Shannon Caringi

Lessons My Garden Taught Me This Season

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Lessons My Garden Taught Me This Season

I believe that we are all on a journey of learning to develop our character. We encounter people, places, and events that challenge this growth and create learning opportunities. In some cases, the lessons are difficult ones, while others are much less painful. As I continue to learn, I realize that there can be lessons in the major events of life as well as the ordinary. My garden has spoken lessons and truth to me this summer. I am sure that this is not the first time, but I am in a place in my life that I am open to receive this guidance. My hope is that you can relate and see how these 7 lessons may apply in your life.

Easy to Grow Beautiful Fall Blooming Flowers

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A collage of fall flowers- purple aster, white anemone, yellow sunflower, pink sedum, white daisies.

After the heat and humidity of a summer in northeastern Ohio, fall is refreshing. It has become a “second spring” for me and I find that I look forward to fall gardening more than ever. I want to make sure that my landscape is just as vibrant and beautiful in autumn as it is other times of the season. Fall flowers are an important part of my overall landscape. Perennials bring color and texture to the garden year after year, while annuals add a pop of color wherever needed. Here is a list of easy-to-grow beauties that won’t disappoint:

Fall Gardening Ideas & Tips

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Fall Gardening Ideas & Tips

Spring is generally the prime gardening season for most of us. The start of warm weather and the end of “cabin fever” launch me out into the yard and virtually every garden center in the area. However, fall is a great time to garden as well. The cooler temperatures and more plentiful rain make it the best time of the year to plant trees, shrubs, perennials and grass seed. Fall gardening can also make spring chores much easier. Planting bulbs like daffodils, tulips, crocus, and hyacinth in the fall will set the stage for a gorgeous spring flowering display. Here are some of my favorite fall gardening tips:

Beautiful, Easy to Grow Deer Resistant Shrubs and Trees

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Deer Resistant Shrubs & Trees

I have lived in northeastern Ohio my whole life and seeing deer is commonplace, even in densely populated suburban and urban areas. My husband Jimmy and I like to walk through many of the beautiful public parks and it isn’t uncommon to see deer grazing. Quite often, we are able to walk within 5 feet of them and they are not skittish or frightened by our presence. It is as if they expect to see us! Last week we saw a mother nursing her baby from about 15 feet away. The mother saw us but didn’t mind us watching. I love seeing them in nature. Their big brown eyes are adorable and they are beautiful… until they start devouring my landscape!

Realtree.com estimates that Ohio has 18.3 deer per square mile, third highest in the country. So Ohio gardeners especially know how deer can make their yard a nightly buffet. There are many products designed to help keep deer away, however they generally need to be reapplied regularly and aren’t an effective long-term solution. One of the best strategies is to continue to add deer resistant shrubs and plants to your landscape. Although there isn’t any plant that is deer-proof, they certainly have favorite plants and will seek those out over those that they find distasteful.

Below is a list of deer resistant shrubs and trees. If you live in an area with a high deer population, these plants won’t be their favorites and will make it easier to have a beautiful, enjoyable landscape. Also, see our list of deer resistant annuals and perennials.

How to Keep Fall Mums Gorgeous All Season

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Fall mums in bloom with gourds on front porch steps.

One of the sure signs that cooler weather is on the way is the arrival of fall mums at local retailers. They are synonymous with autumn and can brighten any garden, patio or window box that is weary from the summer heat. Fall mums are great for decorating as they can be paired with straw, pumpkins, and cornstalks creating an instant fall display. Learn tips for selecting, growing and caring for fall mums to beautifully decorate your landscape this fall.

Deer Resistant Annuals & Perennials

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The face of a doe deer with big ears and the text overlay: 75 Deer Resistant Annuals and Perennials.

Deer can be one of the most voracious pests in the yard and garden, but they are very picky eaters. Although there aren’t any “deer-proof” plants, there are plants that they will only eat as a last resort when starving. Plants that have scented foliage, textured leaves, thorns or sap in the stem are much less appealing. If you live in an area with a high deer population, the following plants will have a better chance of escaping deer damage.

Smoked Pulled Pork

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Pulled Pork Sandwich

Smoked pulled pork is a great way to make a lot of food at one time for a summer picnic. It is extremely economical and is an easy way to serve a generous main dish on a budget. There will be plenty to share with friends and family and still have extra to freeze for later. Here are easy preparation and cooking tips to make this delicious crowd-pleaser!