Enriching Your Life

Gardening 10 Minutes a Day

Sure, gardening takes time.  But it does not have to be that daunting, overwhelming experience we perceive it to be.  All you see is neglect when you look out the window.  You’ve convinced yourself you just don’t have the time.  Then nothing happens, the cycle repeats itself, nothing happens. Motivational Considerations Don’t get trapped into thinking you have no time for developing the garden you... Read More

Plants for Beneficial Insects

While there’s been a lot of interest promoting pollinators in the news lately, let’s not forget about supporting all the other beneficial insects that reside in our yards and gardens. There are thousands of species of predatory and parasitic beneficial insects who help us control many common garden pests by consuming them or using them to house and feed their developing young. Beneficial Insects in... Read More

Make the Holiday Special for YOU!

In the rush of the holidays, after the “who for” lists are completed, don’t forget to include yourself and your family in the celebration.  Consider decorating your home with fun and personal holiday accents, winter greenery and flowers. Meaningful Living Spaces Creating a meaningful living space in our home provides us a quiet place to decompress after stressful days at work; they provide us a... Read More

How to Avoid Overwatering Your Plants this Winter

As your houseplants take a break for the winter it can be easy to accidentally kill them with kindness. Here’s how to avoid overwatering and even nurse overwatered plants back to life. Do the finger touch test Get into the habit of checking the soil before you reach for your watering can. Simply touch the surface of the soil with your finger.  If it feels... Read More

Summer Pollinator Garden Care Tips

As the heat of the summer carries on everyone seems to scatter to a local pool or vacation away from home.  Remembering that the heat of summer is also tough on our pollinators who visit our gardens daily.  We can keep them coming to feast as long as we provide clean feeders and a must, WATER! Hummingbird Feeder Care – The best choices to feed... Read More

Holiday Wreath Making Instructions

View Our Holiday Wreath Making Video Here: Materials: 1 – 14” Diameter 2-Ring Metal Wreath Form 1 – 24-gauge Floral Paddle Wire (16’ length) Assorted Evergreen Branches 3 – Pre-Wired Pinecones 1 – Decorative Bow Instruction Sheet (video link available on www.plantsbycreekside.com) Tools: Pair of By-Pass Pruners or Sturdy Kitchen Shears Ruler or Measuring Tape Pair of Garden Gloves Container(s) for water to keep greens... Read More

Houseplant Succulent Care

A succulent is a fleshy-leafed plant that is tolerant of drought due to the retention of extra water in the leaves or stems.  Succulent plant varieties include: Sedum Sempervivum Echeveria Aeonium Crassula Aloe Haworthia Cacti In general, the term “succulents” is used to categorize plants that have fleshy parts and a similar need for some water, bright light, and a tolerance of drought. While there... Read More

How to Overwinter Herbs

Homegrown herbs are wonderful to have on hand for culinary purposes, natural beauty recipes, and for their natural healing properties. Just because the cold season is beginning does not mean that you have to say goodbye to your herb garden.  Many herbs can overwinter outdoors if cared for properly. Some hardy herbs do well outdoors in all seasons. For these plants, you can leave them... Read More

Fall Hummingbird Migration

The arrival of hummingbirds in the spring marks a milestone for many of us. But, after the summer nesting season, where do they go? Let us have a look at the fall hummingbird migration and see what these tiny, endearing birds are up to. Hummingbirds are found in the Americas all the way from Alaska to the southern tip of South America, and the Caribbean... Read More

How Soil Makes Your Brain Happy

Soil Microbes Soil microbes have been found to have similar effects on the brain as prozac, without the negative side effects. It turns out getting in the garden and getting dirty is a natural antidepressant due to unique microbes in healthy organic soil. Working and playing in soil can make you happier and healthier. What gardeners and farmers have talked about for millennia is now... Read More