Gardening for the Common Good—How Flowers Can Improve Neighborhood Home Values
Maintaining a property is key to help it retain or even increase its value. One key to this is thoughtful landscaping. Research at Virginia Tech shows that well-landscaped homes can go for up to 12% more than poorly-landscaped ones. Tree breaks, pruned shrubs and green turf are all good examples. But don’t underestimate the importance of a well-designed flowerbed.
Tips to Maximize Value
Landscaping should not look rushed or desperate. Mature plants signal that a property has been well-maintained over the long term. In the same way that antiques suggest prosperity for generations, Read more [...] How to Combat Snails in Your Flower Beds
No matter what you call them, snails, slugs, mollusks, or slimy little suckers, these little creatures can be extremely pesky once they have invaded your garden. Ragged seedlings and leaves with holes in them are two telltale signs you’ve got them. Don’t leave your garden to become a snail salad! Here are some handy hints on combating these slimy little pests.
Rest Your Throwing Arm
While pitching snails over the fence has been a long-lived tradition in many gardening families, it turns out this is not entirely effective. Slugs have an internal GPS system of sorts that allows them to Read more [...] Ready to Plant a Garden? How to Make it a Fun Family Activity
Planting a garden is a way to have fresh vegetables for the family without spending a lot of money at the grocery store. Once you begin gathering your crops, you can freeze them or can them so that they last longer than a few days after getting them from the garden. There are some ways that you can make planting a garden fun for the entire family, teaching everyone the benefits of growing vegetables in the process.
Make it a Game
When you begin tilling the ground, making the rows and planting the seeds, make it a game for the kids. If they see that a garden can be fun instead of Read more [...] How to Add Superb Elements of Design to Your Garden and Backyard
A beautifully designed backyard and garden will inspire you to get outdoors and enjoy nature. A garden does not grow overnight, and it will take some time for the entire environment to come together. Consider these four ideal design elements to include in your backyard as you create a space that will relax your body and invigorate your senses.
Building a Garden Trellis
If you enjoy flowers and would like to add some shade to your garden, consider installing a trellis. Vines can be planted at the bottom of the trellis, and they will grow up and across the trellis over the summertime. Read more [...] Front Yard DIY: 4 Tips For Remodeling Your Yard On Your Own
Many homeowners make the mistake of neglecting their front yard with the maintenance and care that is needed throughout the year. From dying lawns to bare gardens, it can be easy to own a property that looks bland. When you want to remodel your yard and make it stand out, there are a few important tips to follow.
Create a Garden Path
According to bobvila.com, creating a garden path can allow the yard to look polished and clean with the use of a clear walkway. Instead of using pavers, opt for adding crushed rock before flattening it with a plate compactor. The path Read more [...] Family Garden: How to Teach Children to Grow Their Own Food
In today's fast-paced, life, growing food has become a lost art. Even if you live in an urban or suburban area, it is possible to teach your kids how to grow their own food. Begin with a small space and a plant that is easy to grow and enjoy the process. Keep these four tips in mind for growing food with your kids.
Choosing Containers
If this is the first time you have gardened, consider containers rather than a large plot directly in the ground. A container garden is easier to care for and is a good way to start small. If you have gardened before, consider square-foot gardening with Read more [...] 4 Design Features Every Modern Family Home Needs
If you are moving into an older home that you would like to renovate or have recently begun the process of designing a custom home, then you need to start thinking about must-have features. The design features that are in your home can have a major impact on your family's comfort and the value of your property. Here is a quick glimpse of four amazing features you might want to consider adding to your home.
Energy-Efficient Windows
Very few homeowners realize just how much heat transfer takes place around older windows, and that transfer can cause one's heating and cooling bills Read more [...] Best Herbs to Grow for Home Aromatherapy
Herbs have been used since ancient times to aid health issues, flavor food, and enhance overall well-being. You can grow and use herbs in your home aromatherapy to garner their benefits. You can also burn certain herbs, or use them to create aromatic essential oils. Let's take a look at some of the best herbs to grow for home aromatherapy.
Sweet Basil
You can use basil in your cooking, but as an aromatic herb, basil is wonderful for improving your focus and mental clarity. It's also a much healthier alternative than caffeine for a boost of natural energy.
Sage
Sage can be burned during Read more [...] Spring 2017: Three Benefits of Finally Planting a Garden
You and your family have finally planted that beautiful and productive spring garden. You have been talking about it and planning the many details for so long, and now it is finally complete. You are so proud of your efforts and are ready to take on new gardening challenges. There are several benefits to this yard addition, and they include the following:
Fresh Produce and Herbs
If you have a garden, you will be able to feed your family fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables. Basic plants such as green beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, and different types of lettuce and greens. It will make Read more [...] Where Do You Start When Fixing up Your Backyard for Spring?
That first warm day of spring may get you outdoors to survey what the winter has caused in your yard. Frost heaves, bare spots in the lawn, twigs and leaves, dead blooms from last year, compressed mulch and more may make you want to be like that groundhog in Pennsylvania who, when he sees his shadow, prognosticates six more weeks of winter. The job may seem daunting, but you can tackle it if you approach it the right way.
Make a List
Write down a complete list of things you want to accomplish in your outdoor spaces before summer is over. Highlight the ones that absolutely need done Read more [...] Sign up for FREE updates with gardening tutorials, news, product reviews, and more
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