Keep these items out of the shed to protect them from the elements. If you have an outdoor shed, chances are you’re using at least part of it for storage. To help you protect your belongings, we’re sharing items you should never store in an outdoor shed. Credit: Peter Krumhardt Sheds come in all shapes and sizes, and serve a variety of functions. The combination of drastic temperatures, moisture, and potential pests puts many items at risk of becoming ruined....

Keep this space clutter-free to prevent potential damage. Chances are, yourunder-the-sink storage areais stuffed with, well, stuff. It’s a smart idea to clear out, clean, andreorganize the cabinetwith only what you need. Credit:Ryan Bent Photograhy Blaine Moats 1. Then, stock everything else away in a designatedcleaning closet. Taking up too much room like the other bulk-bought products is only one part of the problem. Credit:Blaine Moats Moisture is often present inside the cabinet, even if youre not experiencing a leak....

Lidded containers also protect their contents from external elements, including moisture, dirt, dust, and pests. Clear bins are often a superior choice to cardboard boxes, one of theworst storage solutionsavailable. Use separate clear bins for individual holidays or seasons and label accordingly. Credit: Jason Donnelly To safeguard fragile orsentimental items, wrap them in paper or bubble wrap before placing them in a bin. you might also store them in a small container or one with compartments, like an ornament organizer....

Buffalo check plaid has been around for centuries. Learn how to incorporate this classic pattern into your existing home decor. Long associated with rustic country-style interiors, buffalo plaid has hit the mainstream. Credit: David Tsay Because of the pattern’s bold use of color, buffalo plaid often works instead of a solid color. Use these ideas for decorating with buffalo plaid to introduce this classic pattern into your home. Buffalo-Plaid Upholstered Furniture For a striking dose of pattern, use buffalo plaid in bold ways....

Pruning Japanese maples properly accentuates the form and brilliant autumn color of these statement trees. Bryan E. McCay Japanese maples have a multitude of attributes that make them perfect trees for shady landscapes. Some varieties boast eye-catching spring color, while others are bedecked with a riot of hues in fall. Credit:Bryan E. McCay Leaf shape and texture range fromtraditional maple shapesto finely cut and lacey leaves. All their attributes are amplified with good pruning techniques....

Repotting African violets regularly helps them grow and bloom better. Bob Stefko African violets are long-lived plants that can gracehouseplant collectionsfor up to 50 years. Signs that your violets need repotting include stunted growth, reduced flowering, pot-bound roots, and drooping leaves. Credit:Bob Stefko Know when to repot. Most African violet enthusiasts recommend repottingevery six months. The plants might also need to be repotted if theyre growing in a pot that is too large....

There’s a tree with heart-shaped leaves for just about any garden or yard. While many types of trees have palmate (hand-shaped) or lobed leaves, not as many haveheart-shaped foliage. Theres a tree with heart-shaped leaves for every yard and climate, from the far north to the tropics. Credit:Lubilub / Getty Images Find the perfect tree to add a touch of romance to your yard from the following list of trees....

Italian Influences Take a trip across the ocean and back in time to the sun-drenched Italian countryside. Inspired by romantic beauty and long-lasting craftsmanship, Tuscan style bringsold-world European charmwith dramatic flair to modern-day living spaces. Colors of the Countryside The vibrant hues radiating from the Italian landscape translate comfortably intoTuscan-style rooms. Choose warm, earthy colors, such as rusty reds and terra-cottas, coppery yellows, and olive greens. Inject these cheerful tones in upholstery and window treatment fabrics, as well as decorative accessories....

One key factor that differentiates one throw in of flour from the next is the amount of gluten. Gluten is a protein that helps wheat-based doughs rise and hold their shape. More isn’t always better, thoughyes, even if you’re not gluten-intolerant. Credit: Carson Downing Never eat raw flour! And some are aiming to limit or avoid gluten. Still, as we mentioned, not all types of flour perform exactly the same....

All types of nuts are little powerhouses loaded with protein and other nutrients. The recommended daily one-ounce serving, about 1/3 cup, makes a good snack that will fill you up. Buy them raw or roasted, salted or plain. Hazelnuts. Choose roastedcashews for bakingunless specified otherwise. Almonds:Almonds are flat, oval-shaped nuts with a reddish brown skin that can be removed by blanching. The smooth, light-colored meat has a mild, yet rich, flavor....

Add water to your landscape for soothing sounds and a pretty accent to your flowers and greenery. Options range from sculptural, like a fountain, to natural, like a stream or pond. Use this guide to outdoor water features to determine the best key in for your yard. Credit: Jay Wilde Garden Pond Bring nature back into your backyard. In-ground ponds can subtly integrate with other water features. Best for:Gardeners who are true nature lovers....

A sturdy support system can turn climbing vines and flowers into stunning vertical accents. Give your plants a new, eye-catching support with these clever ideas. Growclimbing roses,morning glories, or any flowering vine that will provide a beautiful display. Credit: Peter Krumhardt In time, atrellis fenceoffers more privacy, as the vines grow and fill out. This one hangs from a piece of salvaged wood casing, which enhances the casual vintage look....

Low-maintenance landscaping is possible with these simple techniques. Layer on Some Mulch Stop weeds before they germinate with a2-inch-thick layer of mulch. Shredded bark, pine straw, grass clippings, and cocoa hulls are all excellent mulch products. Credit:Kim Cornelison In time, these organic products decompose, adding valuable nutrients to the soil. However, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Embrace Simple Lines Mowing and trimming is easiest and fastest along straight lines and gentle curves....