The Blog

Bird watching is one of America's fastest-growing hobbies, and backyard bird feeding is a convenient way to enjoy these fine-feathered friends. Surveys reveal that nearly half the households in the United States provide food for wild birds. What has made watching birds the fastest growing hobby in the country second only to gardening? The attraction is obvious - feeding birds brings them closer, so we can see them more easily. Their colorful and entertaining presence is fascinating to observe, especially through the long, dreary days of winter.

Terrariums are a top trend and easy to care for -- just plant it and forget it. For even the most botanically inept, terrariums are extremely easy to create and amazingly low-maintenance. When properly planted and located, they provide a unique way to grow assorted plants with minimal care. Most terrariums will grow successfully on their own for several years. Here are a few tips for caring for and maintaining a terrarium:

Location, Location, Location: Place the terrarium in a bright location, but not in direct sunlight.

There's nothing like the aroma and beauty of fresh greenery during the holidays. Seasonal greenery provides a backdrop for holiday decorations and can be embellished as little or as much as you like. Living greenery can add festive cheer to virtually every space inside the house and out. Place greenery on walls, tables, mantels, the hearth, on the floor, and on chandeliers. Heap them in vases, garland your doorways, banisters, mirrors, or even place in a pretty mug on the kitchen counter.

HELLEBORE JACOB

There are few shade perennials that can compete with the seasonal interest of Hellebores. Often called Christmas or Lenten Rose, these staples of the winter garden are tough as nails and take center stage in the winter landscape.

Grab holiday inspiration from your own garden with berry-producing shrubs. There are several options from deciduous to evergreens, providing you with a ready source of bountiful berries. Our designers love using fresh berries for holiday decorating. Try adding them to fresh or faux greenery to create a pop of natural color. Whether you are trying to adorn your mantle, create an eye-catching table-scape or sprucing up your outdoor containers - berries make wonderful fillers!