 When you pop into a thrift store, you probably have a goal in mind—clothing, glassware, kitchen tools. You hit those sections, and you’re out. But discount stores often have sections within sections you’re overlooking on your targeted visits. Knowing that, here are some sections you might want to explore:
So on your next pop-in, add a few extra minutes to hit sections you normally avoid. You may be surprised what bargains those aisles hold just for you.
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 We’re officially in that time of the growing season when perennial shrubs are looking a little…tired. And roses probably look the worst. Time to prune!
But it’s hot, you say. And it’s humid. And I don’t want to make things worse. Fear not! Late-August to mid-September are excellent times to get in a healthy prune. With the right tools and techniques, you can convince those beauties to flush new growth and finish the gardening season strong. Just follow these steps:
Your roses may look a little “stark” after a good pruning. You might think, Oh no…what have I done?? Just know that roses will leaf out within days, looking fresh and happy, and not at all irritated with their late-summer cut. And within weeks, you’ll be rewarded with flowering beauty.  It’s that time of the gardening season where our hard work potting up beautiful plants, flowers, vegetables and herbs come to the rapt attention of…critters. Yes. Those naughty, curious, destructive, insistent chipmunks, squirrels, voles, mice, bunnies, raccoons, armadillos—you name it—just cannot leave our pots alone!
What can we do about the destruction, short of posting “No Critters Allowed” signage everywhere these persistent non-readers gather? Here’s what I find works:
As usual, the chemical deterrents work best. But if you’re chemical-adverse, give the DIY options a shot. Hit or miss, your wildlife will appreciate the challenge.  If you live in or near the woods, like I do, a constant Battle for the Plants rages between humans and wildlife. And the most notorious contestants? Deer.
Hostas, impatiens, daylilies, lavender, yarrow, catmint, lamb’s ear, hydrangeas, ageratum—even thorned roses—are all delectable treats for nibbling deer lips. And sometimes even your more genius deterrent efforts fail. Your best long-term solution is redirecting their paths with fencing, lighting, lawn sprinklers, and wind chimes. But for short-term solutions, consider these:
By Fall, you may just be tired of the deer battle and resort to deer-resistant plants. But if you really, really, really want those hostas in your shade gardens, a smattering of creative solutions may do the trick! |
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Photos used under Creative Commons from chimpwithcan, vleka, James E. Petts, shixart1985, Sam Howzit, Tauralbus, Joe K Gage, wuestenigel, wuestenigel, Key West Wedding Photography, VirtualWolf, Free For Commercial Use Fashion Lifestyle Images
