Dena E. Bolton

Featured Home Improvement Contributor
Living in Johnson City, TN
Total page views: 32,563
Published Content: 315
Fans: 77
On AC since: 09.15.08
Bio:
Dena is a freelance writer and publishes extensively online with articles appearing periodically in local print publications. As a gardener for over 40 years and a TN Master Gardener, she enjoys sharing gardening knowledge, advice, and tips with both novice and expert gardeners to encourage people to create their own gardens and further contribute to the betterment of our environment.
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Education/Experience:
BA in Political Science and German, post graduate work in Latin American Studies
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"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." Hunter S. Thompson
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Displaying Results 1 - 200 (of 314)
The brown pelican happens to be one of my favorite birds.
A NASA study showed that houseplants can actually help to clean the air in homes and offices of toxins.
Even though you may not have a large yard, you can grow your own vegetables.
The European starling adapted extremely well after its introduction into the United States in 1890. Some may consider European starlings a nuisance, but they do serve a purpose.
Some climbing houseplants produce aerial roots. A moss pole not only gives them support but also helps to keep the aerial roots moist.
There are actually two types of pennyroyal: One is a perennial, the other an annual. Both, however, are extremely effective insect repellents.
The foliage of the lady's mantle makes it a must for any landscape.
You can find a wide variety of columbines to add to your cottage or woodland garden.
Every gardener needs the proper tools to help make their gardening easier. Start by purchasing the correct tools for digging in the dirt.
This cute little bird is one of the smallest of all of the sparrows.
We've had more snow in Tennessee than we've had in years. Of course, I had to get photographs!
Tennessee was hit with more snow in January 2010. When it snows, don't forget to feed the birds. They will really thank you for it.
Enjoy your garden after the sun sets by using flowers and other elements that will bring your garden to life even in the dark.
Photographer Holly Bolton-Rainey of Rainey Day Photography located in the Tri-Cities, TN, is expanding and now doing wedding photography. Planning a wedding? Visit: http://www.raineydayphoto.blogspot.com/ for more information.
Of course, I am still thinking about spring when I can work in my gardens. Thought I would share some photographs I took of my garden last spring.
Even though it is cold and dreary outside, I am still thinking spring. I am also thinking of how I will be expanding my herb garden this year. Here are just a few that will need to be moved.
The Exchange Place in Kingsport, Tennessee, always has a Spring Garden Fair in April. I am so ready for spring and decided to daydream about attending this year's fair. Thought I would share a few photos that I took at last year's event.
Stumperies were first introduced by the Victorians. These types of gardens are unusual and can be quite dramatic.
Earth Fare is more than just a supermarket. It is an experience!
This impressive perennial will really attract the hummingbirds.
Do you have an angel trumpet or a moonflower? How do morning glories and jimsonweed fit into this analysis? Learn which plant is which.
Dracaenas are popular houseplants, coveted for their variegated foliage and ease of care.
The Swiss cheese plant looks like a philodendron and is just as easy to grow.
The flower associated with February is the fragrant violet; however, you do not have to be born in February to enjoy this little flower in your own garden.
Gardeners might appreciate some of these ideas for their garden this Valentine's Day.
The Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica) is most frequently grown as a houseplant in climate zones further north than zone 8.
The dieffenbachia is a popular houseplant, with an interesting reason for its common name of "dumb cane."
I have had numerous people argue that the angel trumpets my daughter raises are actually Daturas, the same genus to which jimsonweed belongs. Well, they're not. Angel trumpets belong to the genus Brugmansia. (Watch for my upcoming article explaining the differences.)
Dieffenbachias are also known as dumb-canes and are very popular houseplants.
An all-white garden can be quite relaxing and really brighten darker areas in your landscape. You can, however, break up the monotony of all-white by adding some soft shades of pink.
The cathedral cactus is not really a cactus, but it is a very good houseplant to add to your collection.
Do not think this little bird is just another sparrow. The pine siskin is actually a northern finch and can be found wintering throughout the United States.
Photographs of nature taken by my son.
The sharp-shinned hawk is the most common species of hawk and can be found all across the United States and Canada.
This unique fern is not difficult to grow and will be quite a specimen to include with your collection of houseplants.
Sometimes in order to have the garden you really want, you have to break the rules ... especially if you are a plant collector.
The snowstorm that hit much of the United States at the end of 2009 has probably done some damage to your landscape. Use much of this damage to your advantage.
My son ventures back into the wild to capture it in photographs.
My son apparently found willing models one day. For more information about his work, email mking117@ymail.com.
You might not pay too much attention to this little nondescript bird until it starts singing.
The carnation is the flower usually associated with the month of January. It's also a flower that can be easily grown in your own garden.
My son expresses his art through photography as well.
I have featured examples of some of my son's art in other mediums, such as wood burning. Here are some examples of his work in graphic design. For information and requests for artwork, contact him at: mking117@ymail.com
There are three parties taking place on New Year's Eve in Downtown Kingsport, Tennessee, because one is never enough.
Someone had fun in the snow! Little snowmen lined one street in downtown Kingsport, Tennessee.
And, yes, I have a door in the middle of my yard. Don't worry, though, I keep it locked. It does stand out in the snow.
The snow is relatively deep, but it was fun to trek down the hill to see what the snow did.
The heavy wet snow did do some damage. We will have fun cleaning up fallen branches.
We got hit with a winter snowstorm last night.
My son works in various mediums, including pen and ink.
You probably have many of these cleaning products right now in your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator. Use them to clean up around the house and save money and the environment at the same time.
These two recipes are tried-and-true and virtually fool-proof.
You do not have to be a great cook to make candy for your holiday celebrations or to give as gifts to friends and co-workers.
The Gallery of Local Artists is located at 158 Broad Street in Downtown Kingsport in Northeast Tennessee. Contact them at 423-367-9211 or email Patti@TheGalleryOfLocalArtists.com for your next investment in art.
I am proud to say that my son is quite the artist. He does "pyrography," which is wood-burning.
Keith Bulluck was not always an All-Pro linebacker. At one time, he was a child abandoned by his mother and part of the foster care system.
This shrub lacks luster in the spring and summer months, yet in the winter it really shines with fragrant blooms.
Daphne can have its problems; however, with proper care, this winter-blooming shrub will reward you with fragrant blossoms in the dead of winter.
Donald Driver has made a name for himself on the field; however, he is changing lives off the field.
Eucalyptus oil is a very effective stain remover. It also adds a fresh, clean smell to laundry. Use this oil on laundry day to save money and the environment.
This plant takes about 5 years to establish itself and is well worth the wait. There is also an interesting reason for the name "gas plant."
This is for all of you who are afraid of gardening and think that you could never have beautiful flowers blooming in your yard. I say, "never say never."
Fran Rathburn , a talented artist in Northeast Tennessee, describes her style as "pique assiette," a French method that incorporates pottery, china, or other materials into a free-form pattern.
The Lenten Rose blooms only in the winter.
Daphne is a perennial shrub that produces fragrant flowers in the winter and early spring.
This herb may not be the prettiest one in your garden, but it could very well be one of the sweetest smelling.
This perennial herb can be used to make a soap mild enough for your most delicate fabrics. You can also use the lather as a skin cleanser.
This little fall-blooming flower produces the most costly spice in the world.
This delightful herb is a hardy perennial that can be harvested to use fresh all year, including in the winter.
You do not have to plan on using herbs in your cooking to grow herbs in your home. Many herbs make very attractive and fragrant houseplants.
Grow the winter iris for beautiful, sweet-smelling blooms during the winter that also make great cut flowers.
These is an easy, tasting, and pretty hors d'Oeurve that you can serve for a small get-together or at your next holiday party. Also, you can make a light dressing using many of the same ingredients.
All plants need light in order to grow and thrive, but how do you know what levels of light they are getting in your home?
The ti plant is a great plant to use to bring color into your home. It is also not that difficult to grow.
Stevia is an herb that is about 300 times sweeter than sugar. Even better, there are no calories!
The weatherman is calling for snow in Northeast Tennessee. Let's think spring!
The people in Kingsport, Tennessee, love to celebrate the holidays. This year the Kingsport Public Library is celebrating by offering Limited Edition Holiday Postcards.
The Hale Springs Inn was built in 1824 on the Courthouse Square in Rogersville and was the longest continuously-operated inn in Tennessee. It has recently been restored to its earlier grandeur and is now in operation once again.
The sago palm is a member of the oldest species of plants on earth, dating back to prehistoric times.
Visit this historic mansion known as the "White House of Kingsport" and which is open to the public. The holiday season is an especially wonderful time of year at the mansion.
I have written a lot about Still Hollow Farm and thought you would like to see some of the Farm and then find time to visit this idyllic spot located in Greeneville in Northeast Tennessee.
I recently wrote an article about Suzanne Barrett Justis Fine Art Studio and Gallery in Kingsport, Tennessee. I thought that you might like to see more samples of her work.
This little bird is frequently mistaken for a goldfinch.
I got a new kitten after having to have Kelley put to sleep. All this little one has done is bring laughter and joy into our home.
Go Green, Save Green. GreenHeat Stove & Appliance promotes the use of wood pellets to reduce energy costs and your carbon footprint.
Suzanne Barrett Justis is well-know in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia for her oil paintings of animals, wildlife, landscapes, and most recently portraits of children
Learn how to tell if your houseplants are getting too little or too much water.
Most houseplants must have at least 40-percent humidity in order to do well. Low humidity, especially as occurs in homes during the winter, can cause your plants to suffer.
Have you ever wondered what some of those amendments you are told to add to your soils actually do? Well, wonder no more!
Pre-packaged potting mixes can cost you quite a lot of money over time; however, you can make your own and save.
Cloves have been popular in the kitchen for centuries. They also have medicinal uses.
Myrrh is more than just a gift given to the Christ Child. It also has medicinal uses.
You do not have to suffer wading through crowds of shoppers during the holidays.
This easy-to-make, all-natural inhaler is a "must-have" through the cold and flu season.
This bird is known for laying its eggs in nests belonging to other birds.
Photos of some of the birds about which I have written in my "Bird Watching" series of articles.
While cord grass can be invasive, you may still want to find a place for it in your garden because of the great color it provides throughout the year.
This easy-to-make body paste is ideal for those who are interested in all-natural skin care.
Incorporate any of these blue-colored ornamental grasses into your landscape to add a cool and relaxing feel to your garden.
Switch grass is a hardy ornamental grass that can bring some great color to the fall garden.
Give your fellow employees great Christmas gifts by spending five dollars or less.
This most popular of all game birds is experiencing a decline in its numbers.
Give your birds a treat by offering them some of these different types of foods.
You might want to just buy this herb at your local health food or herbal store rather than trying to grow it in your own herb garden.
Every forested area of North America has some version of a tanager. The summer tanager is the one most common to the southeastern part of the country.
The little barn swallow is probably the most common swallow in North American and will travel thousands of miles when migrating.
Most plants will adapt to an all-water environment. This is an easy way to grow houseplants, especially for those too busy to care for their plants or for those who think they can grow nothing.
This tiny owl does not really screech. It is also probably the most common owl found in the southeastern portion of the United States.
In the southern parts of the United States, you will know that winter has arrived when flocks of juncos arrive in your yard.
Herbal vinegar is a great all-purpose cleanser. It is also eco-friendly and inexpensive.
This kingfisher is actually quite common throughout the United States and parts of Canada. Spend some time watching them fish whenever you spot them near a body of water.
The American kestrel, also known as the sparrow hawk, is the smallest of the North American falcons.
Glühwein is what Germans call mulled spiced wine. Whatever the name, this is a great warm drink for cold winter evenings or to serve your guests at Christmas.
This development company is doing a great deal to improve the downtown area of Kingsport, Tennessee, by encouraging businesses to invest and bring employment to the area.
Do not confuse this bird with the wood thrush.
This herb has been associated with witches and witchcraft for centuries; however, there is so much more to this winter-blooming shrub.
These herbs can actually help get rid of headaches -- even migraines.
Ginger can quickly alleviate the awful feeling caused by an upset stomach. It is also excellent to use during the cold and flu season. Candied ginger does make the "medicine" go down much easier.
This is an easy recipe for fresh pineapple. Warning! This could be addictive.
This is a great-tasting tea that is extremely high in vitamin C -- perfect for the cold and flu season.
This is a great hand cream, especially for skin that is bothered by the cold weather or for mature skin.
I always loved it when my mom would make this baked acorn squash. Little did I know that it was actually pretty good for me. Maybe you can fool your own kids.
Here are some houseplants that could harm your cats. I have included my own experiences with the co-mingling of houseplants and cats, too.
This recipe is a great way to make a healthy and tasty side dish for your holiday dinners.
This is a wonderful bookstore that every bibliophile will absolutely love. You can also save money on gifts for the book-lover in your life by shopping Mr. K's.
This woodpecker and its cousin the "red-shafted" flicker are common throughout North America. Look for them on the ground, though, instead of in trees.
The Peerless is one of the finest restaurants in Northeast Tennessee.
Both apple cider vinegar and yarrow are great to use for oily skin. These two remedies are easy to make and can be used regularly.
Palms are easy to grow; however, I have seen too many palms that are grown in the wrong conditions, leaving them quite sad-looking.
This has to be one of the easiest -- if not the easiest -- houseplants to grow. You can even grow pothos in water.
Many communities are now sponsoring websites that offer money savings coupons to consumers. One such community is Kingsport, Tennessee.
Having beautiful houseplants is really not that difficult. Keep these 5 things in mind, and you will soon being growing plants like a pro.
This plant is surprisingly easy-to-grow and has some interesting foliage to add to your collection of houseplants
This is an extremely easy plant to grow and to keep looking great indoors during the winter months.
This Kingsport consignment store features "newly new" consignment home furnishings and is a decorator's delight.
Do not forget to take care of your feathered friends during the cold winter months.
This great late-night restaurant located in Downtown Johnson City in the Tri-Cities area of Northeast Tennessee serves up some unique and great-tasting food for the night owls.
You might think that coleus is an annual that can only be grown outside during the summer. This plant, however, can work very well indoors and give you some great color, too.
The 'Purple Heart' and 'Purple Passion' are two great houseplants to add to your collection, which will also add some color to your overall interior landscaping scheme.
There are some very common problems that can lead to the languishing or even the demise of your houseplants. Learn how these problems can be easily solved.
Twitter can be a great promotional tool for writers on Associated Content. Send me a tweet to let me know what you think.
If you think you can never have beautiful hanging baskets in your home, prove yourself wrong by trying these two great houseplants.
You do not have to spend a fortune shopping for Christmas. Here are 5 easy ways to save money this holiday season.
Rachel's Daughter is a great family-owned business in the Tri-Cities area of Northeast Tennessee, featuring unique and unusual gift items and items for home decor for the holiday season.
Fall is a great time for planting and dividing. Here are some of the various lilies that I have in my garden that I will be dividing this fall. I have daylilies, Asiatic lilies, and Oriental lilies.
You can find "a little bit of everything" at BJ's Thrift and More in Northeast Tennessee. Perhaps there is a great thrift store in your own area.
It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between the hairy woodpecker and the downy woodpecker.
This pasta recipe is ridiculously easy to make and tastes too good to be good for you.
This is a very popular houseplant and more carefree than you might sometimes think.
This area farm offers a great corn maze, Trail of Terror, and so much more. A great stop for the entire family this Halloween.
Usually barefoot ... always changing.
This is one of the most popular figs for home decor, but many people have trouble with its dropping leaves. Learn how to care for this plant and prevent leaf drop.
This is the most popular of the ornamental grasses and makes quite a show in fall and winter gardens.
Want to have the best ever Halloween party? Invite these creatures of the night to attend.
Throw out the measuring cup and jump right in to make this chili that will light up your taste buds!
For the person who is convinced they cannot grow anything, these three houseplants are just for you!
This is a very distinctive-looking bird with a rather distinctive, laid-back personality.
Commonly known as pot marigold, calendula is a great herb to use for culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes.
These woodpeckers are not as common as they once were. Unfortunately, you are more likely to see them dead on the roadside.
This is the smallest and the most common of all of the woodpeckers.
Get lost in a haunted corn maze this Halloween! It is fun for the entire family.
This great shop offers so much more than just antiques and primitives.
This easy-to-make facial is great for oily or problem skin.
These are some of the daffodils that appear each spring in my garden. You might decide to plant some of these in your own. Daffodil bulbs should be planted late in the fall after the ground has cooled.
I bet you never knew that coffee could not only get you going in the morning but that it was also good for your skin.
Consignment and thrift stores offer gently-used merchandise at a fraction of the price of new. In addition, consumers can actually make a little extra money by consigning with or selling to these shops.
The author decides to keep herself amused.
This is an extremely easy side dish for your Thanksgiving dinner. It's also healthy and low-cal with lots of flavor.
From large corporations to smaller offices, Alpha Services is the one cleaning service for them all. They are reliable, dependable, and believe in honesty and integrity.
This is an easy way to cook up some apples. Bourbon is the key to the flavor. Oh, and real butter.
This facial mask containing parsley, spinach, and oatmeal is great for almost all types of skin.
Never, ever have a dry turkey ever again! Oh, yes, by the way, you can serve it with some great-tasting mashed potatoes.
Even if you do not live in the tropics, you can create a tropical garden in your own yard.
This family-owned and operated winery is nestled in the mountains of Appalachia and offers some truly wonderful wines.
If you are ever in Kingsport, Tennessee, be sure to visit the little yellow house that is home to Sally's Treasures full of unique fashions for women and children.
Here are a couple of great herbal gift ideas that you can easily make for Christmas gifts.
A great locally-owned business in Northeast Tennessee takes an holistic approach to pet grooming and health care.
You can create an interesting garden using just one type of plant -- the fern. However, the trick is to use different varieties of this plant.
Ever wonder what to do with that herb you often find in the spice rack you just bought?
Can't sleep? One of these 3 herbs may be just the answer and have you dreaming sweetly once again.
Rocky Mount was established in 1770-1772. The Rocky Mount Historical Association eventually opened the homestead to the public. This is a great place for the entire family to visit.
Purple foliage can over contrast and add depth to your landscape, but you should always show restraint.
Dill is not just for dips and sauces. This ancient herb also has its medicinal uses.
Locally-owned small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy. They deserve our support.
The concepts of balance and harmony encompassed in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine offers lessons for us all. Here is a very brief overview of this holistic form of healing.
Phytochemicals are those chemicals found in herbs that help to protect us from various diseases.
Heirloom plants offer excellent flavor and are extremely hardy. Learn more about heirloom pumpkins and squash, which belong to an ancient family of plants.
Cyclamens are great plants for the woodland garden and for color in the fall landscape.
Enjoy blooms in winter by planting the Christmas rose, a plant dating back to about 9500 B.C.
The hardy hibiscus, sometimes called a dinner-plate hibiscus because of the size of its blooms, is great for the fall garden.
As the blooms on your summer perennials begin to fade, enjoy the brilliant colors of autumn by creating your own fall garden.
Yellow is such a happy color and can bring light to even the darkest areas of your landscape.
There are numerous fall craft fairs throughout Northeast Tennessee celebrating the heritage of Appalachia. Here are just a few that you will definitely want to attend.
The author is still in a state of avoidance.
The author continues to take a break from any "serious" writing.
The author rebels for just a moment.
Christmas gift-giving is not about how much money you spend. It is about sharing all that is special about the holiday. Share something special by making your own unique herbal gifts.
Developed during the Great Plague of London in 1665, this potent antibacterial, antiviral herbal remedy may not protect you from the plague; but it could protect you from fleas and ticks.
Help for relieving the symptoms of colds and flu may be as close as your own herb garden.
The so-called Birther Movement is composed primarily of extreme-right wing members of the Republican party and are conspiracy nuts, who are never confused by the facts.
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