Fennel Companion Plants (and Some to Avoid)

Curious about fennel companion plants and how they fit into your veggie garden? Whether you’re just starting out with growing fennel or already love adding this aromatic fennel plant to your edible garden, understanding what fennel is and how it interacts with nearby crops can make all the difference. The truth is, fennel does not … Read more

Things to Do in Newport Oregon: A Fun Beach Town

things to do in newport oregon Newport Bay

If you’re planning an Oregon road trip this summer, don’t miss the chance to explore the best things to do in Newport, Oregon while enjoying the stunning Oregon Coast aesthetic. I share my decades of travel experience to help you make the most of an Oregon road trip to this charming coastal town. From charming … Read more

27 Calendula Companion Plants (and Some to Avoid)

calendula companion plants calendula closeup

Bright, cheerful, and endlessly useful, the calendula flower deserves a starring role in any garden. Known botanically as Calendula officinalis, this sunny bloom pairs beautifully with a wide range of calendula companion plants, helping your garden thrive while adding a touch of wildflower charm. I first planted calendula years ago in our USDA Plant Hardiness … Read more

30 Easy Care Zone 8 Perennials: Foolproof Stunners for the Garden

Learn about the best zone 8 perennials for an easy-care garden. This list includes zone 8 perennials for full sun, part shade, and shade. What do they all have in common? These low-maintenance zone 8 plants return every year to grace your garden space. Whether you have a small zone 8 perennial garden bed, a … Read more

Planting a Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry Tree

planting a dwarf everbearing mulberry tree

Dreaming of harvesting sweet berries right from your backyard? Planting a dwarf everbearing mulberry tree is one of the easiest ways to start growing fruit at home. After over 30 years as a small farm owner who maintains an orchard, I was eager to add a dwarf everbearing tree to our fruit tree collection. In … Read more

29 Mulberry Companion Plants (and some to avoid)

mulberry companion plants plus some to avoid

Sweet, juicy mulberries are a treat in any backyard, but the secret to a thriving tree often lies in choosing the right mulberry companion plants. Whether you’re planning a productive berry patch with other berry plants, experimenting with berry bushes garden ideas, designing a thoughtful berry garden layout, or, like me, adding a mulberry tree … Read more

52 Wildflower Party Ideas: Birthdays, Weddings, Showers

wildflower themed party ideas wildflowers in glass jars

Planning a celebration that feels fresh, whimsical, and effortlessly beautiful? These wildflower party ideas will help you create a gathering bursting with charm, from stunning wildflower centerpieces and a gorgeous wildflower bouquet to creative wildflower party invitations that set the tone from the start. Inspired by the wildflowers that grow on our small Oregon family … Read more

24 Carrot Companion Plants (and Some to Avoid)

carrot companion plants carrots in the garden

Growing sweet, crunchy carrots gets even easier when you understand the power of carrot companion plants and smart garden planning from the start. If you’ve ever wondered when to plant carrots, what to plant with carrots, or searched for the ultimate carrot planting companion plants list, you’re in the right place. From choosing the best … Read more

Cinnamon Babka Cake with Bread Machine Dough

cinnamon babka cake on a cake plate

Swirls of sugar, spice, and buttery layers make this cinnamon babka cake an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. If you’ve been searching for a cinnamon babka recipe easy enough for home bakers but still bakery-worthy, this cinnamon babka recipe delivers soft, fluffy, sweet dough wrapped around a rich, gooey cinnamon swirl. Inspired by … Read more