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Garden Architecture

How to Grow a Sweet Pea Arch

Published on January 17, 2024 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Sweet pea arch in garden.

Make a sweet pea arch using these step-by-step DIY instructions. Use willow rods to create a beautiful, scented floral archway for your garden. This project is from the book, Gardening on a … [Read more...]

25 Garden Fence Decoration Ideas to Dress Up Your Yard

Published on July 2, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Garden art on fence including old window with shutters and funny face.

Turn a plain garden fence into a feature with these creative ideas. Add wall hangings, art, and repurposed décor to bring personality to your outdoor space. Want more privacy? See 20 Ideas for … [Read more...]

DIY Raised Bed Screens to Keep Pests Away From Vegetables

Published on July 20, 2021Last updated October 3, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Vegetable bed with a squirrel screen over top to keep critters out.

If you need to keep animals like squirrels out of your raised garden beds or want to slow down pests like cabbage moths, these multi-purpose protective screens are a good addition to the … [Read more...]

How to Paint Vinyl Siding—Garden Shed Makeover

Published on June 22, 2021Last updated October 3, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Woman painting an old garden shed.

Painting vinyl siding is easy when you use self-priming exterior paints made specifically for this purpose. I gave my backyard shed a makeover years ago and it still looks freshly-painted today. … [Read more...]

14 Creative and Functional Potting Bench Ideas

Published on April 16, 2021Last updated October 4, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Potting bench with floral garden art.

This collection of creative and functional potting bench ideas comes from home gardens. While some are intended as a place to display garden art, others are good, functional tables that make fast work … [Read more...]

How To Build a Mini Greenhouse From Old Windows

Published on December 27, 2020Last updated October 5, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Small greenhouse made from old house windows.

Get creative with old house windows and build a mini greenhouse for your garden. These step-by-step plans make a sturdy, lasting structure from recycled parts. I also have a proper greenhouse for … [Read more...]

20 Ideas for Better Backyard Privacy

Published on November 24, 2020Last updated October 5, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Trellis, fence, and plants providing privacy for backyard garden.

If you want to block your neighbor’s view of your backyard there are lots of privacy options even if you do not have a fence. If you have a fence but it’s too low, see How to Make a Fence … [Read more...]

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Melissa J. Will - Empress of DirtWelcome!
I’m Melissa J. Will a.k.a. the Empress of Dirt (Ontario, Canada).
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