How Volunteering Can Help Older Adults Combat Loneliness

Two people sitting in armchairs, smiling at each other. A small table with books, a plant, and coffee cups is between them.

The bonds found in friendships and other relationships are an important factor in health and wellness – even science says so. According to the American Psychological Association, forming and maintaining social connections at any age is one of the most reliable predictors of a healthy, happy and long life. Studies show having strong and supportive […]

Stay Safe and Healthy During and After Emergencies

Woman and child preparing an emergency kit on a kitchen table with canned food, bottled water, a first aid kit, and other supplies.

As you’re making your emergency preparedness checklist, it’s also important to protect your heart and overall health in the wake of a hurricane, tornado or other natural disaster. The experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict an above-average Atlantic Ocean hurricane season for the seventh year in a row. Research shows it’s not […]

Water Wisdom

A sprinkler watering a green lawn in a garden, with shrubs and a stone-bordered section visible.

Keep your garden hydrated this summer Colorado’s explosive growth, accompanied by years of drought, has kept water conservation high on everyone’s radar. It’s no wonder we want to learn how to water more efficiently. But conservation isn’t the only reason why it’s important to learn best practices. How we water plants also impacts their health […]

Beating the Beetle Battle

Japanese beetles on a red flower petal, with one beetle partially obscured by foliage in the background.

One day you are admiring beautiful roses, only to find jagged petals and bare leaves the next day. How could this happen? Look closely to see if your roses are covered with the iridescent emerald of Japanese beetles. It’s a sight we all dread. Is it possible to win the battle against Japanese beetles? The […]

FOUR STEPS TO GET YOUR YARD READY FOR SPRING

A green lawn mower is cutting through tall grass, with its front wheels visible and part of a black grass collection bag in the background.

As the weather begins to warm and days get longer, it’s important to begin preparing your yard for a healthy growing season. While factors including climate, soil type, and grass type can all impact how your yard grows, there are a few steps you can take during the spring months to help your lawn thrive. […]

Double Duty – Companion Plants Perform Multiple Functions

Orange marigolds and a green tomato in a garden setting with green foliage in the background.

What gardener doesn’t envision flower beds bursting with an explosion of color or harvests so bountiful they’ll feed the entire neighborhood? Focusing on our garden’s potential is a powerful motivator. It’s more inspiring than dwelling on the possibility of leaves being ravaged by insects, plant stems cut to the ground overnight, flower buds withering before […]

It’s Not Just a Drop in the Bucket

Wooden barrel collecting rainwater from a metal downspout in a lush garden.

Collect rainwater and potentially decrease your water bill Why have rain barrels become popular when we don’t get that much rain in Colorado? What’s the point? It’s hard not to notice summers are getting hotter and dryer. Just ask a longtime resident — like me. In my youth, temperatures rarely hit the 90s, and 100 […]

Spring-Cleaning Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Woman cleaning a window with a cloth and spray bottle, smiling.

Q: What are some tasks I can add to my spring-cleaning list that will increase energy efficiency? A: Spring is a great time to refresh, clean, and enhance energy efficiency at home. By adding simple yet effective energy-saving strategies to our spring-cleaning routines, we can create an efficient living environment that may also lower our […]

Indoor Herb Gardening

White pots with labeled herbs, including basil, placed on a windowsill.

In The Herb Gardening Handbook, Andrew Perry captures the essence of gardening when he states, “There is something incredibly rewarding and relaxing about the gentle, rhythmic nature of growing.” This is emphasized by daily observations of indoor herb gardens. Fortunately for the novice, herb gardens are a low-risk way to learn edible gardening. You can […]

Fiddle-Leaf Frenzy

Person holding a fiddle leaf fig plant near a window with sunlight streaming in, next to black-paneled dividers.

Fickle? Fad? Simply fabulous. Who would have thought a tropical rain forest tree could become so popular in Colorado’s semiarid climate? But indoor climate can be controlled, so Ficus lyrata, commonly known as fiddle-leaf fig, quickly became the hottest interior design trend. In its native habitat of western Africa, the fiddle-leaf tree reaches a height […]