Many bloom for weeksor monthsproviding a steady supply for your vases. And for most of these shrubs, the more you cut, the more flowers they produce. The following flowering shrubs are among the best to grow for cut flowers. Credit: Laurie Black The blooms are flanked by attractive and aromatic gray-green leaves that have silvery undersides. Their stems serve as a wonderful,soft colored filler in arrangements. Hydrangea There are severaltypes of hydrangeasthat are outstanding for cutting....

These winter-flowering annuals and perennials help bring a little color to gardens in milder climates. For others, winter is an opportunity to coax more color out of the ground. The following plants all offer winter flowers and a few can tolerate a little frost. Credit:Peter Krumhardt It’s usually grown as an annual, but is a short-lived perennial in Zones 9 and warmer. It can withstand temperatures down to about 28 F if well established....

Keep feathered friends flocking to your yard with these tips. Wild birds, such as finches, robins, andcardinals, are a fascinating part of many gardensand landscapes. Not Enough Variety To encourage the greatest diversity of birds in your yard, use a variety ofbird feeders. Credit: Hajarimanitra / Adobe Stock verify the feeders have no nooks or crannies that birds can get stuck in. “Fungus and bacteria thrive on damp seed. This is especially true for open platform feeders....

Learn how to locate and prevent these common sources of leaks. Running water and sanitary sewer systems are key household advancements that have improved quality of life. Preventing leaks is possible by taking the appropriate household maintenance steps. Credit:Adam Albright Use this guide to learn more about common causes of household leaks and how to prevent them. There are a wide variety of signs that canpoint to a household leak....

If you’re guilty of any of these composting mistakes, don’t worry! It’s easy to get your compost pile back on track. Composting is the ultimate recycling activity. Credit:annalovisa/Getty Images Mix air, water,kitchen scraps, and yard trimmings for soil composting, then wait. But the devil, as they say, is in the details. Although making compost isn’t rocket science, thereisa little science involved. Credit:Marty Baldwin A few missteps in the process can lead to some serious frustration....

Learn how to pinpoint chilly drafts and seal up the gaps for good. Ahead of colder weather, do a walk-through of your home to ensure all the gaps are sealed tightly. Before cold weather hits, check these areas. Credit:Getty Images / Sasin Paraksa Windows:Windows are one of the most common areas of the home that causes drafts. This is more likely on windows that open, but all windows can become draftyespecially as they get older....

Doing laundry involves more than simplytossing clothes into the washing machineand pulling them out when they’re clean. If you’re not careful, certainlaundry mistakescan damage your clothing and diminish the effectiveness of your washer. You use too much laundry detergent. Credit: Jay Wilde You sort only by color, not also by fabric. And alwayswash towels, bedding, and other bulky items separate from clothing. You don’t take time to prep your clothes....

ensure your wallpaper project is done right the first time with these expert tips. But a poor DIY job can also double your stress and timeand strain your wallet. While we’re lovingthe resurgence of wallpaperright now,it can be a challenging projectto tackle on your own. Credit:Katie Charlotte Of course, you’re free to hire a professional installer to do the job for you. You must remove your old wallpaper before applying anything new....

Max out on old-fashioned flowers and vintage charm with these cottage garden ideas and tips. Laurie Black Pristine and perfect? No, thank you. Credit:Laurie Black “Over time, our garden became this cozy, joyful bit of chaos, says Fish. The pathway leading up to it is lined withladys mantle, purple columbine,lavender, and Sarah Bernhardtpeonies. When designing a garden, it helps to begin with the structures. Credit:Laurie Black Case in point: a pathway where columbines have popped up in ever-increasing numbers each year....

Clear up floor space and hit the road faster with these unique bike storage ideas. Hang a framed photo of your favorite place to cycle above the shelf to complete the decorative display. Line Them Up Multi-bicycle households may find this hanging bike storage idea agenius garage solution. Credit: Reed Davis Maximize the functionality of the space by installing an overhead shelf outfitted withstorage bins. Install wall-mounted hooks to keep your bicycle off the ground and out of the way....

A nice green lawn alone may not do it. Fix any cracks in the paving or any paint. Consider hiring a pressure washing service to deep clean your driveway, siding, deck, or sidewalk. Credit: Peter Krumhardt Try adding a lushwindow boxor some prettyseasonal container plantson the front steps. Thedesign and architecture of your homecan be a real asset when you’re creating curb appeal landscaping. Use Hardscaping Use secondaryhardscape elementsto help improve curb appeal....

Caitlin Atkinson With summer approaching, its time to consider your outdoor spaces, including your deck. Discover the best deck trends for 2025 that will help you host summer gatherings in your own backyard. While youre at it, consider laying your boards in a pattern for a cool effect. Credit:Caitlin Atkinson These artistic patterns elevate a simple deck into a statement piece that blends functionality with personality. Multi-Level Decks Have an existing deck, but want to level up?...

Switch up your favorite rice-based recipes with some tasty substitutes like quinoa, barley, and bulgur. Countries all over the world consider rice apantry staple. It can befried with veggies, used as a base for acasserole, and evencreamy pudding. Credit:BHG / Joules Garcia While white rice is traditionally the grain kept on hand for mealtime, some excellent white rice alternatives exist. Brown Rice Perhaps the easiest swap among this list, brown rice makes an excellent white rice alternative....