10/7/09

When raking leaves, be sure to keep them out of the streets. Leaf piles in the street decompose and are washed away down sewer drains. From there, they go into lakes and rivers, where the decomposing mess "feeds" the waterways, turning the lakes green -- from algae -- in the summertime. Instead, rake up leaves and run your lawnmower over them, and scatter the nutrient-rich matter all over the lawn to help feed it. Next summer, your lawn will be greener, healthier and richer.

10/6/09

Here's a festive autumnal way to dress up the front porch or lawn. Pick up a bale of hay from the nursery and decorate it with pumpkins and colorful gourds on top. When the Halloween festivities are over, use the hay as mulch all over your yard or to insulate delicate outdoor plants from the upcoming harsh, winter season.

10/5/09

If you're heading away this weekend and worried about refilling the bird feeder, don't stress out. Even if all the feed is consumed, wild birds are resourceful enough to find food someplace else. When you return, just refill as you normally would and they'll come right back.