Lifestyle & Trends - Lawn & Garden

Simple fixes deliver resort style to your own backyard

Even though the economy is getting better, you may still hesitate to spend your hard-earned or hard-saved cash on something as transient as a luxury summer vacation. Instead of splashing money away on travel, why not bring the luxury home by creating a resort-like outdoor environment that will both enhance your enjoyment and improve the value of your house? Read More

Your pool can be a safer paradise

As the weather warms, swimming pool owners look forward to relaxing around their pools with their family and friends. With "layers of protection" in place, pool owners can ensure their yard is a safer oasis of family pleasure and relaxation. Read More

What to look for in a new lawn mower

Ready to get the lawn in shape, but your mower isn't? If it's time for a new companion on your lawn maintenance missions, there are a few things to think about before buying. If you choose a new lawn mower wisely, you won't have to worry about hearing a sputter when you pull the cord or turn the key for years to come. Read More

Four ways to improve your home's beauty and resale value

In a tough housing market, homeowners want to improve their home's beauty and functionality, while adding resale value. This may include choosing products that reduce maintenance, save energy, improve appearance and offer protection from the damaging forces of nature. Here are some tips for problem areas that could benefit from the latest home solutions. Read More

Ten easy ways to use roses in the landscape

Somewhere between 5,000 and 3,000 years ago, a fellow hoping to impress his lady love was the first to give a rose as a symbol of love. Flash forward to today, and roses remain the enduring emblem of love and romance. Fortunately, however, modern breeding has made it easier than ever to add roses to your garden and landscaping. Read More

What you need to know about protecting your ash trees

Virtually all of the 7 billion ash trees in the United States are at risk for infestation by the emerald ash borer, also known as EAB. You can save your ash trees by acting now and starting a prevention program. Read More

Create a relaxing outdoor haven at home

Nothing is more relaxing than a breath of fresh air, which is likely the reason why the lines between indoors and out have blurred immensely. More homeowners are moving their living rooms outside to well-appointed patios and decks, furnishing these spaces with all the comforts of their favorite indoor gathering spaces. Read More

How to light up your nights

Starry evenings and backyard entertainment go hand-in-hand. When the sun goes down, the right landscape lighting can turn any backyard into a stylish outdoor living space. With so many options, it's easy to fill your nights with light to enhance security, decor and entertainment. Read More

How to make growing your own vegetables as earth-friendly as possible

There was a time when it was the norm to go out in the yard and pull fresh vegetables up from the soil. At some point over the years, we moved from the goodness of home-grown vegetables toward processed foods and microwave dinners. Now consumers are becoming more aware of the financial value of growing their own vegetables, and how doing so can bolster the health of their families and of the earth. Read More

Create an outdoor patio that's fit for the cover of a magazine

As the weather gets nicer, there's nothing better than expanding your living space to the great outdoors. Luckily, it's easy and affordable to create a comfortable and chic outdoor room that's perfectly put together. Use these quick tips and inspiring ideas to transform your deck, porch or patio into one you'll be proud to show off. Read More

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