Mary Ellen Ellis 
The humble but tasty apple is the quintessential fruit of fall. If you have fond memories of apple picking in sweater weather, you may be toying with the idea of growing your own apple tree. A small home orchard is doable for most yards, but there are a few important things you need to know before you get started.
Mint is one of the most versatile herbs, with both culinary and medicinal uses, and it is among the easiest to grow. This is a perfect starter plant for anyone new to gardening or those who have more of a black than a green thumb. Mint practically grows itself and it’s tough to kill. Grow any number of tasty varieties indoors or outdoors.
A water feature provides a soothing, pretty element to your backyard. It may attract wildlife too. There are many reasons to have a backyard water garden, but it is not necessarily an easy undertaking. A big pond with a waterfall will be expensive and complicated, while a small fountain or natural pond can be constructed by a beginner. Choose your water feature based on how much time, effort, and money you are willing to put into it.
Raising chickens in urban and suburban areas has become more popular than ever. Just one supplier of chickens reported delivering over 3,000 to locations in New York City in three recent years. There are many reasons to raise chickens, including a steady supply of organic eggs and the benefits they bring to gardens. Before starting a flock, though, it’s important to understand how much work goes into raising chickens and be aware of the legal implications.
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