The ultimate in-and-out list for your backyard this spring

(BPT) - As the weather begins to warm up, it's time to breathe life into your backyard sanctuary and embrace the vibrant spirit of spring. Professional landscaper, author, and TV host of "I Hate My …

Recycle your left-over paint with PaintCare

Did you know there’s an option for recycling leftover paint in Minnesota? That’s right, recycling, not just disposing of leftover paint. Since 2014, the non-profit PaintCare has been …

Improve your home, improve the community

The Greater Longfellow Neighborhood is known for its charming bungalows and craftsman-style homes. These old homes are embedded into the character of our neighborhood, but as any property owner …

There are a number of options for hydroponic systems – ways to a grow plants directly in water, without soil. (Photo submitted)

Consider hydroponic gardening

Although it’s been a mild fall so far, winter is rapidly approaching. Something that has always helped me maintain a good attitude despite Minnesota’s cold, snow, and short days, is …

Plants with berries (such as winterberry, shown here) and those with unique bark and stem colors (such as dogwood) add color during winter months. Add winter interest by leaving stems and flowers intact rather than cutting them down in the fall. (Photo submitted)

Planting for winter interest

The days are getting shorter and it’s almost time to wrap up the gardening season. When planning garden spaces, we often think about staggering bloom times so we can enjoy beautiful flowers …

Patricia Neal works with children to tend their neighborhood sponsored garden.

Local model for an urban CSA

“Four years ago, I realized we needed a model for an urban CSA,” says Craig Neal, founder and chief gardener of the Neighborhood Sponsored Garden (NSG) located in a backyard on Beard Ave. …

Antoni Porowski's tips for creating a yard-to-table garden

(BPT) - Have you ever grown salsa in your garden? What about potato salad? You can, with spring’s hottest culinary trend called "yard-to-table." It brings farm-to-table home and is about …

From watering via ice cubes to spritzing with hydrogen peroxide – 4 misguided plant health trends on social media

The internet is full of advice on just about everything, including plant care. As the director of a plant diagnostic laboratory and expert on plant medicine, I help people manage their plants’ health

How to transform your backyard into a PGA TOUR-level lawn

(BPT) - Throughout the year, golf tournaments captivate audiences excited to watch the pros do what they do best: play golf! As viewers tune in to see their favorite athletes compete on pristine golf …

7 Tips for Spring Yard Prep

(BPT) - After winter's last gasp, spring is just around the corner. That means it's time to get out into the yard and tackle some spring cleaning. With a little DIY prep work now, your yard will be …

How to keep your garden on-trend with petunias this spring

(BPT) - Excited to elevate your garden into a trending oasis destination this spring? If you're like many gardeners, you likely approach your outdoor living area with a discerning designer's …

Cherry blossoms – celebrated in Japan for centuries and gifted to Americans – are an appreciation of impermanence and spring

Cherry blossoms mark the beginning of spring. Various festivals are regularly organized in California, Colorado, Georgia, Tennessee and Washington, D.C., to celebrate the bloom of cherry trees. …

A rare, historically massive cicada season is coming: How to protect your lawn, trees, and landscaping

With 2024 expected to be a historic year for cicada emergence, Pest Gnome put together a comprehensive primer on these insects: from which areas of the country will see the greatest number of cicadas to what every homeowner can do to protect their lawn and landscaping.

How to create an Insta-worthy outdoor living space

(BPT) - Social media has changed the ways people engage with content and seek inspiration. Thanks to ever-evolving technology and algorithms, you have the ability to find new ideas instantly. Need a …

Bring vitality to gardens in the shade with impatiens: Your new burst of living color!

(BPT) - Ready to fill your garden with striking colors this spring? Look to Beacon® Impatiens from PanAmerican Seed®, the gardener’s favorite versatile plant for partial to deep shade …

Why do flowers smell?

Imagine walking through a tropical forest as a sweet scent wafts through the air. A little farther down the path, the putrid stench of rotting flesh makes you catch your breath. Upon investigation, you find that both odors originate from flowers – but why do flowers smell like anything at all? ...

Ready for your best lawn ever? 3 expert spring lawn care tips

(BPT) - Spring is just around the corner! As you make your list of spring cleaning chores, don’t forget to add lawn care to the to-do list.“The key to a healthy, robust lawn is …

From voice acting to Shakespeare: 10 outstanding summer programs for actors to sharpen performance skills

Backstage picks its 10 favorite summer theatrical programs where budding actors can hone their skills.

Military service members can now get reimbursed for pet-related moving expenses. Here's the safest way to fly with animals.

CitizenShipper compiled info from the Department of Agriculture, State Department, and Department of Travel to find the best, safest ways to move a pet.

Americans are more connected than ever—here's how much time people spend on their phones and how it's changed

Visible compared historical data from the Labor Department's American Time Use Survey to measure how much time Americans spend on their phones.

National test scores reveal US students losing proficiency in history and civics

Study.com used data from The Nation's Report Card to explore declining test scores for history and civics subjects in the U.S.

OLBG compiled and discovered the history behind some of the Kentucky Derby's most popular annual traditions using a variety of online sources.