Tag Archives: weather

Mar29

Spring Crocuses

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Spring Crocuses

Hello!! With hopefully the last snow of the season behind us in Ohio (But, who am I kidding, we’ll probs get at least one more!), the temps have been raising to a comfortable fifty degrees. With that increase and some extra sunshine, I found some more crocuses in my yard popping up when I walked the dogs this weekend. Seeing freshly sprouted flowers just makes me happy, and I’m sure that plenty of you are the same, so take a look:

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Instead of just the yellow crocuses that were sprouting up last time, I had the pleasure of seeing white and purple blooms peeking out beneath the winter debris. The white crocuses are happily embracing the sunshine, while the three purples ones are so close to opening up and doing the same. I can’t wait for when they do!

What is your favorite flower? Are there any blooms popping up in your yard? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar28

Spring Renovations: Are These Projects Worth The Money?

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Spring Renovations: Are These Projects Worth The Money?

When spring arrives, it can feel only natural to want to get outdoors and start tending to your yard or garden. After a long and cold winter, it could really need it! Surely, you’ll want to make everything look as good as new.

That can all seem very well, especially if you are thinking of selling the home soon or just want to make it look a little different. But are some of the home projects or renovations that you have planned in your mind going to be worth it? Here are some suggestions for you, to make sure that you’d be getting your money’s worth for each project:

Yard/Garden Landscaping

If the sun shines and the flowers are blossoming, then who wouldn’t want to be outdoors? But if you want a super-styled outdoor space, rather than just a rose bush by the picket fence, then it can cost you quite a bit to get it done. It can mean some major changes to the yard, with some digging up, possibly concrete being added, and things like ponds being made. It can really change the look of the space, so you need to decide if it is going to be worth it for you.

If you are planning a move sooner rather than later, then in reality, there are plenty of other things that you can do to improve the curb appeal of your home, rather than getting the yard landscaped. Getting new plants and generally tidying up the outside space could be a much better use of your cash. If you’re not planning to move, then you just need to weigh up the pros and the cons. If you do want to landscape, consider it carefully. Will you need to outsource to bring your landscape design vision to life? Are there aspects of your design that you could DIY? Be realistic about what you are capable of. At the end of the day, the yard is the first thing people notice and sometimes the best thing is leaving it to the professionals if you are lacking the time or green thumbs.

Driveway Repairs:

If you have a driveway, then over the winter it can take a beating with the ice, snow, rain, and salt being added to it on a daily basis. The thing is, just putting a new layer of concrete or asphalt over the top isn’t always going to be that simple. You have to think about the foundations and any cracks, as they could lead to problems if they’re not dealt with. So it can involve some heavy machinery to get it looked at and repaired.

The thing is, though, is that a driveway is something that a potential buyer would be looking at right away. So if you are looking to move, it could be the thing that tips the scales for a buyer. On the flipside, if you’re planning to move, then you may not be bothered about the driveway and leave it for the new owner. So it comes down to how long you’ve got left living there and if you’ve got it in the budget. Should the driveway be a project you would like to tackle, simply enter a search for “asphalt driveway portland, OR” (or your local area) to begin researching the right team to take on the job. A driveway is one of the first things people see and you will want it looking its best the first time around.

Repainting:

Winter brings with it lots of shades of gray, and can often leave you feeling that you need some color in your life. Many experts agree that painting can change the look of a home, both interior and exterior, for a pretty low cost. So it can be worth doing, as if you do it yourself, all you are paying for are tins of paint. Professionals like Textbook Painting would be able to provide the right equipment, if you were painting the outside of the house, for example, but can still keep costs down. So if you want to freshen things up, then repainting is an easy win, and would be worth doing, moving home or not.

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A bright colored accent wall always goes down well!

Repairing/Replacing Siding:

The siding on your home is what takes the brute force from bad weather. A particularly harsh winter could have wreaked havoc on the condition of it. So if yours is looking a little worse for wear, then right about now could be a good time to repair or replace it. But it is going to be worth it? In short, yes, it is going to be worth it. But the actual process can be long and quite costly.

First of all, this isn’t something that you can do easily by yourself. So really, you will be paying the cost of labor for contractors to do it for you. And that can reach into the region of around $10,000. So to justify the cost, then you probably need to ‘wait’ until the siding is looking in particularly bad repair. If it is not peeling, coming away, or there are no loose parts, then it could be worth leaving for a little longer, simply to get more bang for your buck.

If only some of it is looking bad, then you could replace just those panels rather than the whole lot. That would be a good way to save money but still improve the look and condition of things. You could also consider simply repainting your siding, if there are just a few parts that are peeling off. Get them sanded down, ready to paint, and it can look like new afterwards.

While spring is a great time of year to be making changes, think carefully and plan out any projects or renovations before you get started on them!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar7

Date Ideas For When Spring Has Sprung

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Date Ideas For When Spring Has Sprung

Spring is a time for new starts and bidding goodbye to the horrible winter months. Finally, it’s time for long, flowy dresses, and making the most of springtime with your SO. What are the ways to make the most of this wonderful weather, and all of the exciting events coming up? It’s time to take the initiative with your social calendar, so let’s give you some ideas for quality couple time:

Go On A Picnic:

This really is the first port of call. You’ve got to get out and enjoy the lovely weather, especially if it might turn into April showers. Having an outdoor picnic gives you the opportunity to kick back, relax, and have some quality time with your other half. It’s also great in spring before the summer months come by, and with it, all of the annoying summer insects.

Picnics are so fun because you can plan a menu to make or get takeout from your favorite restaurant. I had a friend who would get takeout from her and her partner’s go to places, they would eat outdoors, and enjoy a walk afterwards. Perhaps you’ll have sammies on an afternoon outing or something more decadent for an evening meal. A candlelit Indian meal outdoors is as simple as entering a search for “indian restaurant cambridge uk” (or your local area). However you go about it, picnics are a great date!

A Sporting Event:

While you might consider sports to be the height of tedium, you will earn extra brownie points with your boo if you present them with some sports tickets to their favorite event. And besides, if you go and experience a baseball game on a mild spring evening, you don’t even have to pay attention to the game to enjoy the ambiance.

A Romantic Night Time Meal:

Either head to your local restaurant and book a table outside or go for a wonderful romantic rooftop dining experience. Enjoying the spring months while sipping on a glass of Chardonnay with your favorite pizza is one of life’s little pleasures. And it’s even better when you’ve got your significant other to share it with. If you are in the mood to shake things up, go to a restaurant that specializes in cuisine that you have never tried before. Perhaps a Turkish restaurant like The Mantl? Or maybe an Indian buffet to sample a bit of everything? It’s always fun to try something new on a date night!

Head To A Concert:

Check your local venues for the latest artists making an appearance near you. The big stadium events are also slowly coming up, with artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and seasoned pros the Rolling Stones all embarking on open-air tours. That time of evening when the main act is taking the stage, the weather’s nice and cool, and thousands of people are having a great time, you can’t help but get caught up in the vibe. And there’s plenty of opportunities for perfect selfies with your SO!

Go For A Walk:

Who’d have thought it, in this day and age you could go for a walk?! Yes, you don’t need to spend money to have a great time with your partner. The spring months are the perfect opportunity to get your rambling shoes on and go exploring. And before the unbearable temperatures of the summer come, you can get plenty of beneficial exercise outdoors, and explore your surroundings with the one you love. Even if you aren’t particularly inclined towards nature, getting out for a nice walk is always going to help bring you and your partner closer together.

The springtime is one of the most perfect parts of the year. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and everything is now gearing up for a fantastic summer. So, as spring has sprung, get yourself outdoors, don’t worry about spring cleaning for now!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar5

A Safe Home Is A Happy Home With These Tips

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A Safe Home Is A Happy Home With These Tips

The home is the most valuable asset you own and, more importantly, it also lays the foundation for your entire life. Therefore, keeping it in the best possible condition is crucial for a whole host of different reasons. After all, failure to achieve this goal will bring huge repercussions. If you’re going to protect the home, however, it’s imperative that you check every box. Focus on the five simple factors below, and you won’t go wrong:

#1. Home Security:

For most people, home security is the main concern for maintaining a safe property. Burglars are smarter than ever, but modern surveillance systems should keep them at bay. Moreover, the fact that those devices can be monitored from smartphones allows you to gain that peace of mind on a 24/7 basis. A good relationship with the neighbors can help too, but taking matters into your own hands should be the priority. Secured doors and windows should consequently gain huge attention, as well. And, finally, investing in a quality safe from a company like libertysafe.com can protect valuables and precious items like photographs and family heirlooms.

#2. Weatherproofing:

While burglars may be the main concern, reality suggests that weather damage is just as likely. On the one hand, all homeowners are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Nonetheless, several precautions can still be taken to reduce any damage. Prevention will always be the best form of protection, and knowing how to defend the home against storms is key info. Likewise, flood barriers and similar products can be crucial investments for the future safety of the property.

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Yikes!

#3.  Minimizing Damage:

Wear and tear is a natural thing that all homeowners will encounter at one stage or another. Many of those are fairly minor issues, but leaving them untreated can allow them to escalate. Calling a plumber to deal with your leaks or learning how to treat damp patches is crucial. Not only will this put your mind at ease, but it will also save money while keeping the home safe. On a separate note, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can protect the property as well as the family, too.

#4. Cleanliness:

Maintaining a safe home isn’t simply about preventing damage to the property. This is a place for your family to live and grow. To do this in the best manner, you’ll want to keep the home clean and tidy. Nobody wants to dedicate their lives to cleaning the home, which is why these simple tricks can have a huge impact. When coupled with the latest gadgets and appliances, you’ll remove the threat of picking up minor illnesses from germs in the home.

#5. Childproofing:

Whether we like to admit it or not, the biggest threats to our properties come from our own actions. This becomes increasingly apparent when kids are involved, which is why you must pay attention to the idea of childproofing. It’s impossible to keep your eyes on everything that the children do. From keeping consumables out of reach to covering electrical points, those small steps make a big impact. If you’ve completed the other tasks too, a safe and happy home is virtually assured.

Your home should be a peaceful getaway and the above steps will help it stay that way!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar2

5 Ways To Defend Your Home Against A Storm

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5 Ways To Defend Your Home Against A Storm

When bad weather strikes, it can cause devastating amounts of damage to a home that hasn’t been suitably storm-proofed. Here are just a few ways that you can defend your home against the elements:

Seal up cracks:

Not only will rain get into a crack and cause water damage, strong winds could also get into the crack and possibly make it worse. Small cracks can be easily sealed up with caulk, whereas larger cracks may need professional intervention. Draft protectors, meanwhile, may be able to stop wind from getting into gaps beneath doors and windows.

Tending to any cracks now can prevent expensive future problems. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to bad weather or natural disasters. If you have extensive problems in your home’s foundation, a professional team like Victor Construction and Engineering (or a similar company in your local area) should come to do an assessment as soon as possible. A major issue in your foundation will only get worse and be hazardous to your family.

Reinforce windows and doors:

Old windows and doors could be ripped off of their hinges in bad weather. It may not necessarily be the door or window that is the problem – most commonly it’s the result of a broken frame or hinges. As for those living in flood-risk areas, it could be worth fitting a flood guard to the bottom of your door. These barriers may look ugly, but they could save you thousands in interior damage.

Get a backup generator installed:

Serious storms can often lead to power cuts. Investing in a backup generator could help provide you with an extra power source in the event of a blackout. There are companies out there that can do generator installations for you. You could alternatively invest in a sustainable backup solution such as solar panels, although these may be costlier to install.

Attend to outside dangers:

There could be many objects outside that pose a danger to your home during a storm. Loose garden items should be locked away in a shed the moment that you get a storm warning – you don’t want a garden table crashing through your patio doors. Trees may also be a danger, especially those that have been partially uprooted by a previous storm or seem to be dying. Investing in Tree Removal may involve getting planning permission and you may want to pay an arborist to do it for you.

In terms of trees, you really have to look at the ones in your yard from all angles. Are there branches hanging onto your neighbor’s property? How about over parked cars or dangerously close to your own roof? All it takes is one strong storm to cause a lot of damage on your own or someone else’s property. Do an inspection and enlist the help of Dunwoody Tree Service (or a similar company in your local area) to safely trim back any problem areas. This will give you peace of mind when a storm hits that you took the precautions to avoid any damage.

Another danger to be aware of is old guttering. This can be particularly dangerous in winter, as water in the gutter can freeze up, effectively turning the whole thing into a giant ice block. If this is loose or broken, a strong wind may have the power to rip it off and cause damage to your home. If you think this could be a problem, consider hiring a professional to see to repairing your guttering.

Get insured:

Getting insured won’t prevent storm damage from occurring, but it could help pay compensation for home repairs. Not all home insurance companies will cover storm damage, especially if you live in an area prone to storms and flooding, in which case you may need to seek out a specialist storm insurance or flood insurance company. Insurance rates vary from each provider, so it’s worth spending some time shopping around for the best deal. To get started, take a look at the websites for insurance providers near you like Caruso Insurance. Take note of the companies with excellent reviews and don’t be afraid to schedule a couple of different consultations for the best coverage and deal for you. Insurance is like an umbrella – you will always be happy you have it when you need it.

Taking measures to make your home safer when inclement weather strikes is important for you and all who live in your home. And, as always, it’s better safe than sorry.

Featured Image By: Maxpixel

Mar2

Hello, Spring!

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Hello, Spring!

Hi everyone!! A few days ago when I was walking my pups, I noticed some lovely little flowers poking out from underneath the layer of leaves that are still damp with melted snow. It was such a sight for sore eyes, especially because the sun was shining and it was FIFTY DEGREES at the end of February. Oh my goodness, guys, it was amazing.

To walk outside with a light jacket on, with my pups keeping up pace beside me and the sun shining on my face was such a treat after a long and grey winter. And, then, to make things even more glorious, I look down and see bright yellow crocuses and another yellow flower that I’m not sure what it is popping out to say hello:

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Of course, it’s not quite lovely spring time yet. But, on that day, it felt that way and I could literally feel the crippling weight of seasonal depression on top of normal old depression being lifted from my shoulders. I was so happy to be breathing in fresh, clean air and looking up to no clouds in the sky. And seeing the first promises of spring flowers in tiny yellow buds peeking out just added to the delight. It was a great day.

Are any flowers popping up in your neck of the woods? What is the weather like in your area? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan13

Scarf Series: Wet Seal Edition

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Scarf Series: Wet Seal Edition

Ooooooh, Wet Seal. Who remembers that store? When I was a teenager, I could always get down with Wet Seal, Charlotte Rousse, and Aeropostale. Now, as a twenty-something  fashionista by trade, I cringe at the names of all of those stores – how times have changed! But, all of those stores catered to a teenager’s budget and tastes and, for that, they served their purpose well. Especially when my absolute FAVORITE cold weather scarf is from Wet Seal.

….Wait, what?

Isn’t that crazy? Lol, check it out and maybe you’ll see why:

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I think that I was fifteen or so when I bought this scarf, and I’m fairly confident that it was about fifteen bucks from Wet Seal. I vividly remember going shopping with a friend with the twenty dollars that my dad gave me tucked safely in my pocket (“Don’t spend it all in one place!”). We visited store after store and nothing spoke to me, that is, until I saw this magnificent highlighter pink scarf with…

What is that?? SKULLS?!

Ohhh yes. Lil Red loves and loved* her skulls. Even back in the day (Almost a decade, but that’s neither here nor there!), did I love all skulls everything and this scarf was a MUST. I remember being So. Freaking. Excited. about this Wet Seal find and wore it as often as I could. The colors, the fringe, the patterns – it really was true love. So, extra special shout out to my dad, because I know that my fifteen year old self would have been PISSED if I didn’t have any dough to buy it!

I honestly don’t think that I will ever get rid of this scarf and, although I have other cold weather scarves, this one always seems to be the one that I gravitate towards. And, because I sport an all black everything ensemble most days, this scarf pops like a florescent beacon when its worn. A beacon that says, “Not everything that I bought as a teenager was completely awful, AND HERE’S THE PROOF!!” You know, something like that.

What was one of your major fashion faux pas as a teen? Do you still own any clothing or accessories from when you were a teenager? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan7

Hair Raising Heating Bill? Here’s How You Can Stay Warm For Less!

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Hair Raising Heating Bill? Here’s How You Can Stay Warm For Less!

The months between Christmas and spring are pretty miserable – it’s wet, it’s dark, and it’s absolutely freezing. As well as feeling the pinch from Christmas, many of us will also receive a hair raising gas bill in January, too, where we’ve cranked up the heating in a bid to stay warm. However, it doesn’t have to be this way, and if you’re fed up with forking out huge amounts of money to your energy suppliers every winter, there are ways that you can cut costs.

Before we take a look at some pro tips, remember to get your heating system checked by a professional first. A malfunctioning system could be what is increasing your bill. Schedule an appointment with a Greensboro heating and air contractor or a well referenced professional in your area. Now, let’s get to it:

Set Your Heating on a Timer:

Instead of letting your heating run all day, it’s far more energy efficient (and cheaper for you) to put it on a timer. Set it to come on for an hour in the morning as you’re getting ready for work and a couple of hours in the evening. It has been suggested that leaving your heating on low all day is cheaper than having it come on and off but this is a myth. This is especially true when you consider that if your system is in need of a service it may not be entirely accurate on it’s output. Using a timer system is a great way to ensure that you don’t bake the house in heat all day, it is important however to ensure that your timing systems work properly in conjunction with your heating system so that you don’t come home to a cold house! Using a reputable servicer such as Snows Fuel Co. or another in your area will ensure that your system works as intended to give you a comfortable temperature to return home to all year round.

These days you can get smart home devices that link with your heating and give you full control over it. It makes it easy to set it to come on when you want and gives you the flexibility to do it from an app – you don’t even need to be in the house. Imagine you’ve been out on a long hike in the cold, for example, and want the house toasty and warm for when you get in. If you know it’s not during your set heating hours, you could put it to come on when you’re on the way home so the temperature is perfect when you arrive back! Either way, it’s useful to have control over your heating like this, and keeping the times you use it to a minimum will save you money.

Get a Wood Burning Fire:

A wood burning fire is an awesome, rustic looking addition to any living room – plus it can save you money, too. If you chop your own firewood or stock up on hardwood logs for use on stoves when they’re on sale, you will have plenty of kindling to get you through the coldest months. Just be sure that your fireplace and chimney is kept clear to avoid dangerous accidents. If you’re not sure how to go about this, just call in a company like Capitol Chimney. Using a wood burning fire like this can keep your whole living room warm and prevents you from having to heat the entire house, which is pointless when all of the family is gathered together in one room.

Wrap Up Warm:

During the evenings when you’re lounging around, instead of blasting the heating on the highest setting, why not put it on low and wrap up warm, instead? You can buy cozy throws for your sofa on places like eBay, Amazon, or any home-ware shop. Load it up with cushions and then invest in some fleecy warm pajamas and slippers and you can stay comfy and cozy during the evenings without having to spend a lot of money. Even during the day, popping on a jumper or a dressing gown means that you don’t have to have the heating up, and you might be able to leave it off altogether. Keep your cozy home furnishings in good condition and they’ll last you year after year.

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Fluffy bathrobe, anyone?

Buy Essentials to Keep Your Home Warm:

Thick, lined curtains will help to keep out drafts – while they might cost a bit up front they will last for many years and can help you keep your heating bill down. Draft excluders and radiator reflectors are cheap and cheerful, and will keep the cold out and maximize the heat when the heating is on. Soft, plush rugs, carpets, and throw blankets can help trap heat too. It might also be smart to get a few extra bottles of propane from Gibson Oil & Gas or a similar company in your area. You never know when you might need it!

Finally, if you move big items of furniture like sofas or wardrobes away from radiators, this will also allow the heat to circulate better and allows you to make the most of the money you’re spending on the gas bill!

Being mindful of the heating you use can go a long way. Don’t just turn up the dial whenever you feel a little chilly! It’s not to say that you should sit at home shivering, wrapped up in every jumper you own, but there is a happy medium to be found. Keeping your heating low or not using it unless it gets very cold is good for both the environment as well as your bank balance.

And of course, your heating isn’t the only bill you need to keep an eye on – there are plenty of things you have to pay for around the home to make it a comfortable, safe place to live, so maybe it’s time to check on all your outgoings, and shop around to see if there’s a better deal out there – American Water could be a good place to start because you never know what savings you might make.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec17

Holiday Q & A

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Holiday Q & A

Hi everyone and happy holiday season! Today, I thought that it would be fun to do a little Holiday Q & A to get in the spirit of Christmas. Feel free to copy these questions onto your page and answer them to share in the festivities!

What is on your Christmas wish list? Shoes, shoes, shoes, Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara, shoes, some facial scrubs, and a few more pairs of shoes.

What is winter weather like in your area? In Akron, Ohio it’s pretty snowy at the moment. But, earlier in the month we had obscenely warm weather for December.

Favorite holiday treat? Peppermint Mocha drinks from Starbucks! I always treat myself to one or two during the holiday season.

Are you easy or hard to shop for? I get told that I am both. For people that know me really well, I’m sure they would say that I’m easy to shop for. But acquaintances would probably say I’m more difficult, because of my distinctive style and personality.

Favorite holiday movie? I don’t really have one, actually. Although, my family normally watches Step Brothers during the holiday season at some point or another lolol.

Do you prefer a White Christmas? I don’t really care… hahaha I guess not though. I don’t like the snow all that much.

Favorite cold weather activity? Going ice skating at my favorite outdoor rink in Akron!

Favorite holiday memory? I love watching people open their presents from me – it never gets old!

So there you have it, my Holiday Q & A! How would you answer some of my questions? What are some of your own holiday themed Q & A’s? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec14

How To Make Your Winter Garden Look Fantastic

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How To Make Your Winter Garden Look Fantastic

America is in the midst of a gardening boom: one in three households grows food at home or in a co-op garden. Even millennials are joining in with gardening and the economic downturn doesn’t discourage people, either. Those with green thumbs are sure to dread the winter months. While your hard work is shining bright in the spring and summer, during the winter your pride and joy can sometimes be buried under a layer of frost and dead leaves. However, if you’re willing to change your perception a little, winter can actually be a great time for your garden. Here’s why, and a few tips on how to make your winter garden look fantastic:

Benefits of winter for your garden:

It turns out that gardens that experience winter may have some advantages over their warmer cousins. According to research from the University of Minnesota, many pests which are harmful to gardens hibernate when the weather gets cold. In addition, weeds grow more slowly and thanks to low light and less evaporation, plants often require less water in the winter. Doesn’t sound too bad, does it?

Choose winter friendly veggies and crops:

Although you might have to give up on your tomatoes and most other fruiting crops during the winter months, there are many tasty and cold-hardy vegetables you can try to grow, instead. Top choices are Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, onions, and some types of spinach. Look for vegetables with leaves, stems, and roots, that mature more and more slowly as the weather cools and the days shorten. As an added bonus, some of these vegetables sweeten as the weather gets colder!

Making your garden look great:

There are many ways to brighten up a barren winter garden. Focal points such as an outdoor wall mounted fountain, a sculpture, or boulder can draw interest all year round. Water features such as ponds can look stunning in winter, becoming the center of attention in contrast to their plainer surroundings.

Thanks to the lack of weeds, winter-hardy plants, and the potential for dramatic winter views, winter gardening is a lot nicer than you might think. So grab your gloves and your shovel and join America’s gardening boom.