Our Country Home Spring 2024

Jumping worms

Earthworms, although not native to North America, are integral to the biodiversity of our soil. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of digging up a few nightcrawlers to serve as a tasty snack on the …

The greening of spring

What and where is spring? I can easily describe winter, fall and summer, but for decades I couldn’t conjure up specific memories of the spring of my 1960s childhood. During that season, the …

Bluestone Barn is a vintage-barn lover’s dream

CALLICOON, NY — Living upstate as we do, we’re surrounded by barns of all shapes and sizes. The Bluestone Barn is a magnificent renovation of a c.1948 dairy barn into a three-bedroom …
It was one of those variable Tyler Hill days when we first planted our Bhutan pepper plants. We had coaxed them from seed to seedling over the spring. We started planting in bright morning sun, and …
In early April, a few days before we concluded our annual six-month stay in Oaxaca, Mexico, our hotel’s office manager came by our studio to tell me that my herbs would be taken care of and …
As a child, I was immersed by my father in the importance of agriculture and an appreciation for the natural world. My love of gardening was further nourished while living in England by their cottage …
My garden anchors me to the world around me. It connects me to my Dad, both Grandmothers and several cousins. My first encounter with my property occurred in the early ‘90s. Except for some …
WAYNE COUNTY, PA — “If you are a gardener, you are a passionate gardener,” said Martha Wilson, member of the Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. “And these gardens are …
Just in time for curling up by a toasty fireplace, this stunning Narrowsburg, NY home is ready for its new family. Twin Rivers is named for its frontage on both Ten Mile River and Perry Pond …
The big news in real estate these days boils down to two things—interest rates and inventory—according to local real estate brokers and salespeople. “We have a lot of people …
Fall is a beautiful time of year—a great time to sit on the porch with a hot cup of tea and watch the colorful leaves fall.  But with winter on the way, it’s smart to cut short …
MATAMORAS, PA — Pull up to 143 Pond Dr. and experience a true dose of Americana, from its traditional Craftsman lines to its relaxing backyard oasis—elevated to an elegant scale. The …
When I was a child, the wall in the upstairs hall had a mysterious bulge. It was maybe five feet up, way over my head, and was the most tempting thing ever. What was in there? …
This year, May and June started out cool and dry—actually too dry at times, bordering on a drought. Once the warm weather did arrive, it brought with it a good deal of rain. With all the …
Years ago, I traveled on two occasions to the lushly beautiful island of Jamaica. Each time, at restaurants I visited, I was more often than not brought a bowl of steaming hot broth as a prelude to …
Home improvement coverage from around the web
More ideas for your home

7 home security to-dos before your summer vacation

Monday, July 1
(BPT) - As temperatures have risen and summer has arrived, the anticipation of vacation has filled the air. Whether you’re planning …

Six Perfect Pieces: American Hardwood Furniture for Today’s Home

Friday, June 28
(NewsUSA) - Solid wood has always been the gold standard when it comes to high-quality home furniture. “Whether it’s something …
How to DIY A Deck Drainage System

How to DIY A Deck Drainage System

Friday, June 21
(NewsUSA) - If you plan to add an elevated deck to your home, there’s one element that will greatly increase its value and function: …

10 Tips to Make Your Air Conditioner More Energy Efficient and Sustainable

Monday, June 3
(Family Features) Updating your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system to cool your home in a smart and …

Focus on these 4 areas to protect your home's exterior

Friday, May 31
(BPT) - While you probably know your deck needs waterproofing, did you know many other materials outside your home like concrete, …