My Mom’s Orchid: A Spectacle of Over 50 Blooms!

Mom's Orchid Blooms: Over 50 Flowers & More Garden Delights

August 4th, 2025 As a gardener, I’m always excited to see what’s blooming, whether it’s in my own backyard or in the gardens of people I care about. And this week, I’ve been absolutely captivated by my mom’s orchid. She has a Phalaenopsis orchid that is currently putting on a truly spectacular show, boasting over … Read more

Two Months of Growth: A Tale of Two Garden Favorites

Two Months of Garden Growth: Hydrangea vs. Impatiens

It’s amazing what just two months can do in the garden. Back on June 3rd, I planted two new additions: a vibrant Hydrangea and a cheerful Impatiens. Today, August 3rd, the difference in their journey is quite striking, and it’s a great lesson in plant development. The Hydrangea’s Slow and Steady Start When I first … Read more

Compost Magic: Building Better Soil, One Kitchen Scrap at a Time

Composting Tips for Healthier Soil and a Thriving Garden

Hey everyone, Elias here! If you’ve been following along, you know how much I love getting my hands dirty in the garden. This year, like most years, my backyard is bursting with life, and a lot of that success comes down to something surprisingly simple: healthy soil. And guess what’s one of the best ways … Read more

My Garden’s Mid-Summer Check-In: Did I Bite Off More Than I Could Chew?

My Garden's Mid-Summer Check-In: Did I Plant Too Much?

It’s late July, and if you’re a gardener, you know what that means. The initial excitement of spring planting has settled into the steady rhythm of tending, harvesting, and, sometimes, a little bit of wondering if you’ve taken on too much. This year, I decided to go big. I expanded my tomato varieties, planted more … Read more

Grow Your Own Flavor: Simple Steps to a Thriving Summer Garden

Summer Garden Success: Soil Health, Seasonal Planting, and Sustainable Practices

Summer is in full swing here in the Midwest, and my garden is absolutely bursting with life. The tomatoes are heavy on the vine, the peppers are starting to ripen, and the zucchini… well, let’s just say there’s plenty to go around! There’s something incredibly rewarding about growing your own food. It’s not just about … Read more

Victorian Hand Pump Trouble: Hit Something Solid Down the Well!

A close-up

Alright fellow gardeners, let’s talk water. As you know, I’m always looking for ways to be more resourceful, and that includes keeping my old hand pump in good working order. It’s a beautiful piece of history and a reliable water source for the garden. Recently, I ran into a bit of a snag. While trying … Read more

Keep Your Onions Fresh: Tips for Arid Climates

A rustic wooden crate filled with freshly harvested yellow and red onions

Summer’s bounty is often a time of celebration, but it also brings the challenge of preserving our harvest. Recently, I got a great question from a reader in an arid climate asking about the best way to store onions. It’s a fantastic question, especially when you’re dealing with less humidity than we might be used … Read more

Water Wise: Simple Ways to Use Greywater in Your Garden

Water Wise: Simple Ways to Use Greywater in Your Garden

Hey everyone, Elias here! Today, I want to talk about something close to my heart: making every drop count in our gardens. We all know how precious water is, especially during the warmer months. That’s why I’ve been looking into greywater systems, and I’m excited to share some practical tips with you all. What Exactly … Read more