Winterizing the Garden and Beyond
Getting a healthy jump on the spring landscape actually depends on what you do for your plants in the fall. No preparation leads to more work in the spring to bring perennials, shrubs, and lawn back to life.
How to Prevent Wasted Water in Landscaping
Water is an essential element for a healthy outdoor habitat, integral on many levels. Nature’s ecosystems are largely controlled by rainfall patterns. From tropical rainforests to arid deserts, plants and animals are dependent on and sustained by the natural rainwater.
Lighting in Layers
Do you ever sit down after a long day of work to wind down, and realize your options are lights on full blast or complete darkness? To avoid that all-or-nothing scenario, we use what are called lighting layers when designing a space.
UP Biking Trails: Two Wheels, One Unforgettable Memory
Did you know that Michigan is one of the most bike-friendly states in the country? With over 1,300 miles of biking trails across the Great Lakes state, there are plenty of opportunities for cyclists of any skill level to grab two wheels and create one unforgettable Michigan memory.
Out and About: 5 National Parks in Michigan
In the last couple of years, the National Park system has been having a renaissance, with more people than ever getting outside to see the natural wonders. The 423 national park sites across the country are divided into designations like national historic sites, national monuments, national recreation areas, and more, with 63 identified as national parks.
Restoring the Monarchs
The golden amber tone of monarch butterfly wings is one of the highlights of Michigan summers. Many of us enjoy watching their distinctive flight as they flutter through the sky, looking for the perfect landing spot. Unfortunately, these jewel-colored beauties have been in decline. In just two decades, the population has dropped to an estimated 3.6% of what it once was. The Michigan population went from 384 million in 1996 to just 14 million in 2013.
Hypertufa Troughs: Earthy Containers for Every Landscape
Hyper-what? Hypertufa troughs are manmade rugged, porous planters that allow plants to take center stage. They look like heavy concrete, but the combination of cement, peat, perlite, and water make them much lighter and easier to handle.
Greenhouse Living
Greenhouses are enchanting. Traditionally, they winter over our favorite tropical plants, allow us a great start on the Michigan growing season, and create an earth-scented, warm, and wonderful space.
Simple Fix to Major Repair: Concrete Patios, Walkways, and Driveways
Concrete is a familiar landscape material to most homeowners. It is frequently used for patios, walkways, and driveways, and when properly installed, it will remain stable and attractive for a very long time.
Building Community: Huron Pines
One such organization is Huron Pines, a nonprofit located in Gaylord. Since 1973, it has focused on the environmental conservation of lakes, forests, and streams with the ultimate goal of protecting the Great Lakes.