Backyard Bright

Best Family Weekend Activity: Backyard Football in the Fall    Autumn Saturdays were a sacred ritual in our house. The air, crisp with a hint of autumn, carried the promise of football. The backyard, our gridiron, was a patch of green magic where dreams of touchdowns and interceptions were born. I was the quarterback, naturally. Dad, with his linebacker build and a competitive streak as long as the field, was the defensive mastermind. My little brother, Max, was the wild card – equal parts speed and chaos. Our mom was the official scorekeeper and sideline cheerleader, her voice a powerful weapon against any questionable calls. One unforgettable game, I attempted a Hail Mary pass as time expired. The ball arced high, a golden leaf dancing in its wake. Max, with the instincts of a cheetah, leaped, his fingers brushing the ball.   A collective gasp escaped our lips as it seemed destined to fall incomplete. Then, in slow motion, he twisted, contorted...

Preparing Your Backyard for Winter: A Step-by-Step Fall Checklist    October in the Mid-Atlantic means the beginning of sweater weather, pumpkin spice, and, yes, prepping your backyard for the colder months ahead! While winter might not hit full force yet, it’s the perfect time to take steps to protect your outdoor space. Let's dive into a fun, easy-to-follow checklist to ensure your backyard is ready to brave the winter chill! 1. Lawn Care: Mow, Rake, and Fertilize Before the frost hits, show your lawn some love! Start by mowing one last time, keeping the grass at about 2-3 inches tall. This height is just right to prevent matting from snow and minimize diseases. Once the leaves start falling, rake them up! A thick layer of leaves can suffocate your lawn. Finish it off by applying a winterizing fertilizer that strengthens roots, giving your grass a head start for spring. *A mulching mower can shred fallen leaves into tiny pieces, turning them into natural fertilizer. 2. Trim ...