Last month’s giveaway, my first ever on the blog, was such a hit that I promised a monthly event (though in April we might just have a surprise “extra” edition, so stay tuned). As a garden writer, it seems fitting that I should give away not just my own book (as I did last month, and promise to again) but also books by those who’ve taught me. I have been stockpiling some goodies from the used-book dealers the last few weeks.Crockett’s Victory Garden James Underwood Crockett (first published, 1977) The star of the PBS series “The Victory Garden” was also the author of a series of books on how to garden, and this is my favorite of his. It was my first garden book ever, given to me by my sister, so maybe that’s why, but I think its value far exceeds the sentiment attached. Dated (meaning chemic
DIY Concrete Rock Solar Light
02.07.2023 - 18:03 / hometalk.com
There’s nothing more beautiful and welcoming than a warmly lit path, or garden. And concrete rock solar lights are perfect because during the day, the unsightly black lights are disguised.
Probably the best way to add curb appeal to your home is by adding solar lighting to your outdoor space.
When it comes to outdoor lighting, your options are hardwired, plug-in or solar power.
Solar lights are an excellent choice for DIY’ers because they are both easy to install and low-cost to purchase and to run.
These DIY concrete rocks have been in my plans for years, and after finishing the low-maintenance gravel gardenlast week, I thought a nice finishing touch would be to add landscape lighting.
When I bought the lights and placed them in the garden, some looked great, but some looked oddly out of place, depending on what vegetation I had to hide them in.
I already had a small semi-rock garden area, so hiding some of the lights in fake landscaping rocks was the perfect solution.
A simple, elegant uplight, illuminating the foliage makes it look beautiful at night, plus during the day, it‘s the perfect garden decor.
And if you have something like a garden sculpture, a bird bath, or garden fountain, then this is perfect for that!
Or how about this cool patio solar light project that’s a light stand with twigs in a floating concrete base.
* Important Note: By the way, the solar light units can’t be fully submerged in water, so I’ve designed drainage for the concrete rocks.
However, if you live anywhere where the temperature falls below freezing and water sits inside the concrete rock, then it’s possible that expansion and contraction can cause it to crack.
**Before you ask** Using a bowl for the mold doesn't work unless you want it to look
The canning queen of the concrete desert
PRESCRIPTION FOR HAPPINESS: Watch this video. Meet Classie Parker, who has taught more than 4,000 New Yorkers to can.
Rock gardening, with joseph tychonievich (plus our may 6 events)
Now Joseph Tychonievich, the sought-after Michigan-based garden writer and author, has confidence-building advice for me in his just-out book, “Rock Gardening: Reimagining a Classic Style.” Joseph is also author of “Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener.”Read along as you listen to the Oct. 24, 2016 edition of my public-radio show and podcast using the player below. You can subscribe to all future editions on iTunes or Stitcher (and browse my archive of podcasts here).my rock-garden q&a with joseph tychonievichQ. How did you get the rock-garden bug? Did you catch it in your time working at Arrowhead Alpi
Crevice gardens: brave new rock gardens, with kenton seth and paul spriggs
Colorado-based Kenton Seth and Paul Spriggs from British Columbia are garden designers with a particular specialty in rock gardens. We did a “New York Times” garden column together not long ago, and I wanted to learn more.When they appeared this spring on the popular Garden Masterclass webinar series, British host Noel Kingsbury said this in the way of introducing them: “Rock gardening will no longer elicit a yawn because this is the future.”I was so glad to talk with them to give us a peek into this brave new world. (Above, from the book, part of a
How to String Outdoor Solar Lights With This Cheap Hack!
Create your own relaxing backyard fireside retreat by learning how to string outdoor solar lights with this cheap hack!
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Solar Light Mushrooms
This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.
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Hanging Outdoor Solar Light DIY
This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.
What to Do With Old Solar Lights ...
We had a bunch of old glass solar lights that all had bad sensors. My husband held onto them, thinking there must be something we could use them for… I love how this little upcycle turned out!
How to Use Dollar Store Bowls to Make Mushroom Solar Lights
Looking for a fun and unique way to add style and ambiance to a walkway or patio area? These solar-powered painted concrete mushroom lights were very simple to create and offer a whimsical alternative to basic walkway lights. Store-bought solar powered walkway lights are susceptible to cracking and breaking but with a few inexpensive supplies, I created sturdy and unique lights that won’t break or succumb to the elements.