Skating atop the glazed and pitted snow, a single Oak leaf skidded and twirled between the long shadows of the day.  Winter seems to have found her stride.   Likewise, robotic mowers are finding their way into our lives and lawns as their development and use are on the rise. …

The Evergreen boughs arched and flexed as the Oaks stooped and ached, arthritic under the grievous weight of the heavy, wet snow.  Conditions were treacherous.  Nature steeled itself while we were left helpless and seemingly ill prepared.   As we begin digging ourselves out and clearing our walkways and drives, we…

  Like a silken scarf meandering in the wind, the geese quickly fell into formation, trumpeting their departure across the frigid November sky.  Respite and refuge awaited them elsewhere, where life would be immeasurably easier, food more plentiful and temperatures more forgiving. Wildlife depends wholly on nature’s bounty, and exploits each resource for its…

Without so much as a warning or civic alert, the bombs began to fall.  Sparsely, at first, quickly ramping up to a barrage.  They fell with great velocity, unbiased yet fierce.  The driveway, lawn, roof, streets and cars – none of them  immune to the blitzkrieg.  We had been overrun quickly,…

  The once lethargic and hushed landscape became frenetic and boisterous with the jubilant sound of chirping and twittering birds who seemed to have a season’s worth of gossip to share.  The squirrels too descended in mass from the trees to forage and romp.  The landscape had come alive and intimated a welcoming narrative…

  The shadow of Winter loomed large in the brooding skies and biting air.  Foliage lay fleeced in the icy dew of the killing frosts.  Birds and squirrels hasten their preparations as nature shifts to self-preservation mode for the long, cold season ahead.   We too must heed nature’s call by preparing our lawn…

  The mellow, ripened sun set the landscape ablaze in its shimmering, saffron glow.  Leaves, here and there, had been kissed in tones of umber, vermilion, scarlet and smoky plum.  The verdant greens of Spring and Summer give way to the deep, varied, rich tones of Autumn’s pallet.  And the show…

Soaked and steeped like a lady finger dipped in coffee, the landscape is saturated, and the local creeks, streams, and retention ponds are again on the brink of overrunning their banks.  The bit of sun and wind that graced our area yesterday was helpful, but it simply wasn’t enough.  Monday night’s…

  No other season mimics the intensity, color, and glow of a sunset than Fall.  Its distinct look is matched only by its sound, smell, and feel.  I love to open the door and find my welcome mat has been replaced by a colorful swath of leaves.  They crunch and…

Wow, what a spectacular weekend!  As luck would have it, our first annual, family camping trip was met with perfect weather, and the most beautiful, wondrous fall back drop imaginable.  The landscape was dotted with dramatic fall color, from the hard wood forests to the rolling prairies. The brazen trees reflected…

Happy Fall! Last Saturday, we officially welcomed Fall into our lives and gardens, and I must say it was a dandy of a day.  I am not sorry about Summer’s exit.  In fact, I believe Saturday’s winds sent Summer packing with its tail between its legs.  Don’t get me wrong. …

Late August into mid September is an especially busy time for our lawns and gardens.  In addition to planning and preparing for Fall planting, there’s still much we need to do before the first frost.  Consider the following: Continue to water plants as needed.  You don’t want your plants heading…