Perpetual Learning
Elias Voss 
As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, it’s a clear sign that fall is here. For us gardeners, this is a time to wind down, but for our homes, it’s time for a different kind of work – preparing for winter. Think of it like tucking your house in for … Read more
Living in close proximity, like in a duplex or townhome, often means sharing more than just a property line – you might also be sharing your sounds. That’s where a party wall, the shared wall between two dwelling units, comes in. Over time, you might notice that sounds travel a little too easily through it. … Read more
It’s amazing how much technology can simplify our lives, even when it comes to the outdoor areas of our homes. Today, I want to dive into something a bit more technical: automating outdoor systems like sliding gates and pond pumps using Wi-Fi, smart plugs, and even energy monitoring. It might sound complex, but with a … Read more
You know, some plants just have a personality. My Philodendron bipinnatifidum, affectionately known as the “Wandering Dude,” is one of them. It started as a modest little pot, but over time, it decided to take over my corner of the living room. This thing is enormous, with leaves that reach out and try to hug … Read more
Friends, I have to share this recent find! I spotted this gorgeous plant at the nursery, and for just $19, I couldn’t leave it behind. It’s a real beauty, but it’s also a bit of a wild child. It has these amazing, extensive aerial roots, and no support system or moss poles to speak of. … Read more
This year, my garden has thrown me a delightful curveball. Tucked away among the familiar rows of beans and tomatoes, I discovered a plant I didn’t recognize. It looked vaguely cucumber-like, but with these intriguing, unusual lines running down its skin. A true garden mystery! Naturally, my curiosity was piqued. What was this impostor in … Read more
It’s that time of year in the garden, and while I love seeing my tomatoes ripen and my sunflowers reach for the sky, sometimes unwelcome visitors can put a damper on things. One of the most… aromatic… challenges we might face is a visit from a skunk. Now, I’m a gardener first, and my first … Read more
Hey everyone, Elias here! If you’re anything like me, your houseplants are more than just decor; they’re little green companions that bring life and joy into our homes. But sometimes, these leafy friends can attract some unwelcome guests: pests. Today, I want to talk about a natural solution that’s become a staple in my indoor … Read more
Hey fellow gardeners! Elias here, back from my Zone 8A patch. If you’re anything like me, you love the satisfaction of growing your own food and flowers. But let’s be honest, there’s one persistent critter that loves to undo all our hard work: the squirrel. These furry bandits have a knack for digging up bulbs, … Read more
As a gardener, I’m no stranger to getting my hands dirty and learning from the soil. But this past weekend, I decided to bring that same DIY spirit into my kitchen, and let’s just say, it didn’t quite bloom as planned. I wanted to give my old kitchen cabinets a fresh look, a little facelift, … Read more