See Amazing New Plants at UGA Trial Gardens Open House
August 30, 2010 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Garden Views
Whenever I am in Athens, I always look forward to checking out what’s “hot” at the UGA Trial Gardens where new
annuals, vines, tropicals and perennials are introduced and tested to see how well they will thrive in our southern climate. The plants are graded on a scale of one to five based on tolerance to [...]
Blooms Abound at Master Gardener Demonstration Garden
August 23, 2010 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Etcetera, Garden Views
Tucked away behind the Administration Complex in Fayetteville near the library is a charming garden spot that is lovingly tended by new master gardeners in training. After completing intensive classes on horticulture, the new master gardeners (called interns) each donate 50 hours of volunteer service to be certified and earn their coveted badges. As part [...]
Read More...Outdoor Adventures for Kids and Families
August 17, 2010 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Etcetera, Family, Garden Views
Even though school has started, summer is still around and there are lots of local opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors together.
Dr. David Strayer, a psychology professor at the University of Utah, encourages adults and children to unplug their electronic devices and take a break because nature can refresh the brain. “Our senses [...]
Jr. Master Gardener Program Connects Kids to Nature
August 12, 2010 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under At Home, Focus, Garden Views, outdoor
Kids love dirt, bugs, pretty plants and digging holes. Why not channel their energy and interests by signing them up for the Jr. Master Gardener program? What kid wouldn’t enjoy discovering the wonderful world of worms or making greeting cards that you can actually plant in the ground!
There is compelling evidence that children today have [...]
Blooming Plants that take the Heat
August 2, 2010 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under At Home, Garden Views, outdoor
August has just arrived and we have already experienced weeks of 90 degree weather! We can only look forward to several more weeks of the same. If your garden is like mine, it is looking a little bedraggled. Take heart – there are many blooming plants that take the heat and keep on performing. Look [...]
Read More...Get Fresh Produce, Gifts and Good Advice at Fresh South Market
July 26, 2010 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Etcetera, Garden Views
We live in such a great community in Fayette County and the addition of the Fresh South Market makes living here just that much better! Each Wednesday and Saturday through November, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., local vendors are selling their goods at our newest farmer’s market, located at the Peachtree City Crossings Center [...]
Read More...Garden Ideas at the Southern Living Idea Home
July 19, 2010 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under At Home, Garden Views, Travel
Last week I headed over to historic Senoia, Georgia to visit the Southern Living Idea House – a charming 3.5-story brownstone on the site of the former McKnight Cotton Gin. This is the first time that Southern Living has featured a brownstone property as an idea home. The model is an expanded end unit and [...]
Read More...A Kid-Friendly Garden
July 14, 2010 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under At Home, Family, Garden Views
Several years ago when my nieces and nephews were small, I hosted an annual holiday scavenger hunt in my
garden right before Christmas. My husband and I spent many hours buying little gifts and treats, wrapping them up and hiding them in the garden. Boy did I miss an opportunity! Instead of toys and treats, I [...]
Garden Junk: Recycled Items Add Personality in your Garden
July 7, 2010 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under At Home, Etcetera, Focus, Garden Views
Savvy gardeners rarely throw anything away – rather they choose to reclaim, recycle, salvage and reuse
vintage materials in new and inventive ways. That “junk” collecting in your attic and garage can be repurposed in your garden to add personality and highlight your family history.
There is something deeply satisfying in reclaiming an object and giving it [...]
Sometimes Gardening is NO Fun!
June 30, 2010 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Etcetera, Garden Views
Yes, I know that I write the Fayette Woman blog and magazine articles about the joys of gardening. But to be
perfectly honest, sometimes gardening is more chore than fun. Right now I am battling seven river birch trees that are dropping yellow leaves like it was the middle of autumn. I have been out raking [...]
Get Outside – Dirt Makes Your Kids Smarter
June 24, 2010 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Family, Garden Views
If you still aren’t convinced that children who spend a good amount of time outside are healthier, then you need to consider the new study that reveals bacteria found in the soil not only lowers depression and anxiety but can also make your kids smarter! This new research, according to Science Daily, indicates “exposure to [...]
Read More...Lisa’s Garden
June 21, 2010 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Family, Garden Views
One of the first things Lisa Szydzik did after moving from Michigan to Peachtree City eight years ago was to pull up the plastic palm trees around the pool and begin to design a real garden. Since the pool area is in full view of the golf cart path, Lisa planted a perennial garden as [...]
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