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What is permaculture? – Show Notes I love permaculture. But what is it?  Today we cover what permaculture is and how it has the potential to change your worldview and life.  Permaculture is a design concept has certainly changed my entire worldview and impacts everything I do.  100 episodes in, time to talk about permaculture! Bam. Listen at your own risk.  You might get addicted. Today’s links: ely.how/episode101 Gaia’s Garden by Toby Hemenway The Suburban Micro Farm by Amy Stross How permaculture could save California Tenth Acre Farm website Ask Ben a Question for Free! Create the yard you deserve in the ELY Membership! Find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest What is permaculture and why does it matter to you? Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless labor; and of looking at plants and animals in all their functions, rather than treating any area as a single product system.” Design perspective inspired by nature using purposeful interventions to create resilient systems that require minimal long-term inputs for maximum sufficiency and yield Permaculture systems are designed to work along with land, ecosystems, and soil Permaculture is more a mindset and design perspective rather than a set of prescribed tools or processes Sets of principles and founding paradigms outline permaculture design Prime Directive “The only ethical decision is to take responsibility for our own existence and that of our children” – Bill Mollison Ethics of Permaculture Care of Earth Care of People Return of Surplus The Ethics serve to Maintain system integrity Build resilience Build connectedness Principles of Permaculture – Toby Hemenway Functional Design Principles Observe Connect Catch and store energy and materials Each element performs multiple functions Each function is supported by multiple elements Make the least change for the greatest effect Use small scale, intensive systems Living and Energy System Principles Optimize edge Collaborate with succession Use biological and renewable resources Attitudes Turn problems into solutions Get a yield The biggest limit to abundance is creativity Mistakes are tools for learning The Principles serve to Guide the design process Provide general ways to think creatively and design purposefully and appropriately You deserve a beautiful yard! Join the Easy Living Yards membership today! Create a beautiful, low-maintenance, eco-friendly yard. Start today. .fusion-button.button-1 .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-1 i {color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-1 .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-1:hover .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-1:hover i,.fusion-button.button-1:focus .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-1:focus i,.fusion-button.button-1:active .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-1:active{color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-1:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-1:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-1:active .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-1:hover, .fusion-button.button-1:focus, .fusion-button.button-1:active{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-1 {border-color:#ffffff;border-radius:2px;}.fusion-button.button-1{background: #b862b3;}.fusion-button.button-1:hover,.button-1:focus,.fusion-button.button-1:active{background: #99cc66;}.fusion-button.button-1 .fusion-button-text {text-transform:none;}Try it Risk Free! Note: Some of the links on this page contain affiliate links.  If you click on these links to make a purchase, I may obtain a small commission at no charge to you.  All of these products are either products I own or have researched and would like to own.  You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

ELY100 – Snapshots – Show Notes Today is cause for celebration!  Reflecting on a journey of 100 episodes focused on positive change.  Thanks to all of you who have helped to manifest my vision of creating beautiful, purposeful, eco friendly landscapes across the US and world!  Together, our small changes in practice and mindset can make a massive positive change in our world. Today’s links: ely.how/episode100 Ask me a question, or submit your entry for the giveaway! Create the yard you deserve in the ELY Membership! (Psst… Don’t join just yet….) Find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest Snapshots – Looking backward and forward to celebrate 100 episodes for eco friendly landscaping What things looked like at Episode 1 About my podcast studio How you have made a positive impact How you can win a free consultation with me! Cheers, Ben .fusion-accordian #accordion-14804-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14804-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 1px; width: 1px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14804-1 .panel-title a{font-size:15px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14804-1 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-14804-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14804-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14804-1.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f !important;}Transcript You deserve a beautiful yard! Join the Easy Living Yards membership today! Create a beautiful, low-maintenance, eco-friendly yard. Start today. .fusion-button.button-2 .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-2 i {color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-2 .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-2:hover .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-2:hover i,.fusion-button.button-2:focus .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-2:focus i,.fusion-button.button-2:active .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-2:active{color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-2:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-2:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-2:active .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-2:hover, .fusion-button.button-2:focus, .fusion-button.button-2:active{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-2 {border-color:#ffffff;border-radius:2px;}.fusion-button.button-2{background: #b862b3;}.fusion-button.button-2:hover,.button-2:focus,.fusion-button.button-2:active{background: #99cc66;}.fusion-button.button-2 .fusion-button-text {text-transform:none;}Try it Risk Free!

ELY 099 – 2020 Goals: Show Notes Today’s links: ely.how/episode99 Ask Ben a Question for Free! Create the yard you deserve in the ELY Membership! Find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest 2020 Goals for a new decade      Are you ready for a new decade?  Well it’s here!  Let’s work together to structure a better way of life for ourselves, our families, and the space we live life. On this episode, I share with you some of my 2020 goals to live more fulfilled and peacefully, and provide opportunities for you to consider how to live life more fully. 2019 was a big year for Easy Living Yards! What will 2020 bring for us? How can our landscapes better serve us? How can we be happier with the space we have? How can we embrace the now, while being motivated toward a better future? .fusion-accordian #accordion-14794-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14794-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 1px; width: 1px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14794-2 .panel-title a{font-size:15px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14794-2 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-14794-2 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14794-2 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14794-2.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f !important;}Transcript You deserve a beautiful yard! Join the Easy Living Yards membership today! Create a beautiful, low-maintenance, eco-friendly yard. Start today. .fusion-button.button-3 .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-3 i {color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-3 .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-3:hover .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-3:hover i,.fusion-button.button-3:focus .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-3:focus i,.fusion-button.button-3:active .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-3:active{color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-3:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-3:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-3:active .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-3:hover, .fusion-button.button-3:focus, .fusion-button.button-3:active{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-3 {border-color:#ffffff;border-radius:2px;}.fusion-button.button-3{background: #b862b3;}.fusion-button.button-3:hover,.button-3:focus,.fusion-button.button-3:active{background: #99cc66;}.fusion-button.button-3 .fusion-button-text {text-transform:none;}Try it Risk Free! Note: Some of the links on this page contain affiliate links.  If you click on these links to make a purchase, I may obtain a small commission at no charge to you.  All of these products are either products I own or have researched and would like to own.  You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

Show Notes There’s not much better than making fun of yourself, right?  Today, I share some of my recent DIY landscaping mistakes, and what we can all learn from them. Today’s links: ely.how/episode98 Today’s Plant: American Beautyberry, more on Beautyberry All about healthy soil How to design your yard like a pro Front yard vegetables Living with neighbors Free Stuff at ELY.how/free! Ask Ben a Question for Free! Create the yard you deserve in the ELY Membership! Find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest Today’s favorite plant American Beautyberry Callicarpa americana USDA Zone 6-10 3-6ft tall by 3-6ft wide Prefers moist soils, sand or clay Bright lavender pink berries in late fall through winter Berries on new growth Variety: Lactea – white berries Variety: Welch’s pink – pink berries My DIY landscaping mistakes No Soil testing Soil tests help you understand your… soil Important factors Ph, organic matter, macronutrients Episode 11 – Soil and why it matters No Survey Important to understand for projects Resolves potential neighbor issues Oversized vegetable garden Can be tough to find time to manage A lot can be done in a small space Episode 31 – Front yard vegetables Buying clearance plants Random plants Unplanned locations for planting Can be damaged or diseased Planting without design End up with hodgepodge plantings Maintenance issues Episode 43 – How to design your yard like a pro Demolition without replacement plan Leads to extra work Maintenance issues Assuming things won’t change around us Can lead to unnecessary disappointment We can only influence our own property Episode 15 – Living with neighbors .fusion-accordian #accordion-14773-3 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14773-3 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 1px; width: 1px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14773-3 .panel-title a{font-size:15px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14773-3 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-14773-3 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14773-3 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14773-3.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f !important;}Transcript You deserve a beautiful yard! Join the Easy Living Yards membership today! Create a beautiful, low-maintenance, eco-friendly yard. Start today. .fusion-button.button-4 .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-4 i {color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-4 .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-4:hover .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-4:hover i,.fusion-button.button-4:focus .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-4:focus i,.fusion-button.button-4:active .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-4:active{color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-4:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-4:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-4:active .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-4:hover, .fusion-button.button-4:focus, .fusion-button.button-4:active{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-4 {border-color:#ffffff;border-radius:2px;}.fusion-button.button-4{background: #b862b3;}.fusion-button.button-4:hover,.button-4:focus,.fusion-button.button-4:active{background: #99cc66;}.fusion-button.button-4 .fusion-button-text {text-transform:none;}Try it Risk Free!

How to Compost – Show Notes Learn how to compost!  Composting can be super easy and is awesome for your yard!  If you want to learn how to compost at home it can seem really overwhelming and complex.  It doesn’t have to be!  Learn how to compost the easy way and why it will be awesome for your yard! Today’s links: ely.how/episode97 Super easy compost guide at Tenth Acre Farm Rodale Book of Composting Always killing plants?  These easy plants will work! Ask Ben a Question for Free! Create the yard you deserve in the ELY Membership! Find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest Why compost is awesome Compost is One of the safest and best fertility boosters of all time General elixir for soil and plant health Age-old fertility booster Composted manure What is compost Degraded & digested organic matter Bacterial & fungal digestion Nutrients made bioavailable to plants & organisms Compost is an amazing natural amendment Biology Organic matter pH buffering nutrients soil builder Biology of compost Some bacterial-dominated, some fungal-dominated Smell: sweet, forest floor, ‘earthy’ – fungal Ideally want good fungal-dominated Should not be hot – still composting Can ‘burn’ plants Chemistry behind compost Organic acids – important for plant and microbe nutrient transfer How to use compost Spread as amendment Late fall, early spring Strain with hardware mesh Mix into topsoil amendments Compost tea Brew a concoction to boost soil microbes Spray across lawn or garden Always use on surface Can disrupt soil ecosystem if tilled or dug under Can cause anaerobic conditions Where to get compost Municipal Landscape suppliers Stores Tips Smell it! Feel it! Get as much as your budget allows Get more than you think you need How to make compost C:N balance Grass clippings + leaves Rodale guide to composting youtube .fusion-accordian #accordion-14767-4 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14767-4 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 1px; width: 1px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14767-4 .panel-title a{font-size:15px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14767-4 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-14767-4 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14767-4 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14767-4.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f !important;}Transcript You deserve a beautiful yard! Join the Easy Living Yards membership today! Create a beautiful, low-maintenance, eco-friendly yard. Start today. .fusion-button.button-5 .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-5 i {color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-5 .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-5:hover .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-5:hover i,.fusion-button.button-5:focus .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-5:focus i,.fusion-button.button-5:active .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-5:active{color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-5:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-5:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-5:active .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-5:hover, .fusion-button.button-5:focus, .fusion-button.button-5:active{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-5 {border-color:#ffffff;border-radius:2px;}.fusion-button.button-5{background: #b862b3;}.fusion-button.button-5:hover,.button-5:focus,.fusion-button.button-5:active{background: #99cc66;}.fusion-button.button-5 .fusion-button-text {text-transform:none;}Try it Risk Free! Note: Some of the links on this page contain affiliate links.  If you click on these links to make a purchase, I may obtain a small commission at no charge to you.  All of these products are either products I own or have researched and would like to own.  You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

Healthy soil and why you should care! – Show Notes Today I am sharing a throwback episode!  We cover the basics of understanding soil health, and why this is incredibly important for low maintenance landscaping and eco friendly landscaping!  Soil is the basis for plant life!  Good healthy soil makes good healthy plants. Today’s links: ely.how/episode96 Wikipedia: Soil Structure Wikipedia: Soil Texture The Soil Food Web More on the Soil Food Web Super Easy Plants for your yard! Create the yard you deserve in the ELY Membership! Find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest Topics: Simple principle Good organic matter Support microbes Good moisture Good air What is soil Physical Texture Granular size of soil Sand Large particle sizes High permeability Benefits Well drained Risks High nutrient loss Erosion prone Drought prone Silt Medium particle sizes Permeable Benefits Generally higher nutrient availability Well drained Risks High nutrient loss Erosion prone Poor structure Clay Small particle size Low permeability Benefits Increased mineral access Stronger structure Risks Prone to cracking in drought Low permeability High compaction Prone to waterlogging Loam Mixture of various particle sizes Ideal condition Allows good aggregation Risks Nutrient loss Structure Shape and size of clumps Affects drainage All conditions Organic matter improves Aggregation Drainage Moisture retention Nutrient availability Acts as a sponge Life matrix Biological Microbes to invertebrates Bacteria Fungi Protozoa Invertebrates Insects Arthropods Spiders, centipedes, pillbugs, mites Worms All levels crucial to maintaining good nutrient cycling Fungi, bacteria Primary importance Cell-level associations with plants Interact with roots Fungi Massive cell networks Increase plant root access Bacteria Nitrogen availability Both Dissolve minerals Provide nutrients Plant-microbe exchange Proteins, carbohydrates Clumps soil together Normalizes pH Disease defense Requirements Air Water Carbon How to build and maintain good soil Organic matter buildup Keep it covered Plant roots Enhance soil life Prevent waterlogging Prevent use of chemicals Reduces life Adds salts to soil Focus on gentler approaches Avoid compaction Focus walking Reduce heavy equipment Mulching Reduce general disturbance Repeated tilling Buffer Heavy traffic Pet urine – provide safe area High carbon Erosion prevention .fusion-accordian #accordion-14759-5 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14759-5 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 1px; width: 1px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14759-5 .panel-title a{font-size:15px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14759-5 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-14759-5 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14759-5 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14759-5.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f !important;}Transcript You deserve a beautiful yard! Join the Easy Living Yards membership today! Create a beautiful, low-maintenance, eco-friendly yard. Start today. .fusion-button.button-6 .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-6 i {color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-6 .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-6:hover .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-6:hover i,.fusion-button.button-6:focus .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-6:focus i,.fusion-button.button-6:active .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-6:active{color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-6:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-6:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-6:active .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-6:hover, .fusion-button.button-6:focus, .fusion-button.button-6:active{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-6 {border-color:#ffffff;border-radius:2px;}.fusion-button.button-6{background: #b862b3;}.fusion-button.button-6:hover,.button-6:focus,.fusion-button.button-6:active{background: #99cc66;}.fusion-button.button-6 .fusion-button-text {text-transform:none;}Try it Risk Free!

Listener Questions and Feedback for Nov19 – Show Notes Today’s links: ely.how/episode88 Leave a review in Apple Podcasts! Best DIY Landscaping episodes: ELY 047 Pollinator Gardening Ideas: ELY 062 Ask Ben a Question for Free! Create the yard you deserve in the ELY Membership! Find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest Today, I take your questions and feedback and share my thoughts as well! Listen in on how to beat getting overwhelmed with crazy overgrown landscaping, how to create an accessible landscape, and how you can make a difference for nature in your own backyard! Topics from today’s DIY landscaping show: Christine asks: How to keep from getting absolutely overwhelmed with an overgrown landscape Perry asks: Backyard landscaping ideas for a halfway-finished backyard, and make it wheelchair accessible Ashley shares: Great success with pollinator gardening and butterfly gardening! What’s frustrating you?  Ask Ben a question for free! .fusion-accordian #accordion-14703-6 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14703-6 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 1px; width: 1px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14703-6 .panel-title a{font-size:15px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14703-6 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-14703-6 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14703-6 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14703-6.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f !important;}Transcript You deserve a beautiful yard! Join the Easy Living Yards membership today! Create a beautiful, low-maintenance, eco-friendly yard. Start today. .fusion-button.button-7 .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-7 i {color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-7 .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-7:hover .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-7:hover i,.fusion-button.button-7:focus .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-7:focus i,.fusion-button.button-7:active .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-7:active{color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-7:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-7:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-7:active .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-7:hover, .fusion-button.button-7:focus, .fusion-button.button-7:active{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-7 {border-color:#ffffff;border-radius:2px;}.fusion-button.button-7{background: #b862b3;}.fusion-button.button-7:hover,.button-7:focus,.fusion-button.button-7:active{background: #99cc66;}.fusion-button.button-7 .fusion-button-text {text-transform:none;}Try it Risk Free!

Best Gifts for Gardeners and new homeowners – Show Notes As we approach the holiday season, here are some of the best gardening gift ideas for that gardener just getting started, or a few years in.  If you know a new homeowner that needs to tackle some outdated landscaping, these tools should be on their list!  And if you just need to get something to treat yourself, these are great ideas for that special… you. Sorry in advance about the audio!  Technology was not cooperating through multiple tries!  This is the best I could get! Today’s links: ely.how/episode94 Ask Ben a Question for Free! Create the yard you deserve in the ELY Membership! Find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest Watch the Best Gifts for Gardeners and DIY Landscaping on Youtube Best gardening gifts for beginner gardening and landscaping Trowel – Plastic Trowel – Aluminum Pointed Shovel Garden hose Garden hose sprayer Leather Gloves Atlas gloves Insulated Leather Gloves Ryobi cordless drill Pruning hand saw (Even more) Gardening gift ideas for more seasoned landscaping and gardening Flat shovel Mattock Hay fork Garden rake Garden spade Bypass pruners Deadblow hammer Soil Knife Watering can Carhartt coat LED work light Look for 2000 lumen or greater Stand mounted is preferred for outdoor work Double-wheeled wheelbarrow Tamper Still looking for more gift ideas?  Check out these other roundup posts I’ve done with more awesome gift ideas: Awesome DIY Gardening Gift Ideas DIY Landscaping Gift Ideas Under $30 .fusion-accordian #accordion-14738-7 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14738-7 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 1px; width: 1px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14738-7 .panel-title a{font-size:15px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14738-7 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-14738-7 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14738-7 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14738-7.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f !important;}Transcript You deserve a beautiful yard! Join the Easy Living Yards membership today! Create a beautiful, low-maintenance, eco-friendly yard. Start today. .fusion-button.button-8 .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-8 i {color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-8 .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-8:hover .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-8:hover i,.fusion-button.button-8:focus .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-8:focus i,.fusion-button.button-8:active .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-8:active{color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-8:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-8:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-8:active .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-8:hover, .fusion-button.button-8:focus, .fusion-button.button-8:active{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-8 {border-color:#ffffff;border-radius:2px;}.fusion-button.button-8{background: #b862b3;}.fusion-button.button-8:hover,.button-8:focus,.fusion-button.button-8:active{background: #99cc66;}.fusion-button.button-8 .fusion-button-text {text-transform:none;}Try it Risk Free! Note: Some of the links on this page contain affiliate links.  If you click on these links to make a purchase, I may obtain a small commission at no charge to you.  All of these products are either products I own or have researched and would like to own.  You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

Laura’s Landscape: Easy Landscaping Ideas for a visual oasis to replace ugly landscaping – Show Notes Today’s links: ely.how/episode93 Watch my chat with Laura on YouTube! Ask Ben a Question for Free! Create the yard you deserve in the ELY Membership! Find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest Today we chat with Laura from Salem, OR about her beautiful new home with gorgeous mature pines and a wonderful secluded location and from the nearby road and beautiful views from inside the house to the landscape. But there’s one problem.  The view immediately next to the front door and outside their large windows is UGLY landscaping.  It is boring, sterile, and unwelcoming. Listen in to see how we figure out how to easily turn this into a beautiful space that welcomes visitors and offers relaxing views from the windows. Topics covered: What to do with ugly landscaping How to know what to do first so you don’t get overwhelmed with your yard Beautiful easy landscaping ideas with native plants Creating outdoor rooms to relax and welcome visitors How you can chat with Ben like Laura did! .fusion-accordian #accordion-14699-8 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14699-8 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 1px; width: 1px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14699-8 .panel-title a{font-size:15px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14699-8 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-14699-8 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14699-8 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-14699-8.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #18632f !important;}Transcript You deserve a beautiful yard! Join the Easy Living Yards membership today! Create a beautiful, low-maintenance, eco-friendly yard. Start today. .fusion-button.button-9 .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-9 i {color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-9 .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-9:hover .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-9:hover i,.fusion-button.button-9:focus .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-9:focus i,.fusion-button.button-9:active .fusion-button-text, .fusion-button.button-9:active{color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-9:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-9:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider, .fusion-button.button-9:active .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-9:hover, .fusion-button.button-9:focus, .fusion-button.button-9:active{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-9 {border-color:#ffffff;border-radius:2px;}.fusion-button.button-9{background: #b862b3;}.fusion-button.button-9:hover,.button-9:focus,.fusion-button.button-9:active{background: #99cc66;}.fusion-button.button-9 .fusion-button-text {text-transform:none;}Try it Risk Free!

Old Growth Forests with Joan Maloof - Show Notes Have you ever wondered what life was like for Pocahontas?  I do.  Joan Maloof preserves the places that let you escape to a time before the earth was just a dead thing you can claim. Joan Maloof of the Old Growth Forest Network is [...]

Embracing energy and nature spirits - Show Notes Amanda Gates is an interior designer.  But not just any interior designer.  She’s an advanced feng shui practitioner! Amanda Gates from the Home Energy Design Podcast joins us today to discuss how our energy and the energy of our spaces can positively or negatively affect [...]

Why do you matter?  My commitment to a better world - Show Notes Why the heck are we talking about living with purpose?  I thought this was a landscaping podcast? Well, to me it's obvious.  How you live your life and whether you live with purpose and intent affects everything else in your [...]

I Speak for the trees!  - Show Notes Today we talk about these amazing creatures that live longer than humans and are way more numerous than humans.  Trees!  Trees are amazing creatures, and they need our help.  YOUR help!  Here are things you can do for the trees and why it matters today [...]

Join the I Help Save The Earth Club! Today’s links: ely.how/episode87 Free guide: How to live with purpose and intent What my Grandma taught me about living a meaningful life Suzanne Simard - How trees talk to each other Ask Ben a Question for Free! Create the yard you deserve in the ELY [...]

Awesome Fall Garden Plants - Show Notes Fall is a beautiful time!  Celebrate the season in your yard with beautiful plants that bring beautiful color and interest to your yard!  We highlight fall trees and fall perennials with awesome bursts of color for your yard. Today’s links: ely.how/episode86 Goldenrod (Solidago spp) New England [...]

Easy Swanky Outdoor Entertaining with Welcome Home! - Show Notes Today’s links: ely.how/episode85 The Welcome Home Podcast Free Q&A with Ben Hale Find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest How can you easily entertain outdoors without breaking the bank or getting overwhelmed? Kirsten Dunlap and Graham Smith from the Welcome Home Podcast Awesome podcast [...]

What to expect with Easy DIY Landscaping - Show Notes Today’s links: Get started today!  What is the one question you need to ask me?  Ask it here! ELY Membership: Transform your yard with confidence Find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest What to expect with easy DIY landscaping – 9 month garden [...]

Create the Dream Yard You Deserve - Show Notes Today’s links: ely.how/episode83 Landscape vision and goals – Episode 72 View your yard like a pro Create the yard you deserve in the ELY Membership! Ask a question Find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest Create the dream yard you deserve! What a dream [...]

There's a fungus amongus!  - Show Notes Today, we discover that fungus is not only a good thing in your landscape, it is crucial to a healthy and happy garden!  Why fungus is beneficial for plants and soil! Today’s links: ely.how/episode82 Boost your soil and plants: Mykos mycorrhizal fungi inoculant Soil and why it [...]

How to Overcome DIY Landscaping Overwhelm - Show Notes Let's face it.  DIY Landscaping can be overwhelming!  Here are ways to avoid getting overwhelmed with your low maintenance landscaping ideas and how to focus on getting things done and making life better! Today’s links: ely.how/episode81 Free Easy Plants list Landscaping with Vision - [...]