Price: $24.99 (as of Nov 26, 2025 21:23:23 UTC – Details)
Features: The strength bands can be applied for a variety of sports activities, as well as muscle building, body flexibility training, like weightlifting, yoga, Pilates, weightlifting and more. The exercise resistance bands can be regarded as delicate gifts for sports enthusiasts, athletes and more, quality and serviceable. Specifications: Material: quality TPE material Color: yellow Resistance strength: 25 lbs Package includes: 20 x Resistance bands Notes: Manual measurement, please allow slight errors on size. The color may exist a slight difference due to different screen displays Quality Materials for Durability and Safety: our resistance bands crafted from quality TPE material; These bands offer strength, longevity, and safety during vigorous training sessions; They are designed to withstand a resistance strength of 25 lbs without losing their shape or elasticity; Sturdy yet flexible material which ensures a dependable and long lasting exercise companion Unleash Your Maximum Strength: with a resistance strength of 25 lbs, our exercise bands resistance bands set allows you to push your limits and strengthen your muscles; They add a major boost to your exercise by providing a healthy tension which effectively engages your muscles and enhances both strength and stamina Versatile Tool for a Wide Range of Exercises: challenge your routine to a welcome diversity with our tension bands for exercise; They are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a wide assortment of exercises, providing functionality and effectiveness in one handy package; They can be a trainer for sport specific training, or a booster for body weight exercises, yoga, and Pilates; A fundamental attribute that caters to all types of athletes Bulk Package: our package comes with 20 exercise bands, allowing you to never run out of exercise options; With such a generous quantity, you will be well equipped to perform countless exercises and routines; Achieving your fitness goals have never been this convenient; Plus, it offers a great solution particularly for fitness trainers and large groups Reliable and Nice Performance: with our resistance band, you can trust on their rugged resilience during the most demanding exercises; Our bands are ensured to withstand the force and pressure of regular, intensive use, suitable for seasoned athletes
Customers say
Customers find the resistance bands effective, with one mentioning they are perfect for their XC team. They consider the product worth the price, with one noting it’s a great purchase for coaches and trainers.
A box of Ozempic at a pharmacy in Los Angeles on Aug. 6, 2025.
Eric Thayer/Bloomberg via Getty Images
hide caption
toggle caption
Eric Thayer/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The federal government has announced the results of the latest round of Medicare drug price negotiations: 15 lower drug prices for Medicare to go into effect in 2027.
Medicare will get a 71% discount on Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, blockbuster drugs for obesity and Type 2 diabetes that have current list prices of around a thousand dollars a month.
The negotiations also included drugs for asthma, breast cancer and leukemia. The discounts ranged from 38% for Austedo, which treats Huntington’s disease, to 85% for Janumet for Type 2 diabetes.
“President Trump directed us to stop at nothing to lower health care costs for the American people,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., in a press release. “As we work to Make America Healthy Again, we will use every tool at our disposal to deliver affordable health care to seniors.”
The program that covers drugs for more than 50 million seniors negotiated its first batch of drug prices last year, after the passage of the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act in 2022.
A provision of that law, passed without Republican support, ended Medicare’s 20-year ban on negotiating drug prices.
Negotiations for this second batch of 15 drugs wrapped up at the end of October.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) say the new, lower Medicare prices would have saved the program $12 billion dollars if the lower negotiated prices had been in effect in 2024.
The latest negotiated prices are great news for taxpayers and patients, says Dr. Benjamin Rome, health policy researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Federal taxpayers fund much of Medicare, but beneficiaries also must pay copays and coinsurance.
“This is more savings than the first round, but a lot of that has to do with the nature of the drugs being negotiated this year and probably some learning from experience,” he says.
Drugs were selected earlier this year based on criteria written into the law. They had to have no generic or biosimilar competition, account for a high amount of Medicare spending and be on the market for a number of years.
The lower Ozempic and Wegovy prices follow a separate deal the Trump administration announced on Nov. 6 with Novo Nordisk, which makes both drugs.
That deal was part of the president’s push to get drug companies to voluntarily lower their U.S. prices to match those in other developed countries.
But, confusingly, the discounts from the Medicare negotiations were less significant than what Novo Nordisk agreed to give Medicare as part of the Nov. 6 deal.
That previous deal set a price of $245 dollars a month for Ozempic and Wegovy. But according to the negotiated prices announced this week, the prices of Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus — the company’s Type 2 diabetes pill — will be $274 a month.
“It’s not clear why Novo [Nordisk] would promise a different price in two different venues,” Rome says.
In a company statement, Novo Nordisk explained that it “look[s] forward to additional clarity from CMS on how pricing and coverage will work.”
The separate Trump Administration deal “reflects a broader effort to expand access to obesity care across Medicare and Medicaid,” the statement said.
(The deal expanded access in those two programs to the drugs to people with a body mass index of over 35 and people with BMIs above 27 who have additional health conditions. But the details of exactly how this will work remain unclear.)
The Novo Nordisk statement affirmed that the company is committed to advocating for affordable access to its medications, but “we continue to have serious concerns about the Inflation Reduction Act’s impact on patients and remain opposed to government price setting.”
AARP, an advocacy group for the 125 million Americans who are 50 and older, was pleased with the results of the negotiations.
“Today’s announcement marks yet another significant next step forward in our long-standing efforts to lower prescription drug prices,” AARP’s CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan said in a statement.
“Older Americans across the political spectrum consistently say lower drug prices are a top priority, and these negotiated prices will bring meaningful relief to millions of people on Medicare.”
The most common question among those who are raising chickens for the first time is how cold they can tolerate.
It is evident because colder weather in a few zones is harsh and makes it difficult for chickens.
Can insulating the chicken coop or running a heat lamp ensure that the ideal temperature is maintained?
Though chickens are resilient by nature, as winter rolls around, you should ensure the flocks are healthy and comfortable.
First, you need to know how much cold chickens can tolerate so you can act accordingly to provide ideal temperatures for your flock’s well-being.
In this write-up, you’ll learn cold tolerance signs of too much cold and proper care tips during winter.
By nature, chickens are equipped to handle colder temperatures, but when winter hits and the temperature outside drops 35F, then it can be uncomfortable for your flocks.
Ignoring extreme cold temperatures can cause low performance and even death in chickens.
So, the first step is to choose winter-hardy breeds to grow. Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Ameraucana, and Orpington are known to overwinter.
Prepare the chicken coop by insulating, providing roosts, keeping the coop ventilated, providing the required heat through radiant heaters, and regularly cleaning chicken manure.
As the feeding intake of chicken increases in cold, give a balanced diet to your flocks.
Cold temperatures can freeze water; regularly check the water and replace it if needed.
How Cold Can Chickens Tolerate?
By nature, chickens are tolerant of cold temperatures, thanks to their feathers, which act as insulation.
For most breeds, temperatures in the range of 32 to 10F can be uncomfortable but not immediately harmful.
Chickens use their feathers to trap warm air next to their bodies, which helps them stay cosy even in freezing weather.
That said, some chicken breeds, like Silkies or Bantams, might be more vulnerable to the cold because they have less feather coverage or smaller body masses.
Larger, more cold-hardy breeds, such as Buff Orpingtons, Rhode Island Reds, or Plymouth Rocks, tend to manage cold temperatures much better.
At night, chickens experience colder temperatures since they’re less active and tend to huddle together on their roosts.
Nighttime temperatures dropping into the 20F range are typically tolerable for most chickens. Still, when the thermometer dips lower—into the teens or single digits—your chickens may struggle to maintain their body heat.
Any temperature consistently below 0F is too cold for chickens without proper intervention, as this can lead to frostbite and hypothermia.
Chickens have various ways of showing they’re feeling the chill, and as a responsible owner, it’s essential to recognize these signs early on to prevent any severe health problems.
1. Fluffed Feathers
One of the first signs your chickens are too cold is when they puff up their feathers.
Chickens do this to trap more air between their feathers, creating insulation. While it’s normal to see them puffing up occasionally, if they’re constantly fluffed up, they may be struggling to stay warm.
2. Lethargy or Huddling Together
If your chickens seem less active and spend most of their time huddled in groups, especially in corners of the coop or near heat sources, it’s a sign that they’re trying to conserve body heat.
This behaviour is a natural way for them to stay warm, but it also means they’re battling cold temperatures.
3. Cold Feet and Combs
You can check a chicken’s comb and feet to determine if it’s suffering from a cold. When chickens are cold, their combs and wattles may turn pale or dark, and their feet might feel cold to the touch.
These are areas prone to frostbite in extreme cold, so it’s essential to monitor them closely during the winter.
4. Shivering or Shaking
Chickens, like other animals, may shiver or shake when they’re cold. This is their body’s way of generating heat, but prolonged shivering is a sign that they’re not able to maintain a safe body temperature.
5. Decreased Egg Production
Cold temperatures can also lead to a drop in egg production. If your hens are laying fewer eggs than usual, it might be a sign they’re expending more energy on keeping warm than on laying eggs.
Winter care for chickens involves a few key steps to ensure your flock remains healthy, warm, and productive despite the cold. Below are some essential tips to care for your chickens during winter months.
1. Provide Proper Coop Insulation
One of the most effective ways to help your chickens stay warm is by ensuring their coop is well-insulated.
You don’t need to completely seal off the coop (good ventilation is still essential to prevent moisture build-up), but insulating the walls, roof, and windows can help maintain a more stable temperature inside.
Use straw, wood shavings, or even foam boards to add insulation.
2. Use Deep Litter Bedding
Deep litter bedding is a method where you allow bedding material like straw or wood shavings to accumulate on the floor of the coop.
As the bedding breaks down, it generates a small amount of heat, helping to keep the coop warmer. Plus, it provides your chickens with a soft, insulating floor to walk on.
3. Provide Extra Heat Sources (if needed)
In icy regions, or if the temperatures dip significantly below freezing for extended periods, you may want to consider using a heat lamp or other safe heat source.
However, this should be done with caution, as heat lamps can be a fire hazard. If you do use one, ensure it is securely mounted and placed far enough away from any flammable materials.
4. Ensure Proper Ventilation
While it’s tempting to seal up the coop to keep the heat in, adequate ventilation is essential for your chickens’ health.
Moisture from their breath and droppings can accumulate in a tightly sealed coop, leading to frostbite and respiratory issues.
Make sure there are vents near the top of the coop to allow humid air to escape without creating drafts.
5. Keep Water From Freezing
Chickens need access to fresh water year-round, but in winter, it can be challenging to prevent their water from freezing.
You can use heated water or place their water source inside the coop, where it’s less likely to freeze. Another option is to bring out fresh, unfrozen water several times a day.
6. Boost Their Caloric Intake
Chickens burn more calories in the winter to stay warm, so it’s essential to provide them with extra food. In the evening, you can offer scratch grains or cracked corn, which helps them generate body heat overnight.
Also, ensure they have access to high-quality layer feed to maintain their health and egg production during the colder months.
Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your chickens’ combs and wattles can help prevent frostbite.
Frostbite commonly affects these areas because they’re exposed to the cold. Ensure the coop floor is dry and avoid standing water, as wet feet are more susceptible to freezing.
Chickens naturally perch off the ground at night to avoid the cold earth. Make sure they have adequate space to perch, as their bodies will cover their feet, keeping them warm and protected from the cold.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chickens can handle cold weather pretty well, but they need a dry, draft-free coop with good ventilation to stay comfortable.
Keep an eye out for signs that they’re too cold, like puffed-up feathers or low energy, and take steps to prevent frostbite.
Most of the time, extra heat isn’t needed, but if you do use a heater, make sure it’s safe and out of the way. With the proper care, food, and shelter, your chickens can stay healthy and get through the winter just fine.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting
Price: $29.98 - $23.68 (as of Nov 26, 2025 09:22:14 UTC – Details)
Versatility, perfect for any exercise and all fitness enthusiasts: TheFitLife pull up stretch excersize bands are perfect whether for beginners or fitness buffs, men and women. They can perform a variety of exercises, like assisted pull up, chin-ups, cross-training, powerlifing, yoga, pilates, also perfect for physical rehabilitation. Effective and durable home gym equipment that can help to improve your strength and range of motion across all major muscle groups Premium materials to ensure maximum life, health and safety during use: Our pull-up assistance loop bands are made from high quality latex, they are durable, comfortable, environmentally suitable and skin friendly. These resistance weight bands will not break, snap or roll when doing exercise, they can stay strong and retain elasticity even after repeated stretching, avoiding injury from sudden snaps Protable and compact, excersize anytime, anywhere: These portable workout bands allow you exercise in anywhere, not only are they ideal fitness equipment for home gym, but also good for travelling and business trips. They take up essentially no space, can go easily into your backpack or suitcase. Just combining with pull up bar, exercise equipment or any fixed and stable objects, you can quickly transform your surroundings into the most effective gym Four levels of resistant for customized workout: Our pull up assist bands included four levels of resistance and you are free to switch and choose the resistance level that suits you. Red: 15-35 lbs, Black: 50-75 lbs, Purple: 75-120 lbs, Green: 120-175 lbs. You can gradually increase your resistance through training. It offers you endless possibilities that are just waiting for you to discover Get your complete resistance bands set now: You’ll feel 100% satisfaction from the moment you received the pull up exercising bands set. They are available in red, black, purple and green colors. We are quite sure that you will be super-impressed with the durability, portability, versatility and high quality of our pull up assist bands
Customers say
Customers find these resistance bands to be solid and versatile, suitable for both home and gym workouts. They provide the right amount of resistance, are easy to use, and offer good value for money. The durability receives mixed feedback – while some say they last a long time, others report them breaking violently after 3-4 months.
It’s no secret that I’m an avid coffee drinker, even if I don’t drink it everyday. I’ve written many posts on the health benefits and controversies of coffee and have a podcast episode on my favorite mushroom coffee. And I have lots (and I do mean LOTS!) of recipes for my favorite coffee shop style drinks. So when I realized I could easily make my own festive peppermint mocha creamer, I was thrilled!
Peppermint Mocha Creamer
Store-bought coffee creamer comes in so many fun flavors. There’s the Chobani peppermint mocha creamer and even Starbucks has their own line of creamers. It’s kind of a bummer they’re so full of ingredients I try to avoid. Ingredients like carrageenan, high-fructose corn syrup, and hydrogenated oils.
And while many stores now have simpler coffee creamer with cleaner ingredients, they still have some downsides. This healthier peppermint mocha creamer is simple, easy, and tastes even better!
Dairy-Free Creamer Options
This coffee creamer is paleo and dairy-free thanks to its coconut milk base. I prefer using coconut milk for my peppermint mocha creamer since it’s naturally so thick and creamy. I like to add healthy fats to my coffee anyway. If you’d rather use a different milk, feel free. Oat milk and cashew milk are especially creamy options.
I add a little peppermint extract for flavor and maple syrup for natural sweetness. If you’re looking for a sugar free peppermint mocha creamer, try liquid stevia instead. Both the sweetener and flavor can be adjusted to suit your tastes. Want to try a different flavor? Simply swap out the peppermint for another extract, like vanilla, almond, or orange.
Peppermint Mocha Creamer Recipe
Dairy-free coffee creamer made with coconut milk, peppermint extract, and a touch of maple syrup.
Warm the can of coconut milk in a bowl of hot water for about 5 minutes to make it easier to pour.
In a pint-size mason jar, combine the coconut milk, peppermint extract, and maple syrup.
Put a lid on the mason jar and shake vigorously to mix.
Stir into coffee or milk for a festive treat.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and use within 7-10 days.
Nutrition Facts
Peppermint Mocha Creamer Recipe
Amount Per Serving (2 TBSP)
Calories 76 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.3g
Sodium 5mg0%
Potassium 97mg3%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 0.5g2%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin C 0.3mg0%
Calcium 11mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Feel free to adjust the peppermint and syrup up or down to suit your tastes.
Omit the cocoa powder if you just want a peppermint creamer.
How to Use Homemade Coffee Creamer (of Any Flavor!)
The most obvious is, of course, to stir it into a fresh cup of coffee. However, there are a lot of other tasty options as well. I like to use it in leftover chilled coffee or cold brew coffee. It’s also great in tea without the cocoa powder if you’re more of a tea drinker.
My kids love it added to hot chocolate or just cold milk for a festive treat. You can also add it to homemade vanilla ice cream to make a shake.
Try a batch of this healthy creamer with vanilla extract instead of mint over steel cut oats for breakfast. I bet this recipe for gingerbread creamer would be delicious that way too!
More Homemade Hot Beverages to Try
When you’re longing for a hot and tasty beverage (that doesn’t cost $7 or more!) try these:
Side note: Don’t throw out your used coffee grounds — they have lots of uses!
Do you make your own coffee creamer? What’s your favorite flavor?
Generally, western red cedars are healthy trees, especially if you plant them in the right location. However, there are several fungal diseases that can impact stressed plants.
The first is fairly uncommon but incredibly destructive.
Butt and Pocket Rot
Caused by Oligoporus sericeomollis (syn. Poria sericeomollis) and Phellinus pini, butt or pocket rot is a form of heart rot that affects many conifers but is particularly destructive in western red cedar.
In fact, western red cedars are the only living host. Otherwise, these pathogens colonize dead wood.
As the name suggests, it causes pocket-like rot in the “butt,” or the part of the tree just above the roots.
It’s one of the major diseases of western red cedar, but it’s most prevalent in western North America, though it can be found in Europe and Asia.
The pathogens can thrive in both live and decaying wood, but they only breed on dead wood.
Usually, by the time you know anything is going on, the disease will be way too far along to do anything about it.
As such, prevention is key. Avoid wounding your tree, control pests, and remove nearby decaying conifer wood that can harbor spores.
Leaf Blight
Wherever western red cedars grow, leaf blight, sometimes called Keithia blight, can develop.
That’s because the fungus that causes it, Didymascella thujina, is endemic to all the same areas.
Unless you live in a warm, moist environment, it’s fairly rare. It’s more common in coastal, low-elevation areas of the Pacific Northwest.
Whenever the conditions are wet and temperatures above 50°F, the spores will be reproducing and spreading.
Symptoms start with pale patches on young leaves, followed by brown or black spore structures. Infected leaves may turn brown or gray and drop, often making the tree appear scorched.
Older trees are generally less at risk to serious damage, but seedlings can be destroyed.
The cultivars ‘Atrovirens’ and ‘Excelsa’ are most susceptible. If you live in an area where this disease is a common problem, avoid these cultivars.
To prevent infection, maintain good airflow with proper spacing, water at the base, and keep weeds under control.
If needed, treat with copper- or mancozeb-based fungicides during spring and fall, following label directions.
Yellow Ring Rot
Caused by Coniferiporia sulphurascens (formerly Phellinus weirii), yellow ring rot is more severe in firs, Douglas firs, and western hemlock, but can also affect western red cedar.
The pathogen spreads on wood, both living and decaying, so it can spread through roots or wherever wood chips, fallen branches, tree stumps, or closely-spaced trees exist.
Once a tree is infected, it will slowly decline, but you’ll only see the rot if you look at the roots or cut open the tree. The big risk is that the disease will weaken the tree.
While it’s rarely fatal in home landscapes, prevention includes proper spacing, prompt removal of infected wood, and avoiding planting within 200 feet of infected trees.
There is no cure, so focus on maintaining overall tree health.
Embrace the Tree of Life
They are gorgeous, sturdy, and long-lived. Western red cedars are such graceful trees with their lacy leaves and swooping branches.
I’m always in awe of them, whether I encounter one while on a walk in my neighborhood or while hiking in the forests near my house.
Photo by Kristine Lofgren.
I have a towering tree in my backyard that I love to watch during breezy days because it looks like it’s dancing.
How do you plan to enjoy your tree? Is it going to be a focal point of the garden or will you plant a few as a visual barrier between you and a neighbor? Let us know in the comments section below!
Price: $15.99 (as of Nov 25, 2025 21:16:54 UTC – Details)
Resistance Levels: Extra Light (2-4 lbs), Light (6-8 lbs), Medium (10-12 lbs), Heavy (15-20 lbs, and Extra Heavy (25-30 lbs) Comfortable & Non-Slip: The resistance bands are grippy, slip resistant, and will stay comfortably in place during your workout – even when things get sweaty. Three Resistance Levels: Add a little extra weight to your workouts or crank up the intensity. These loop bands come in a set of five weights: Extra Light (2-4 lbs), Light (6-8 lbs), Medium (10-12 lbs), Heavy (15-20 lbs, and Extra Heavy (25-30 lbs). Versatility for Any Workout: These resistance bands add resistance to a variety of different exercises to target specific muscle groups and intensify your workouts. Great for strength & stability training, toning, stretching & mobility exercises, muscle endurance, and more! Durable & Won’t Snap: Made from strong, natural latex, these premium resistance bands are thick, durable, and snap-resistant, so you can focus on your sets without worry. Lightweight & Travel-Friendly: This portable resistance bands set includes five lightweight bands of varying resistance (Extra Light, Light, Medium, Heavy, & Extra Heavy) and a carrying bag for taking your workouts to-go.
Customers say
Customers find the resistance band set to be of good quality, with a pretty color scheme and durability. The thickness receives mixed feedback, with one customer noting that it matches the strength level, while another describes it as paper thin. Customers disagree on the value for money.
Price: $11.90 - $10.71 (as of Nov 25, 2025 08:43:34 UTC – Details)
From the brand
Serious Steel
Find out more about who we are and what we do!
Bands For EVERY Athlete
With 6 levels of varying tensions and multiple lengths available, athletes of all backgrounds can incorporate bands in their training.
5 STAR CUSTOMER REVIEWS:
Real Reviews From Real People
“I really enjoy this band. Very versatile. You can pretty much use it anywhere for most exercises. I would say if you are thinking about getting them you should just get the whole set because you can find an exercise for any band color or work up to them” -Amazon Customers Jeff & Pam
Bands Build Better Workouts
Bands are NOT just for powerlifting! They are ideal for all athletes looking to enhance their training regimens!
5 STAR CUSTOMER REVIEWS:
Real Reviews From Real People
These Serious Steel 41″ bands really stand out! The resistance seems to be ramped up vs other brands I tried.
-Amazon Customer John
Serious Steel Bands
Band Sets, Packs, & More!
Serious Steel Band Accessories
Giving Back
We proudly give back to the community that supports us through donations, sponsorships, & more.
There wouldn’t be an US without YOU!
ABOUT US
We are a small team based in Roanoke, Virginia. We began in 2009 with bands, but over the years have added products based on our own training needs.
We work hard to develop products that serve a real purpose and bring value to your training (regardless of your type or level of training).
Thank you for considering Serious Steel and we hope that our products can help you with your training goals.
NOT FOR PULL UP TRAINING: Primarily designed for those who are under 5’10” (70″). For pull ups, please visit our 41″ Band Listings. You are viewing the 32″ #0 Orange Resistance Training Band (Not for pull ups) 2 – 15 lbs NEXT LEVEL RESISTANCE TRAINING: Are the standard 41″ bands too long for you? Do you find yourself not getting enough resistance or tension at the beginning of the exercise? The Serious Steel 32″ bands are specifically designed for resistance training, especially for those who are under 6 feet tall. These band also work great with different resistance board systems. A COMPLETE HOME GYM: Bands range from 2 lbs (#0) to 200 lbs (#6) of tension. Made with 15 layers of continuous latex, these bands are made to endure tough workouts. If doing overhead movements, such as presses, or squats, consider the 41″ bands. PORTABLE AND FUNCTIONAL: Take the bands anywhere – can be easily used while traveling, at home, at the gym, warming up and more. If using with a workout board system, or resistance training board system, please be aware you MUST use a Band Guard to prevent bands from becoming damaged on the corners of the sharp edges of resistance band board systems.
Customers say
Customers find these resistance bands to be of good quality and sturdy, with one mentioning they work well for chest presses. The tension level receives positive feedback, with customers noting a quick tension curve. However, customers disagree on the resistance level and size, with several finding them too short.
As we barrel towards the holidays and another great gardening season is in our rearview mirror, it’s a great time to go through our photos from this year and reflect on the successes and failures. One gardener who is doing just that is Kathleen Shelman in Port Townsend, Washington. We’ve seen favorite selections from Kathleen’s garden a couple of times in the past (Kathleen’s Favorite Gold Plants and Blues from Kathleen’s Garden), but last year we were introduced to her brand new meadow garden (Check out that post here: Kathleen’s New Meadow Garden in Washington). After its second season of unbelievable growth, she has shared the changes that have taken place from the first blooms of early summer to the grasses and seed heads that keep interest going into fall. See what she loved about the garden this year, and the edits she is already planning for the next growing season.
Hello! This is the second summer for my new garden in Port Townsend, Washington. A little over a year ago, we downsized from our 1 acre garden outside of Portland, Oregon and moved north to a quarter acre city lot. The back half was mine to landscape. The entire lot was covered with failing wild cherry trees, blackberries, and wild roses. We removed them all, tilled the sandy soil and added several truckloads of compost. I divided the garden into three sections, a vegetable garden, a meadow and a shade garden. I brought many plants with me from my previous garden so the garden was basically free to me. The first picture shows the meadow section, with my grid plan applied with spray paint. In the meadow, I planted the more informal perennials from my previous border and a variety of grasses.
In the first summer, everything came up and was quite robust, but not everything flowered. The second summer, everybody showed up.
In the early part of the summer, the perennials were the most visible, but as the season progressed the grasses began to make their presence felt.
I particularly liked this combination of ‘Loraine Sunshine’ false sunflower(Heliopsis ‘Helhan’, Zone 3–9)and ‘Plant World Jewels’ dierama(Dierama ‘Plant World Jewels’, Zone 7–10).
I had originally planned to allow only orange, yellow, and blue/purple flowers in the meadow, but I have loved having the queen of the prairie (Filipendula rubra, Zone 3–8), particularly as the seed heads last long after the flowers are gone.
By summer‘s end, the grasses were the main feature. I had originally planned to leave all seed heads until February, but have found that I needed to remove some of the over-seeders.
The seed heads of the actaea proved to be a delight, and the birds seem to love them.
I have enjoyed this garden immensely, and look forward to seeing what it will do in the future. My original goal of staking nothing and editing nothing has already been shown to be unworkable. I will always need to cut back some of the earlier perennials to save the lives of those who come later, and I am also going to need to stake up some of the more robust plants and grasses so they don’t overwhelm their neighbors. But overall, I’m happy with the way this has worked out!
Thank you so much for this fabulous update on your garden, Kathleen! It’s a great insight into these kinds of plantings to hear how your plan is working or not working, and seeing the gorgeous results.
Did you make any major garden changes this year? Maybe you planted up some new beds this spring, or made some maintenance changes this summer that resulted in bigger blooms and happier plants. Let us know in the comments how your growing season went, or consider sharing a reflection on your 2025 garden with the blog! Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.
We want to see YOUR garden!
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master’s Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library.
Razor-Back Potato/Refuse Hook
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Berry & Bird Rabbiting Spade, Trenching Shovel
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Ideal Tool for All Gardeners Use: Our heavy duty trenching shovel is designed by a professional gardening tool designer. Lifetime Durability: This heavy duty drain spade is made of high-quality stainless steel, it is very strong and durable, even if it is used for high-strength work, it will not bend. Ergonomic Wood Handle: The handle of this planting spade is made of ash hardwood harvested from FSC-certified forests and has an ergonomically streamlined design, making it very suitable for everyone’s hands. Multi-Use: This digging shovel is generally used for digging trenches, digging holes, transplanting, edging, moving compost, cutting thick turf and furrowing. The sharp blade allows you to cut, scoop, dig, lift and dice in hard soil.
Price: $19.99 - $12.79 (as of Nov 24, 2025 20:26:58 UTC – Details)
Introducing our versatile Ankle Resistance Bands with Cuffs! Experience the ultimate in customization with 3 adjustable resistance levels – 10 lbs, 20 lbs, and 30 lbs. Use each band individually or combine them for a maximum resistance of up to 60 lbs. Our high-quality natural rubber construction ensures durability and elasticity, perfect for targeting your legs, buttocks, and hips. Compact and lightweight, these bands are portable and easy to use, making them ideal for home, gym, or travel workouts. Whether you’re aiming for a bikini booty or ripped abs, our ankle bands will help you achieve your fitness goals. Elevate your workouts and get ready to turn heads at your next pool party! 【ACHIEVE FITNESS GOALS WITH EASE】Our adjustable women ankle resistance bands set offer three adjustable resistance levels (10/20/30 lbs, up to 60 lbs). Spend just 15 minutes a day to achieve fuller hips and perfect curves. Flaunt your bikini body and perfect bum at the next pool party! 【DUAL-LAYER SAFETY DESIGN】Our ankle weights resistance bands feature a user-friendly safety sleeve design that prevents accidental snapping and ensures your safety during workouts. The innovative double-layer design protects the natural rubber Resistance Bands from air exposure, increasing durability by 100% compared to single-layer bands—for a safer, longer-lasting training experience. 【VERSATILE TRAINING EQUIPMENT】Specifically designed to effectively target your glutes, legs, and hips, our ankle resistance bands with cuffs are perfect for glute kickbacks, hip thrusts, Pilates routines, and lower body workouts. They offer a versatile and convenient solution to enhance your fitness routine and sculpt a toned lower body—all without the need for bulky equipment (like cable machines, dumbbells, or kettlebells). 【COMFORT AND STABILITY】Breathable mesh panels and ultra-soft neoprene ankle straps offer enhanced comfort, while dual D-rings provide additional stability for leg and booty exercises. Ensure stability during intense leg presses, hip thrusts, and cable kickbacks. 【PORTABLE AND USER-FRIENDLY】 Compact and lightweight, our ankle weights bands are the ideal choice for Pilates enthusiasts, women workout sets, and home gym equipment. Whether you prefer to exercise at home, in the gym, or while traveling, these versatile fitness bands are a convenient addition to your routine. Simply toss them into your bag and stay active wherever you are.
Customers say
Customers find the resistance bands effective and versatile for workouts, with good resistance levels and comfort during use. They appreciate the value for money and ease of use, with one customer noting they’re easy to put on and take off. The durability receives mixed feedback – while some find them super durable, others report them breaking after a few weeks of use.
