Gardening is good for the mind, body, and spirit. It is also good for the youngsters in our lives. Research shows gardening helps relieve stress, improve focus, positively impacts mood and psychological well-being, builds a sense of confidence, and more. Look for creative ways to get children involved in gardening. Tap into other interests or… Continue reading Make Gardening with Kids Enjoyable
Category: Hobbies
New Ways to Display Holiday Poinsettias
Nothing says the holidays like a poinsettia. This year, try some new ways to display this festive plant. Poinsettias are available in a variety of colors including white, pink, hot pink, yellow, peach, marbled and speckled. These colorful parts of the plant, often referred to as flowers, are actually modified leaves called bracts. The real… Continue reading New Ways to Display Holiday Poinsettias
Plant Alliums This Fall to Add Variety and Beauty to Your Garden
Take your garden to new heights with alliums. This ornamental member of the onion family provides welcome color as spring bulbs fade and before summer perennials fill our gardens with colorful blooms. Most people have seen pictures of the giant allium but there are many other options of flower sizes and heights suitable for any… Continue reading Plant Alliums This Fall to Add Variety and Beauty to Your Garden
Designing Gardens for Year-Round Color and Protecting Your Investment
Create a colorful year-round garden filled with flowers, greenery, colorful fruit, fall color, winter interest and a few surprises. Consider seasonal interest when planning a new garden or landscape. Adding a few key plants to existing gardens can help boost your landscape’s seasonal appeal. Include a variety of plants with multiple seasons of interest as… Continue reading Designing Gardens for Year-Round Color and Protecting Your Investment
Early Spring Preparation for a Beautiful Summer Garden
As winter fades into spring, gardeners can’t wait to get busy in the garden. Pruning, cutting back perennials and ornamental grasses and preparing the garden for spring planting are just a few of the tasks. Keep yourself and the pollinators overwintering in your garden safe as you start the cleanup process. Always prune with a… Continue reading Early Spring Preparation for a Beautiful Summer Garden
Plants for Every Room of Your Home
Gardeners know the benefits of digging in the soil. It elevates a person’s mood, improves mental and physical well-being and the outcome is always good – added beauty or tasty nutritional food. But many of us are stuck indoors for the winter, have a lack of space to garden outdoors or just can’t get enough… Continue reading Plants for Every Room of Your Home
Winning Flowers for Mother’s Day
Give mom a gift that provides beauty all season long with minimal care. A basket, container or garden bed filled with these award-winning annuals is sure to generate a smile and enjoyment all summer long. If mom likes to garden, provide her with a few seeds, potting mix and a container. Include a few new… Continue reading Winning Flowers for Mother’s Day
Computer Coding and Seniors
In the first known study of older adults learning computer programming, a cognitive scientist from the University of California San Diego analyzed the learning experience and motivations of people between the ages of 60 and 85. The 504 subjects came from 52 countries. Some were retired and semi-retired, while others were working. The scientist, Philip… Continue reading Computer Coding and Seniors
A Surprising Way to Reduce Stress
No matter what your skill level as an artist, sketcher, or doodler, a new research study found that making art can significantly reduce stress-related hormones in your body. . Although the researchers from Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions believed that past experience in creating art might amplify the activity’s stress-reducing effects –… Continue reading A Surprising Way to Reduce Stress
Create A Garden “Room” You’ll Love
No matter your budget, space or gardening experience, you can design an outdoor entertainment area for you, your family and friends to enjoy. Start by gathering ideas from magazines, the internet and websites like Gardener’s Supply Company for examples of outdoor garden spaces. Next, select an area that is convenient and suitable for your outdoor… Continue reading Create A Garden “Room” You’ll Love
Secrets of a Stress-Free Coloring Hobby
Once upon a time, coloring books had large patterns and were meant only for little artists. Now, though, the grown-ups appear to have taken the market by storm. According to Nielsen Bookscan, 12 million adult coloring books were sold in the U.S. alone in 2015, and that figure is expected to increase this year. And… Continue reading Secrets of a Stress-Free Coloring Hobby