3 mins read

Basics of Vegetable Gardening

Fresh vegetables straight from your garden taste better than store-purchased produce and they retain more nutrients going straight from the vine to your plate. A backyard vegetable garden also benefits your food budget because you won’t need to purchase as much from the supermarket. The garden makes an entertaining and educational family activity from spring through fall.

2 mins read

How to Clean Backyard Ponds

When visitors to your home enjoy the beauty of your backyard pond, most don’t realize the work that goes into maintaining that beauty. Algae growth, fish and turtle waste, and falling debris can make keeping a backyard pond clean a constant chore. Besides doing a big cleanup of the pond, there are steps you can take to help keep your pond clean throughout the year.

2 mins read

8-Year-Old’s Birthday Party Ideas

If consulted, an 8-year-old may ask for the moon for his birthdays. Most of them, however, are entertained by anything from a backyard garden party with traditional games and snacks to a blowout at the pizza parlor, arcade, skating rink, skateboard park or movie theater. Consult with your child to create an 8th birthday party with a singular theme, menu and itinerary.

2 mins read

1st Birthday Party Games

A baby’s first birthday is cause for celebration. Keep in mind, however, that babies get overstimulated with too many guests or too long a celebration. Plan a laid-back afternoon in the park with a few family members and friends or a backyard garden party with snacks and fun activities. If several babies, toddlers and children will attend, set up some simple, unstructured party games to make the day special.