Outdoor Living

Living by a lake is something special: the quiet, the water, the sunsets. If you've ever thought about lakefront living, these places might just make you want to pack up and move. 1. Villa Passalacqua, Italy On the shores of Lake Como, this place has that old-world Italian charm. Think grand gardens and a view that feels like something from a movie. It's peaceful and luxurious, a perfect spot to sip coffee and enjoy the view. 2. Kaya Mawa, Malawi This one's on an island in Lake Malawi. You've got white sand, palm trees, and stone houses. If you like kayaking, swimming, or just lounging around in a hammock, this place is for you. 3. Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat, New

Though it might seem hard, there are many easy ways to turn a small balcony or patio into a thriving garden. Urban gardening is not what it used to be. Over the years, people have found many creative and stunning ways to make the most out of small gardening spaces. These are nine smart gardening tips that could help you! 1. Choose Plants That Save Space It is very important to choose the right plants for your garden. If you are planning to grow a vegetable garden, avoid bigger plants like pumpkin, zucchini, and tomatillo plants. Instead, go for herbs, lettuce, and strawberry plants. This will give you a lot more space and variety! 2. Try Vertical Gardening Vertical

Ponds have become an increasingly popular fixture among property owners, but algae can quickly turn these beautiful water features into a murky mess. There are a variety of ways to deal with algae, but in many cases, harmful chemicals are used. Thankfully, there are a variety of more unconventional and eco-friendly ways of quickly dispatching algae without killing the other life that adds value to your pond. From ancient agricultural wisdom to using cutting-edge technology, these methods offer alternative and lasting results. Bioaugmentation Algae that overpopulate your pond can quickly spell doom for the clear waters and the other organisms that call it home. In the past, harsh chemicals were used to kill off algae, but they often

Timing is everything when it comes to gardening, especially when it comes to winter weather. Plant too early, and a surprise frost will kill your seedlings; plant too late, and you'll have missed the optimal growing season. That’s why cracking the code of your region's last frost date is key to a successful spring garden. But it’s not as simple as looking at a calendar—understanding frost dates requires a blend of climate data, local knowledge, and gardening experience. In this article, we discuss how to determine your local frost dates and successfully plan your planting calendar. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, knowing frost dates is the key to ensuring that your spring garden

Few things are more frustrating than stepping outside to admire your potted plants—only to find them dug up, chewed on, or completely overturned by pesky squirrels. These curious critters seem to have a knack for wreaking havoc on container gardens. But don’t worry! With a few clever tricks, you can keep your plants safe without harming the squirrels. Here are seven genius hacks to protect your greenery and keep your garden looking its best! DIY Essential Oil Spray—Squirrels Hate It! A homemade essential oil spray does double duty—it repels squirrels and prevents weeds. Mix peppermint, lemongrass, or clove oil with vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it to soil and leaves. The strong scent drives squirrels

Many people want the luxury of a blooming garden, but they might not have green fingers. If you understand the basics of when to plant, you'll be one step closer to having a luscious garden that grows exactly how you want it to. Understanding Your Local Climate Before you think about planting outdoors, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to give your plants the best chance of survival. While most plants have general guidelines, soil type, and regional weather can impact these plant times.  For example, frost-free areas can plant warm-season crops like cucumbers and peppers earlier, while colder regions must wait until soil temperatures rise. Keep An Eye on Frost Dates If you

Turning your garden into your sanctuary can be very rewarding and easier than you might think. You can incorporate your personal style, add a few DIY projects, and even use what you already have. 1. Coastal Garden With a few simple touches and changes, you can turn any garden into a coastal haven. Using earthy tones, natural elements, and simple designs can make you feel like you're back on the beach every time you step into your garden. Add comfortable seating and a firepit, and you're halfway to a coastal paradise. 2. Gothic Garden If you're looking for a more goth aesthetic for your garden, with a few simple changes, you can create a space where you feel most

The White House Rose Garden is one of the most famous gardens in America, but recently, it has been sparking drama. Recently, the 47th president of the United States, President Donald Trump, revealed that he wants to give the Rose Garden a Mar-a-Lago-style makeover. His plan is to pave over the grass and replace it with a hard surface. Drafting Options This will be the most dramatic change since the Kennedy-era redesign. Apparently, the roses will stay, but designers are already drafting options for new surfaces like limestone and interchangeable hardwood flooring for dancing events. But this sudden change has left us wondering: what does the famous Rose Garden's history look like? Here is the full story

Starting a vegetable garden can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially for beginners. Choosing the right crops can make all the difference in ensuring a successful harvest while building confidence in gardening skills. The key is to select vegetables that are easy to grow, resilient, and require minimal maintenance. Let's take a look at twelve easy-to-grow vegetables that are perfect for beginners! 1. Lettuce Lettuce is an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. It grows quickly and can be harvested throughout the year. You can grow loose-leaf varieties or head-forming lettuce, with loose-leaf types being particularly easy to maintain. Harvest the lower leaves as needed, and the plant will continue producing from the top. 2. Radishes Radishes are one

Office spaces used to be rigid environments that often lacked personality and could feel uninspired. However, with remote work becoming a more common practice, there's much more flexibility on what space you can work in. More and more people have been transforming their backyards into amazing spaces that look like work-from-home havens. Outdoor Working Some may think that working from a backyard is less productive than working in an isolated room, but there are actually a number of advantages to working outside. As long as you don't have many distractions in your backyard, the separation from home and work can have a positive psychological effect and keep you in a better mood even after your shift has