This summer has been a long, hot and rainy one, so homeowners are probably understandably too exhausted to think about all the late-summer garden chores that need to be done before the chilly weather kicks in once again. While spring (and fall) are the times to plant new plants and seedlings. Summer is the right […]
With this morning’s single digit temps in the Charlottesville area, our thoughts quickly turn to a topic on everyone’s minds this time of year – how to make sure your pipes don’t freeze. When temperatures plummet, the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting skyrockets. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common […]
Household Items that can be Recycled Did you know that the average person in the United States generates around 4.5 pounds of waste every single day? Multiply that by around 300 million, and you can see why garbage has become a serious problem in this country. This is just one reason why recycling is so […]
IMPORTANT REMINDER If you come to a road with moving/standing water – turn around – do not attempt to go through the water, unseen dangerous conditions are possible. June 2018 stated off with more of the same torrential rain that made the month of May around here a soggy mess. The last week of May, […]
Summer in Charlottesville Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer and 2018 is rapidly filling up with fun activities for the entire family to enjoy. From farmer’s markets to hiking, tubing and vineyard tasting, to music at various venues around town, there’s truly something for everyone. Farmers Markets Long a favorite as a Saturday morning destination, […]
Hibiscus and Frost My wife and I just lost a Hibiscus to Frost so we thought it was appropriate to write this blog: After the unpredictable winter we’ve experienced this year we know many gardeners and homeowners alike who are trying to get some color going in their gardens right away instead of waiting patiently […]
One of our area’s greatest treasures is the Ivy Creek Natural Area (ICNA), a 215-acre preserve bordering the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir, which is located off Earlysville Road – just down the road from the Rock Store on the way to the Reservoir. Long a destination for those who really enjoy a walk in the […]
Summer in Charlottesville Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer it is rapidly filling up with fun activities for the entire family to enjoy. From farmer’s markets to hiking, tubing and vineyard tasting, to music at various venues around town, there’s truly something for everyone. Farmers Markets Long a favorite as a Saturday morning […]
Although many Charlottesville area residents thought that the 70-degree weather we enjoyed around the recent 2015 holiday season would last forever, we finally had our first taste of winter with this past weekend’s storm – called Jonas – courtesy of El Niño. Although people have been known to make fun of the havoc an inch […]
We recently talked about Charlottesville’s Walk Score, which, a few years ago, named us the most walkable city in Virginia, and now we have some more information for our Solutions audience on many of the lovely walking/hiking/biking/running trails that circle in and around the city. Charlottesville Parks and Recreation, according to their website, maintains nearly […]
How to Save Energy This Fall & Winter As the cooler days and nights of fall turn into full blown winter, thoughts turn to how to keep your house warm and snug. Here are some strategies to help you save energy. Some of the tips below are free and can be used on a daily […]
The Charlottesville area is blessed with true four-season weather – from snow showers around January and February to the first buds of spring in mid to late March and April, through the typically humid summer months, we then arrive at fall in September/October. Many people agree that they love the warm days and cooler nights. […]
For many people, the town of Crozet is really not very big. I often hear from people who are visiting that say “we are driving out to Crozet”. I have mixed thoughts when I hear that. First, I love Crozet but to me it is more of a feeling that a place. Second, I think […]
What’s worse than stink bugs and lady bugs put together? You guessed it, the 17 year Cicada, and they are beginning to arrive in Charlottesville right now. Your pets may snack on them and your ear drums may suffer but long term there shouldn’t be lasting effects. I photographed this fine specimen this morning while […]
Our Autumn party was one of the best yet. The weather was perfect and mother nature had outdone herself decorating with all the rich colors of autumn, creating a perfect backdrop. Add to that good food, great company and you have that just right combination for a good time. So often we just don’t take […]
Jefferson and Charlottesville Jefferson was born April 13, 1743 at Shadwell in Virginia. Interesting that a man who drafted our Declaration of Independence, became our 3rd President and founded the University of Virginia decided to live in Charlottesville. Certainly he could have lived anywhere as he traveled overseas as Secretary of State and had […]
This is one of the best kept secrets in Virginia. If you went to the University of Virginia or just passed though our city, you felt the impact.Charlottesville Virginia is located just east of the Blue Ridge mountains in central Virginia. With incredible mountain views, about 45 minutes to skiing and just a few hours […]
