The Outdoor Life

Does your landscaping actually fit your house? From modern farmhouse and English cottage gardens to traditional Colonial, rustic, mid-century modern, and new traditional homes, the right plants, pavers, lighting, and...

You have decided to add a pool to the backyard—now comes the part where the options, quotes, and fine print begin to multiply. Fiberglass, vinyl liner, and concrete pools can...

Want an Iowa garden that looks lovely without needing a personal groundskeeper? These five winter-hardy plants—catmint, purple coneflower, pink spirea, ninebark, and black-eyed Susan—bring dependable color, texture, and structure through...

Not All Natural Stone Is Created Equal Natural stone has a reputation for being timeless, durable, and low-maintenance...and absolutely beautiful in your backyard. And often, it is. But “natural stone” is...

Discover the best pavers, retaining wall materials, and fire features for Iowa homes. Built for freeze-thaw weather, drainage, beauty, and lasting outdoor living.

No one dreams about retaining walls. For most people, they are simply a necessary part of landscaping a backyard or a problem created by a new home, a failed wall,...

Winter in Iowa can feel long, but it doesn’t have to keep you indoors. In this post, I share how Paul and I learned to embrace “wintering” by designing a...

New sod requires significantly more water and care than most homeowners realize. In this guide, landscape professional Paul Hynek explains exactly how to water, maintain, and establish new sod so...

Did you know something as simple as landscaping can add value to your home? It’s true. An attractive home with a well-maintained yard is appealing to potential buyers. Landscaping goes beyond...

Irrigation plays a critical role in establishing healthy lawns in the midwest, especially during Iowa’s unpredictable spring season. This article explores how irrigation companies in Eastern Iowa manage seasonal demand,...

It’s that time of year again! Time to gather with friends and family and make festive memories that will last a lifetime. While we love a good holiday movie, reading...

  Creative Outdoor Date Ideas- Valentine's Day Edition Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and if you are struggling to brainstorm some creative ideas on how to swoon your...