Gardening in Alabama is as much an art as it is a science. With its warm, humid summers and mild winters, the state offers a long growing season that can be both a blessing and a challenge. One of the most effective—and eco-friendly—ways to manage these challenges is by inviting beneficial insects into your garden. These tiny allies can help with pest management , improve soil health , and even boost the flavor of your homegrown produce. In this post, we’ll explore how to wo

I spent the majority of this weekend cleaning up all of the plants after the extremely cold weather we had a few weeks ago. It was discouraging to say the least. However most of my salvia and other native plants seem to have survived and just needed some cutting back. Learning to landscape with native plants has been a challenge for me but one that has proven to be extremely rewarding. There’s something truly special about stepping into your own yard and feeling like you’re i

One of the greatest joys in life is seeing your grandchildren run around, laugh, and explore the world with bright-eyed curiosity. Here on the river, I’m fortunate to have a home that easily transforms into a wonderland for little ones—complete with chickens, gardens, baby pools, and endless adventures in nature. If there’s one place that captures the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, it’s right in my own backyard. 1. Riverside Magic There’s something undeniably spe

Sometimes the best nights are the simplest ones—just good friends, a cozy campfire, and the gentle lull of flowing water to lull you to sleep. Living right on Fish River means I have the perfect backyard getaway, so it was only natural to invite my favorite ladies for an unforgettable girls’ night and camping adventure under the stars. 1. Setting the Scene: Fish River at Dusk One of the perks of hosting near the river is that the landscape does all the decorating for you. Sof

This summer, I finally took the plunge and transformed my entire front yard into a sprawling garden. I’ve always been fascinated by how homegrown vegetables can taste so much richer and fresher, and I figured, “Why not go big and see what thrives?” From melons to lettuce, the results were surprising—and a joy to discover! 1. Turning the Front Yard into a Test Plot Instead of using the small patch of soil in the backyard, I opted to till up the entire front yard. It felt sligh

There’s something magical about growing your own herbs for tea—tending to each plant and watching it flourish, then transforming those leaves and blossoms into a soothing cup of warmth. My tea garden has become a personal retreat, a space filled with scents that calm my senses, plus a gathering spot where friends and family can share in the ritual of steeping and sipping. Here’s a glimpse into my home tea garden, the joys of creating custom tea blends, and how I package speci

Living right on Fish River in Daphne, Alabama, means I’ve got the perfect front-row seat to all the sunshine-filled adventures I could wish for—especially those involving a kayak and a paddle. Recently, I set out on one of the clearest, calmest days we’ve had in a while to explore the river’s hidden nooks and crannies. As always, the trip was filled with gorgeous scenery, a few unexpected obstacles, and the ever-present wonders of wildlife that make this area so special. Laun

One of the greatest joys of settling into my nearly three-acre homestead by the river has been discovering what the land provides naturally. From hidden berries to unexpected roots, each season brings its own surprises—delicious, healing, and often quite colorful. And the best part? Foraging has connected me more deeply to this place I now call home. Below, I’ll share some of my favorite Southeastern plants I’ve encountered, how I’m using them in the kitchen, and a few lesson

Native plants are a fantastic addition to any garden. They’re often hardier, more resilient to local pests, and require less water once established—perfect for eco-conscious gardeners. Best of all, you can easily propagate native plants at home using two primary methods: cuttings and starting seeds indoors. Below, we’ll explore how to get started, how to transition plants into your herb garden, tea garden, vegetable patch, or ornamental landscape, and tips for long-term succe

When I first set eyes on my new home—a charming yet neglected country house perched right on fish river—it was clear I had my work cut out for me. The location was idyllic, but the house itself? Let’s just say it was anything but move-in ready. Still, something about the cozy riverside setting called to me, and I knew it would be worth every ounce of elbow grease. After months of hard work and countless trips to the hardware store, I could finally see my vision come to life.