plants To Help Keep Mosquitoes Away

It's crazy to think that although we are in the month of April, many parts of the country are getting late snowfall and freezing temperatures. We have experienced all four seasons in recent weeks. What surprises me is although we have only had a handful of days in the lower 80's, we have seen swarms of tiny mosquitoes. Since we spend a lot of time on our back deck, we have to do all we can to keep those pesky buggers away. 

Last year we tried a few plants that were recommended by our local garden center, and we added a few others. Keep in mind that some of these plants can be hard to find at the big chain places, so you may have to go to a local specialty place for them like we did for some. The plants below have worked for us, which says a lot since mosquitoes can find me in a crowd of a thousand people! 

Take a look at these plants that help keep the mosquitoes away

Citronella (also called the mosquito plant)

This plant gives off a citrusy scent that mosquitoes hate. We find this plant is most effective when you pluck a leaf or two off, rub it to release the natural oils, and wipe it on your exposed areas like your legs and arms. This one really does work well! I have yet to get single bite if I have this around. We found it at a local garden center, but you can buy them here as well. 

Marigolds
The great part about these is you can find them in almost any store that sells plants. They are super affordable, come in different colors, and work great in garden beds, pots or hanging baskets.

Rosemary 

This herb is very fragrant so it chases mosquitoes away. I can't stand the scent at all myself. Rosemary is a hardy plants that requires no maintenance aside from watering. They can take full sun as well. 

Other recommended herbs are: basil, peppermint, spearmint, and garlic chives. 

Eucalyptus
This plant emits a fragrance that chases pests away. We bought a couple small pants called silver drop that we planted in pots. They will only get to be a few feet tall, which makes it good for containers. We might consider getting a larger tree to plant in the ground at the bottom of our deck. We use eucalyptus in our home, so it would be great to have a full size tree.

Geranium
This flower plant is a stunner! I have read that they can help repel mosquitoes, so of course I had to buy a plant to put in a pot to admire. I'll report back to let you all now if it worked or not. At least it's pretty, right?

So far we have plenty of potted plants on our back deck and our front door entrance to keep mosquitoes from trying to enter our home. We are hoping the summer heat isn't too hard on them. The only real maintenance these plants need is proper watering, a little plant food, and the correct amount of sun. Too bad plants only work for small areas.

In addition to having potted plants for repelling mosquitoes, we also use Tiki torches, candles, and our new favorite, citronella mosquito repellent sticks. They are long-lasting and work really well. It's nice to be able to grill out, without getting eaten alive. If mosquitoes are bugging you, I suggest trying any of the recommendations in this post.

How Wildlife Control Works At Terminix

Having unwanted animal guests in your house is not only annoying, but can also be dangerous to you, your family, and your home. Wild animals can carry diseases, contaminate your food, and even cause physical damage to your home’s foundation and wiring. If you are dealing with wildlife infestation, the professionals at Terminix can help. Here is how wildlife pest control San Antonio works with Terminix:

Wildlife Control Near Me: Terminix has been in business for nearly a century and has a variety of locations throughout the United States and Canada. There is a good chance that Terminix will have trained professionals in your area.

The Initial Visit: A Terminix professional will come to your home to investigate and assess the problem to create a plan of action. The plan may vary depending on the size of your residence and the nature of the pests. If you suspect pests in your home, you can call Terminix and have your home inspected free of charge.

The Treatment Plan: After the initial visit, your Terminix professional will proceed to trap and remove unwanted wildlife from your home. Terminix hires a variety of experts to help deal with common pests like squirrels and skunks, as well as unique pests that may have accidentally been introduced in your area.

Prevent Future Infestations: In addition to removing the pests, your Terminix professional will help secure your home from future invaders. If you live in an area where wildlife pests are a common nuisance, consider calling in a Terminix professional to help secure your home from invaders and stop infestations before they start.  Some examples of “pest security” include sealing crawl spaces and minimizing gaps in pipe openings.

Whether you have an unwanted wild animal in your home, or are looking to prevent a future invasion, the professionals at Terminix can help keep your home safe from animal intruders.

TurfMutt’s Tips For A Pet-Friendly Family Yard

1. Consider your pet’s needs.
Dogs love being in your family yard. Most pets need a place to romp and exercise, relax in the shade for an afternoon nap and take bathroom breaks. Your yard should have a fence to keep your dog safely secured.

2. Look for “dog-proof” ground coverings.
Grass is one of the best options for your yard because it can handle the wear and tear that comes with pets and children. Bermuda and buffalo grass are especially hardy. Check your climate zone to select the best option for your area.

3. Avoid plastic grass.
Plastic grass, also known as artificial turf, gets too hot for humans and pets, especially in summer months. A Brigham Young University study revealed that synthetic-turf surface temperatures were 37° higher than asphalt and 86° hotter than natural turf. That’s too hot for pet’s paws and our bare feet to enjoy the outdoors!

4. Select plants for your climate zone and your pet.
Be sure to check the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic garden plants before choosing flora and fauna. For areas near garden paths, select plants that have soft foliage, but are still sturdy enough to withstand a little canine “ruff-housing.” Save delicate flowering plants for patio containers when dogs are in the picture.

5. Plant for pollinators for other wildlife.
Fido isn’t the only one who uses your family yard. Keep pollinators (bees, butterflies and hummingbirds) and other wildlife in mind when selecting climate-appropriate plants, trees and shrubs. Remember, nature starts in your backyard!

To learn more about how the family yard benefits people and pets and for more tips on taking care of your living landscapes, visit www.livinglandscapesmatter.com.

Garden Chat- Let's Talk About Summer Plants

Today I wanted to talk a little bit about plants and share some of the things I have learned over the years. First of all, you can have a full and colorful garden for a very low cost. We have been getting what I like to call "second hand plants" for years now. We have family members who share clippings, small plants, bulbs, and seeds with us and we trade with some of what we have existing in our garden. 

If you are looking for vibrant pops of color that are low maintenance, a lantana is the way to go. They come in quite a few colors and can grow in even the hottest and driest of conditions. We have more than a half dozen of these in various parts of our yard and they get so big that we have to cut them back a few times each season. The best part is they come back year after year. Lantanas also attract butterflies. We have some right off of our back patio near one of our bird feeding stations, and it is so pretty to watch the butterflies flutter around. 

Lantana

If you would like to attract hummingbirds, pentas are a great choice. Every evening we watch the hummers go to war so they can dominate this plant I got for Mother's Day. I keep it in a pot under a tree so it doesn't get too much sun although it claims it can take full sun. Nope. Not in the South Carolina sun! 

Penta

Something I learned about my delicate herbs and peppers is that the South Carolina heat will hinder growth. I actually brought some of my plants inside of my patio door in order to save them. When I noticed the leaves were yellowing, I figured the elements outside were just too harsh. Since doing that, all of my edibles have flourished. I take them outside periodically when we are having a rain shower. The plants tend to get an extra boost from the rain water. 

Hot pepper, broad leaf thyme, lavender, Rosemary, and spearmint

Another great trick I learned from my husband's uncle is to not throw away your potted flower plants at the end of their growing season. Instead, you can clip the old growth off and take it inside until the Winter frost is gone. Once you bring it back outside in the Spring, it will re-grow and you can enjoy your blooms again and again. Geraniums are one flower that fare very well indoors during the winter, and this geranium care guide by Gilmour will show you everything you need to know about planting, growing and caring for geraniums. The flower plant below cost us about $15 and it came back beautifully this year! I have it growing on the side of my home in a semi-shaded spot along a trellis, and it blooms all summer long. I get so many compliments about it and many ask of they can take it home.  

This year we decided to get some mosquito repelling plants since they are usually really bad every summer. We planted some marigolds in hanging baskets at the bottom of our back deck and have a few pots of citronella (mosquito plant) on the patio area. Let me tell you, those mosquito plants really work! We take a leaf or two and press it to release the oils and rub it on our exposed skin when we are hanging outside. The scent is very lemony and we really love it. I have yet to get a single mosquito bite when I do this. 

One of out larger plants broke from a storm we had a couple months ago and my husband took the broken part and put it into an old pot with dirt. I figured it would simply die, but it turns out that his experiment worked and the plant survived and grew in nicely. As a matter of fact, he has done this with a few other plants and trees and they are all growing. 

Citronella, also known as the mosquito plant

We will be bringing in all of our potted plants before the winter and keep them alive for next year. With all that we have done over the course of a few years, I anticipate we will not have to spend any money on plants or trees next year. 

What are you growing this year? 

How Quickly Does A Tulip Poplar Grow Yearly?

Lately, we have been in a planting frenzy over at the Ismail home. We had all of our old, overgrown trees removed about two years ago. It was both a smart and dumb move at the same time. You see, we didn't think ahead about the fact that we would have zero shade in the hot summer months. Since having the trees removed, we have replanted new ones. We did a ton of research beforehand to ensure we got what would work for our zone and hopefully grow quickly enough to enjoy the shade before we become senior citizens.

One of the dozens of trees we decided on was the Tulip Poplar. We purchased two of them, one locally and the other from on online nursery located in our state. This tulip tree pictured below was planted late last summer and started off between 2-3 feet in height. So far since the spring completely sprung, it is now at 5 feet tall and climbing! There is still a lot of time left in the growing season so we are hoping for another few feet. This tree and the other one we bought seem to be growing overnight. I have read reviews where some people said they saw 8-10 feet of growth each year.

As you can see, the leaves are huge and they grow in dense clusters. When I was researching this tree, some people said the leaves get as large as full-size dinner plates. This is a good sign that in time, it will provide tremendous amounts of shade here in the 'Famously Hot' city of Columbia.

Something we learned along the way is to be super careful when watering your tulip poplar. You can't over-water, because it will completely drown out the roots and kill the tree. Ask me how I know this *ahem*. We only give it water once a week if it has not rained and the temperatures are over 90°. Also, we put down some fertilizer pre-spring and will probably do it again later on in the summer. The birds seem to be enjoying the trees and love to retreat from the heat among the dense foliage. Next up will be a couple bird baths to place next to each of our poplars. 

I'll be sharing more about our gardening adventures and some lawn care tips in upcoming posts. In the meantime, I'd love to know what you have planted this year. Do you have any wishlist plants or trees you would like to get in the future? Please share in the comments. Have a great weekend! 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links

Ordering Trees Online- Is it Legit?

Have you ever considered ordering trees or plants online before, but was a bit skeptical? We have been planting trees in our yard since removing the old, overgrown ones. Thankfully for us, we were super lucky to score trees on clearance at our local home improvement stores. So far we have several evergreens, a corkscrew willow and a weeping cherry. Now that the pretty trees are in the ground, we decided on a pretty shade tree. I did many hours of research online and read probably close to one hundred reviews.

We finally settled on getting a Tulip Poplar tree. I went to a few local places and they wanted anywhere from $109-$170 for one. This didn't include delivery or planting. I'm sorry, that was just way too much for one tree. After getting the other ones for so little, I got spoiled and didn't want to spend a lot. I decided to take a chance and order a tulip poplar online for way less than half the cost of what I found locally. The company I used is actually located in SC about an hour from where I live, so this made me feel a little better. I figured if the trees are grown and harvested in SC, then they should be able to thrive. Here is what I got...

I was so thrilled to see how well the tree was packed and that it arrived in excellent shape. I ordered a 4-5 foot tree and got exactly that! The tulip poplar is expected to grow up to 30-50 feet with about 5-7 feet of growth each year. In the spring, it will have bright yellow tulip-like flowers that attract hummingbirds. The leaves will be big and broad, perfect for shade all summer long. In the fall, the leaves are supposed to turn a very bright yellow. It will be beautiful for all seasons! If you want to know where I ordered the tree from, send me an email.

My little guy was so excited to help his dad plant the tree while I supervised. Now we just have to keep it watered and watch it grow. I will post an update later in the year to let you all know how she's doing :)

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

I remember many years ago when we first moved into our home, the front and back yard was littered with various trees, shrubs and bushes. The previous residents were renters and let's just say that yard maintenance was not a priority to them. My husband and I spent countless hours, weekend after weekend chopping, trimming, pruning and removing anything that was manageable for us to do ourselves. We were pretty certain that the yard trash collection guys hated us because there was always a pile of branches, bags of leaves or some time of yard debris for months on end. I think it took us a good 2 years to really get the yard under control. We did have some plum trees, one Bradford pear and a couple other big trees that up to this day, we really never knew what kind they were.

Of course when you have large trees so close to your house, there comes a lot of risk. Every storm that blew through, we would panic that a large branch would crash through our bedroom window or it would break and fall onto the roof. It finally came the point of letting it all go. In late December, we had our trees removed with the exception of the Bradford pear since it was not causing any problems. It was really hard watching the trees that our daughters used to climb and swing from the branches get cut down. They were just too overgrown and the roots were getting way out of control. We just couldn't risk keeping them anymore. When all of the trees were removed it looked and felt so strange outside. We no longer had shade and our back yard became overly plain and sad looking. I have hinted around to my husband for probably more than 7 years that I really wanted a willow tree in the back yard. Now that all of our trees were gone, it made him a bit more open to getting one planted for me. Of course, he complained that I wanted so badly to hire The Local Tree Experts to get rid of the other trees only to turn around to get more trees.

We were looking around our local Lowe's recently and noticed that all of their trees were on clearance. Although we were just browsing, we came across a willow tree. Even better, the clearance price was only $5.00! My husband did not hesitate to buy it for me. I'm pretty sure he was side-eyeing me just a pinch :)

So here she is, my lovely corkscrew willow! The branches are supposed to have a curvy shape as the tree grows and it is supposed to be pretty for all 4 seasons. I'm so happy to watch her grow and add some much needed beauty and shade (eventually) to my big, empty yard. My hubby even threw in a few evergreens on the fence line. We are planning to plant a poplar tree on the other side since we need a fast-growing tree to give some extra shade. I guess good things come to those who wait. Even better, on clearance!

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend xoxo

WORX GT 2.0 Trimmer & Edger As Seen on TV | Does it really work?

Do you ever get caught up in infomercials and think, "I NEED that!"? That happened to my husband when he saw the WORX GT 2.0 rechargeable grass trimmer and edger. When he found out that our neighbors both next door and behind us got one and highly recommended it, we went out and purchased one. I was so skeptical because of how light weight it was. How can this thing that even I can easily use do the job? 

It took under 10 minutes to complete the assembly and we let the battery charge overnight before testing it out. The trimmer is very quiet, very different from traditional gas powered ones. I couldn't believe how quickly my husband blew through our edges and how amazingly clean and beautiful it looked! He trimmed all along our garden beds, shrubs and fence line with ease.

He says that it is a powerful tool and is ridiculously easy to use. He found a new toy and I am not mad about this one at all! It cost us about $120 and is worth the investment. The best part? It is battery operated and you never have to mess with the gas can with that oil and fuel mixture. We are so pleased with our purchase and plan to buy the newest Worx power tool that came out called the Jaw Saw. If you need a new grass trimmer/egder, we highly recommend this one! You can order it online or do like we did and buy it at your local Lowe's store.