A quick scan of “housing authority community garden success” returns dozens of articles about devoted individuals who have grown community as well as food to sustain citizens in towns and cities nationwide. Many of these gardens first took root over twenty years ago, some are only in their second season, and others are in the concept stage. Crucial to the success of each of these gardens, though, is the feeling of investment and ownership the residents’ feel and rightly claim in regards to their tiny farm plots, the big work they do to cultivate them, and the fruits, vegetables, and...

Here are some of our favorite ways to fight cabin fever. These tips will ease you through the last month of winter to come out feeling great for spring. Do stretches and light exercises each day (turn the radio on & dance!) Up your light bulb wattage to make dreary days brighter Limit sugary foods Don’t over sleep – keep sleep schedule normal Supplement with Vitamin D (check with your doctor before taking supplements) Up your Omega-3 fats (many nuts, seeds, wild salmon, kale, etc) Brew a daily cup of tea (green tea for day/chamomile for evening) Indulge in a couple bites of dark chocolate...

Follow these easy ways for staying fit and healthy during winter and year round. Winter is the time of year most that of us reduce our physical activity and begin hibernating – just like nature. Lack of movement and eating comfort foods causes us to put on a few pounds. I've listed the best ways to stay fit and feel great during winter and the holiday season. Pick your favorite ways to stay fit . Join me and let’s commit together! - Use the house as a gym - If you’re like me, you don’t really have a lot of time to get to a gym 3 or 4 times a week. So, I found a way to...

With Thanksgiving behind us for another year, and the last of the cold turkey sandwiches just a fading memory, it's time to start thinking in earnest about the Holiday season that is now almost upon us. And the Holiday Season is a great time to bring some of your landscape in from the outdoors to brighten your indoors. Of course, the first thing we usually think of is a Christmas tree. Rather than buying a cut tree this year, consider buying a "live" tree that you can plant outside after the Holidays. Here are a couple of tips if you're going the live...

In a recent column I discussed controlling pesky wasps. I received the following e-mail from reader Pat Pope who said: "In response to the wasp situation, I found a neat little trick that I'll share with everyone. On my front porch the wasps were buzzing around too much for me so I put clear ammonia inside small candle holders and placed them around the porch, out of sight of children and pets. The wasps have taken the hint and aren't bothering me anymore." Thanks Pat!

Question: At an estate sale this weekend, I picked up a "Plant Nurse" Electric air machine model 300. I'd guess this is from the late 70s early 80s. It is an aerator for indoor plants. It has an 8" tube that injects air into the root system. It recommends running it for 15 minutes after you water your plants. My question is.....does this actually produce noticeable results? I've not encountered anything like this sold today, so I don't know if it was a flop or what happened to them. Thank you for your time! I appreciate your help! Answer: Aeration is good for the roots of all plants. Without...

Garden lovers are always excited to have beautiful plants in their home garden. You may have planned for a colorful landscape at your home but the biggest problem is that you often have limited options around us to buy different varieties of plants. Actually there are lots of varieties of flowering shrubs, perennials, ground covers, as well as indoor and more outdoor plants; one can make selection as per weather conditions of surrounding area and space around the house. Once you have identified sufficient space in your garden then you can buy your plant varieties online; it might seem strange...