From bicycles to surfboards, snow and beach gear to kayaks – where do you put all your sports equipment? Here are five simple storage tips. 1. Beyond the garage Although garages are the most typical storage space for sporting goods, sheds, basements, and outside storage closets are other good options. They all work well for… Read more »
Homeowners generally put time, money and energy into front landscaping that gives their homes great curb appeal or backyards that allows for entertaining in style. But the side yard is often a forgotten netherworld littered with garbage cans, hose reels, and half-hearted landscaping. There’s untapped potential here, so let’s transform that space from awkward to… Read more »
Composting is a hot topic these days with lots of coverage in home and garden media regarding its far-reaching benefits for the earth as well as your own backyard. But what exactly is composting, and why should you do it? Here’s a quick primer spelling out the benefits, how to make it, and more. What… Read more »
Container gardens are a smart way to add seasonal color to a home’s porches, decks, and patios. They’re easy and quick to assemble and relatively affordable. Take care to choose the right pot as well as pick the right plants to achieve your desired look. Here’s a quick tutorial. What is a container garden? A… Read more »
Adding a storm or screen door to your home’s entrance allows you to enjoy the outdoors while keeping unwanted elements out. Let’s look at the options. Let the good in, keep the bad out An outer storm or screen door allows you to secure your home’s entrance while leaving your standard door open. The natural… Read more »
Outdoor Christmas lights can transform your home into an enchanting place. New choices in lighting allow you to create a memorably beautiful display while also saving money. Here’s how. The revolution in holiday lighting Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights are the latest trend in residential holiday lighting. These new lights cost more upfront than incandescents,… Read more »
In most climates, after fall’s riotous hues fade, landscapes become dreary and devoid of color. Whether you live in a snowy or moderate climate, here are some tips for transforming your barren yard with winter plants. Problems winter plants can solve for you Problem: Your grass is hibernating, and your yard looks brown and drab…. Read more »
When residents know each other and spend time together, the entire neighborhood benefits. You could almost say a close-knit neighborhood raises everyone’s property values in an intangible way. Christmas block parties are a great idea for strengthening ties between neighbors and getting to know newcomers. Let’s look at some ideas for building neighborly bonds while… Read more »
Outdoor holiday lights create a festive feel, but animated Christmas decorations can add a magical boost to your display. Here’s how. Two Types of Animated Christmas Decorations Lighted outdoor decorations can be animated in two ways. In one type, lights on a sequential string or circuit flash in a pattern that gives the appearance of… Read more »
You don’t need to hire a professional designer to have a magically festive home that’s the envy of the neighborhood. Here’s how to create a rapturous display with outdoor Christmas decorations. Time for a Decoration Makeover? If you’ve been using the same tired outdoor Christmas decorations for years, break out a new look this year…. Read more »
Even though homeowners get to take the colder months off from lawn mowing, keeping your grass in top-notch condition is a year-long job. Here’s what you need to know to keep the grass green on your side of the fence. Fall Fertilizing Late fall into early winter is a perfect time to fertilize your lawn…. Read more »
Today’s alternative landscapes bring relief from watering lawns and garden maintenance. Let’s see what’s out there. Before you Begin Do your homework. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association it may regulate your choices of plants, use of hardscapes and statuary. Rules requiring native plants are common. Choices for Lawns Eliminating all… Read more »
Tree trimming can be a great DIY project, but it’s also important to know when to call in the pros. Here are a few safety tips and tricks, along with a few hints on when it’s time to let the professionals take over. Reasons to prune. Trees are pruned for three main reasons: appearance, interference… Read more »
Long summer nights and backyard cookouts are hallmarks of a glorious season — minus those pesky bugs and mosquitoes, of course. Follow these simple steps to keep pests at bay without resorting to chemical treatments. Eliminate standing water. Flowerpots, recycling bins, an inflatable pool and a poorly drained yard are all potential breeding spots for… Read more »
Although dogs and cats are carnivores, they sometimes munch on potentially hazardous plants. Here’s a list of some common indoor and outdoor plants that are dangerous to pets and a second list of pet-friendly plants. Plants that can be hazardous to pets Azalea can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and possible death. Baby’s breath, a filler… Read more »
Buying and installing full-grown plants from a nursery is the quickest — and most expensive — way to landscape a backyard. But if you’re a gardener on a budget or have a green thumb, try gardening the old-fashioned way. From seeds. Purchase envelopes of plant seeds from a local garden center. Or order them from… Read more »
It’s hard to beat relaxing on your deck or patio in the backyard, but it can be even better with a pergola overhead providing shade and decorative appeal. Pergola’s benefits. A stained deck or patio looks even better with an accenting pergola overhead. Many pergolas have a series of timbers with open spaces in between,… Read more »
If you keep your garbage bins in the garage, why not free up space and move them permanently outside, tucked behind a decorative enclosure? Here are some gorgeous options for placing garbage bins out of sight and out of mind. Before you build. If you have a homeowners association, check first to see if you’re… Read more »
Does your otherwise attractive home have an unsightly foundation wall that spoils its curb appeal? Here are five ways to make that ugly wall disappear. Paint it. Typically, the foundation wall has a thin veneer of concrete mortar spread over it similar to stucco, for a smoother cosmetic look. Choose a masonry paint that works… Read more »
If you’re in the market for a leaf blower, it’s best to do your homework before heading to the store. Do you prefer a gas-powered machine or an electric- or battery-operated one? Do you want a blower that will also mulch all those leaves? You’ll also want to consider the power of the air stream,… Read more »
