Blooming Blog
Links to articles and resources that emphasize action, and which may be helpful as you transition to home and landscape management that is better for the planet.
If you’re curious about why I spend my spare time writing blogs, read this first “Re-inventing Suburbia to Save the Planet.”
If you find any of this information helpful, consider leaving me a tip! It’s not required, but it’s appreciated and it all goes back into the garden: Tip Jar
Just like you and me, plants need protection from the heat
There are ways you can minimize the stress on plants during extreme heat events. I discuss a couple here and also link to some additional resources.
Why Buy Locally Grown Flowers?
The floral industry is bad for people and planet. Find a local flower grower, instead!
Want to Show Your Love of Monarch Butterflies? Plant (much) More than Milkweed
If you want to show your love for monarchs, plant more than milkweed and they will love you right back.
Americans eat way too much meat. That needs to change.
There’s no getting around it. Meat, no matter if it’s factory farmed or grassfed, has an outsized negative impact on the environment. If we are going to solve the climate crisis, our diets will necessarily have to change.
Less Lawn, More Life in 2024
I believe that most of us are already built to garden because we’re built to care about things. We care about our families, for example, and we think about ways to create good environments for ourselves and our loved ones. We’re built to learn as we go, and to learn from each other and our surroundings. Those same things that we all do every day mean you’ve already got the soul of a gardener.
Pond Life: Bird Edition
A short video of some of the most common overwintering backyard birds in mid-Michigan.
A little bit of info about Blooming ‘burbs fruit syrups
Blooming ‘burbs small batch fruit syrups are ready for purchase! Local sales only, please.
Video: Pond Life
This little pond, which I put in last summer, has become quite the center of activity.
Tried and Tested Deer-Resistant Plants (Part 2)
You can plant these flowers and grasses without worrying about the deer eating them! Many of them have additional benefits, such as providing pollinator habitat.
My Experience with a Rooftop Solar System
I wrote this for our community’s Fall Eco Home Tour to give people a better idea of what’s involved and what they can save by getting a rooftop solar system in Michigan. I also learn that I’m getting a pretty raw deal from my utility company!
I built the best backyard greenhouse and you can, too
I discuss why I wanted a greenhouse and my approach to building it. I link to useful resources and give details about materials and prices.
Insects are in trouble: Three articles that explain why it matters and how you can help
Summary of and gift links to three articles that explain why you should love bugs and gives you some practical info about how to love them better.
We need to talk (more) about climate change
Do you talk about climate change with your friends and family? If you don’t, you’re not alone. Yale’s Program on Climate Communications shows that most of us do not talk about climate change, which is weird since the impact it’s having on our lives is more and more noticeable.
Re-inventing Suburbia to Save the Planet
What if we actually realized that our suburban homes are not isolated, but are very much connected to what happens to the planet, to our climate, and to other people…and we decided to do things differently?