Lifestyle Trends

Inspect home fencing to ensure safety and security

Weather extremes are brutal on exterior landscaping. Rain, snow, wind and temperature variances all take a toll, especially on residential fencing. Now's the time to inspect fencing, gates and gate hardware around your property to ensure all are in good working condition. Read More

Prep your home now to keep bugs out this spring

As the weather warms up, life begins to pop up around the home. Spring is when flowers start blooming, grass turns green, birds return to the feeders - and insects and pests crawl out of the woodwork. Yikes! Yes, spring brings into your house the bugs and critters you'd prefer stay outside in the backyard. And not only do these creepy critters make your skin crawl, but they could potentially pass on to your family several different illnesses or cause damage to your house and possessions. Read More

How to conquer problems in your organic garden

Gardening is becoming more popular than ever, thanks to a number of converging circumstances, including the First Lady's planting of a White House organic garden. Because of the sagging economy, people want to save money anywhere they can, and vegetable gardening is a great way to save money on foods that can be costly. Additionally, more and more people want to live a "green" lifestyle, and you can't get more local than picking vegetables right in your back yard. Plus, when you start an organic garden, it's even more environmentally friendly. Read More

Get a jump start on growing food and flowers this spring with raised garden beds

The popularity of urban gardening has exploded over the past couple of years, due in part to increased awareness about food safety, the financial stresses of the economy and a growing desire to be eco-friendly. Read More

Bring garden cheer into your home with color

Even in the throes of winter, when most gardens are hibernating under a cold-weather blanket, it's easy to bring the warm, vibrant feelings of spring into the home with colors, textures and patterns. Read More

New garden superstars blend charm and practicality

From hardy hybrids to stylish, smart gardens, spring 2010 promises exciting new plants and products for garden lovers everywhere. Read More

The 60-degree factor: What to do when the temperature tells you it's time to get out in the lawn and garden

Like an alarm clock for our senses and our gardens, the thermometer swelling to 60 degrees awakens us in the spring. We all get the irresistible urge to get outside, birds are chirping, animals come out from hibernation and plants start unfurling their leaves and flowers to color our world. Read More

Landscaping with retaining walls adds curb appeal, usability to your home

The best investment you can make in your home - both for your pocketbook and your personal enjoyment - is in landscaping. Real estate experts agree that every dollar you put into your yard eventually will return one to two dollars when you sell. And at a time when home values are sagging, that's something to consider. Read More

Expert tips for creating a beautiful landscape

It may be cold outside, but homeowners are already dreaming of creating beautiful garden settings around their homes come spring. Landscaping success doesn't have to be hit or miss, and if it has been for you, it may be time to call in a professional landscape designer. Read More

Gardening is making a popular comeback

Change has come to America. The pop culture phrase "show me the money," boiling throughout business and industry, has cooled down and is forcing people to take a hard look at what is really important in life. Read More