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These deer-resistant annuals are colorful, easy-to-grow, and won’t appeal to foraging deer. Colorful, deer-resistant annuals are a good way to fill your summer gardens and vases. Whiledeer will eat just about anythingif theyre really hungry, they do have preferences. Credit: Marty Baldwin Shorter varieties can be planted along walkways, the front of a bed, or in amixed container. Taller varieties make attractive cut flowers. Their large flower clusters givea tropical lookto the back of a bed....

These pretty perennials and shrubs will grow in shady spots and deer tend to leave them alone. Gardening where deer are plentifulcan be challenging, especially in shady conditions. Here are a few plants these creatures tend to shy away fromalthough no plant can be considered completely deer-resistant. Credit: David McDonald Occasionally called andromeda, lily-of-the-valley bush does best in part shade. Use itin a foundation plantingorshrub border. This easy-care plant makes a great companion for spring-flowering bulbs such as narcissus andscilla....

you’ve got the option to’t go wrong with blue walls. Here’s how to pick the right hue for your decor. Blue walls introduce cool, classic color to your home. Credit: Annie Schlechter Let this ever-popular color set the tone for yourhome’s designwith these ideas for decorating with blue walls. Blue Bedroom Walls A saturated shade ofteal blue wallsbrings warmth to this boho-inspired blue bedroom. Thisblue-gray wall colorcreates a sophisticated backdrop that lets anoversized, colorful artworktake center stage....

Celebrate the season with a homemade countdown the whole family can enjoy. Ray Kachatorian Advent calendars are aclassic holiday tradition. Rustic DIY Advent Calendar This festive calendar doubles as an eye-catching piece of wall art. Credit:Ray Kachatorian Hang two branches in an area where your family regularly gathers, such as abreakfast nook. Clip 25 small favor bags or packages to the branches for family members to open. To make, simply write a 24-day calendar and move a mini evergreen wreath each day....

Create your own Christmas stockings from sweaters, felt, tinsel, and more. Add a personal touch to your holiday decor with Christmas stockings you create yourself. From no-sew to embroidery, we’ll help you make DIY stockings that Santa can’t wait to fill. Credit: Marty Baldwin Make flowers in various colors of felt, and hot-glue an arrangement of felt blooms to each stocking. Fill your home with these candy cane-inspired stockings by cutting and sewing grain sack fabric....

Ann VanderWiel Wilde It’s never too late to transform a lackluster exterior into a neighborhood showstopper. Steer your home’s exterior in a more attractive direction with a few cost-effective outdoor projects. Try one of these DIY exterior ideas this weekend for an instant curb appeal upgrade. Credit:Ann VanderWiel Wilde This outdoor project uses decking boards, pipes, and connectors to fashion apatio chair with industrial style. Add a patterned outdoor pillow for a cozy touch....

Without a shower door, the bathroom feels spa-like. Plus, it’s easier to clean and safer for all ages. Ann VanderWiel Wilde While doorless shower ideas seem counterintuitive, they are abathroom design solutionthats here to stay. Credit:Ann VanderWiel Wilde It has an artwork-like quality that instantly elevates the whole space. Brass wall fixtures bring in warmth and contrast beautifully with theblack-and-white color schemeof the tile. A vintage-style area rug replaces atraditional bath matfor an unexpected design choice and a splash of color....

you’re free to forget to water these plants all you want. Skip the guilt of forgetting to water by growing these drought-resistant indoor plants that dont need water very frequently. So go ahead and enjoy their green good looks without the stress ofkeeping them watered. Credit:BHG / Madelyn Goodnight Snake plants tolerate low to bright light and grow up to four feet tall. Aloe grows slowly, like most succulents, but it will reach three feet tall and wide with patience....

Making a gorgeous dessert for your next get-together is, well, a piece of cake. We’ve picked some easy, elegant cake ideas, including decadent chocolate cakes and fruit-filled delights. We spike aboxed cake mixwith champagne or sparkling wine in place of the called-for water. Credit: Andy Lyons Top withcanned frostingand fresh berries for a simple yet fancy finish. Use whatever fruit is in season as a fresh topper. A hint of orange zest on top gives the cake a pop of color and zesty flavor....

These tasty edible flowers will add floral flair to your favorite recipes as well as your garden. Here are the best edible flowers that you’ve got the option to easilygrow in your garden. Not all flowers are edible or safe to eat. Credit: Doug Hetherington Before consuming any flower, you must be completely sure that it is an edible variety. Individuals consuming the flowers or plants listed here do so entirely at their own risk....

An enclosed pergola, pavilion, or other outdoor structure can provide a private retreat in your own backyard. These garden structure ideas form a pretty focal point that invites relaxation. Enhance privacy by hanging curtains around the sides, andstring up lights overheadto provide a warm glow at night. Credit: Lynn Karlin Serving as a potting shed, thisstructure features trellis screensfor walls and a slatted roof that filters sunlight. Gazebo Garden Structure Ideas Freestanding metal gazebos provide an affordable way to create an enclosed garden structure....

These smart lawn fertilizing practices make way for a lush, easy-care lawn. Max Kim-Bee The right lawn fertilizing program can help you achieve the vibrant green grass of your dreams. But figuring out how andwhen to fertilize your lawnin an effective and environmentally sustainable way can be daunting. Credit:Max Kim-Bee Then, use the following tips to feed your lawn properly. Fertilize When Grass Is Actively Growing Turfgrass takes up nutrients and uses them when it is actively growing....

Reduce home and garden waste by composting these natural items. When given enough time in the compost pile, these items will all turn into compost. Beware of adding materials from black walnut trees to a composter. Credit:Marty Baldwin Nuts, wood, and leaves from these trees may still release the toxic chemical jugloneafter you compost them. For a safer solution, place hair, fur, nail clippings, and undyed feathers in thecompost bin....