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These reflective spheres we use as lawn ornaments are known by many other monikers, including mirror balls, yard glob...
Gardeners who find themselves spending an inordinate amount of time chasing down the right tool for a variety of jobs...
If you’re willing to spend a premium price for a battery-powered electric riding mower, you should expect quality in ...
The Ego Power+ 765 cubic feet per minute (CFM) 56-volt (V) leaf blower has been out for a couple of years now, and I ...
There are many different types of mulch available to homeowners, and each has its best use cases. For example, some m...
Welcome to Old House Appreciation with Bob Vila, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the best reasons to own...
Shoppers on the hunt for lawn and garden equipment have no doubt encountered a variety of Husqvarna products and migh...
If you’re in the market for a small battery-powered chainsaw, there are lots of good options and a few not-so-good on...
If you’ve ever considered climbing a ladder to remove a branch with a chainsaw, then you might need a pole saw. Chain...
Summer takes a toll on lawns, but winter grass fertilizers help them grow new roots and green up in spring. Don’t let...
While fire pits come in various shapes and materials, few offer the mix of style and function that a copper fire pit ...
Q: The incandescent bulb in my porch light burned out and I want to replace it with a more efficient LED, but I’m con...
The days of perfectly manicured turfgrass lawns might be coming to a close as no-mow grass alternatives become more c...
As more homes are built, a lot of once-permeable ground is being covered by concrete, asphalt, and other materials to...
Backyard fire pits are having a heyday. For starters, just about every outdoor living trends report that crosses my d...
There are many popular driveway options available, and gravel is a popular choice among them. Gravel driveways offer ...
The color purple has long been associated with power and prominence, as “born to the purple” means born into royalty....
Soil isn’t meant to be uncovered. While sprawling fields of empty, tilled earth waiting for seed might seem like the ...
Birdhouses can make a garden more inviting to both birds and humans. They look charming, and the right one will attra...
If you measure your lawn in acres rather than square feet, then a zero-turn riding mower might be right for you. Unli...
No, peanuts don’t grow on trees, nor are there peanut bushes. Once called goober peas, peanuts are actually annual le...
Known nowadays for their immunity-enhancing properties and high levels of antioxidants, elderberries have long been a...
Top-dressing a lawn is a fancy term for amending the soil without disturbing the sod. Golfers might be familiar with ...
Most homes have a lawn that needs mowing, but many homeowners dislike mowing. The good news is that a robot can take ...
Competition in the cordless products category gets tougher each year as consumers become more accustomed to untetheri...
Buying a new riding lawn mower has always come with a certain amount of homework. Before settling on a specific model...
Though we may think of spring as the time to sow seeds, fall is an ideal time for planting. An array of cool-season v...
Q: The leaves are starting to turn earlier than usual in my neck of the woods. One neighbor says it’s because we’ve h...
Composting is an excellent way to reduce the amount of food waste in landfills and put it to good use in the garden i...
Highlights On average, landscaping insurance with general liability coverage will cost $45 per month The cost of la...
DeWalt is widely regarded as a top-tier brand in the tool industry due to its exceptional quality, durability, and pe...
Many homeowners feel a sense of pride in having their own patch of grass—but if their neighbor's pristine lawn has th...
Pollinators are the keystones of healthy ecosystems. According to the USDA, at least 75 percent of the world’s flower...
There's no reason that your winter landscape needs to look dry and dreary. There are lots of plants that can add beau...
Just when you think gardening season is winding down, fear not. A favorite fall task might be to plant bulbs in fall ...
Birds are important pollinators, but there are additional benefits of inviting them to your yard. Some backyard bird ...
Oak trees have been around for more than 50 million years, with individual trees easily living 1,000 years. One of th...
The days of relying on perfectly manicured turfgrass lawns as a status symbol are on their way out. Instead, many hom...
While landscaping brings greenery to many people’s minds, rocks are an important part of landscaping, too. Perhaps m...
While front yards can be great for gathering with neighbors and catching up on the latest community news, backyards a...
I just purchased my first home and it has a gorgeous lawn. I want to make sure I maintain it properly, but I also wan...
Above-ground pools remain a popular and budget-friendly option for creating a fun and refreshing outdoor spot. If you...
The plants, flowers, and produce in your garden beds and boxes look glorious in daylight, but once the sun sets, they...
Most of us think about function, material, and not much else when it comes time to add fencing to our yards. But a go...
The meteoric rise of battery-powered tools and lawn mowers signals a paradigm shift. A growing departure from traditi...
Do you think it’s too late in the year to get into the garden? Actually, August is a great time to pick up your garde...
Q: I’m interested in learning new techniques to make my garden thrive without chemicals. Other gardeners have mention...
If you’re mowing your yard and come upon a patch of dead grass, stop! It’s quite possible that a rabbit's nest is hid...
Your front yard, regardless of its size, plays an important role in your home’s overall curb appeal. Attractive lands...
Actually, there aren’t any shrubs that really require trimming. They get by without it in the wild, after all. As Ala...
The question of when to prune hydrangeas depends on the types you have. Those that flower in early summer on old wood...
Shovels are designed for digging, scooping, pushing, and tossing, though not every shovel is equally suited to each o...
Highlights It typically costs between $1,072 and $2,978 to install sod in a yard, though the national average cost i...
There are more than 65 types of squirrels in the United States. They’re cute and playful, but, as fun as it may be to...
Even though daylilies (Hemerocallis spp. ) technically aren’t lilies, they resemble lilies in the shape of their flow...
Tired of mowing the grass week after week? Perhaps it’s time to consider a moss lawn. Common in Japanese gardens, mos...
Put your lawn care routine on autopilot with the Husqvarna Automower 430X Robotic Lawn Mower. With GPS-assisted navig...
Discover the benefits of battery-powered lawn care with two top-performing EGO Power+ lawn mowers at deeply discounte...
As an avid gardener, I'm always looking for tools that simplify my lawn-care routine without compromising effectivene...
There’s nothing better than harvesting fresh, vine-ripened vegetables you’ve painstakingly cultivated in your own bac...
Clumping bamboos such as Fargesias don’t pose a problem, as they stay pretty much in place. It is the running invasiv...
Definitely not the wallflower type, the canna lily plant grows big and bold. Brightly colored foliage often accompani...
Landscaping with evergreens can boost curb appeal all year long. Many of them are also quite dense, serving as stella...
Q: I’ve noticed that several of the flags on government buildings in my area are being flown about halfway up the fla...
Q: I want to install a new septic system on my property, but before that can happen, the soil apparently needs to pas...
For 3 weeks, I put seven of the best solar bird bath fountains to the test, and while there were many good ones, one ...
There’s nothing like the smell of freshly cut grass to make you think of warm summer days. But our obsession with per...
Often considered the temperamental diva of the plant world, the gardenia plant can thrive outdoors in Southern states...
There are plenty of sound reasons to own a good chainsaw, and it needn’t be bulky, heavy, or difficult to operate. Ba...
Gardening is our way of connecting with nature, growing healthy produce, and cultivating beautiful landscapes. Howeve...
All lawns require nutrients to grow and thrive, but often there isn’t enough occurring naturally in the soil. The bes...
Gardeners have to balance their passion for growing beautiful flowers and tasty veggies with the physical toll that r...
Whether you have a green thumb or are a beginning gardener just trying your hand at growing your own food or flowers,...
Though tall trees are lauded for providing shade and cooling the spaces around them, there’s plenty of good reason to...
Most types of boxwood shrubs are cultivars of either Buxus sempervirens, also known as common or American boxwood, or...
Q: I recently moved and am ready to start focusing on my garden. A friend told me that I should plant flowers that at...
Pollinators—bees, butterflies, bats, birds, wasps, moths, beetles, flies, and other insects and mammals—are essential...
Highlights The cost of landscaping rocks typically ranges from $460 to $1,000, with homeowners paying a national ave...
Highlights It typically costs between $1,006 and $3,237 to level a yard, with a national average cost of $2,122. Th...
After kicking off summer with Memorial Day weekend celebrations, it's time to unpack all of your gardening tools, pla...
Q: I want to use wood mulch in the flower beds in front of my home to suppress weeds, but I’ve heard that it might lu...
If you want to dress up your porch, deck, or garden with some greenery, consider taking a DIY approach with outdoor p...
Despite an unusually wet winter, the southwestern United States is still facing a water crisis. Consecutive years of ...
Nothing disrupts a relaxing evening outside like mosquitoes. Just like clockwork, when the sun goes down, the bugs co...
Unfortunately, most vegetables don’t have it made in the shade. The popular types that produce large fruits above-gro...
Those of us who feed the birds share one common goal: getting a closer look! From binoculars and window-mounted bird ...
As a homeowner and avid gardener, I am always looking for ways to save time and ensure my plants and lawn receive ade...
If you're a gardener or just someone who loves spending time outside, you know how important garden hoses are. They'r...
Smart outdoor lights can be useful throughout the backyard or garden, with choices to light up pathways, improve secu...
There’s nothing quite like a flower garden to bring beauty and joy to an outdoor space. For vibrant blooms that stay ...
Do you have beetles invading your home or garden? If so, it's time to learn more about these bugs that look like cock...
Pressure washers are invaluable tools for removing graffiti, dirt, and other stuck-on debris from surfaces, but there...
Trees form the architecture of residential landscapes, adding beauty along with several practical benefits. The best ...
Short on space but still want to enjoy the beauty of plants and flowers? Vertical growing is a great solution. Whethe...
Q: I recently read about tree equity in the infrastructure bill and the many tree benefits for communities. But some ...
Highlights The typical cost to remove shrubs and bushes ranges from $448 to $1,393, with homeowners around the count...
Due to calla lily meaning “magnificent beauty” in the language of flowers, as well as its associations with purity an...
If you find yourself reaching for saffron in your spice rack, you’re not alone. This delicate, coveted spice is prize...
How much time and effort do you spend on your garden’s foundation? The soil is your plants’ nutrient source, and it c...
Finding a tick stuck on us or our pet is alarming since the tick could be carrying the pathogens that cause illnesses...
Plants need sunlight, water, and key nutrients to grow. They get two of these from the soil, which is why having a he...
Highlights The typical cost range to hire a professional landscape designer is between $1,944 and $7,213, with a nat...
With heart-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped blooms, the vining morning glories called Ipomoeas only need something on ...
Spending time in the sun might be synonymous with gardening for many, but there’s plenty of beauty to be found during...
Q: It seems like my neighbors water at all hours of the day, and I’ve heard conflicting information on what time of d...
A Three Sisters garden follows the Native American tradition of planting corn, pole beans, and squash closely togethe...
We use the word “cheap” in different ways to convey different meanings. In many instances, cheap either equates to ro...
Winter can be a difficult time for landscaping, especially in colder climates. Many of us assume that during this per...
The yellow or chartreuse cultivars of creeping Jenny, such as ‘Aurea’ and ‘Goldilocks’ types, have become popular as ...
Highlights Filling in a swimming pool has a typical cost range of $2,700 to $19,000, with a national average cost of...
If you're a tax procrastinator and you're just now finding out that you're getting a refund, it might be tempting to ...
Packed with vitamins and flavor, raspberries are growing in popularity in home and restaurant dishes. Since lusciousl...
Hydrangeas are among garden favorites—whether because of their large, showy flowers or the fact that they bloom summe...
Modern winter sowing, which uses repurposed milk jugs and other plastic containers, was popularized by Trudi Davidoff...
Tomatoes are one of the most popular food plants grown in home gardens in the U. S. and around the world, and there a...
Thorny plants, many of which actually “make their points” to discourage animals from eating their foliage, may provid...
Shrubs are the foundation plants that enhance a home’s curb appeal and personality. Carefully select the best shrubs ...
Learning how to be your own florist will save you money and provide a creative outlet for your “budding” talent. Arra...
Q: Driving home from work the other day, I noticed several trees on my street painted white. Why paint tree trunks wh...
There are lots of ways you can dress up your landscape, and the details make all the difference. Your choice of gard...
Salvia, also known as sage, is a member of the mint family that produces tall, brightly colored spikes of tubular-sha...
In their native territory of tropical America (including Central and South America and Mexico), peppers are a perenni...
Bone meal is sometimes sold as a livestock feed additive or a supplement for people. However, in the gardening world,...
While becoming a gardener does not require any specific training beyond a love of plants, many of the best landscapin...
While trees bring shade and beauty to a residential landscape, the ground around tree trunks can become a barren blig...
By definition, annual flowering plants live for only one growing season, but they provide glorious color throughout m...
As gardeners explore options to improve the health of their soil and plants, some may wonder, “What is blood meal, an...
Are all types of wildflowers native plants? According to Iowa State University, there’s a distinct difference between...
There’s no such thing as the perfect plant, but calibrachoa (aka million bells) might be one of the closest things to...
With their striking purple leaves and gorgeous flowers, purple heart plants are a beautiful addition to any ornamenta...
Can hydrangeas grow in pots? Many of these shrubs (some called snowball bushes for their spherical heads of blooms th...
Boxwood shrubs are dense evergreens that don’t feel like typical evergreens. This slow-growing perennial features lea...
Watching butterflies flit around the yard is one of life’s simple pleasures. Butterflies are not only calming to watc...
For those who love working with plants but want to take their skills to the next level, an online landscape design co...
Few hobbies are as rewarding as feeding wild birds and watching them become frequent visitors to the backyard. Songbi...
Q: I have been hearing a lot about permaculture lately. How can I implement permaculture principles in my own garden?...
Wisteria, with its grape-like clusters of usually purple blooms, often is identified with the South. However, hardy w...
There’s a reason that coleus plants have been popular since the 19th century—after all, how often are ornamental plan...
Butterflies signal summer, often reminding us of carefree childhood days. They’re beautiful and perhaps a bit mystica...
True to their timeless depictions in popular media like “Snow White,” bluebirds are sweet, gentle, and vivid. Their c...
Did you know that azaleas actually are rhododendrons? As "The Plant Book," edited by Susan Page and Margaret Olds, no...
Q: My older dog doesn’t like going for walks anymore, so we just take him out to the front yard to take care of his b...
Plumerias, also called frangipani, are small tropical trees. They’re native to tropical America but are popular world...
Lawn clippings, dead leaves, and other organic matter are important fuel for a yard, fertilizing it naturally and ens...
Over time, dead grass clippings can accumulate between the green leafy blades of grass and the soil, creating a layer...
Whether you're looking for a portable heat source to extend your patio’s seasonal usage or a stylish focal point for ...
Anyone who has ever used a garden hose may know the struggle of winding it up when it’s time to store it. Although th...
Palm trees are notorious for the tropical touch they add to a landscape. Though easy to maintain once established, th...
Crickets and grasshoppers are commonly confused with one another. While the two insects are both members of the Ortho...
The U. S Geological Survey defines drought as a “period of drier-than-normal conditions that results in water-related...
Decoy plants are plants used to keep pests away from prized vegetables by luring hungry insects to their own leaves a...
Slowly draining bathtubs and sinks, gurgling noises coming from the drain, toilets that regularly back up—though thes...
Outdoor solar lights simplify exterior illumination, providing beautiful, functional lighting without the need for wi...
A standard rake will suffice for raking up autumn leaves, but collecting pine needles that have gathered on the groun...
Q: I want an environmentally friendly garden and yard, but weeds keep popping up. I’ve heard of others using salt as ...
A healthy lawn starts with grass seeds that are suitable for the growing conditions. Sowing the right high-quality gr...
Finding the right ways to attract hummingbirds to your yard can provide you with hours of joyful entertainment, as th...
The bee balm plant is an endemic North American native. This flowering perennial will not only return year after year...
Q: I’ve been noticing a constant noise coming from my basement, and I finally realized that it’s the sump pump. But i...
Looking for ways to keep your garden low maintenance while also enjoying a multitude of beauty, culinary, and medicin...
Petunias may just be the teacher’s pets of the plant world. They work hard at blooming and almost always look good. T...
Marigold care is easy, since the plants thrive almost anywhere they have sun and well-draining soil. They are often g...
Backyard water features enhance the beauty and tranquility of a landscape, making a yard more visually interesting an...
Every man-made pond needs a liner to ensure the water doesn’t leak out into the surrounding soil. Shopping for the be...
Are you arguing with your neighbors about which type of weedy grass is taking over your lawns? In the quackgrass vs. ...
While it’s possible to purchase either seedlings or mature plants at a nursery, for many gardeners, it’s more rewardi...
For the first time, the monarch butterfly has entered the endangered species list due to its dwindling numbers. With ...
Most apple varieties mature in autumn when the temperatures start to moderate, and the bright greens of spring and su...
Weeds spread rapidly across gardens, choking out desirable plants, sucking nutrients from the soil, and blocking the ...
Butterfly bushes (Buddleia davidii) are prized for their showy cones of tiny fragrant flowers, which attract butterfl...
The glory of midsummer flowers is celebrated in poetry and song, but there are plenty of late-summer flowers that can...
Popular for its ability to produce clusters of long-lasting flowers year-round in frost-free zones, lantana also can ...
You might be wondering what animal is digging holes in your yard, or perhaps you even caught a glimpse of the animal ...
Large properties and big projects often call for machines that can handle heavy duties. Jobs like cutting acres of gr...
Lawn mowers have gone through numerous changes since the invention of manual push mowers, and larger, more powerful m...
Fertilizers are formulated primarily with nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, three nutrients that work together to ...
Most folks enjoy a well-manicured lawn with its deep green and lush texture. However, keeping a lawn looking that goo...
A gabion wall offers numerous home landscaping possibilities: They can serve as a budget-friendly retaining wall, enh...
This is the fourth installment of Bob Vila’s Most Valuable Projects of 2022, a month-long series featuring high-ROI h...
Pushing a lawn mower can be great exercise, but not everyone wants to spend every Saturday morning mowing a large yar...
America’s biodiverse meadows of days gone were slowly converted to French- and English-style monoculture lawns featur...
Nothing says summer like the sound of lawn mowers powering up. The long-standing ritual of keeping lawns neatly trimm...
Known for big bold flowers that lend even hardy varieties a tropical look, hibiscus comes in a wide variety of specie...
Fireflies, which are actually a type of beetle, are unique creatures. Also called lightning bugs, these insects are m...
The corners of your yard don’t have to be wasted space. With the right ideas, you can turn those corners into gorgeou...
Curb appeal matters when you’re selling your house, but it can also be a point of pride. The same is true of the cond...
Using a rain barrel is an easy way to lessen a household’s impact on the environment, and it helps to save some money...
While riding lawn mowers and walk-behind lawn mowers may make up the bulk of grass-cutting machines found in resident...
While most pollinators can survive on a variety of plants, monarch caterpillars rely exclusively on milkweed. The pla...
Cucumbers have been grown for more than 3,000 years, and this low-calorie relative of watermelon, pumpkin, and squash...
No Mow May was started in 2019 by citizen scientists in the United Kingdom as part of a conservation study to support...
There comes a time in every tree’s life cycle where its beauty and splendor runs out and it becomes a liability rathe...
For lawn-care professionals, commercial zero-turn mowers are essential pieces of heavy-duty equipment that can cut gr...
When you have a large yard, mowing the lawn can consume an outsize portion of a weekend. Push mowers and walk behinds...
When caring for a large property, it pays to become familiar with zero-turn mowers. In the old days, a lawn tractor w...
Originating in Japan, the hori hori knife is a multipurpose gardening tool used for digging, cutting, and weeding. A...
Q: I buy new fertilizer every spring simply because I don’t know if what’s left over from the previous year still wor...
Healthy soil is key to growing a vigorous lawn. Good soil also reduces runoff, erosion, and leaching of surplus ferti...
If you wish to decorate your landscape with small flowering trees, you’ll likely want to choose at least one or two v...
Flower beds can completely transform an outdoor space when used correctly. Putting careful thought into how your flow...
Dragonflies and damselflies are known for their colorful appearances—but they aren't just pretty to look at. They're ...
Among the most nostalgia-inducing flowers, lilac trees still grow near where many abandoned farmhouses once stood. Th...
As with everything else, landscaping trends come and go. Staying abreast of the latest in landscaping trends—and phas...
First popularized in 2019 in the United Kingdom, No Mow May has since taken root here in the United States. In 2020, ...
While you can bag those lawn clippings to create a clean-looking yard, a smarter option is to use a mulching lawn mow...
Pulling an errant dandelion here and there isn't a big deal, but when multiple weeds appear, they can quickly multipl...
Installing a raised garden bed is a great way to improve the appearance of the yard and take on a new hobby growing f...
Trees provide our homes with plenty of perks, from shade in the summer to gorgeous fall color—not to mention major cu...
Putting in the sweat and hard work to take care of your yard can be rewarding. However, knowing the best time to take...
A zero-turn, or zero turning radius, mower is one that is engineered with drive wheels that can rotate in opposite di...
For anyone maintaining a half-acre or larger property, a lawn tractor makes life easier. A really good lawn tractor o...
The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872. More than 1 million trees were planted in the state...
While a shovel may be the first tool one reaches for to dig a hole, hard, rocky earth often renders the common spade ...
The sod versus seed debate is a conversation that homeowners have been having with their neighbors for years, as ever...
A deck can be the perfect backdrop for enjoying the sunshine, hosting a summer barbecue, or hanging out with friends ...
Add drama to flower beds and patio containers with colorful summer flowering bulbs. Depending on your planting zone, ...
Your backyard and garden are amazing spaces where your kids can get exercise, breathe fresh air, and learn about natu...
Like decorating styles, landscaping trends come and go. Some of this year’s top trends sprang from our evolving desir...
Both urban and suburban areas are filled with unused lots and neglected plots of land. Some plant lovers looking to a...
The changes are subtle, but there’s no doubt that growing seasons are getting longer in most parts of the world. Acco...
An all-purpose shovel will surely come in handy for all sorts of digging projects, but having the best trenching shov...
What are perennial vegetables? They are edible plants that come back every year without you having to sow them more t...
Chainsaw chains are the part of the chainsaw blade that cuts through wood. Over time, the chain can stretch slightly ...
We know intuitively that climate affects gardening. Palm trees that thrive in Florida won’t survive in a suburban Chi...
If your garden has shown excessive rabbit damage in recent years, it might be because the critters are growing in num...
From finding the perfect plants to keeping the lawn lush, landscaping companies offer various services to help any ou...
Fess Up, Garden Fanatic!You’ve been puttering aimlessly in the potting shed with your hat and gloves on, kicking desp...
Despite its dark reputation in fairy tales, the woods can be a relaxing place, especially when you create your own sm...
Investing in a tree stump grinder may not make sense for homeowners who just have a stump or two they need to remove ...
Opportunities AboundIt’s a great time to find a job. Economic recovery and a demand for housing have created a hot re...
Q: I’m planning to set out some rose bushes this year, but I’m unsure about when to do so. What is the difference bet...
Elevating a garden solves numerous problems. Raised garden beds warm up faster in spring for an earlier start to the ...
Q: I have several large oak trees that cover my yard in leaves every fall. I’m trying to reduce the cost of disposal ...
Think you need a green thumb and a backyard to grow your own food? Think again. It’s possible, no matter your grasp o...
All too often, we think of landscaping in purely decorative terms. At most, we may consider what will sustain the bir...
From showers to dishes to drinking water, water is an essential part of our daily lives. And just as important is kee...
While grass dies out over the winter in most parts of the country, in Florida’s tropical and subtropical climate, hom...
A potting bench provides a spacious work area to simplify gardening tasks such as repotting plants or transplanting s...
Unlike garden shears, which are similar to scissors in design, loppers are designed for use with both hands, which al...
The market offers numerous professional chainsaw brand choices, but few can rival the performance and reliability of ...
The first step to growing a beautiful, healthy garden is to improve the garden soil. Fertilizer provides necessary pl...
One of the rules that most gardeners learn quickly is that it takes sunshine to make flowers. While this is pretty mu...
Whether you just spotted a broken limb dangling precariously over the family room, or you’re worried that the dead br...
Incentivize yourself to spend more time enjoying your yard and garden. Fresh air, natural light, and the right backya...
A good lawn mower is crucial for maintaining a lush, well-manicured lawn. With so many options and brands to choose f...
It’s only natural for people to watch birds with fascination, affection, and a touch of envy at their ability to fly ...
Outdoor light bulbs provide extra security and crucial visibility for those coming and going after dark while enhanci...
Most of the year it’s not difficult to maintain a neat yard, but fall leaf season presents a challenge. Even those wh...
Flowering plants have many similarities like light and moisture needs and soil requirements. But some significant dif...
What is dog vomit slime mold?Despite its unpleasant appearance, and equally unpleasant name, slime mold isn’t anythin...
Adding an outdoor fireplace may be just what your alfresco entertaining space needs, but if you’re not sure about spe...
On sloping or hilly properties, retaining walls serve the important function of holding back the earth and preventing...
I recently tried out a series of leaf blowers on a test plot I created in my backyard. The course included a concrete...
Anyone who appreciates a well-groomed lawn may want to consider adding a lawn sweeper to their stable of equipment. T...
When you have a job to do around the yard or garden, chances are you’ll need a wheelbarrow or some kind of garden car...
For decades, gardeners and horticultural hobbyists have dragged around heavy hoses, fighting their inevitable kinks a...
Dazzle up the driveway with stylish ideas that will turn heads.
Many people can think of a few different types of axes, but if they are asked to expand on this list to include types...
There is nothing else in the world quite like maple trees. We use maple sap to sweeten our pancakes, and maple wood s...
Hanging plants add appeal to a front porch or covered patio, and they can even liven up indoor spaces that may lack t...
Weeds are an unattractive nuisance in any garden. To keep these pesky plants at bay, consider installing a weed barri...
Q: What can I do about my arborvitae turning brown? Is that caused by the water, the weather, or some weird disease?A...
Winterizing a lawn mower is often overlooked, and then people wonder why it won't start after sitting around all wint...
Many homeowners hope to have a verdant, well-manicured lawn that makes them the envy of the neighborhood. While prope...
Trees and shrubs can boost curb appeal—but not if they’re overgrown or blocking windows. Keeping a landscape tidy req...
As the gardening season begins to wind down and first frost dates creep closer, it’s time to think about protecting y...
The contrast of sculptured shrubs with meandering pathways and beds overflowing with color creates an alluring image, and these English garden flowers can make a ...
Add a soothing ambiance to your yard with a pond waterfall.
A lawn is a great place for kids to play, pets to run, and adults to host family and friends, but the grass must be r...
On a hot summer day, lawn sprinklers are a common sight, dispersing water for grass to stay healthy and for children ...
With a backyard putting green, you can transform the look of your yard, plus work on your golf game whenever you like!
Highlights The typical cost to plant a tree is between $100 and $2,000. The most significant cost factors associate...
Pull your garden together with the help of one of these stepping stone designs.
Japanese knotweed, a perennial plant known for its unrelenting growth, difficult eradication and its nickname (the "G...
Highlights Tree stump removal typically costs between $175 and $544, with homeowners around the country paying an av...
Highlights The typical cost of mulch per yard is between $30 and $150, with a national average of $75. Factors affe...
Improve the visibility and nocturnal appeal of your home with lighting that doesn't require complicated wiring.
Hostas are a common sight in gardens and landscaping across North America. They’re low-maintenance and fine with part...
Poured concrete is a viscous solution that can take up to 48 hours to properly set. During the setting time, the conc...
Cut down on waste by putting kitchen scraps to good use in your garden. Here are 13 ways to give kitchen leftovers new life.
Q: While shopping at my local garden center last weekend, I came across some biennial plants. I'm familiar with annua...
Q: Last year, we moved into a home with some beautiful rose bushes on the property, but I know very little about how ...
A French drain can do wonders for a damp basement by keeping water from penetrating the foundation and soaking the sp...
Aaaaachooo!Allergic rhinitis, aka hay fever, is a condition that can really hinder your enjoyment of outdoor activiti...
Maybe you’ve heard about soil amendments and have wondered what the term might mean for your garden. If you want to h...
Like people, trees can succumb to various diseases. But since trees don’t cry out in pain, they can’t tell humans whe...
Are you sensitive to unpleasant scents? If so, you might want to avoid the following plants with odors that are not universally beloved.
Take a virtual stroll through some of the most mesmerizing gardens in the world, and take notes.
Highlights The typical range for landscaping costs is $1,277 to $5,856, with most homeowners paying a national avera...
Living on a partially wooded 80-acre tract offers plenty of room to grow a variety of desirable trees, but it also pr...
Looking to update your outdoor space? To design the backyard or garden of your dreams, trade your pen and paper for a...
Create a welcoming environment for bees and other pollinators by following these helpful tips.
There’s something magical, even miraculous, about shepherding tiny seeds through the process of germination and growt...
Food forests, also known as forest gardens, are a type of sustainable agriculture that has been used for hundreds—if ...
Relax in the yard while enjoying privacy and protection from the sun with these cool, ready-to-assemble gazebo kits.
Easily recognized by their needle-type foliage, cone-bearing pine trees are evergreen, making them desirable in the h...
For a garden that stands head and shoulders above the rest, try these “high profile” species for instant curb appeal.
Low-voltage landscape lighting can add drama and interest to a home’s features while providing visibility for outdoor...
Urban gardeners, rejoice! These unique and creative gardening ideas are designed to fit even the tiniest balcony.
You might be surprised to learn there are more than 20,000 types of bees in existence, and a whopping 4,000 of those ...
Whether killing off weeds, fertilizing a garden, or keeping pests at bay, pump sprayers are an effective and affordab...
Q: We just moved into our house, and want to take care of things the right way. I’ve gotten lots of recommendations a...
These online communities dedicated to plants will have any garden enthusiast digging for more.
Q: I have several trees on my property that are looking a little overgrown and could use some shaping, but I don't wa...
Derived from trees such as western red cedar (Thuja plicata), eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), and white ced...
When it comes to blowing leaves and other yard debris, you need lots of airflow. While gas-powered blowers excel in t...
Most people turn their noses up at the swaths of yellow puffs that show up in the early springtime. To many, dandelio...
Q: I went to the local nursery to pick up plant food for my garden, and noticed that every fertilizer has three numbe...
Q: I am planning a few landscaping updates, including a new flower bed around the mailbox and a perennial border on o...
Adding interest and value to the landscape doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. These seven concrete projects will create a fresh new look to your yard—and ...
Sometimes called “growing zones” or “gardening zones,” hardiness zones refer to a map developed by the USDA that sepa...
In some areas of the country, the choice between pine needles and wood mulch is a tough one. Since the 1980s pine str...
Foundation planting—placing plants near and along the edges of a home’s walls and foundation—helps blur the line betw...
Over the last couple of years, we've tested more than 30 lawn mowers and found these eight push lawn mowers to be the...
Trees are majestic in the landscape, but not all trees are desirable, such as those that grow beneath power lines or ...
We understand that when it comes to fertilizing a yard, maintaining a row of shrubbery, tending to a flower bed, or n...
Whether you’re growing a vegetable garden or prize roses, adding mulch around the base of plants can be an attractive...
Q: I'm looking to upgrade my landscape soon, and easy-care hostas are right up my alley. But I don't want to mistaken...
The Weather Channel recently released their outlook for summer 2021, and it looks like some regions across the U. S. ...
Say goodbye to gnomes, flamingos, and mushroom statues once and for all—here’s how to add some upscale decor to your outdoor space.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) hopes to reduce the region’s water consumption by 15 percent by replacing ...
Add dimension, a pop of color, and plenty of style with a faux grass landscape. <br> <i>This content is paid advertising created in partnership with Artificial...
Although bees come to mind first as the preeminent pollen movers and shakers, butterflies and hummingbirds also do th...
Ever notice when something notable happens in the environment it is hyped to garner public interest? Typical headline...
For thousands of years, people from various parts of the world have used statuary to add focal points to gardens. In ...
Getting rid of chiggers is easier when you know more about the creepy-crawly buggers and how they behave, as there ar...
Entice buyers and increase your home’s value by following these landscaping tips.
Find inspiration for your backyard oasis with these hot tub deck ideas fit for royalty.
Eco-friendly home upgrades won’t just make your home more comfortable, they can also help you save money over time. These 10 upgrades offer the best return on you...
When preparing a home for sale, ensuring that the exterior is as tip-top as the interior can mean a big payoff for sellers. Here are a few easy ways to pep up pat...
Ginger rhizomes, more commonly known as ginger roots, come from the flowering plant Zingiber officinale. Because it’s...
Weeds and other invasive plants can wreak havoc on a yard or garden, but many people are understandably wary about tr...
Today’s artificial turf looks authentic, but could it be even better than real grass? <br> <i>This content is paid advertising created in partnership with Artif...
The American Flag Code states that the flag should be displayed only from sunrise to sunset unless it is properly ill...
Q: I have dead grass popping up all over my lawn, and I’m not sure why. Am I going to have to replace it all, or can ...
Stubborn weeds are the bane of a beautiful lawn. Yet, although it’s pretty stubborn, clover (aka Trifolium repens) is...
To have a lush, green lawn of which you can be proud can often take a lot of hard work and attention to detail. If yo...
Bird feeders provide entertainment for bird-watchers and other nature enthusiasts, but unwanted guests such as squirr...
Like other fruit trees, citrus trees thrive when they have the nutrients they need to develop healthy root systems, s...
If you’re thinking about updating your home’s exterior, be sure to avoid these outdated, so-20th-century trends.
These innocent missteps may be working against you. Feed your garden the right way and watch it thrive.
Gardeners use multiple methods for growing new plants, including starting them from seeds, bulbs, and rhizomes. Howev...
When it comes time to create a backyard that’s both beautiful and practical, you can’t do much better than sourcing materials from Mother Nature. Incorporating el...
Many homes rely on firewood as their primary source of heat, but converting wood logs into usable stacks on your fire...
Watering the lawn and garden is easier when you replace the handheld sprayer with one or more sprinkler heads that ta...
Weed management is rarely at the top of anyone’s list of desirable to-dos. Bending over and pulling weeds is a lot of...
Electric mowers are quickly becoming an eco-friendly and efficient alternative to their gas-powered counterparts. Not...
Most lawns need 1 to 2 inches of water per week to thrive. While rainfall can provide that needed water, it’s likely ...
On a budget? Get dirt cheap landscaping advice close to home.
After careful mowing, the lawn looks nearly perfect. Yet some grassy areas might require spot trimming or edging to a...
According to research, gardening can help you stay in shape both mentally and physically. Gardening involves exercise...
The process of hydroseeding is garnering attention from homeowners who want a new approach to a beautiful lawn, espec...
Building fences is tough. Between handling heavy posts and awkward panels, just shuffling the materials around your y...
Solar string lights illuminate your outdoor space while adding sparkle and whimsy, creating a pleasant atmosphere for...
Educational and inspirational, garden sets for children can nurture a love of nature. There are a variety of garden s...
Plant food is formulated with key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Whether your plants are in r...
If you haven’t been using mulch in your garden, you’re seriously missing out on the benefits of this horticultural se...
If you have an inground sprinkler system and don't have a smart controller, your sprinklers could end up watering at ...
With a backpack leaf blower, yard cleanup is a snap. Leaf blowers make quick work of removing fallen leaves, grass cl...
Few sights are as lovely as the red and gold hues of falling leaves, but having to rake and bag them—often multiple t...
If your house could talk, it would tell you that spending a little money now on small repairs could save you big bucks down the road. We’ve put together 20 of the...
Tired of the grind of mowing and watering the yard? Got a shady spot where you cannot get grass to grow? Maybe it’s t...
If you think machetes are only for explorers hacking their way through the jungle, you may want to take a closer look...
Whether you have a green thumb when it comes to your home garden, or you can hardly tell the difference between a rose and a weed, you should know that there are ...
For yards larger than a half acre, a push lawn mower just doesn’t cut it. Walk-behind lawn mowers are simply too smal...
Populate your garden with plants that will nourish hungry sparrows and robins all winter long.
There's no need to travel for leaf peeping in the fall if you plant any of these trees in your yard.
Most of us associate chainsaws with the earsplitting growl of a 110-decibel motor. Thanks to quantum leaps of innovat...
In real estate, first impressions are everything. And nothing increases your property value and wows buyers quite like a well-manicured front lawn.
Leaf blowers make it a breeze to clean up fallen foliage and other small debris, eliminating the back-straining work ...
When autumn arrives, the last thing you want to do is put down the rake and start pruning, deadheading, and transplanting finicky perennials. These low-maintenanc...
A garden cart is a wagon with two or more wheels used to tote garden tools or materials, such as earth, stones, and p...
Brush cutters easily grind through tall, overgrown fields; up steep hillsides; and into deep ditches where regular la...
Rock gardens add interest to a plain, flat yard, and require much less water and upkeep than typical landscaping. Ready to rock out? Here's what to grow.
The smell of freshly turned earth, the weight of a sturdy shovel, and the view of healthy bedding plants just waiting...
First impressions are important when it comes to selling your home. Consider how your property’s landscape might affect your selling potential.
A well-kept, green lawn doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Discover these affordable ways to get your landscape into shape.
The bushes are pruned, the lawn is mowed, and the planting beds are weeded. The yard and garden look great—except for...
From koi ponds to waterfalls, birdbaths to garden streams, we've gathered together our favorite backyard bubblers, gurglers, and soothers.
Work doesn't stop just because the temperature drops, but getting jobs done in the cold can be downright painful with...
Bright flowers and colorful foliage are the easiest ways to amp up your curb appeal. If you're in a rush to get things growing, try one of these fast-blooming var...
We have mowed dozens of acres of grass with more than 30 lawn mowers, including self-propelled mowers, so we've seen ...
Make yours the best yard on the block by following these basic lawn care tips.
The best electric chainsaws allow for quick and easy cutting. Just plug the saw in or snap in a battery and you're re...
Put out the welcome mat for beautiful backyard critters with these tips for making your property a haven for birds, pollinating insects, and other wildlife.
The best lawn sweepers quickly and efficiently gather leaves, grass clippings, and even pine needles, giving your yar...
Lawns over half an acre give you plenty of space to play and lounge in the great outdoors. However, when it’s time to...
Let the hard lessons learned by some of the country’s top professional landscapers help you grow your own personal paradise.
Whether we like it or not, weeds are part of every landscape, competing with your trees, shrubs, and flowers for vita...
Check out these fuss-free flowers and shrubs for a gorgeous landscape with minimal work.
Landscapers and lumberjacks, whether pros or DIYers, need reliable chainsaws for maintenance, cleanup, and cutting fi...
Outdoor string lights can brighten a backyard or a patio space and make warm nights more relaxing and festive. These ...
Don't assume a nice landscape has to break the bank. In fact, a smart landscape design plan can offset other home maintenance costs. See the best landscaping idea...
Q: The grass in my yard—which is in partial shade since the trees around it have grown up, and on a slight slope—has ...
Most people wait until a tree is leaning precariously or a large branch has fallen off before they seek the help of an arborist. But certified arborists aren't ju...
Of all the plants, trees, and shrubs in your landscape, the lawn is the most demanding feature, requiring constant ma...
Built for comfort and ease of use, the backpack sprayer is becoming a go-to tool for gardeners, landscapers, and pest...
Have a beautiful yard and garden without having to break a sweat. Add these garden tools to your arsenal for easy gardening.
Handheld pruning shears are great for nipping off narrow stems and branches up to ½ inch in diameter, but for pruning...
Compost is like a multivitamin for your soil. Made of thoroughly decayed organic material used as a fertilizer, it en...
If you’re planning a new garden, you should start with good soil. After all, soil is the medium of life for plants, p...
When it comes to plants, two things are essential: sunlight and water. Whether you have a raised vegetable garden or ...
Though broadly related to leaf blowers, leaf vacuums operate in the opposite direction. While leaf blowers disperse l...
Do you want your house to make a great first impression? Try some of these 12 budget-friendly tips and tricks for creating the most welcoming home on the block.
Hedges establish boundaries in landscaping, add privacy, and benefit curb appeal, but to look their best, they need s...
These home improvement projects will make you happier at home and will increase the value of your house when you’re ready to put it on the market.
If you spend a good amount of time gardening or landscaping, a dependable and capable wheelbarrow can help lessen you...
From perennial flower beds to privacy hedges, backyard landscapes require regular upkeep. Opt for dedicated gardening...
The cold weather may curb your enthusiasm for the outdoors, but there is still plenty of pleasure to be taken from tending the landscape, even after your favorite...
Winter has a way of wreaking havoc on the landscape, leaving in its wake heaved plants and wind-torn trees and shrubs. This year, don't just sit back and wait to ...
Bright colors and big blooms don't end in summer. In fact, nothing says fall quite like these 20 ubiquitous autumn blossoms.
If you have any experience with home improvement, you need no convincing about the strengths of concrete as a buildin...
Behind every beautiful, bountiful garden is a great deal of dirty work. Fortunately, a pair of rugged, reliable glove...
Find the right pro for every household chore—big, small, majorly messy, or just plain pesky! This content is paid advertising created in partnership with Thu...
Many of the most invasive plant species thriving in the United States came from elsewhere—mostly Europe and Asia. While they are often beautiful, these plants spr...
Take your backyard to new heights with more than a dozen versatile uses for a trendy garden feature. Ahead, these pergola ideas will inspire and even guide your n...
While summer sunshine encourages outdoor projects, it also poses its own set of challenges. Ahead, learn how to beat the heat when pouring garden edging, patio sl...
There's more to today's artificial turf products than just good looks. Made of polypropylene and featuring colorations and blade compositions that mimic real gras...
If you've spent any time at all on social media these past few years, you've probably heard stories about homeowners ...
You can bring color, charm, and personality to your yard without planting a single flower. Check out these 25 gardening-free ways to make your property more beaut...
Make the most of your outdoor space with fun, functional structures and comfortable furnishings that are sure to turn your backyard into something special.</p> ...
Your home’s exterior should be beautiful and inviting, not constantly in need of repairs. As well, your time spent outdoors should be relaxing, not full of weeken...
You may trust their expertise, but even the best landscapers won’t tell you everything up front. Here are 10 pieces of insider info your landscaper may reveal onl...
Americans spend about 70 hours a year on lawn and garden care, ensuring that their lawn is lush and weed-free and their flower bed is brimming with color. But eve...
Creeping Charlie—Glechoma hederacea, also commonly known as ground ivy—is an insidious weed that is both resilient an...
Gardening is meant to be a relaxing activity that connects you with nature as you beautify your yard—yet crowded nurseries and finicky flowers can make the hobby ...
Maintaining a manicured yard requires effort, patience, and the right tools. If you’re responsible for the landscaping chores at your house then you should alread...
Exterior upgrades enhance the look of your property and can offer recreational benefits. Not every renovation, however, produces a return on investment, and some ...
"You don't get a second chance to make a first impression." While this phrase usually refers to people, it also applies to houses. The exterior of your home offer...
Each year the design world eagerly awaits the announcement of the Colors of the Year by top paint brands. This year's crop of colors encompasses brilliant blues, ...
Outdoors and in, take care of a few simple tasks now to bring your house out of winter hibernation!
Q: I recently moved down south from the Northeast and want to keep my new lawn healthy. When is the best time to aera...
As the days grow shorter and your thoughts turn to tailgating and football games, it’s easy to forget that your home needs a little TLC before Old Man Winter come...
Things with “French” in the title are usually fancy, right? Poodles, perfume, pastries. But a French drain is nothing...
Q: I’d like to plant some new trees to boost our home’s curb appeal. Will they survive if I plant in the fall, or sho...
Ask any group of gardeners about their least favorite task, and you’re bound to hear a chorus of “Weeding!” Rampant w...
Natural fences constructed of shrubbery, trees, or flowering bushes are attractive and environmentally friendly havens for songbirds, butterflies, and other desir...
Beautiful yards and lush landscapes don’t happen by chance. They require frequent hands-on attention to keep the gras...
Even a small yard can feel spacious if you design it the right way. Read on for our favorite ways to make your small yard look bigger.
Reducing soil erosion, turning steep slopes into terraced backdrops, creating focal points in the landscape—retaining...
Strategic landscaping choices can help you get rid of ticks, protecting your family and pets from the danger posed by these insects, even in the seeming safety of...
Owning isn't always the best option. Sometimes renting makes more sense, especially for very expensive, bulky, or rarely used items.
It's not news: You don’t need to have a huge backyard to enjoy greenery. The key is to embrace your vertical space, a...
Concrete, that durable, go-to material for foundations and footings, also deserves a place in your home's yard—and we...
For refreshing summer fun, nothing beats a backyard swimming pool. While the water is the main focus, it’s the deckin...
Good fences start with good foundations. Installing fence posts in place with concrete is the best way to guarantee ...
Whether it's blocking your view, is diseased or damaged, or is taking up space you'd rather use for something else, f...
A lush landscape is the dream of many a homeowner. But if you don’t live in an established neighborhood, you don't get to reap the benefits of mature plantings. Y...
Want to wow passersby and amp up your curb appeal without a lot of time and effort on your part? Plant some of these blooms and greens in a window box to brighten...
The term "tourist attraction" usually evokes visions of long lines, inflated prices, and man-made marvels. But for those who prefer to walk on the wild side, some...
A yard is more than grass that you have to mow, it's an extension of your living space. Homeowners who commit time and money toward landscaping their yard not onl...
Often, trees are selected and grown for their foliage, fruit, or flowers—seasonal features that blossom and fade over...
Q: We just bought a house in a brand new development so our yard is pretty bare. We’d like to plant some fast-growing...
You may think of spring as the season to really get going on the garden, but professional landscapers know that fall is actually the best time to work in the yard...
Does your yard contain slopes, dips, and inclines? Then you likely have a retaining wall somewhere on your property. ...
Their majestic boughs offer shade on a hot day and their leaves turn brilliant colors in the autumn months, and they become so much a part of our home that we wis...
Characterized by its showy, star-shaped foliage, English ivy (Hedera helix) might seem a fine choice for landscaping ...
A yard with lumps and bumps is not only unattractive but also a potential safety hazard with ample opportunity to cau...
For those who lead active lives, spending a few weekend hours pulling or digging weeds out of a garden, flower bed, o...
Invasive plants are a special breed. It's not that they’re aggressive, crowding out their neighbors; nor are they weeds, which are just plants that are growing in...
A well-maintained yard lends major curb appeal to your home, but creating a picture-perfect lawn and garden is no easy feat. If your yard could use a little refre...
Gardening can be an expensive habit. But if you know where to look and whom to ask, you may be able to populate your landscape with free plants, shrubs, and trees...
Always a day late and a dollar short of achieving the landscape of your dreams? You don't have to spend a fortune to create a charming outdoor space. Discover som...
There’s a common misconception that for a garden to flourish it has to be given lots of land and room to breathe. In reality, a small space can provide the founda...
Vibrant and colorful flowers elevate any yard. But caring for blooms can seem like intimating endeavor for a beginner gardener, a busy homeowner, or anyone withou...
As many a green thumb knows, there are certain plants you should never grow together. Some plants hog all the sunlight, others zap nutrients from the soil, and st...
Whether they’re deciduous or evergreen, shade or ornamental, trees add value and curb appeal to any property. But occ...
It's one of the joys of spring and summer: stopping by the local nursery to pick out plants for your landscaping or backyard vegetable garden. Wonderful as it is ...
Every gardener wants to grow the best-tasting tomatoes, the brightest zinnias, and the healthiest shrubs, but no one ...
If storm water races from your yard and across the next lawn over after every heavy rain—washing out a flowerbed and ...
Water conservation is at the forefront of gardeners’ minds in many parts of the country. Luckily, there are a wide variety of drought-tolerant plants that thrive ...
Beautifully mowing a lawn without edging the perimeter and beds is like getting an amazing haircut but leaving an ove...
Trees add great beauty to your landscape and their shade can help keep cooling costs low. But when a tree outgrows it...
It's a simple fact that curb appeal helps sell houses. But for those with no plans to move any time soon, a visually appealing exterior and landscaping is a point...
Your grass can tell you a lot about its health and well-being, if you only know how to listen. Learn the language of your lawn by clicking through this list of si...
Remodeling is always a risk, but updating the outside of your house is a seriously smart investment. From framing a new addition to getting to work in the garden,...
Many new trees do just fine on their own. In fact, the movement they experience from normal wind and weather helps th...
Treating your trees, garden, and landscaping beds to mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and arm plants...
From woodland wonderlands to no-mow lawns, these 20 small backyard ideas showcase the countless fun and functional possibilities that lie on your home turf—no mat...
Shrubs play a vital role in the landscape, serving as decorative borders, living fences, and foundation plantings tha...
A beautiful lawn is a reflection of the care you put into it. But sometimes, a particular maintenance routine can do more harm than good. Here are 11 common care ...
Adding a fence to your property provides a simple solution for shutting out unwanted animals and nosy neighbors from ...
Ask any gardener for advice, and you’re sure to get an earful! Every one of them swears by a venerable collection of tips and tricks. But some of those ideas may ...
Just because you can do it yourself doesn’t mean you should. Attempting to DIY some home projects could lead to trouble.
Pavers are more commonly thought of as sturdy patio bases than as useful design tools for your landscapes. But these outdoor essentials are endlessly versatile, p...
There's one in every home. Whether it's a finished basement or a converted attic, a west-facing sunroom or a live-in garage, there always seems to be a particular...
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a sizable backyard, but here's some good news for those of us who lack square footage: Even the smallest outdoor space can be...
Maybe you’re a first-time homeowner who is looking to put your personal stamp on your new abode. Or you may be thinking of putting your house on the market and wa...
There's nothing more frustrating than seeing weeds flourish in your garden while the veggies and flowers languish. Even worse is seeing weeds pop up in those hard...
The road to a beautiful lawn doesn’t have to be paved with a schedule of chemical treatments. There are several homegrown tips and techniques you can use to help ...
Many plants are beautiful, but not all are beneficial in a garden. Some of the most eye-catching cultivars can be invasive, poisonous, or attractive to unwelcome ...
Walk into any garden center and you'll find gadgets and gizmos for nearly any outdoor malady. But did you know the remedy for many backyard problems might be shel...
Yard maintenance doesn't have to be so hard. Gone are the days of struggling under the weight of unwieldy loppers or blistering hands with poor work gloves. The B...
Always affordable and at once both decorative and functional, concrete garden edging effectively defines garden beds,...
Lower maintenance lawns are becoming more and more popular. Finding ways to decrease the amount of grass in the yard can reduce your reliance on watering, chemica...
Homeowners know too well that not all greenery contributes to the beauty of a garden. Weeds, for instance, are a chie...
If you see standing water on your property after a hard rainfall, it's probably time to take steps to mitigate the pr...
Gardening is a way to connect with the earth, and this connection becomes even more striking in a rooftop garden, where the earth sits closer to the sky. Rooftop ...
Sometimes a homeowner prunes a tree for aesthetic reasons, trying to keep the landscaping neat and tidy. Other times,...
A thoughtfully designed gate can make an already welcoming garden even more so, and give a much-needed decorative boost come winter. Whether integrated into a fen...
Outdoor spaces can increase our enjoyment of our homes. When the weather is nice, it’s like having an extra room—or wing—of the house. Make the most of yours, no ...
Your front yard, regardless of its size, plays an important role in your home's overall curb appeal. Your landscaping...
There are two main types of mosses—acrocarpous and pleurocarpous. The former grows vertically and resembles strands o...
Looking to add some personality to an underwhelming backyard? Maybe it’s time to add a water feature. Installing an outdoor pond or water hole can be a simple wee...
Just to be clear, the kind of pond we’re referring to doesn’t involve swimming, fishing, or boating. We’re talking ab...
Low-cost additions to any landscape, easy-to-make garden trellises can be used to introduce shade or privacy, or to s...
Americans are not bashful when it comes to expressing their love of lawns—it has been estimated that there are more t...
With a history dating back 300 million years, ferns have proven their staying power. Today, their frilled fronds and ...
Laying sod is a great way to have a lawn without the interminable wait for seeds to germinate and grow, but don’t kid...
Sustainable agriculture is all the rage, even at home. Looking for an easy way to participate? Try building an herb s...
A fence introduces not only privacy and security to your property, but it can also enhance curb appeal and safely cor...
Landscape lighting can turn a visitor from feeling wary to welcome. It can change the rest of the yard from Nightmare...
The typical U. S. household can use 40 to 60 gallons a day on average just to water lawns and gardens. About half tha...
Many homeowners use their porches, decks, and yards as extensions of their living space. To feel at ease, however, th...
A professionally landscaped property is a sure ticket to quick resale. It gives a home curb appeal, a sense of place ...
With a reputation for hardiness, geraniums can be found in literally hundreds of varieties, many that boast impressiv...
Create the space of your dreams with these easy, inexpensive ideas for upgrading your backyard and outdoor living areas.
Grow your garden from ordinary to extraordinary with flowering vines that add a beautiful new level of interest to your landscape.
Warmer weather encourages us to spend more time on the deck, porch, or patio. Of course, lighting can extend outdoor ...
No newly cut garden bed is complete without some edging to distinguish it from the rest of your yard. Installing landscape edging is an easy DIY project that make...
Bamboo is one of the most exotic and eco-friendly materials used in construction. Long associated with Asian cultures...
I’m a beginning gardener. I have lots of ideas but little experience. The basic landscaping package that came with ou...
Boldly colored fall mums on porches or planted in garden beds are wonderful harbingers of fall, going hand in hand wi...
Since moving to the 'burbs, I’ve been slowly trying to convert on this fantasy I have of backyard sustainability. I p...
Boxwood hedges might look formal, but they are a workhorse in the garden. The evergreens can define areas and be the ...
The Best Way to Install Landscape EdgingAn easy, impactful way to refresh a tired planting bed or path is to install ...
To be sure that the outside of your home is safe and insurable, review the exterior for overall safety. Aside from al...
Smart landscaping is more than a pretty yard—it’s a smart and efficient way to cool your home in summer. Trees shade ...
The development where we chose to build our house is about 2 miles from the beach. We can ride our bikes to the state...
Fall is just around the corner: time to get your house in shape for the cooler months ahead. Although autumn can be o...
When nighttime temperatures are consistently around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and soil temperatures are around 55 degree...
Bob and architect Gregory Rochlin tour the exterior of Bob's 100-year-old Shingle Style home in Cambridge, MA.
Bob helps carpenter Bob Ryley build a redwood deck. Carpenter Danny Ruffini installs a custom-made redwood-and-cedar fence on the perimeter.
Bob checks in with carpenter Bob Ryley as he lays out and begins to frame the deck.
Bob talks with landscape architect Rick Lamb about revisions to the plan. Bob points out the redesigned parking area and the plan for magically melting the snow.
Bob visits the Burpee trial gardens in Ambler, PA, to review the current and future catalog of plants and flowers.
Bob meets with Mark Marini of Schumacher Landscaping to discuss the installation of the bluestone pavers on the lower terrace.
Bob visits Fairsted, home of Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect responsible for most of this country's great public parks, pointing out its color sche...
Bob reviews the Allen Block retaining wall that is being installed in the backyard. This secondary terrace will serve to transition from the wood deck to the big ...
Landscaping architects Rick and Nancy Lamb present their ideas to Bob for converting the landscape and creating urban spaces.
Bob meets with landscape architects Rick and Nancy Lamb to assess the back yard. Arborist Charley Cummings trims some Hemlock trees.
Bob takes a break from putting his own landscape in order to tour the elaborate gardens at the Naumkeag historic house in Stockbridge, MA.
Bob meets with a local real estate broker and with homeowner Sarah Monzon, whose basement will be finished to create additional family space.
The backyard is enhanced with a lattice-top gate, and a mudroom is converted into a kitchen pantry to provide storage space.
Backyard landscaping has progressed with the completion of stone work, new plantings, weed control, and the installation of artificial grass.
Old gutters are replaced and external landscaping continues with the trimming of a tree, installing a front garden, and creating steps from recycled granite.
Bob talks with a fencing expert about installing a white-cedar fence in sloped areas at the Melrose house.
Stone workers install a granite retaining wall, replace a front walkway, and build a backyard patio.
A high-tech lighting control system is reviewed, as well as furniture, storage, and decorating choices in various rooms.
Bob does a walkthrough of the finished Punta Gorda home. He discusses sustainable gardening, water conservation and low-maintenance plants. Then he joins Leslie...
Angela Polo and Ken Micklow shows Bob dwarf planting ideas and install a raised vegetable garden which requires soil enhancement, Craig Harmer shows Bob natural p...
Ken Micklow and Trent Culleny talk with Bob about native, storm-resistant gardening. Then Carm DiBella shows Bob an environmentally friendly termite protection s...
Angela Polo and Ken Micklow shows Bob how to work with native plants, discuses fertilizers and pest control. They also discuss how to plant to protect from high w...
Bob visits the Sunken Gardens at The Mount, where Stephanie Copeland, president of the Edith Wharton Restoration Foundation, serves as guide.
Bob and landscape designer Ruth Foster tour Mahoney's Garden Center to discuss landscape elements for the project house.
Bob rejoins Ruth Foster to look over the landscape work in progress and to see how Foster's design has come to life.
Landscape designer Ruth Foster offers a brief lesson about planting techniques
Jack Walters from Just Irrigation is on-site putting in a RainBird sprinkler system.
Bob talks with landscape architect David Raphael of Landworks about his approach to designing the grounds surrounding the Vermont farmhouse. General contractor Te...
Bob, alongside architect Kristian Fenderson and Tom Strangfeld (from Weston Nurseries), walks the property, focusing on the planting selected for this home.
Work has begun on the exterior finish. Contractors are installing the cedar trim, casing, and grounds, and continue on to begin installing the clapboard siding.
Bob discusses the home's landscaping and hardscaping with general contractor Kevin Kalman and landscaper Josh Gavin.
Bob visits Middleton Place, a plantation located outside Charleston, SC, renowned for its exquisite landscaped gardens.
Bob explores the practice of custom lamp making and learns more about the outdoor fireplace.
Bob and general contractor Sam Daniel discuss the landscaping of the Virginia governor's mansion.
Bob tours the exterior with general contractor Sam Daniel. Then, he joins architect John Paul Hanbury and interior designer Barbara Page, and, together, they roll...
Bob tours the home and office of world-renowned landscape architect Martha Schwartz.
Landscape contractor Janet Cox explains her approach to the plantings for Roxbury development homes.
Landscaping work continues, as the new security system is installed and the reproduction railing is going into place on the front porch.
Bob visits the completed house and talks to the homeowners about their new home's new façade, with its completed porch and newly landscaped yard.
Bob reviews the existing landscape with landscape architect Juan Capote, and the two discuss Juan's plans to improve it.
Bob meets with contractor Ed Weller for a project update. The patio is well underway and the landscaping is beginning. A stone grill has been started and, inside,...
Bob meets with landscape architect Juan Capote to discuss planting a feature garden.
Bob meets with landscape architect Juan Capote to discuss the installation of a sod lawn. Juan talks about the types and grading of sod used in this project.
Bob confers with contractor and carpenter Cortney Lofton, as he builds a pergola at the Studio City bungalow, which will serve as a gate to the backyard.
Bob tours the Japanese Garden at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens to get some ideas for the Zen garden the homeowners will be installing in the side y...
Bob tours the home's exterior, noting that the crowned gates are complete and that a locking latch has been added to secure the pool. Bob also remarks on the land...
Bob meets with Donald Young for a tour of the home's Zen garden. Donald discusses the plant choices and lighting requirements in a garden of this size. Slate tile...
Landscape designer Ruth Foster explains her choices for the foundation plantings and her cost-saving measures.
Bob returns to the William Gibbes House in Charleston, SC for a tour of the one-acre garden of this grand Georgian mansion, one of the nation's best examples of G...
Bob takes a trip to New York City to tour the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, a spectacular, world-class museum greenhouse.
Landscape designer Ruth Foster explains her selection of plant material and flowering shrubs for the backyard and directs the planting of a Sephora Japonica shade...
When shopping for plants at Haskell's Nursery, the homeowner gets some professional help from Martha Stewart, who transforms the greenhouse into an elegant settin...
Bob joins landscape designer Ruth Foster to discuss her plan for a stone patio and hot tub. Low-voltage outdoor lighting will also be installed.
Bob and the landscaper discuss planting five fully grown Queen Palm trees in the courtyard, partly in order to hide unsightly features of a neighbor's home.
Bob tours the tiled courtyard, with its Queen Palms and fountain. And there is a surprise visit from Pamela Anderson, a cast member of "Home Improvement".
Landscape designer Ruth Foster explains a few techniques for promoting drainage and keeping weeds under control, respectively. She also discusses the plants she h...
Bob joins contractor Bob Ryley and the tree removal specialist to discuss clearing the site. Special tips on chainsaw use and safety are provided.
Landscape designer Ruth Foster visits the project site to explain her choice of plantings for the formal courtyard garden.
Bob takes a tour of Olana, a Victorian artist's mansion in Upstate New York, overlooking the Hudson River. Named after a Persian fortress/treasure house, Olana ha...
Bob and landscape designer Ruth Foster tour the new formal courtyard and discuss how the plants will grow over time, granting privacy to guests and the homeowners.
Bob visits Vizcaya, a remarkable Italian Renaissance-style palazzo. Head curator Doris Littlefield shows Bob around the 70-room mansion and 12-acre estate gardens.
Bob talks with landscape architect Clara Bachelor about the condition of the yard and the final landscape design.
Bob, landscape architect Clara Bachelor, and contractor Bob Marzilli review how to plant a balled and burlapped shrub.
Bob tours the exterior of the project home, focusing on the architectural detail and final landscape design. He then moves inside to review the custom stair raili...
Bob meets with a landscaper to discuss the existing plantings, some of which will be removed or cut back to maximize the amount of interior light. Trees, shrubs, ...
A trellis-- the frame and lattice of which have been built in the workshop-- is installed in the front yard.
With Bob having decided to alter the landscape design, shrubs are transplanted and perennials are planted. Plus, sodding goes down to create a grass lawn.
Bob and carpenter-contractor Bob Ryley review the exterior of the home, pointing out the new trellis and the new entryway. Next, they move inside to have a look ...
Bob meets with landscape contractor John Wall to talk over removing existing plant material.
Bob discusses the addition of a swimming pool with the project architect.
Bob visits Joanne, a landscape designer, at a local nursery to find plants for the project house's outdoor space.
Bob and Pete, the foreman of the swimming pool construction crew, survey the property and review the installation plans.
Bob has a discussion the landscape architect, Joanne Smallwood, and new wooden fence is installed.
Remodeling of the cracker cottage is complete. Bob tours the home, starting with the exterior and the landscape.
Bob watches as the crew clears more trees and brush to make room for building structures.
Bob discusses landscaping with specialist Susan Hofer. Topics include sod, a gravel driveway, brickwork, fences, and perennials.
Bob goes outside to observe a tree being planted and to see the little garden beyond the entryway landscaped.
The finishing touches are put on the garden while the exterior painting is completed.
A sloping bank descends from deck level to the yard. Landscape designer Ruth Foster explains her choice of plantings for this garden: It will be green, with junip...
Landscape designer Ruth Foster joins Bob to review the landscaping plan. Foster has selected a hedge and evergreens to screen the yard from street traffic and ne...
