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Jessica Walliser
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Category: Home & Garden
Home & Garden | ReportWire publishes the latest breaking U.S. and world news, trending topics and developing stories from around globe.
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A Surprise Way to Overwinter Tomato Plants and Keep Them Alive for Years
Can Tomato Plants Survive Winter? Yes! Here are 4 Ways to Do It
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What makes sliding windows a practical choice for family homes? – Growing Family
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Collaborative post
Thinking about practicality first
When choosing windows for a family home, usability is always a priority. Vertical sliding uPVC windows offer practical features that can help you manage ventilation and daily operation more easily.
Let’s look at what makes sliding windows such a practical choice.
Smooth and controlled operation
Vertical sliding design
Unlike standard casement windows that swing inwards or out, vertical sliding uPVC windows move smoothly up and down within their frame. This contained movement means there are no parts sticking out for children to bump into, and no sashes swinging into the room.
Controlled movement
The smooth sliding mechanism prevents sudden slamming or jolting, reducing the risk of trapped fingers. Because the sashes slide vertically, they cannot be pushed open as widely as a casement window once unlocked.
Sash restrictors provide added peace of mind by limiting how far the window can be opened. This allows for ventilation while preventing the window from being pushed up too far, unless the feature is manually released to let the sash slide past the restrictor.
Features for security and convenience
Secure locking systems
Typically, on wider windows two locks along the meeting rail keep the window tightly secured when closed, helping to prevent unauthorised opening. Reputable manufacturers like Quickslide offer a PAS 24 upgrade for improved security, which is ideal for keeping homes safer.
Travel restrictors
Restrictors limit how far a sash can be opened when the feature is enabled. They are activated or deactivated on the internal side, which prevents anyone outside from overriding the feature, though it may be possible for someone inside to do so. For this reason, restrictors should be considered an added convenience rather than a safety feature for children.
Top sash ventilation
The upper sash can be opened to allow airflow, with the gap at the top often out of reach for young children compared to a wide-open casement or even a gap in the bottom sash. This allows ventilation while keeping the bottom sash closed.
Reducing risks from height
Bottom sash control
Keeping the lower sash closed helps limit access to the window, while the opening height can be restricted for controlled ventilation. Please refer to the section above on travel restrictors for more information.
Tilt function
Some sliding uPVC windows, like those from Quickslide, include a tilt feature that allows the sash to tilt inwards for easy cleaning. While caution is still needed, this can reduce the need to use ladders.
Installation and safety advice
It’s important to choose a reputable installer when upgrading your home with sash windows. A mistake during installation can lead to more than just draughts or poor performance. It can also compromise security and safety. Poorly fitted locks, misaligned sashes, or gaps in the frame can weaken the window’s resistance to forced entry and make features such as the locks or travel restrictors less effective.
A practical choice for families
When designing or upgrading a family home, window choice often balances safety, practicality, and everyday comfort. Sliding uPVC windows have become a popular solution, combining easy operation with thoughtful safety features that suit busy households. From their smooth movement to built-in locking systems and ventilation options, these windows offer both convenience and reassurance for families.
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Catherine
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Last-minute party ideas for a memorable Halloween night – Growing Family
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Halloween is less about perfection and more about atmosphere. You don’t need elaborate decorations or weeks of preparation to have a great night – just the right mix of mood, creativity and spontaneity.
From quick costume ideas to easy party games and themed snacks, a few simple touches can turn any evening into a memorable celebration. This guide shows how to capture that Halloween spirit effortlessly, so you can focus on having fun instead of overplanning.
Setting the right atmosphere
A great Halloween night isn’t about planning every detail weeks in advance. It’s about creating a fun, spooky mood that brings people together. Whether you’re hosting friends, going to a party or simply celebrating at home, some thoughtful touches can make the evening a success.
Lighting is one of the simplest ways to transform a space. Dim lamps, candles or orange string lights can create a warm, mysterious glow. A playlist with a mix of upbeat tracks and eerie background sounds also helps set the mood instantly.
Creative costumes in no time
Not everyone wants to spend hours crafting the perfect Halloween look. Last-minute ideas can be just as effective as elaborate costumes. For example, a black outfit with a few clever accessories can go a long way. If you want to add a dramatic touch, Halloween themed makeup is often the easiest way to elevate even the simplest outfit.
A quick smoky eye, a touch of glitter or a bold lip can make a costume feel intentional without the need for a sewing machine or glue gun. If you like the idea of something more theatrical, face paint offers endless options – from cute to creepy – with minimal effort.
Simple party games and activities
If you’re hosting, a few easy games can make the night more interactive and fun. Classic ideas like apple bobbing, a costume contest, Halloween jokes, or a spooky scavenger hunt work well for all ages. For smaller gatherings, horror film trivia or themed charades are simple and entertaining.
The key is to keep things light and inclusive so everyone can join in, whether they went all out on their costume or showed up at the last minute.
Drinks, snacks and little surprises
Halloween isn’t complete without a few treats. Themed drinks and snacks don’t have to be complicated to make an impact. A punch bowl with floating orange slices, cookies shaped like pumpkins or cupcakes with black icing can make a table look festive in seconds.
Adding small surprises throughout the night, like hidden candy bags or a quick “best scream” contest, keeps the energy playful and memorable.
Enjoying the night, not overplanning it
A great Halloween night doesn’t require a huge budget or weeks of prep. It’s the little details that create a sense of magic. Dim lighting, a simple costume, easy games and a few themed touches can set the stage for a night full of laughter and fun.
The goal is to enjoy the moment and make memories, whether you spent hours planning or pulled it together in fifteen minutes!
What are your favourite last-minute Halloween party ideas?
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Catherine
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Alternative space solutions for growing families: shipping containers explained – Growing Family
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If your house is starting to feel like a game of Tetris, with toys in every corner, no quiet space to work, and everyone stepping on each other’s toes, you’re definitely not alone. Maybe you’ve just had another baby, perhaps the in-laws are moving in, or you simply can’t cope with working from the kitchen table any more. Whatever the reason, you need more space, and fast.
The challenge facing lots of growing families is that building an extension or buying a bigger home is expensive, stressful, and can take a long time. Faced with this reality, some families are getting creative when it comes to adding extra living space. One unusual solution that’s turning heads is shipping containers.
Yes, we’re talking about the big steel boxes you see on cargo ships. They’re sturdy, stackable, and with the right setup, they can be turned into living spaces that feel like home. Shipping container homes aren’t the perfect fit for every family, but if you’re trying to stretch your square footage without draining your bank account, it might be worth a look.
Why families are saying “No thanks” to traditional builds
Everything’s too expensive
The cost of adding a room or buying a bigger home is only increasing. Shipping containers offer an affordable alternative. They give you the shell of a room (or multiple rooms) for a fraction of the price, and you may not have to wait for permits and contractors.
You need space that can change with you
What your family needs right now won’t be the same in a few years. For example, a nursery might need to become a playroom, then a study, and eventually a guest room or a private space for your teenager.
Containers are modular, which is just a fancy way of saying you can add onto them as your family grows. If you need more space later you simply add another container.
Why shipping container homes actually work
They’re super tough
Shipping containers are built to handle storms at sea. So when it comes to weather, wind, or wear and tear, they hold up. With proper care, they can last for decades.
Fast to set up, easy to customise
Unlike waiting months for a home addition, container projects can move fast. For simple, pre-modified units, you can move in within weeks. Full multi-container homes typically take a few months, depending on permits and contractors.
You’ve also got lots of options when it comes to customisation. These include skylights, sliding doors, full kitchens, kids’ loft beds, and office nooks. You don’t have to settle for a boxy layout.
A win for the environment
Instead of rusting in a shipyard, a container gets a second life as part of your home. And if you insulate it properly, throw in solar panels, and use efficient lighting, you’ve got a space that’s eco-conscious and cost-effective.
What about safety?
Structurally solid
The steel frame is already stronger than most stick-built homes. It’s also fire-resistant and pest-resistant.
Be smart with materials
You need to bear in mind that some used containers might have carried chemicals or been treated with coatings. To avoid safety issues, always work with a seller who can guarantee the container’s history.
Because steel walls don’t breathe, it’s important to include proper ventilation and moisture barriers to avoid condensation or mould.
You also need to make sure that any interior materials (insulation, wood framing, finishes) meet safety standards and regulations.
The importance of insulation
Metal boxes heat up and cool down fast, so you need effective insulation. This is one area where it’s important to consult a professional. Pair insulation with a HVAC setup for maximum comfort all year round.
Making shipping container homes work for real family life
Choosing the right size
Standard containers come in 20ft and 40ft lengths. There’s also a “high cube” version, which gives you an extra foot of ceiling space – ideal if you’re adding bunk beds, shelves, or just want to feel less cramped.
If you’re working on a multi-room setup, 40ft high cubes give you more to work with. These large shipping container options are a solid starting point.
Architects specialising in modular design can help you plan container layouts that meet building code and optimise light and flow.
Layouts that actually work
You don’t need a dozen containers to make a liveable space. A simple two-container setup can cover the basics: one for a living room and kitchen combo, and one for two bedrooms and a bathroom.
For more privacy, you can connect the units with a breezeway or add a hallway. Even small features like a sliding door or partition can make a huge difference when everyone’s under the same roof.
Family-friendly features
Here’s what makes a container feel like a home for a family:
- Soft, safe flooring (like cork or vinyl planks) can soften noise and improve comfort
- Built-in storage to manage clutter
- Soundproofing between rooms
- Skylights and big windows to let in natural light and make the space feel bigger
If you’ve got young children, consider adding loft beds or climbing nooks. Kids love them, and it frees up more floor space for playing or homework.
Don’t skip these steps
Check your local rules
Some areas are cool with container homes, but some aren’t. Call the building department before you commit to anything. Ask about codes, zoning, and whether you can even place one on your property.
Prep the site correctly
Containers need a solid foundation. A concrete pier or slab foundation prevents shifting and corrosion. Don’t skimp on costs here; if the base shifts or floods, you’ll have issues.
You also need to include perimeter drainage to keep the steel dry. You definitely don’t want water pooling under or around the unit.
Power, water, and safety
Just like standard properties, shipping container homes need:
- Electric and plumbing hookups
- Heating and cooling
- Smoke detectors, CO monitors, and escape routes
Is shipping container living right for your family?
Container homes aren’t for everyone, but for budget-minded families open to creative design, they can offer space, flexibility, and long-term savings.
If your family’s outgrowing your space, but your budget isn’t stretching with it, containers are worth considering. They’re fast, flexible, and let you create exactly what you need, without the mortgage-sized price tag.
The tradeoffs
There will be local regulations to deal with. You might also have to do some explaining to your neighbours. And while a good design makes the most of the space, it’s still not a five-bedroom suburban sprawl.
Shipping containers aren’t just an unusual trend. They can be a smart, practical solution for families who need more room and don’t want to blow their savings or wait for contractors. They’re sturdy, customisable, and can flex with your family as it grows. So if you’re standing in a cluttered home thinking, “We need more space, right now,” maybe it’s time to give container living some thought. Before you decide, explore certified container builders or visit model homes to see how liveable these spaces can be.
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Catherine
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Adele’s First Day of Fall in Indiana – Fine Gardening
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Happy Friday, GPODers!
As gardeners, we’re all stewards of the land, and we have a responsibility to take that position seriously. For some, that means doing no harm and adding beauty to our landscapes. But Adele Kush in South Bend, Indiana, takes that mission to the next level and builds naturalistic gardens teeming with native plants and mini ecosystems that help support our local wildlife and pollinators. We’ve seen Adele’s beautiful and beneficial landscape once before (A Naturalistic Garden in Indiana), and since then she has continued making updates and swapping in more native plants. Today, the space looks completely transformed.
Hello! These 10 photos were taken on the first day of fall. Our 1/3-acre property in a subdivision in South Bend, Indiana, was a blank slate when purchased in 1979. I began gardening for wildlife (birds, pollinators, mammals, amphibians) 30 years ago, and the yard is full of biodiversity.
Since joining our South Bend Wild Ones organization, I have learned about the incredible value of planting straight species trees, forbs, shrubs, grasses, and sedges that are native to northern Indiana. They benefit my wildlife habitat and entire ecosystem.
There is no grass in my sides and backyard. I continue to shrink the front lawn and have removed the majority of the invasive species I had planted 40 years ago, including English ivy, wintercreeper, periwinkle, daylilies, and lily of the valley. These have been replaced with common yarrow (Achillea millefolium, Zones 3–8), wild geranium (Geranium maculatum, Zones 3–8), beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis, Zones 3–8), pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia, Zones 3–8), common violet (Viola sororia, Zones 3–7) and native strawberry (Fragaria virginiana, Zones 5–9), American columbine (Aquilegia canadensis, Zones 3–8) as well as native sedges and grasses.
I encourage everyone to begin adding natives to your own yard and garden beds. If you have a local Wild Ones chapter, they will be happy to assist you, and the national Wild Ones website has free valuable education and ideas at wildones.org.
Three leadplants (Amorpha canescens, Zones 3–8), boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum, Zones 3–8), New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, Zones 4–8), violets ground cover, and self-seeded calendulas
Blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum, Zones 5–9), spotted Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum, Zones 3–8), red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea, Zones 2–7), red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia, Zones 3–9)
Blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia, Zones 4–8) grows in the shade of a white pine (Pinus strobus, Zones 3–7).
Self-sown annual pink cleome (Cleome houtteana, Zones 10–11 or as an annual), purple New England aster, goldenrod
Winterberry shrubs (Ilex verticillata, Zones 3–9) and staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina, Zones 3–9)
Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca, Zones 3–9), boneset, spicebush (Lindera benzoin, Zones 4–9), prairie dropseed grass (Sporobolus heterolepis, Zones 3–9)
New England aster blooms buzz with bees.
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida, Zones 5–9) drupes
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Zones 3–9) turning fall color on the pin oak (Quercus palustris, Zones 4–8)
Dry creek bed bordered by snowberry bushes (Symphoricarpos albus, Zones 3–7)Thank you so much for this fantastic update on your garden, Adele! It’s inspiring to see the changes you’ve made in order to better serve the environment, while still maintaining visual interest.
What garden practices have you adapted over the years to be more environmentally friendly? Whether you have a biodiverse haven like Adele, or planted a small pollinator garden to attract and support some beneficial bugs, we celebrate all gardens that are working toward a greater good and would love to have your space featured on Garden Photo of the Day. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.
We want to see YOUR garden!
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with #FineGardening!
Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Buffalo-Style Gardens: Create a Quirky, One-of-a-Kind Private Garden with Eye-Catching Designs
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Buffalo-Style Gardens is a one-of-a-kind, offbeat garden design book that showcases the wildly inventive gardens and gardeners of Buffalo – and offers readers “the best of the best” ideas to use in their own small-space gardens.
The Regenerative Landscaper: Design and Build Landscapes That Repair the Environment
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
2024 Nautilus Award Gold Medal Winner! This awe-inspiring guide weaves together permaculture design, food resiliency, climate adaptation, community organizing, and indigenous wisdom that you can implement in your own backyard.
Bee Watering Station with Vivid Flower Design
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Thoughtful Combo: You will receive a bee feeder and 30 glass marbles. This thoughtful combo can provide clean water for the bees, you just need to put the marbles into the bee watering station, add water (note: the water level should not exceed the height of the marbles) and hang them in the right place. The round, colored marbles can provide a place for the bees to stand and prevent them from falling into the water, effectively keeping the bees safe. Fine Material: This exquisite bee bath is made of high quality iron material, smooth surface, rust and weather resistant, not easy to fade, sturdy and reliable. Bee cups for garden can well meet the drinking water needs of lovely bees, and it can also provide food for bees, such as sugar water, nectar, etc., attracting more bees to your outdoor area and making your garden full of vitality. Perfect Size: The butterfly watering station has an overall height of 13.4 inches, a bowl diameter of 9.4 inches, and a weight of 0.44 pounds. The bee cup serves the needs of the bees well without plunging them into dangerously deep water or taking up unnecessary space in your garden, and this compact and efficient design makes it a practical addition to any outdoor space. Elegant Design: Our bee watering cups are designed in unique flower shapes with vibrant and realistic colours to attract lovely bees to your garden and patio, bee feeders for outside are not only functional but can also be used as a landscaping element, their vibrant floral patterns enhance the beauty of your garden. Multicolored Decoration: Colorful bee water stations look like flowers in a garden, flower bed or pot and attract bees and butterflies. They can drink or bathe in bee feeders, which are highly decorative and practical.
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GPOD Contributor
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Forcing Bulbs: Your Guide to Growing Bulbs Indoors
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Gardeners, rejoice! If you’re ready for spring, start the season early by forcing bulbs to grow indoors. Not only will you get to bring some beauty into your home, but you’ll be a step ahead when it comes to your spring garden, too. Here’s everything you need to know about growing bulbs indoors.
Photo courtesy of Flowerbulb.eu Do you ever find yourself wishing that spring could come earlier? Well, my friend, you can bring a bit of spring indoors this fall and winter with blooming spring bulbs! With a few simple techniques, you can force bulbs to grow early and create a spring garden right in your own home well before they are ready to flower outdoors.
You can make gorgeous, varied arrangements to display on your dining table or other surfaces, and you’ll be feeling sunnier in no time. Grab some bulbs and get ready to welcome spring!
This post will cover…
Bulbs can make for wonderful gifts, alongside growing instructions. Sponsored Content: This article on forcing spring bulbs is proudly sponsored by Flowerbulb.eu (who also provided some of the gorgeous photos in this post). We partnered on this article to help remind you that fall is the best time of year to buy spring bulbs. There are a ton of great bulbs available at online retailers and in garden centres, so you certainly will have plenty of options in your area. Get your bulbs now so you can chill them in time for an early spring indoors when you need the cheery blooms the most!
Forcing Bulbs for Spring
I’m rather lucky living in the Pacific Northwest, where spring arrives earlier for me compared to other northern counterparts. Oftentimes, I am posting my spring bulbs on social media, and my friends are commenting that they’re still deep in snow!
Snow in May and June is a reality for some, making the true gardening season a few short months. However, you can still enjoy the wonders of spring even if it doesn’t feel like the season outdoors. Forcing spring bulbs is my favourite way to add some much-needed colour inside while you sit and wait to garden outside.
Tulipa Bright Sight, Orange Princess, Queensland, and Varinas, courtesy of Flowerbulb.eu The Best Bulbs to Grow Indoors
While you could theoretically use most bulbs indoors, some will be more challenging than others. For successful and easy flowers, it’s important to pick bulbs that take well to forcing. These ones are easy to force indoors and produce gorgeous spring flowers that will brighten up your home.
I also like to grow bulbs indoors that aren’t hardy in my area. Some bulbs will only be hardy in warmer zones and won’t naturalize for the following year. Growing bulbs indoors allows you to still experience these more tender bulbs, even if you live in a colder area.
Grow some specialty varieties to really make your flowers shine indoors. Photo courtesy of Flowerbulb.eu Choose Your Container
Bulbs can be forced in a wide variety of containers, so pick something decorative that will complement the flowers that you’ve chosen. Shallow dishes and pots make good containers for many bulbs, as do simple Mason jars.
You can find containers specifically made for bulb forcing, too—they have a wide dish at the top that narrows before widening out below again into a vase shape, so that the bulb will sit in the top above the water in the vase part.
You can easily use some of your outdoor pots for your indoor bulbs. Photo courtesy of Flowerbulb.eu Prepare Your Bulbs
Forcing bulbs and other plants is a way of tricking them into thinking it’s time to flower earlier than they naturally would. In order to do this, you have to put the bulbs through a false “winter.”
Spring bulbs naturally go through a period of dormancy over winter, and in the spring, when the soil is warmed enough by the sun, the bulb knows that it is time to come up and bloom. What we’re doing is recreating this effect indoors and on our own time, so that we can have beautiful spring flowers blooming early.
To do this, you need to mimic the bulb’s natural life cycle by chilling it at 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit (or 2-7 degrees Celsius) for about 8-15 weeks. This creates an artificial winter.
You can chill bulbs in a cool, dark spot like a root cellar or unheated garage.
You can also put the bulbs in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator as long as you give them their own drawer away from fruits and vegetables that release ethylene gas.
If you don’t have the time to do this, you can buy bulbs that have already been chilled for you.
Muscari flowers. Planting Bulbs Indoors
Once the bulbs have gone through their cold period, you can plant them indoors, and the transition from cold to warm will signal to them that it is time to grow and bloom.
If you are using a Mason jar or other deep vessel, fill the container up with small pebbles or marbles. Nestle the bulb into the pebbles or marbles with the pointy end facing up. About half of the bulb should be buried while the top half remains exposed. Add enough water to the container so that the bottom quarter of the bulb is submerged, but the rest of the bulb is above the water.
Make sure not to fully submerge the bulb in water so it doesn’t rot. If you are using a shallow dish or pot, add a few pebbles to the bottom for drainage and add potting soil to the container. Plant the bulbs in the soil (again, pointy sides up) and add a little more soil on top so that they are just covered. Water thoroughly. Check the soil often and keep it moist with frequent watering.
Keep your soil moist, but make sure it’s not soggy. Drainage is important! Sometimes you don’t even need soil to grow your bulbs. All you need is a bulb, water, and the right vase. A forcing vase is one that has a narrow top and a wide bottom. This allows the bulb to be only partly submerged in water.
If you have a forcing vase, simply fill the bottom part with water and rest the bulb inside the wide dish at the top. If you haven’t chilled your bulbs yet, place your vase in a dark, cool place and wait. After a few weeks, the roots will grow down into the water. When the flower begins to appear, bring it out for display. If your vase is clear, you even get to watch the roots grow in addition to seeing the beautiful flower bloom.
Hyacinths smell wonderful, making them a true treat indoors. Photo courtesy of Flowerbulb.eu Decorate!
Growing bulbs indoors is all about bringing some colour and beauty to your home. Beyond the flower variety and colour, you can add a lot of elements to stylize your indoor bulb.
Give your arrangements a little something extra by adding reindeer moss, polished pebbles, or flat glass marbles around the base of the plants, and consider including some delicate deciduous branches for added structure. If you are forcing your bulbs in soil and not just water, you can plant a few pretty annuals, such as violas or primulas, in the same container for some variety.
You can also play around to make your bulbs and container match the season. Opt for pastel hues and cheery containers to create an Easter themed piece. As long as you time it right, you can have bulbs indoors year-round.
Force bulbs indoors any time of year. Photo courtesy of Flowerbulb.eu Plant Again
After the bulbs have finished flowering and you have enjoyed your indoor display to the fullest, you can plant the bulbs out in the garden and watch them flower again for years to come. If they are hardy in your zone, you can plant them in the ground and wait for them to sping up next winter. Alternatively, you can also store them to grow them indoors again.
To do this, remove old flowers and leaves as they slowly fade away. Once the plant is finished flowering and the foliage has turned yellow, cut the stems to two inches above the bulb. Remove the bulb from the soil and gently clean off any dirt. Store in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use it again next winter.
Tulipa Dynasty and Hyacinthus China Pink, courtesy of Flowerbulb.eu More Spring Flower Fun!
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
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Stephanie Rose
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A Stunning Garden in North Haven, NY, by DeMauro + DeMauro
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Strike one: a house in need of a major renovation. Strike two: a garden in need of love. Strike three: a remodel that left the surrounding landscape decimated. Such were the conditions that Emilia and Anna DeMauro, the sisters behind DeMauro + DeMauro Landscape Design & Gardens, encoutered when they first met with their client in North Haven, a hamlet north of Sag Harbor, New York. “When we came on the property, it was essentially a construction site,” remembers Emilia. “It really was just exposed earth—just dirt. And further back it was so overgrown in some areas it was difficult to even walk.”
With a main house, a barn, a pool and a pool house, the two-acre property was not quite a blank canvas. There were also mature oaks dotted across the property, which abuts both woodland and wetland. In addition to repopulating the landscape with native plants, the client, an avid cook and gardener, hoped to add vegetable and cut flower beds (she also wanted to keep the peach trees planted by the previous owner). Last, the client wanted to highlight several sculptures by her late husband.
To tackle the large project, the DeMauro sisters created distinct gardens within the property, including two pollinator gravel gardens close to the house, a wildflower meadow near the wetland, grassy meadows on either side of the driveway, three cut flower beds, and fourteen vegetable beds—plus, on-site composting and even a chicken run.
Take a tour of the revived and diverse bayside landscape:
Photography by Doug Young, courtesy of DeMauro + DeMauro.
Before
Above: Before the landscape redesign, the land surrounding the house was nothing but compacted, post-construction dirt. Anna saw the sunny spots between the two house wings as the perfect opportunity to create a dry gravel garden inspired by Beth Chatto’s celebrated garden in Essex. After
Above: Two years after DeMauro + DeMauro’s installation, the pollinator gravel gardens are coming into their own. [ad_2]
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Dawn Gets Ready for Fall in Arizona – Fine Gardening
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Hi GPODers!
For many veggie gardeners in the North, the season is slowing down. Maybe you’re transitioning to growing some crops in cold frames, but for the most part, edible gardens will be getting cleaned up and a short period of downtime commences until seed-starting season arrives. But for Dawn Fountain in Surprise, Arizona, the growing season never has to stop. Dawn has shared her small but bountiful garden several times (check out her previous submissions here: Dawn’s Backyard Garden in Arizona, Indoor Growing in Arizona, Dawn’s Spring Garden, and Dawn’s Garden Battles Extreme Temperatures), but each new submission is another insightful look at the unique challenges and benefits of growing food in the desert. Today’s post is a deep dive on all of the wonderful edibles and flowers that are still producing, as well as the recent additions to her delicious mix.
It’s time to get the garden ready for fall in Surprise, Arizona—change up the dirt, add compost and new plants (most from seeds, some store/nursery-bought ones).
My main garden has: cucumbers, parsley, broccoli, passion flower (Passiflora spp. and cvs., Zones 6–11), asparagus, lettuce, tomatoes, basil, and peas/beans . . .
. . . as well as melon, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, and corn.
For the melons, I have about 6 babies and 10 teeny-tiny ones.
My butterfly garden and memorial garden for my grandfather, mom, and grandmother are just starting.
The start of Dawn’s memorial garden—a potted plant for each loved one lost.
The raised bed has habanero, ghost pepper, jalapeño, oregano (Origanum vulgare, Zones 4–8), marigold. The peppers are great for making infused honey.
The side garden in which I let my husband just plant what he wanted, where he wanted. He has planted several flowers, cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes. The side garden also has grapes and three types of mint: chocolate (Mentha × piperita f. citrata ‘Chocolate’, Zones 6–9), peppermint (Mentha × piperita, Zones 5–9), strawberry mint (Mentha spicata ‘Strawberry’, Zones 4–9). And I added apple mint (Mentha suaveolens, Zones 5–9) to it today.
The sunflower is where the birds have planted it. It is a mammoth, as there are about 15 buds/flowers on it. The bees love it.
When I start my seeds inside, I like to keep track of when I plant the seeds and when they sprout. I look up how long and mark the date they are supposed to germinate. It is entertaining for me to see how few days it takes for me to get them to sprout. It is so exciting, after hardening the seedlings, to put them in my garden.Can you tell I love my garden? It is my goal to have a mini jungle that I can use to feed my family. I like using organic herbs, veggies, and fruits. It is so fulfilling to me.
I wish, wish, wish, wish that I could grow peonies, but Arizona is just too hot.
In October, my favorite local nursery starts its classes on how to grow and prepare to grow different things. You know where I will be Saturdays in October.
Thank you so much for another fantastic update, Dawn! Not only is it interesting to see what and how you grow in Arizona, it’s impressive to see the abundance you’re able to cultivate under challenging conditions.
Are you a kitchen gardener like Dawn? Are you collecting your last harvest, getting ready to finally pick your largest pumpkin, or have you already sown seeds that will give you fresh veggies through winter? Consider sharing your vegetable garden photos with the blog. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.
We want to see YOUR garden!
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
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Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Niteangel Natural Wooden Insect Hotel, Garden Insect House for Ladybugs, lacewings, Butterfly, Bee, Bug
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
The insect nest box provide a safe environment where garden creatures can shelter, hibernate and lay their eggs, the insect house can also keep insects from entering your warm room. The insect hotel makes it easy to find and observe fascinating creatures. the butterfly, bees and ladybugs can use this product as habitat. Dry wood and Bamboo can be home to many insects such as ladybirds and lacewings which eat aphids and help keep your plants pest-free. the insect hotel improve the growth of plants in your yard by attracting beneficial insects. The iron design on the top can keep the insect house from rainwater. Let the insect house have a longer useful life and make the insects more comfortable. If you only have a balcony or yard, the hanging garden shelter is ideal as it provides a choice of suitable habitats in a small area.
The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master’s Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition
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Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library.
VegTrug Classic Cold Frame
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Provide a natural growing habitat for your plants with VegTrug’s durable and versatile Cold Frame. A spacious and visually attractive cold frame provides the perfect microclimate environment to extend your growing season. The wood frame has 6mm double insulated and shatterproof polycarbonate that safeguards your plants from extreme weather conditions.
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GPOD Contributor
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Growing Ornamental Grass: Unique Picks & Easy Care Tips
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We underestimate just how beautiful ornamental grasses can be in the garden. They can be statement plants, the key to a modern garden look, and the textural component you may be looking for. Read on for my tips for growing ornamental grass, and find the perfect match with my unique list of grasses you haven’t tried yet.
Grasses are VERY underrated when it comes to the garden. When I was a novice gardener, I went to the garden centre and absolutely fell in love with purple fountain grass and Japanese blood grass. I thought they were some of the most stunning plants in the whole place.
Of course, I bought them. They became star plants in my garden that summer. The dark leaves and big bush flowers of the purple fountain grass grew to 5 ft. tall, making a dramatic appearance. The Japanese blood grass also had dramatic colouring, with cranberry red grass blades.
I was really sad when they eventually died, as I considered them an investment. But they were my first foray into growing ornamental grasses, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Today, I’ll share with you some tips for growing ornamental grasses, as well as a few standouts to prove just how fun they can be in the garden
Some ornamental grasses can be so tall they tower over you! Designing With Ornamental Grasses
In most cases, people use ornamental grasses as filler or as a part of xeriscaping. And they’re really great for that! But I encourage you to think beyond the plain ornamental grass and to make them the focus of the garden as well.
My modern take is a garden made entirely of ornamental grasses. The grasses become the star, and they create a very tranquil atmosphere. This would be perfect for a meditation garden.
Ornamental grasses can belong in just about any type of garden setting, mostly because native grasses can be found all over the world. From cottage gardens to rock gardens, there is a grass that will work. They’re also wildlife-friendly, providing habitat and food for insects and birds.
Most ornamental grasses are pest and drought-resistant, and a majority can tolerate partial shade. They’re one of the most low-maintenance plants you can grow, so I encourage you to try growing them in those hard-to-grow areas in your garden. For instance, Japanese forest grass became a star in my shady garden where other plants struggled.
This modern patio utilizes green grasses for a lush, zen appeal. 10 Unique Ornamental Grasses to Grow
Before purchasing any ornamental grasses, make sure you check that they’re suitable for your area. Some grasses can be invasive, spreading aggressively, while others nicely clump.
Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra
- USDA Zones: 4-9 (perennial)
- Sunlight requirements: Partial shade
- Notable characteristics: shade lover, yellowy foliage, natural round shape
Japanese forest grass has a bright yellow tone to it, making it a lovely plant to brighten up dark corners. I’ve used it in my shady areas to help provide a golden pop, giving the illusion of more light. It’s a rare grass that thrives in shady areas.
What’s also lovely about this plant is the natural round shape it creates. It grows up to 18” high and 24” wide, and is not known to spread invasively like other grasses.
Japanese forest grass provides a bright hue for shady areas. Bunny Tails
Lagurus ovatus
- USDA Zones: 4-10 (annual)
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
- Notable characteristics: soft texture, dried flower favourite, winter interest, re-seeder
I first grew bunny tail grass in my children’s play garden. They have the softest texture, and the little puffs at the end really do look like they belong to a bunny. They grow about 30 cm tall, making them the perfect height for littles to walk through and touch in the play garden.
They’re an extremely popular cut flower, being a beautiful pale green in the spring and summer before maturing into an ivory and sometimes pinkish colour in the fall. They also dry amazingly, and are often dyed fun colours.
Bunny tail grass produces fluffy heads all summer long. Wandering Chilean Iris
Libertia peregrinans
- USDA Zones: 8-10 (perennial)
- Sunlight requirements: Partial to full sun
- Notable characteristics: narrow sword-like foliage, orange shade, fragrant white flowers
For those who live in warmer zones, the wandering Chilean Iris is such a fun and vivid ornamental grass to grow. It retains this bright orange colour all year long, becoming a focal point that will test even the showiest flowers.
To get the best colour, you’ll want them in full sun. The foliage brightens in the winter, so it’s great for some winter interest. The plant can also produce small and fragrant white flowers that grow on top of the narrow, straight stems. These bloom starting in late spring.
Libertia peregrinans received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Blue Fescue Grass
Festuca glauca
- USDA Zones: 4-8 (perennial)
- Sunlight requirements: Partial to full sun
- Notable characteristics: unique blue foliage, mound shape, fast-growing
Blue fescue grass is a classic ornamental grass option, and for good reason! The blue foliage is notable, providing a teal-silver colour you don’t often see in the garden. It’s known for being fast-growing, softer texture, and returning year after year.
It’s important to note that blue fescue is different than the tall fescue, which you see in turf lawns. I included blue fescue grass in my jack-o-plantern below!
Common Cattail
Typha latifolia
- USDA Zones: 3-10 (perennial)
- Sunlight requirements: Partial to full sun
- Notable characteristics: aquatic, up to 10 ft. tall, herbaceous perennial, fluffy brown tops
First, you had bunnytails; now, I present to you cattails! Anyone who grew up on prairies and in BC will recognize these fun and fluffy plants. Aquatic plants, they grow along the edges of marshes and bogs, growing up to ten feet tall.
While they have large, long leaves that grow from the base of the plant, the most notable aspect is the cattails. They’re firm and brown when fresh, and turn fluffy as they age.
Cattails prefer full sun and consistent water. Japanese Blood Grass
Imperata cylindrica
- USDA Zones: 5-9 (perennial)
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
- Notable characteristics: bright red tips, Deer resistant, serrated foliage, invasive
Another bright favourite of mine is the Japanese Blood Grass. Bright green on the bottom and dark red on top, these offer a fun pop of colour. They work well as accents or in borders.
It can have invasive qualities, so keep this in mind when deciding where to plant it. Look for sterile cultivars such as ‘Red Baron’ and ‘Rubra’ to avoid this concern. That being said, this is also why it’s known as an extremely low-maintenance plant.
You can also grow Japanese blood grass in containers to limit its spread. Purple Majesty Ornamental Millet
Pennisetum glaucum
- USDA Zones: 4-9 (annual)
- Sunlight requirements: Partial to full sun
- Notable characteristics: dark foliage, accent plant, height, pollinator favourite
I included purple majesty ornamental millet in my pollinator seed collection way back in 2018, and it remains one of the most stunning grasses I’ve grown. The dark purple foliage and cattail-like heads make it a great focal and accent plant.
It can grow up to 1.2 m tall, so it works great planted at the back of the bed or somewhere you don’t mind a little height. Then sit back and watch the bees visit!
Purple majesty ornamental millet grows tall, so note the full maturity size when planting. Weeping Brown Sedge
Carex flagellifera
- USDA Zones: 6-9 (perennial)
- Sunlight requirements: Partial to full sun
- Notable characteristics: golden-brown colour, low mound, evergreen
Another grass I featured in my jack-o-plantern, the weeping brown sedge, stays a beautiful golden-brown colour that feels so autumnal to me. It grows best in mild climates where it acts as a herbaceous evergreen perennial, though it is short-lived.
The leaves are very fine, providing a nice textural and low-growing element near the front of garden beds
Plant perennial grasses in the fall to get the best deals. Curly Rush Grass
Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’
- USDA Zones: 5-9 (perennial)
- Sunlight requirements: Partial to full sun
- Notable characteristics: spiral stems, patio plant, houseplant, likes moisture
The curly rush grass may be the most fun one on this list of grasses. It produces corkscrew-shaped stems that are smooth and upright. They grow in nice clusters and produce small yellowish flowers in late summer.
Some grow the curly rush grass as a houseplant, but it also works well as a container plant for the patio or as part of a children’s garden, thanks to its fun shape and texture.
Curly rush grass loves damp soil. Horsetail
Equisetum hyemale
- USDA Zones: 4-9 (perennial)
- Sunlight requirements: Partial to full sun
- Notable characteristics: grows in any conditions, spreads quickly, toxic to grazing animals
Horsetail is a fun-looking evergreen perennial. It grows tall and upright, appearing somewhere between a grass and bamboo.
Horsetail can handle whatever you throw at it and will grow where nothing else would. In most places, it’s considered a weed. Since it reproduces through spores and underground rhizomes, it can spread very quickly and easily fill in an area.
So when would you use horsetail? It can grow in dry, poor soil when you need something to fill an area. It can also grow in standing water, making it a good aquatic plant if you have a contained pond. Just know what you’re signing up for!
When in doubt, control the spread by growing it in a container. Tips for Growing Ornamental Grass
- Dividing. Eventually, your perennial grasses will need to be divided, typically to control the size or when the centre of the grass is dead. Divide them in early spring when the plants are just starting to turn green. Dig up the whole root ball, and cut it in half (or more), removing any dead parts before replanting.
- Water tolerance. All grasses will have different water requirements. While most are drought-tolerant, others thrive in damp and moist conditions. Be sure to check the plant tag to know its water requirements.
- Sharp edges. Many grasses have sharp blades and barbs on them. If you touch them the wrong way, they can cut you. It’s their defence mechanism after all. Just be careful when working with your ornamental grasses, wearing gloves when necessary.
Ornamental Grasses Care FAQ
When to plant ornamental grasses?All annual ornamental grasses should be planted in the spring so you can get the most out of them. Any perennial grasses can be planted in the spring or fall. I like the fall, as that’s when perennials are all on discount!
Do ornamental grasses need fertilizer?I wouldn’t worry much about providing fertilizer to your ornamental grasses. I mix in compost when planting, and add it to all my garden beds throughout the summer.
If your grass is in a container, then it will need monthly fertilizer applications during the growing season. If you have poor soil in your garden beds, you may want to add some organic granular fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season.
Do I need to cut back my ornamental grasses?Leave your ornamental grasses for the fall and most of the winter. They can provide some winter interest in the garden, and also a necessary habitat for wildlife. In late winter or early spring, cut back last year’s growth to the ground before the plant shows signs of growth again.
Grasses provide movement and softness to the garden. More Low-Maintenance Gardening Tips
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
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Stephanie Rose
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How to Choose the Right Greenhouse Flooring | Gardener’s Path
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Materials to Consider
An easier question might be, “what kind of materials should I avoid?”
Pretty much any type of floor can be used, like rolled rubber, interlocking mats, ring mats, polyethylene, wood, tile, fake turf, pavers, gravel, concrete, grass, bricks, and even the existing soil.
Then there are underliners or foundational material. Weed barriers and vapor barriers will make your life easier and can extend the longevity of your greenhouse.
Here are some commonly used greenhouse flooring options and a few to steer clear of.
Existing Soil
This is the most basic option. It’s free and natural, and it drains well. But it also invites pests and weeds, holds moisture, and is impossible to clean.
If you go this route, kill all the weeds with an herbicide or flame weeder and compact the ground extremely well.
Best for: Temporary structures or growing directly in the ground.
Avoid if: You want a clean or permanent setup.Gravel or Crushed Stone
Durable, easy to install, and great for drainage. Pair it with a weed barrier and you’re good to go.
Crushed stone works better than smooth pea gravel, which can shift underfoot. Some gardeners combine gravel aisles with raised beds or pavers for a more polished look.
Best for: Good drainage, moderate budgets, and flexible setups.
Avoid if: You need to reuse runoff water or want a solid surface.Concrete
It’s expensive, but it might be the last floor you ever need to install. You can slope it for drainage, add textured mats for grip, and clean it easily with a hose or mop.
Concrete also holds heat during the day and releases it at night, which can help keep your greenhouse warm.
Best for: Permanent greenhouses, commercial setups, wheeled carts or benches.
Avoid if: You’re on a budget or don’t want to commit to a permanent material.Pavers or Brick
Pavers offer a good balance of beauty and function. They’re easier on the feet than concrete and allow some water to soak in.
You can install them over gravel and weed barrier for a breathable floor with charm. Brick adds a rustic look and holds heat well, too.
Best for: Decorative spaces, warm-climate heating, raised beds.
Avoid if: You want a smooth, weed-free surface or minimal maintenance.Rolled Rubber, Interlocking or Anti-Fatigue Mats
These are great for temporary or transitional spaces. Rubber mats provide comfort underfoot and a safe, non-slip surface.
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Kristine Lofgren
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6 tips on choosing modern home lighting solutions – Growing Family
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Whether you’re refreshing a space you’ve lived in for years, or settling into a brand new home, one thing is certain: lighting matters. It’s an often-overlooked detail; many assume that any setup will do, only to later realise the results fall short of their expectations.
The wrong lighting can affect both the function and feel of your home. You can avoid this common pitfall by giving your lighting choices the attention they deserve from the start. Read more about the importance of good lighting here.
So, how do you choose the right modern home lighting solutions for your property? There are certainly some important factors that you will have to consider. The tips in this article will help you figure out what to keep in mind and which steps to take in order to get the best lighting solutions for your home.
Click here to learn about some mistakes you may want to avoid with your home lighting in general.
1. Think about your overall style and preferences
Before anything else, take time to consider the overall style of your home – along with your personal taste. The last thing you want is to look up one day and realise you can’t stand the lighting design you chose.
It’s surprisingly common for people to rush this step, overlooking how their choices align with the space or their own style. The result? Light fixtures that feel out of place and disrupt the flow of the interior. To avoid that, make sure your lighting choices reflect both your preferences and the character of your home.
2. Consider the purpose of the space
Next, consider the purpose of the space, and more specifically, the purpose of the lighting within it. Not all rooms serve the same function, and your lighting choices should reflect that.
For instance, some areas will benefit from ambient lighting to provide overall illumination, while others may require task lighting for specific activities like cooking or reading. Accent lighting can also be used to highlight architectural features or decor elements. Thoughtfully layering these types of lighting will ensure each room is both functional and visually appealing.
3. Check the lighting quality
Whether you’ve chosen downlights, pendants, linear fixtures, spotlights, or a combination of styles – which is often the case – it’s essential to focus on quality.
To assess that, consider key factors like brightness, colour temperature, and whether the fixtures offer dimming capabilities. These elements should be selected not only based on your personal preferences, but also in harmony with the overall design of your home and the specific function of each room.
4. Consider the proportions of the space and the fixtures
It’s also important to consider the size of your space. Getting the proportions right between the room and the lighting fixtures is key to achieving a balanced look.
When selecting modern home lighting solutions, make sure the fixtures are appropriately scaled for the area they’re intended for. The good news? With so many options available, finding the right size to suit your space and style shouldn’t be a problem.
5. Don’t forget energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is another key factor you shouldn’t overlook. While it’s important for your lighting fixtures to look great, they should also offer practical benefits, like helping to lower your electricity bill.
Choosing energy-efficient options ensures your lighting not only enhances your home’s style but also delivers long-term savings.
6. Find the right supplier
Finally, take the time to research different lighting suppliers carefully. You want to work with a provider that offers high-quality products at fair prices.
Explore a range of suppliers, compare their products and pricing, and don’t forget to assess the overall service quality. Reading online reviews from previous customers is a great way to gauge a supplier’s reputation and reliability before making a decision.
What’s your top tip for choosing modern home lighting?
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Catherine
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Small household habits that keep a busy home running smoothly – Growing Family
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In a lively home with kids, work schedules and constant movement, it’s often the small habits that make everything feel manageable. A quick wipe down after making breakfast, putting things back the moment you’re done, or setting a weekly rhythm for laundry and linens – these aren’t big cleaning sessions, but they keep the house in control without draining your time.
It’s not about chasing perfection, but about building light maintenance into everyday life so your home stays calm and functional.
Attaching small tasks to existing routines can make a huge difference. For example, while the kettle boils, you can wipe the worktops. After dinner, one minute spent resetting the living space prevents clutter from building up. Strategically placing microfibre cloths in different rooms encourages quick action before buildup turns into a cleaning project. When cleaning becomes part of your flow rather than a separate task, the home stays tidy with very little effort.
A gentle routine for surfaces and appliances
Household appliances last longer when included in this regular maintenance approach. Leaving the dishwasher open to air after a cycle, running a hot maintenance wash in the washing machine once a month, or quickly wiping the rubber seals of the fridge, these small actions prevent wear, odours and technical issues.
The same goes for furniture and finishes. Wipe spills immediately, treat wood surfaces periodically, and avoid letting moisture sit on stone or glass.
Prevent instead of repair
Moisture spots, grease residue and mineral buildup don’t have to become major cleaning jobs if they are addressed early. Wiping down the shower screen after each use, lifting the lid of the kettle to let it dry, or removing crumbs and splashes right away prevents things from hardening or sticking.
This approach turns home care into something ongoing and low-effort instead of a stressful weekend mission.
Limescale care made part of the routine
Instead of waiting for stubborn white buildup, treat limescale like any other light task in your cleaning rhythm. Once a week, take a cloth soaked in diluted vinegar and gently wipe taps and fittings. This prevents deposit buildup and keeps chrome and glass bright.
If you ever need a deeper clean, knowing how to remove limescale with a simple vinegar or citric acid soak saves time and avoids harsh scrubbing. Applied as part of your weekly reset, it feels like just another quick step rather than a full chore.
A calm home comes from rhythm, not perfection
A home that feels good is not necessarily spotless, it’s one where you feel in control. Knowing what needs attention and when allows you to let go of constant mental checklists. A quick appliance check on Saturday morning, a gentle wipe of handles after cooking or a kettle descale while making tea, building these moments into a home maintenance rhythm will give you more peace throughout the week.
And the more these habits settle in, the less deep cleaning you’ll need to do. Surfaces stay fresh, appliances perform better, and you spend more time living in your home, not managing it.
What’s your top tip to keep a busy home running smoothly?
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Catherine
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The role of laptop screen extenders in boosting creativity and focus – Growing Family
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Have you ever felt frustrated by the limitations of using just one laptop screen? You’re not alone. Professionals across various industries often find a single screen insufficient for an efficient work environment. Constantly switching between tabs and applications can disrupt your workflow and significantly reduce productivity.
Switching to a setup that has more than one screen can boost your productivity and enhance your creativity. Let take a look at how triple monitors could be the best option for you.
Why creativity needs the right environment
It’s no secret that creativity thrives in the right environment – and clutter isn’t part of it. When your laptop is overwhelmed with overlapping windows, it creates a chaotic workspace that can hinder clear thinking. Our brains are wired to process information more effectively when it’s presented in an organised way. With a triple monitor setup like the Mobile Pixels Trio laptop screen extender, you gain the space you need to think freely, stay focused, and spark new ideas.
Here’s how laptop screen extenders can make work easier:
- You can visualise different concepts side by side.
- You can can work on research, brainstorming, and execution simultaneously.
- There’s no need to minimise or switch tabs.
In simple terms, you can work more effectively with better concentration. This environment allows creativity to flow.
How triple screens inspire creativity
A triple monitor screen can boost creativity in a number of ways:
A broader visual canvas
Triple screens give you a broader visual workspace – something every creative mind can appreciate. Think of it like having a larger canvas as an artist: there’s more room for layering, detailing, and bringing your ideas to life. With this expanded setup, you can easily compare designs, draft multiple versions, and explore new concepts without feeling constrained.
Seamless multitasking without chaos
Another major advantage is effortless multitasking. Creative projects often involve juggling research, notes, and actual production work all at once. With a multi-screen setup, there’s no need to constantly switch between tabs. You can keep everything visible and organised across separate screens, making your workflow smoother and more efficient.
Reducing cognitive overload
Triple screens can prevent cognitive overload caused by switching tabs every few minutes. By keeping everything in sight, you reduce mental clutter and strengthen concentration.
Limiting interruptions
One clever trick with triple screens is assigning one display to communication apps. Emails or messages can stay open without interrupting your creative process. You check them only when needed instead of allowing constant pop-ups to distract you.
Building a flow state
The flow state is where creativity and focus merge seamlessly. Triple screens support this state by aligning your environment with your workflow. You can dive deep into tasks without losing track of essential resources.
Practical applications of triple screen monitors
Designers and creatives
Graphic designers can dedicate one screen to editing software, another to colour palettes, and a third to reference images. This setup sharpens creativity while cutting down on wasted time.
Writers and content creators
Writers often need to research while drafting. One screen for research, one for the draft, and one for editing tools can help the words flow without interruption.
Students and professionals
Students working on projects can keep notes, references, and assignments separate. Professionals in finance or coding can track data, code, and results side by side. The structure encourages sharp thinking.
Summing up
By providing space, structure, and clarity, triple screens can transform how you approach tasks. Rather than constantly juggling windows and breaking your focus, you can stay in the zone, fully immersed in creativity and productivity. If you’re looking to unlock deeper inspiration and sharper concentration, laptop screen extenders could be a game-changing upgrade.
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Catherine
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Expert Advice: 10 Tips from Old House Gardens for Planning a Spring Bulb Garden – Gardenista
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In Chicago, where I grew up, tulips were pretty much the only thing that kept us going through the winter. You can survive snow, and you can survive ice, and you can even survive the razor winds that blow in from the lake to rub your face raw, if you know that one day you will look out a window and see a clump of tulips, their swan necks improbably supporting the weight of their fat flowers.
But it can be daunting, in the autumn, to figure out how precisely to make tulips happen. Which varieties to plant? Will crocuses grow in your climate? How do you gracefully make room in the garden for flowers that bloom briefly before producing withering foliage you shouldn’t cut back for weeks?
For advice, I phoned bulb grower Scott Kunst of Old House Gardens in Michigan. He grows and sells hundreds of hardy and rare, vintage varieties of tulips, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, bluebells, and other bulbs.
“Start small,” he suggested.
Here are Scott Kunst’s 10 ideas for planning a spring bulb garden:
Photography by Michelle Slatalla except where noted.
Know your microclimate.
Above: Photograph by John Merkl for Gardenista. Go outdoors and take stock of your garden’s microclimate: where are the sunny spots and well-drained soil? That’s where most bulbs grow best. Draw a garden plan to remind yourself.
Buy 5, 7, 9, or 11.
Above: At Rodsmarton Manor. Photograph by Britt Willoughby Dyer, for Gardenista. While you’re looking at your garden, imagine clumps of bulbs, planted in clusters of five or more of a single variety; that’s how they look best.
Know your hardiness zone.
The US Department of Agriculture has developed a map of hardiness zones to help you choose plants that will survive in the climate of your geographic area. Check your USDA hardiness zone by entering your zip code at USDA Plant Hardiness Map; purchase bulbs that are rated for your zone. You can search for bulbs for your zone with the Heirloom Bulb Finder at Old House Gardens.Start small.
Above: Here are some Foolproof Spring Bulbs for a Beginner. Photograph by Meredith Swinehart. The first year you plant bulbs, fill a few holes in the garden rather than trying to make the whole garden look like a field in Holland.
Use a fence as backdrop.
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Above: Photograph by Scott Patrick Myers. Plant bulbs in narrow, curving clusters that run parallel to the fence. “This is a trick I learned from Gertrude Jekyll,” says Kunst. “Rather than planting a big, round circle that’s three feet wide, make a gentle curve that’s about 18 inches wide. The bulbs will be in your line of vision when they bloom, and after they go over, other plants behind and in front will hide the yellow foliage.”
Heights may vary.
Above: Narcissi pictured here in floral designer Milli Proust’s windowsill. Photograph courtesy of Milli Proust, from Cult Narcissi: Rethinking the Uncool Daffodil. When deciding where to place bulbs, take size guidelines with a grain of salt. Heights of the same variety of bulb can vary from one year to the next, and in different growing zones. “It’s OK to mix up heights,” says Kunst. “It looks less garden-y than if you try to put all the tall ones in the back and all the short ones in the front.”
Don’t let them touch.
Above: Photograph by John Merkl for Gardenista. For more, see Gardening 101: How to Plant a Spring Bulb. [ad_2]
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Ezequiel’s Early Spring Garden in Buenos Aires – Fine Gardening
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Hi GPODers!
The Northern Hemisphere is celebrating the first days of fall; temperatures are beginning to cool and leaves are shifting, but the Southern Hemisphere is just waking up to the first days of spring! As we say goodbye to our peak season of color, the other half of the world is getting ready for theirs to commence. Today we get a small sample of the Southern Hemisphere’s early spring as we enjoy Ezequiel Martín Barakat’s lively cottage garden in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ezequiel has shared his garden a few times before (check out those previous submissions here: Cottage-Style Dreams, A Cottage Garden in Buenos Aires, and Ezequiel’s Autumn Garden), and each update introduces us to more of his great designs as well as the amazing plants he is able to grow in his warm climate.
The first signs of spring are coming out in my cottage garden of Buenos Aires. Irises of deep blue and yellow colors, yellow daisies, blue Spanish scillas (Hyacinthoides hispanica, Zones 3–9), yellow bulbines (Bulbine frutescens ‘Yellow’, Zones 9–11), calendulas, a white rosebud and old rose azalea, and lavender are blooming in soft textures. It is not yet the explosion of energies of November or December here, when the sun is at its deepest power, but I love this early spring that promises the lushness and life of nature. Greetings and hugs from Argentina!
While flowers flourish and fade, Ezequiel’s beds are always filled with decadent greenery that keeps the garden looking lively. In this section, a Dutch iris (Iris × hollandica, Zones 6–9) pops against a massing of yellow and orange bulbines and taller spikes of foliage that signal more blooms to come.
Another lovely clump of bulbine gives a better look at the slender succulent foliage that adds to the attractiveness of the plant. A South African native, it is well-loved in warmer climates for its drought tolerance but can struggle in locations that get too much fall and winter precipitation.
Another angle reveals more of the lavender planted alongside the bulbine—an absolutely impressive planting that is spilling onto Ezequiel’s patio. In the background, various shrubs and trees offer interesting shapes and plenty of vertical interest in the garden.
More beds giving that romantic cottage-garden abundance: The foliage is particularly effective in this planting, as the light pink azaleas grow up from a luscious sea of green.
The show is just getting started in Ezequiel’s garden, but every corner is filled with healthy new growth that indicates many more flowers are on their way.
Lastly, a couple of African bush daisies (Euryops chrysanthemoides, Zones 8–11) in Ezequiel’s garden add even more sunshine yellow to the landscape. These evergreens have fascinating deeply lobed leaves, but the bright flowers steal the show and are known to bloom year-round.Thank you so much for another incredible update from your garden, Ezequiel! Your landscape always looks so lush and inviting, even during those early days of spring.
International gardens are rare on Garden Photo of the Day, but they are a special treat each time. If you live outside of North America, or have recently done some international travel, we would love to see your garden photos! Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.
We want to see YOUR garden!
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with #FineGardening!
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GPOD Contributor
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How to Use Winter Mulch to Protect Plants in Cold Weather
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Annual Crops
Winter mulching of annual crops is primarily done to keep the ground warm and prevent it from freezing for as long as possible, thus prolonging the harvest season for as long as possible.
Depending on your climate, crops, and thickness of mulch, sometimes this process can even allow crops to be harvested through the winter.
Mulch annual crops in the fall before the ground freezes.
Crops such as carrots, parsnips, turnips, beets, kohlrabi, and kale can often last well into the winter with extra layers of insulation to keep soil from freezing.
In the harsher climates of Zones 1 to 3, crops may need additional protection such as floating row covers, hoop houses, or cold frames to survive.
Check our our best selections for fall crops for more information.
How to Mulch
To prepare annual crops for an extended harvest, cover plants with a one- to two-foot thick layer of straw, leaves, or other organic material before the ground freezes.
Topping the whole thing off with a row cover, old bed sheet, or garden blanket will help hold it all in place, preventing material from blowing away during winter storms.
You can secure the cover with rocks, logs, or garden staples. Also remember to mark your beds with tall stakes, since you may have trouble finding them again under feet of snow!
Tip: Crops like kale and collard greens can be protected by surrounding plants with stakes wrapped in burlap and stuffing the space between with leaves or straw for insulation.
Some crops, such as garlic and certain varieties of onions are planted in the fall for a spring or summer harvest.
Cover these beds with a thick layer of leaves or straw to protect bulbs through the winter.
In spring, move leaves to the side to allow foliage to poke through and reach the sunlight more quickly.
We take a deep dive into using leaves as compost and mulch in this guide.
Fallow Beds
Unplanted fallow beds can be covered over with organic material anytime during the fall.
This will protect bare soil, helping the soil to retain moisture, reduce erosion, and build up nutrients.
So when you go to plant again in spring, the soil will be nutrient rich, healthy, and moist!
Lasagna mulching is a great technique for protecting fallow beds where you are planning to grow nutrient loving annual crops in the spring, or for anywhere you want to improve the soil.
To build a lasagna bed, simply stack four or more layers of organic materials.
Each layer should be a few inches thick. Try to alternate layers of greens and browns material just like you would in a compost bin:
Greens (nitrogen rich material): Aged manure, compost, garden waste, grass clippings
Browns (carbon rich material): Leaves, straw, hay, sawdust, wood shavings
Use any combination of ingredients you have on hand.
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Heather Buckner
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It’s Here! ‘Gardenista: The Low-Impact Garden’ Hits Bookshelves Today – Gardenista
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Happy pub day! Today, Gardenista: The Low-Impact Garden finally hits bookstores. We can’t wait for you to crack it open and enjoy the contents.
A companion volume to Remodelista: The Low-Impact Home, it’s the result of longtime Gardenista writer Kendra Wilson and acclaimed photographer Caitlin Atkinson’s travels around three continents to find—and photograph—the best in gorgeous eco-minded landscapes. As a guide for future gardening, it is a show-and-tell of sustainable design and innovative ideas, articulated by the most original thinkers in the garden world today. Whether you’re a new homeowner looking for landscape guidance or a seasoned gardener in search of fresh ideas, you’ll find a wealth of inspiration inside.
Above: Gardenista: The Low-Impact Garden. Here’s just a glimpse of what you can find in its pages:
- Visits to 12 exquisite gardens, both urban and rural, and details on what goes into making a brilliant front yard, summer cottage garden, stylish indoor-outdoor space, eco-conscious pool, lush green roof, and more
- Fundamentals, demystified: deep dives on native plants, trees, shrubs, soil, and more
- Expert tips and ideas
- The Gardenista 50, a compilation of our favorite attractive, made-to-last garden tools.
P.S.: To celebrate the release, Kendra offers a sneak peek at all the cool lawn-free front yard ideas she encountered while working on the book; read the full thing over on Gardenista.
To order your copy, browse one of the retailers below.
Above: From the book: a garden visit with our friends at Mjölk in Ontario, Canada. Photograph by Caitlin Atkinson. United States
Order via Hachette, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and Bookshop.
Canada
Order via Amazon Canada.
United Kingdom
Order via Blackwells, Waterstones, Amazon UK, and Foyles.
Australia
Order via Hachette.
New Zealand
Order via Mighty Ape.
Other Territories
Elsewhere? Check with your closest local bookstore…
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Why You Need to Plant Garlic This October (And How to Get BIG Bulbs)
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Why You Need to Plant Garlic in October (And How to Get BIG Bulbs)
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Niki Jabbour
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Houseplants as Biofilters: Do Indoor Plants Really Purify the Air? – Garden Therapy
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Have you heard all the buzz about how indoor plants purify the air in your home? I always see labels on plants and websites touting the power of plants in purifying. While this is true, it may not be to the extent that they’re making it out to be. Let me explain.
It’s true that plants are biofilters, a term often used for systems that use plants or microorganisms to clean air in order to combat pollution and the presence of harmful toxins.
This technology is usually used on a large scale for wastewater treatment facilities and chemical plants, but any system that filters out toxins is a biological filter…and that includes plants, animals, insects, and even you!
Does that mean that all the microbes, pollution, and viruses are filtered out of the air if you have some houseplants? There are many myths and claims out there about what houseplants can do for your air quality, so I did a little research on the truth about houseplants and air quality.
Let’s get into it!
Plants as Biofilters
The past couple of summers have been terrible for forest fires here in British Columbia. I’m lucky enough to live in a part of the province where my home wasn’t threatened by fire, but the smoke from wildfires across the province made its way here and caused me to have lung problems, headaches, and stinging eyes.
I have been so grateful to have my plants during these smoky seasons, because they make a difference in the freshness of the air, both outside in the garden and inside the house.
You can immediately notice the amazing air quality when you’re outside surrounded by plants. All of this got me thinking a lot about air quality, and how indoor air quality is often pretty bad, wildfire season or not. Even if you’re never exposed to wildfire smoke (which I hope is the case!), with technology running constantly, forced heating in the winter, and an increase in chemicals used in everyday life, there is a need more than even for air-purifying measures to be taken within the home.
Which, of course, got me thinking about plants. There’s a lot of hype out there about how indoor plants purify the air, but I wasn’t sure how much of that was true, so I did a little research of my own to learn how plants work as biofilters and how effective they really are at cleaning up airborne toxins.
Plants produce oxygen, which removes some airborne microbes, mold spores, and bacteria from the air we breathe (thanks, plants!).
In addition to producing oxygen and cleaning up the air that way, plants also use their roots to get rid of toxins. The roots actually absorb harmful toxins and convert them into nutrients, which they then use to grow. This is the ultimate in upcycling!
Even if they don’t fully clean the air, houseplants are lovely just on their own! Do Indoor Plants Really Purify the Air?
This is probably not the first time you’ve heard that indoor plants purify the air, but did you know that houseplants can also absorb contaminants like benzene and formaldehyde?
These might not sound like things that are hanging around your house, but many cosmetics, cleaning products, and cigarette smoke contain these, making them common toxins around many homes.
Houseplants even absorb some harmful radiation given off by technology such as computers and cellphones, but they probably can’t absorb enough of it to significantly reduce the health risks that these technologies entail.
Peace lilies are one of the most effective plant biofilters. Although there have been a few high-profile studies done to prove the effectiveness of plants at filtering air (yes, that NASA), these studies have all been done in small, sealed environments.
Larger, open spaces like houses will not make it so easy for plants to purify the air quite as effectively and there is no evidence that they make a big enough difference to drastically improve health. That being said, they certainly can’t hurt. At the very least, houseplants will remove some toxins from the air and give you a healthy dose of indoor garden therapy.
The Best Air-Filtering Houseplants
Some indoor plants purify the air, or more accurately filter the air, more than others. Here is a list of common houseplants that draw the most toxins out of the air.
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’)
- English ivy (Hedera helix)
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata’Laurentii’)
- Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
- Elephant ear (Philodendron domesticum)
- Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
- Gerbera daisy or Barberton daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
- Pot mum or florist’s chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)
Adding a few (or a lot) of these low-maintenance houseplants to your home can make a difference in the quality of the air you breathe, but not as big a difference as many articles claim. They are a beautiful and welcoming addition around the house and can boost your mood, so I say the more houseplants, the better!
Pothos are a great beginning plant since they enjoy low light. More Tips for Growing Houseplants
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
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Stephanie Rose
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Lawn-Free Front Yard Ideas: 10 Tips from ‘Gardenista: The Low-Impact Garden’
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Happy pub day to us! Today, Gardenista: The Low-Impact Garden finally hits bookstores! We can’t wait for you to crack it open and enjoy the contents. Whether you’re a new homeowner looking for landscape guidance or a seasoned gardener in search of fresh ideas, you’ll find a wealth of inspiration inside.
To celebrate the release, the book’s indefatigable author, Kendra Wilson, offers another sneak peek, this time sharing all the cool lawn-free front yard ideas she encountered while working on the book.
Front gardens, stoops, driveways, and parking courts have the potential to spread cheer, absorb storm water, and harbor insects and birds. When there’s a clear design rationale at work, other people on the street will want to get on board. Here are some of our favorite ways to have a front garden that is more than “low-maintenance” (though it can be that, too). All the ideas are from our new book, out today.
Photography by Caitlin Atkinson.
Grow a sponge garden.
Above: The Philadelphia front garden of Kayla Fell and Jeff Lorenz, of design and maintenance practice, Refugia. Jeff and Kayla removed their front lawn during their first year living in their house in Pennsylvania. Stormwater that used to flow over their compacted grass into the basement is now soaked up by closely planted perennials with mixed root profiles, and an absorbent swamp cypress.
Balance sharpness with softness.
Above: A mid-century house in Pasadena, which saw a light landscape renovation in the hands of Samuel Webb and Kara Holekamp of design group Terremoto. The sharp lines of this classic house are made even clearer, not from subtracting but by adding lively planting around the edges. This, in turn, is in dialogue with towering trees that seem to be held back by the immaculate walls. Loose symmetry on either side of the doorway adds more contrast, with a pair of Arbutus that refuse to be identical.
Above: The preexisting parking grid lets its hair down around the edges, with a generous perimeter of permeable gravel and plants with varied root systems that soak up rain. Re-wild the stoop.
Above: A front stoop in Brooklyn, the former home of horticulturalist Rebecca McMackin and her arborist husband Chris Roddick. In pots on Rebecca’s stoop, long-lasting foliage of easygoing, northeastern perennials (Heuchera ‘Marmalade’ and Aquilegia canadensis) offers rest stops and shelter for small creatures. “Even in this tiny spot, it’s not hard to attract wildlife,” she says. And why let a tree pit go to waste? This one is fenced off with ad hoc railings and planted with tough natives that tolerate neglect as well as dogs. A sign directs dog owners’ attention to a couple of large rocks on the side, with the request, “Pee on me, not the tree.”
Say good-bye to mulch.
Above: With so much texture, green is never dull. Supported by trilllium, columbine, aster and ferns, the glaucous star is Fothergilla x intermedia ‘Blue Shadow’). [ad_2]
