Thursday, November 21
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Garden

Bee-Friendly Gardens – Plants and Design Tips to Support Pollinators

Bee-Friendly Gardens – Plants and Design Tips to Support Pollinators

Garden
Bees need flowers that bloom continuously through the growing season, such as Evolution(tm) Fiesta Coneflowers and wild columbine perennials. Bumblebees and certain solitary bees prefer ground nesting, so provide hiding places such as hollow logs and dead plant material for them. Increase the blooming season in your garden with spring bulbs, hellebores and crocuses as well as late-season favorites like irises, lilyturf and Joe Pye weed. Avoid pesticide use where possible; if necessary use spray only early morning or dusk. Nectar-Rich Plants Pollinators need flowers that produce abundant nectar to survive in your garden, so consider planting a range of blooming species at various times throughout the year so each pollinator has access to food sources all year long. Choose nativ...
Garden Lighting Ideas – Enhancing Your Outdoor Space at Night

Garden Lighting Ideas – Enhancing Your Outdoor Space at Night

Garden
Garden lighting ideas should strike a balance between practical and decorative purposes. For example, solar-powered crackle glass orbs that double as a wind chime provide ambience while helping to illuminate pathways and keep after-dark visitors safe from tripping hazards. A well-placed light can dramatically alter the appearance of a plant, object or feature. Lighting from front, side and back can wash them with a soft glow, define shape or cast dramatic shadows. Upcycled Lanterns Clever lighting can transform your garden into a sociable gathering space well after the sun goes down. Discreet up-lighting can enhance the shape of trees and planting, throwing their silhouettes into relief and transforming fountains into dynamic sparkling features. Use lights to mark pathways, pr...
How to Use Your Garden to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

How to Use Your Garden to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Garden
A well-maintained landscape is one of the best ways to improve curb appeal. Regularly mowing the lawn, removing weeds and debris from pathways and clearing away fallen leaves helps your garden look neat and tidy. A fresh coat of paint on your mailbox or front door also makes a big difference. New light fixtures are another quick, budget-friendly fix that amplifies your home's exterior. 1. Flowering Shrubs A luscious garden filled with flowering shrubs is one of the best ways to increase your home's curb appeal. These eye-catching plants are easy to grow and make the perfect compliment to any front yard landscape. Keep in mind the size the shrubs will be at maturity before you select them to ensure they fit with the proportions of your home. For instance, small flowers don't wo...
The Benefits of Companion Planting Improve Garden Health and Yield

The Benefits of Companion Planting Improve Garden Health and Yield

Garden
Plants benefit each other in a number of ways. These relationships can enhance the health of garden crops, provide support or shade and attract or deter pests. For example, corn and beans in a “Three Sisters” garden serve as natural trellises for the smaller beans and squash while adding nitrogen to the soil. The dappled shade from the taller corn plants also helps suppress weeds and keep the ground cool. Attracts Beneficial Insects The first thing that comes to mind when people think of companion planting is insect pest control. Many plants naturally repel insects or trap them, and when planted near vegetables, help to prevent pests from damaging the crop. Strongly scented plants like marigolds Calendula officinalis, garlic chives Allium tuberosum and lavender Lavandula angus...
Modern Farmhouse Style: Tips for Incorporating This Trend Into Your Home

Modern Farmhouse Style: Tips for Incorporating This Trend Into Your Home

Garden
Add modern farmhouse elements such as wide plank flooring and exposed ceiling beams for an instant home makeover. Incorporating rustic textures like reclaimed wood pieces is also great way to give any room character. Layering neutral paint colors like whites and soft beiges helps emphasize the modern aspect of this style, but you could also introduce light grays for contrast. A-Frame Roof Since Chip and Joanna Gaines first broke onto the design scene with Fixer Upper in 2013, modern farmhouse decor has seen tremendous popularity. This style combines rustic charm with contemporary sophistication by using natural textures like rattan and jute alongside fresh whites, natural browns, and muted grays for its design aesthetic. Wall treatments can add modern farmhouse character to yo...
Gardening and Landscaping Ideas For Your Home

Gardening and Landscaping Ideas For Your Home

Garden
If you're looking to spruce up your home or sell it, landscaping and gardening are an ideal way to make it more inviting. Not only does this add curb appeal, but it can also increase the value of your house. The initial step in any garden design is creating boundaries, thoroughfares and structures that make the space feel functional. Consider adding paths, patios, steps or ramps for easier navigation through your yard. Curb Appeal Curb appeal is an invaluable way to attract potential buyers and boost your home's value. Therefore, taking care of the exterior of your house should be a top priority. Planting ideas for your front yard can range from traditional shrubs and flowers to creative containers in vivid hues. No matter which design you opt for, always have a focal point an...
Home Garden Advantages

Home Garden Advantages

Garden
Whether you're considering growing a home garden to reduce your carbon footprint or simply as a way to improve your health and self-esteem, you'll find several benefits to growing a garden. Not to mention the fact that it can be a great way to spend some quality time with the family. Reduces your carbon footprint A home garden can help you reduce your carbon footprint in a number of ways. For one, it can help you reduce your energy consumption and mowing time. The use of large mowers emits carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is why it is best to avoid them. Another great way to reduce your carbon footprint is by using human-powered tools instead of gasoline-powered ones. Another great way to reduce your carbon footprint is to reduce the area of your lawn that needs to be mowed...
Low Maintenance Indoor Plants

Low Maintenance Indoor Plants

Garden
If you are looking for a low maintenance indoor plant that thrives in a small space, look no further. Monsteras are one of the best choices. They can be grown in large pots and have an amazing tropical look. These plants are known for dehumidifying and air purifying properties. They also improve the appearance of any environment. They are very low maintenance and can thrive in any indoor environment. They don't require any watering and can even be propagated by placing the seedlings in water, which will cause the roots to grow and eventually make the plants. Another great low maintenance plant option is the snake plant, also known as Sansevieria trifasciata. Its stiff, sword-like leaves are a stunning feature of this plant. It requires little care at all and will often go a month witho...
How to Choose a Backyard Water Fountain

How to Choose a Backyard Water Fountain

Garden
A backyard water fountain can be a beautiful and cost-effective addition to your home. Not only will it add a beautiful focal point to your outdoor space, but it also adds ambiance and tranquility to the area. You can purchase a fountain for around $100 or less and have it up and running within a day. It will also make your garden look much more beautiful than it already is. You can find several different styles, colors, and materials, and you can even customize it according to your preferences. Many people are now adding water features to their homes. They are creating relaxing spaces for their families, while attracting wildlife to their backyard. Depending on your preference, you can even incorporate plants or fish to the water feature to attract local wildlife. Plants are very low-...
Best And Beautiful Small Garden Ideas For Home

Best And Beautiful Small Garden Ideas For Home

Garden
There are many small garden ideas to suit any style of home, and there are ways to make them more stylish. By putting a little bit of thought into the layout, even the smallest garden can become a peaceful oasis. Here are some of the best options. Using creative, well-placed potted plants and flowering shrubs, you can create a colourful and peaceful outdoor space. Creating a reading nook or a sunken garden in your small garden will help you make the most of the space. Consider incorporating water features and clean lines. A rectilinear design creates order, while flowing organic curves soften awkward angles. Keep your colors to two or three shades of green to reduce visual clutter. Framed views are a great way to create a sense of depth. You can also create a gnome garden. Whatever you...