Perpetual Learning
Elias Voss 
It feels like just yesterday I was staring at a patch of bare soil, armed with a few seed packets and a whole lot of optimism. Fast forward a year, and my suburban backyard is practically buzzing! This journey has been a learning curve, filled with both triumphs and a few comical failures, but the … Read more
It’s one of those household puzzles that can really drive you nuts: you notice a damp patch on your carpet, and you have no idea where it’s coming from. No spills recently, no leaky windows… just a mysterious wet spot. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. As someone who spends a lot of time tending … Read more
Thinking about updating your kitchen? It’s a big project, and one of the first big questions is: do I tackle this myself or hire someone? I’ve been through a few home projects, and this is something I’ve learned a lot about. My garden is my happy place, but sometimes, home improvement projects feel like wrestling … Read more
Sometimes, the best treasures are found when they’re least expected – and when they look like they’ve seen better days. That’s exactly what happened with this rose bush. Last spring, while browsing the clearance section at my local garden center, I spotted a rose bush that was, frankly, a mess. It was mostly bare canes … Read more
It’s 9/11/2025, and the gardening season is in full swing. I was recently potting up some pepper seedlings, ready to give them a good start for the season, when I made a rather surprising discovery. Nestled right in the soil of one of my little pots was a toad! At first, I was a bit … Read more
Hey fellow gardeners! Have you ever looked at your garden and wondered if there’s a way to get more out of your space, naturally? I know I have. Over the years, I’ve discovered a gardening secret that’s been around for ages: companion planting. It’s basically the art of growing different plants together for mutual benefit. … Read more
It’s Elias here, and while my heart is usually in the garden, sometimes life throws us unexpected challenges right inside our homes. Recently, a reader shared a common, yet persistent, problem: the lingering smell of dog urine on newly exposed wooden stairs after carpet removal. If you’re battling this, don’t worry, we can tackle it! … Read more
As gardeners, we often strive for specific outcomes. We plant seeds with hopes of a particular bloom or a certain harvest. But sometimes, nature surprises us with unexpected wins, especially when it comes to our buzzing, fluttering friends. This year, I’ve noticed a particular surge in pollinator activity in my backyard. It’s not just the … Read more
Hey everyone, Elias here! Have you ever looked at your favorite houseplant or garden specimen and noticed something… unusual? Maybe a sticky residue, or a strange new growth that looks a little out of place? It’s a common gardening puzzle, and recently, someone asked me about a sticky substance on their plant. It’s a great … Read more
You know, I thought I was just adding a touch of the tropics to my yard when I planted that lime tree. A little zest for life, right? But lately, my little lime tree has been emitting an aroma that’s, well, less than fragrant. It’s got me wondering if this is a phase, a sign … Read more