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Want to bring a little whimsy to your home? You don’t need to wish upon a star—just make yourself a fairy garden! This enchanting DIY project is a decorative miniature garden that features a playful arrangement of plants and accessories like tiny homes and figurines. It’s similar to a terrarium because you are creating a habitat for your plants, but you don’t have to worry about glass enclosures. Fairy gardens are created in open pots that can be live either indoors or outdoors.
Create your own fairy gardens with these supplies.
Part of the fun of fairy gardens is creating them yourself. In doing this, you get full control; you get to decide on the plants and accessories that will accompany them. Although the sky’s the limit for this activity, here are the basic supplies you’ll need to get started.
A vessel for your fairy garden — You can use any pot you like. Depending on the style you’re going for, you might want to opt for something like a wine barrel or galvanized metal tub. But don’t overlook a broken pot. Some of the most magical looking fairy gardens utilize pieces of a broken pot as “steps” into a house.
Potting soil — Your plants need somewhere to take root. Will it be indoors or outdoors? Look for a potting soil that is appropriate for the placement of your pot and type of plants that you have.
Peat moss — This all-natural moss is optional, but it will help with aeration and drainage in potting mixtures. It also helps the soil retain moisture.
Gardening trowel — Don’t worry about dirt under your nails when you use a gardening trowel.
Plants — What would a fairy garden be without plants? Again, you’ll want to assess exactly where your garden will grow. How much light will it get? How often do you need to water it? Plants can be a challenge to maintain, and you’re setting yourself up for success if you select vegetation that is meant to thrive in your given environment. When you’re ready to order, check out the ample selection of plants on Amazon or these online plant stores.
Pebbles, sea glass, shells, and other decorative elements — Incorporating these pieces will add some dazzle to your fairy garden while serving a more practical purpose. Using small stones, for instance, offers drainage for pots that don’t have any.
America has enough to handle with the politics of avocado toast, much less devoting an entire kitchen theme to the creamy stone fruit. But in the late 1960s to mid-1970s, consumers demanded shades of yellow-green in everything from ovens to countertops to bathtubs. Better yet, designers recommended pairing the color scheme with coffee brown ceilings and low lighting for a “cozy” effect. It’s almost as if young homeowners had square footage to spare…
The first colorful kitchen appliances emerged around 1955 in shades of dusky pink, aqua, and yellow, according to a JCPenney instructional pamphlet . But in the year the tract published, 1968, the hue du jour was avocado, best paired with wood tones, copper, and gold. Throw in a few walls of plaid green wallpaper, a macramé owl hanging, and “matching” paisley hand towels while you’re at it.
Color coordination was so important during this era that advertisers even encouraged homemakers to match their house gowns, children’s play clothes, and hors d’oeuvres to their interior design, according to Pantone: The Twentieth Century in Color.
However, by the end of the 1970s, brightly hued appliances and wallpaper fell out of favor. When one piece needed to be replaced, colors like burnt orange and golden olive were simply too difficult to match. Instead, people turned to brighter, cleaner palettes — you know, like “parrot green” and “sweet lime.” Shrug.
When you know you have to replace your deck, you typically just know. The finishing on the surface of the decking materials starts to look worn. In more extreme cases, portions of the boards can be completely rotted through or broken. In the most extreme cases, the frame could start to deteriorate, leading to hazardous deck collapses.
If you’re in a position where your current deck could use some TLC, average repair costs can be in the low thousands of dollars. A whole new deck can cost anywhere from thousands of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the decking materials you use, the size of the deck and local labor costs.
Average estimates for how long it takes to complete a deck are around a week or less, whether you use a contractor or build the deck yourself. Deck repair can take as little as a day if repairs are minor. However, contractor schedules can vary.
Below, we’ll take a look at the types of decking materials, covering some basic pros and cons of each. But first, you should assess whether to repair or replace that deck.
Sometimes individual boards on the deck might need to be replaced. Image: WKanadpon/Shutterstock
Should you Repair your Deck?
The first question you should be asking is whether the frame itself is showing signs of corrosion. Damage to the structural support can lead to deck collapse. Sometimes corrosion will be obvious, like in cases where you can see rot on the edge of the deck frame itself. But you may have to get a professional to perform an inspection if you’re not an expert on woodwork. They’ll look at more technical things, like guardrail and stair connections.
Luckily, decks with structural support intact, but worn boards and railings, can get away with a simple repair to the decking materials. You simply need to replace the individual boards and railings that need repair. Some decks may need only a simple refinishing.
However, if you want newer materials, know that they could be heavier. In cases like these, the deck will need additional supports. The cost of additional supports could approach just putting in a new deck.
As another note, older decks from before 2004 often contained the toxic chemical chromated copper arsenate, a type of lumber preservative that has been labeled a carcinogen due to the arsenic it contains. Fortunately, you can have these types of decks refinished by a professional, which can seal away the chemical.
Natural wood can give a deep color and attractive texture to a deck. Image: Lauren Blackwell/Shutterstock
Types of Decking Materials
The market offers a wide array of options for decking materials, each of which has its own pros and cons. Below is a handy outline of the most common types of decking materials to help you decide which is right for you.
Pressure-treated lumber
This is made of natural wood, but it’s chemically treated to resist bugs, fungus and rot. It’s affordable and easy to source. However, it can crack, warp and split with time. It also requires maintenance, like yearly power washing and restaining every couple of years or so. And people with natural living and sustainability concerns may want to avoid decking materials with chemical treatments. However, it’s also the least expensive type of decking material.
Natural woods
Natural woods are a great investment for people who want to avoid the chemicals of pressure-treated lumber. Some types of woods have oils and tannins that make them naturally resistant to rot and bugs, like redwood and red cedar. Tropical hardwoods can also have similar resistant qualities, like tigerwood and ipe.
Shop carefully for these types of decking materials, as different types of woods are more hearty than others. And, like pressure treated lumber, natural woods like redwood require annual power washing and a new stain every few years. Different woods will have their own maintenance needs, so do your homework. Prices can be all over the place based on wood quality and type.
Composites
Wood fiber and plastic make up this decking material. It’s a highly durable option that doesn’t warp, rot or split as easily as natural wood can. You don’t need to refinish it, but optional paint or stain can give it a fresh look. However, it looks more artificial, so some people might not like the loss of natural texture and color that can come with moving away from natural woods. And it can grow mold and break down over time. You’ll be looking at mid-range pricing, compared to other decking materials.
Plastic
This type of deck is usually made from PVC and polyethylene, a couple of popular options. There is also plastic lumber, which is made entirely of 100 percent recyclable plastic. Plastic is more durable, especially in that it doesn’t rot or decay. Plus, it’s very light. However, this style is getting even further away from the natural beauty of hardwood, which can be a con for people who like that aesthetic. It can also be slippery and might sag. Like composites, prices tend to be mid-range.
Aluminum
Aluminum is one of those ultimate decking materials in terms of durability. It doesn’t rot, bugs can’t eat it, it’s mold resistant, it won’t crack or warp and its finishes last and last. For a con, however, it’s the most expensive type of decking. And some people may not like the sterile aesthetic of a metal deck.
As you can see, each decking type has its distinct pluses and minuses. So the right decking for you will depend on your budget, tolerance for deck maintenance, backyard entertainment needs and aesthetic preference.
And remember, if the cost of repairing or upgrading a deck is close to putting in a new one, you might just be better off getting a brand new deck that may last longer.
Instead of trying to get rid of those lawn and garden weeds, harvest them for free homegrown meals.
All too often, homeowners and gardeners wage war in their lawns and gardens against the plants that grow incredibly well there, but that aren’t intentionally planted. And many times, the justification for these battles all comes down to the words we use to describe them.
When we buy and plant packets of common flower, vegetable, or herb seeds, we spend a lot of time, energy, and water in our efforts to get those seeds to germinate and grow, and take pride in our green thumb and homegrown food supply.
But when a plant that we identify as being a weed is found growing in our lawn or garden, out comes the trowel and hoe (or for the ruthless and impatient gardeners, weedkillers such as RoundUp), and we may spend the entire growing season keeping these opportunistic and resilient plants at bay, in order to have neat and tidy garden beds and uniform lawns. And it’s too bad, really, as many of the common garden weeds are not only edible and nutritious, but can be a great homegrown (and free) addition to our meals.
Part of the resistance to eating plants that we believe to be weeds, in my opinion, is that we are conditioned to only consider the items we find in the grocery store as food, and not things that the rest of the neighborhood sees as unwelcome invaders in lawns and gardens. And unless we’ve been exposed to eating plants that are seen as common garden weeds, and had them prepared for us, we’re probably not likely to try to eat them on our own. Once in a while, we might come across dandelion greens or purslane for sale in the produce section of the grocery store, or the farmers market, but for the most part, many common edible garden weeds aren’t available anywhere else except for our lawns or garden beds. And that’s a shame.
Although the edible weeds that you can find in your yard might be different ones than the ones I find in my yard, due to weather, soil conditions, and geography, here are some of the most common garden weeds that can be used for both meals and medicine:
1. Dandelion
The quintessential garden and lawn weed, dandelions have a bad reputation among those who want grass that looks as uniform as a golf course, but every part of this common edible weed is tasty both raw and cooked, from the roots to the blossoms.
Purslane can often be found in moist garden beds, lawns, and shady areas, where it lies close to the ground and often goes unnoticed. This humble garden weed, however, is a nutritional powerhouse, and is outrageously rich in in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. It can be a great addition to a salad or stir-fry, or used to thicken soups or stews. Purslane is a succulent, with a crispy texture, and the leaves and stems can be eaten raw or cooked to add a peppery flavor to any dish.
3. Clover
Other than the occasional four-leafed clover hunt, this common lawn weed goes mostly unnoticed, even though it is becoming popular as a lawn replacement altogether. Clover is an important food for honeybees and bumblebees, and clover leaves and flowers can be used to add variety to human meals as well. Small amounts of raw clover leaves can be chopped into salads, or can be sauteed and added to dishes for a green accent, and the flowers of both red and white clover can be eaten raw or cooked, or dried for tea.
4. Lamb’s Quarters
The young shoots and leaves of Lamb’s Quarters (also known as goosefoot) can be eaten raw in any vegetable dish, or sauteed or steamed and used anywhere spinach is called for. The seeds of the Lamb’s Quarters, which resemble quinoa, can also be harvested and eaten, although it takes a lot of patience to gather enough to make it worthwhile as a main dish.
5. Plantain
This common lawn weed (not to be confused with the tropical fruit also called plantain) is not only a great medicinal plant that can be used topically to soothe burns, stings, rashes, and wounds, but is also a great edible green for the table. The young leaves of plantain can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, or sauteed, and while the older leaves can be a bit tough, they can also be cooked and eaten as well. The seeds of the plantain, which are produced on a distinctive flower spike, can be cooked like a grain or ground into a flour, and are related to the more well-known psyllium seeds, which are sold as a fiber supplement and natural laxative. Note that this is a medicinal plant, so be careful with it.
This rather unassuming garden weed can be harvested and used for both food and medicine. Chickweed leaves, stems, and flowers can all be eaten either raw or cooked, where it adds a delicate spinach-like taste to any dish. The plant can also be used as a topical poultice for minor cuts, burns, or rashes, and can be made into a tea for use as a mild diuretic.
Mallow, or malva, is also known as cheeseweed, due to the shape of its seed pods, and can be found in many lawns or garden beds across the US. The leaves and the seed pods (also called the ‘fruit’) are both edible, either raw or cooked, and like many greens, are often more tender and palatable when smaller and less mature. The older leaves can be used like any other cooked green after steaming, boiling, or sauteing them.
8. Wild Amaranth
The leaves of the wild amaranth, also known as pigweed, are another great addition to any dish that calls for leafy greens, and while the younger leaves are softer and tastier, the older leaves can also be cooked like spinach. The seeds of the wild amaranth can be gathered and cooked just like store-bought amaranth, either as a cooked whole grain or as a ground meal, and while it does take a bit of time to gather enough to add to a meal, they can be a a good source of free protein.
9. Curly Dock
Curly dock (also called yellow dock) leaves can be eaten raw when young, or cooked when older, and added to salads or soups. The stems of the dock plant can be peeled and eaten either cooked or raw, and the mature seeds can be boiled, or eaten raw, or roasted to make a coffee substitute. Dock leaves are rather tart, and because of their high oxalic acid content, it’s often recommended to only eat them in moderation, as well as to change the water several times during cooking.
Remember to steer clear of eating plants foraged from near roads; they may be tainted with pollutants. Also do not eat plants that have been treated with garden chemicals.
[Disclaimer: This is not meant as a field guide, so before you start eating the weeds out of your lawn or garden, be sure that you’ve positively identified them as an edible plant, and know how to prepare them. Unless you know for sure, steer clear of plants that grow outside your yard, in places where they may be sprayed or treated, or in places that neighborhood dogs and cats use to do their business.]
This updated article was originally published in 2014.
What better place to stay in than a 5-star hotel? A 5-billion star hotel. Camping means you leave the television, video games, and most of your stress at home, finding comfort in nature. And a recent Instagram trend is popularizing a way to make the experience even more immersive. It’s called transparent camping and it’s all about the beautiful surroundings around you.
Specialized tents aside, people are also uploading photos of themselves chilling in their tents after an exhausting hike or a long swim, just without its top and with the zippers down. You won’t be able to do it in the rain or heavy wind but if the weather is just right and you just have to get a good rest, why not enjoy the view? Assuming mosquitoes aren’t a problem, of course. But not all places have a gazillion insects living in a square inch.
Raise your hands if you think that by 2100, we will have flying cars, robots with artificial intelligence, holidays on Mars and utterly intelligent houses.
People have been making predictions about what the future would look like for ages. Sadly, they are usually far-fetched or even utopian and society doesn’t seem to keep up with creative wishes. So, are the predictions extremely ambitious or we don’t put enough effort into bringing wild ideas to life? There’s a huge question mark tied to what’s coming in the future. And although cutting-edge technology moves at a fast pace and many ideas that seemed outlandish in the past are more than real nowadays, we shouldn’t be carried away by fantasies because the future might disappoint.
Angie’s List teamed up with Neomam Studios to visualize 7 of the most eccentric futuristic ideas people had about our future houses with their realistic architectural renderings. A team of researchers and artists gathered science-fiction style concepts of homes our ancestors imagined for us from various decades of the 20th century. “Sometimes astute, sometimes idealistic, often absurd, reflecting today on these dreams of how we might have lived creates a sense of nostalgia for that lost innocence,” – notes Angie’s List.
Seems like folks had serious hopes for the future. How would they react to what we’ve actually achieved? Step inside the homes that were never built. But who knows what the future holds…
Federal Labor’s home battery storage support policies could help Australian families slash their annual electricity costs by up to 80%, a new report has found.
The analysis, from the Smart Energy Council, says the Labor Party’s “ambitious but achievable” target of 1 million home battery systems by 2025 – and the rebate and financing policies that underpin that target – could combine with existing solar rebates to deliver massive savings for households.
Bill Shorten’s Labor has promised, if elected in just over two weeks’ time, to provide a $2,000 rebate for 100,000 battery installations in households with a gross annual income of less than $180,000.
The party has also committed to providing low-cost financing through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and has set a target of 1 million household battery storage systems by 2025.
As David Leitch said here at the time of their announcement, “these are excellent policies” which will not only catch the attention of power bill-obsessed voters, but could kick-start an industry that is “perhaps for the first time, ready to be kickstarted.”
Batteries have been poised to boom in Australia’s residential sector for some time now, with many expecting uptake to follow the trajectory of rooftop solar, which has now been installed by more than 2 million households – and counting.
But this has not happened, with battery prices remaining too high for mass uptake. And that’s a shame, says Smart Energy Council CEO John Grimes, because adding battery storage to rooftop solar would make sense for so many families.
The SEC uses the example of a suburban family with two adults and one pre-schooler, living in a free-standing house that uses 6,570 kWh of electricity a year, or an average of 18kWh per day, at a cost of $2,336 a year.
“If they install an average sized 5kW solar panel system and a 6kWh solar battery, their power bill could be reduced by 60-80 per cent to as little as $467 a year,” the report says.
The upfront discount of $2,000 on the cost of a solar battery system would also reduce the payback period to somewhere within the warranty period – usually 10 years – in all states and the ACT, removing another major barrier to uptake.
On top of these benefits, the report says home solar battery systems would also offer consumers energy independence; protection from black outs; reduced emissions; increased property values; and a head start on cheap and clean electric vehicle charging.
“(Our) analysis shows that Federal Labor’s commitment to reduce the cost of batteries by $2,000 means 100,000 families will be able to slash their power bills by up to 80 per cent. That is fantastic news,” Grimes said in comments on Wednesday.
“The Smart Energy Council strongly welcomes a national target of one million battery storage systems by 2025. With battery prices falling and electric vehicle battery manufacturing powering ahead, 1 million batteries by 2025 is ambitious but achievable.”
In its own comments on the SEC report, Labor described home battery subsidisation by governments as part of the “next big step” in helping families to reduce their energy bills.
“This is good for consumers – giving them more control over their power bills, as well as lowering power prices and improving reliability for all Australians by reducing demand on the electricity grid in peak times,” Labor energy spokesperson Mark Butler said on Wednesday.
“Scott Morrison and the Coalition don’t have a plan to support the uptake of household batteries – instead all they have are baseless scare campaigns and no plans to bring down power bills for Australian households and businesses.
“The Liberals and Nationals have pushed up power prices and pollution by undermining investment in renewable energy and backing power privatisations – and their chaos and division means industry can’t adequately plan and invest in the future.
“Only Labor will deliver real action on climate change and lower pollution, lower power prices and build a stronger economy.”
Sophie is editor of One Step Off The Grid and deputy editor of its sister site, Renew Economy. Sophie has been writing about clean energy for more than a decade.
Mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance you have to endure when you go outdoors, they’re a legitimate cause for health concerns.
They buzz around, searching for people or animals to dine on, sucking out their blood and bringing all sorts of diseases and viruses with them, like Zika, malaria and west Nile virus, none of which you’d wish on your worst enemy. But, dousing yourself, and your family, in chemical sprays come with another set of problems that can negatively impact health.
So, what’s a gardener to do in order to repel these biting insects and keep everyone in the home free of disease?
Use the power of smell. Mosquitoes are attracted to things like sweat and body odor, but certain scents that many of us find pleasant, repel them. That’s why things like citronella candles and DEET sprays work. There is also a number of sweet smelling, beautiful plants that contain powerful mosquito repellent properties.
By including these eleven plants in your garden, and used in conjunction with other natural mosquito repelling products and enjoy a much more relaxing outdoor space without fear of getting bitten.
Citronella
While citronella candles are often laden with chemicals (unless you make your own), the citronella plant (officially known as the citrosum plant and often referred to as the mosquito plant) can be grown in your garden for mosquito control.
The plant carries the fragrance of citronella in its foliage, and when a leaf is crushed and rubbed onto the skin, the aroma is very pleasant, yet it helps to naturally repel those mosquitoes. While not as effective as bottled repellents, it comes without the high price or potentially hazardous chemicals, and when grown in the garden, you’ll always have it on hand.
This perennial grows 5 to 6 feet and can be planted in the ground or kept in large pots. The plants tend to do best in full sun in areas with good drainage. If you live in a drought-prone area, you can still plant citronella as it’s relatively tolerant of summer stress.
Want to try growing citronella? You can buy two large live citronella plants from Clovers Garden on Amazon here. Each plant is capable of keeping a ten square foot area free of mosquitoes so plant around your patio or near your porch to keep your outdoor seating areas free of mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Lemon Balm
The green leaves of lemon balm have the scent of lemon with a hint of mint, which should be no surprise as it’s a member of the mint family. Not only does it offer lots in the way of healing properties, it’s known for warding off mosquitoes while also attracting important pollinators like butterflies and bees.
For a quick mosquito repellent, all you need to do is crush a handful of the leaves in your hand and rub them onto your exposed skin.
By growing lemon balm near your back door or in your garden, the leaves will be handy when you need them. Just keep in mind that while this plant is especially effective for keeping mosquitoes away, it’s also considered an invasive species, you can avoid a takeover by planting it in a pot, rather than directly in your yard or garden. It’s drought resistant, fast growing and reseeds itself, making it ideal for container gardening.
Not only will your feline friends be especially appreciative of having catnip around, it’s considered one of the best natural insect repellents.
It contains a natural chemical known as nepetalactone, which is both a useful insect repellent and a feline attractant. In fact, studies, including one reported at the 222nd national meeting of the American Chemical Society, have shown that catnip is about 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET.
Of course, if you’re not a fan of cats, you may want to consider one of the other plant options. Otherwise, be sure to plant it in a spot where cats can rub and roll in it without hurting adjacent plants. Some cats like it so much that they lie on it, roll on it, and chew it to the point of destruction.
Catnip is easy to grow – it grows readily as a weed as well as a commercially cultivated plant in some regions of the U.S. While it will repel mosquitoes that are in close proximity to it, some people apply the crushed catnip leaves for optimal protection.
A live catnip plant can be purchased from here to instantly start taking advantage of its mosquito repelling properties.
Marigolds
Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents. A “screened cage method” study examined the repellent action of essential oils derived from Marigolds and Myrtle compared to DEET and found that it demonstrated the protection time of 50% essential oils of marigold and myrtle were respectively 2.15 and 4.36 hours, compared to 6.23 hours for DEET 25%.
Position potted marigolds near the entrances to your home, as well as common mosquito entry points like open windows to deter the insects from going past the barrier.
Basil
As one of the most pungent of herbs, basil makes an outstanding natural mosquito repellent, giving off a scent without the leaves having to be crushed or touched. A 2011 review published in the Malaria Journal found that essential oils from Ocimum (basil) provided very high levels of mosquito protection, as much as 100 percent.
Plus, as basil can be used in a wide range of dishes and for a variety of reasons, you’ll be able to take advantage of its wonderful flavors just by taking a few steps outside your door. Basil emits its aroma without crushing the leaves, so you can grow it in pots and place them in your yard or garden to control mosquitoes. To keep the mosquitoes away from your skin, rub a handful of the leaves onto exposed areas.
Lavender
Most of us love the smell of lavender, but few realize that it not only offers that fabulous scent, and helps promote a relaxing, calming sensation, but it can keep those tiny invaders from ruining your outdoor dinner party.
The pleasant aroma of lavender is offensive to mosquitoes and is best harnessed by planting it in the garden, or in pots situated near doors, windows and entertainment areas.
For an even higher level of protection, rub the plant onto your skin to release its oils. Lavender is also used in our highly effective Natural Mosquito Repellent Spray.
For a total guide on growing, harvesting and using lavender, read our guide here.
Peppermint
Not only is peppermint’s minty clean scent significantly better than that awful chemical smell, it can serve as a natural insecticide to repel mosquitoes. In fact, research published in the Malaria Journal revealed just why it’s so effective. The experts discovered that it offered repellent action when applied to exposed body parts, while also showing larvicidal and mosquito repellent action. Mosquito larvae were killed 24 hours after exposure to a solution of peppermint oil and water.
When enjoying your yard or when mosquito problems get severe, crush a few of the leaves on the plant to release the scent and oils.
Garlic
While eating garlic-filled foods won’t repel mosquitoes unless you consume a massive amount, growing garlic can do the trick. Planting it not only helps to deter the nasty rascals, but you’ll have your own supply of tasty garlic to use for flavoring your cooking. Simply add some garlic to your vegetable garden or flowerbed.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is another famous natural bug repellent and it’s especially effective for battling mosquitoes.
Simply planting it outside around your house can discourage them from taking up residence in your yard, and by keeping a vase of fresh pennyroyal in a room, it can drive mosquitoes away.
As pennyroyal is related to the mint family, it can quickly become invasive which means it’s best to plant it in a container or control growth by using a tough border that it can’t penetrate through and spread. As it can be grown both indoors or out, you may want to grow it in a couple of containers in your home for added protection.
Rosemary
This gorgeous flowering plant is most commonly used to flavor dishes, but it can also serve as an outstanding mosquito repellent amongst a number of other fantastic uses.
You can keep it indoors or out, just be sure it gets full sun. For repellent purposes, both the live plant and cuttings from it are effective for repelling those annoying disease-carrying insects.
Rosemary is great when you want to gather around a fire without battling mosquitoes. Just toss some in and the aromatic smoke it gives off when it’s burned not only adds a nice smell, but it’s strong and unpleasant enough to those critters (and many other types of insects) that it will keep them away.
Geranium
Scented geraniums are yet another popular mosquito repelling plant recommended by countless gardeners and gardening sites.
The lemon scented type of geranium is most effective, as it’s similar to citronella. Geraniums also have especially gorgeous blooms that can make for an incredibly attractive decorative piece. While they prefer a warm, sunny and dry climate, in cold climate areas, you can grow them in planters provided they’re pruned frequently.
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Plants are great for repelling mosquitoes, but for added effectiveness, combine with these other natural ways to keep mosquitoes away.
Gathering with friends and family for barbecues and backyard parties is a hallmark of summer. But warm weather doesn’t just bring people out — it also brings out pesky little bugs. If mosquitoes, flies, ants or other insects are hindering your backyard fun, try these simple, DIY bug repellent ideas.
Preventive Measures
One of the best ways to keep bothersome bugs out of your yard is to make sure you aren’t unknowingly attracting them. According to the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program, tall grass is a great hangout for adult mosquitoes. Consumer Reports notes ticks also make their home in tall grass because of the shade it provides. In addition to mowing regularly, keep leaves and debris out of the grass so there are fewer places for these critters to hide.
Another surefire way to attract bugs to your yard is with standing water. Mosquitoes, for example, lay their eggs on the surface of water, says the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA), which means water in pools or ponds is potentially inviting these pests to make a home.
But, large areas with permanent standing water aren’t the only potential mosquito attractions in your yard. Anything that can catch rainwater — a wheelbarrow, a bucket, clogged gutters — is a potential mosquito breeding ground, says HGTV, and should be cleared when possible. You should also avoid over-watering your lawn and fix dripping outdoor faucets, both of which can create pooling water.
Along with keeping your lawn short and limiting standing water in your yard, the Environmental Protection Agency advises that you keep trash covered. This is because common stinging bugs, like yellow jackets, love to rummage in old food, and garbage cans can become a prime spot for them to forage.
Taking Action
If you have taken all the necessary precautions to keep bugs away from your yard but are still pestered by them when the family gets together, there are a few natural ways to help keep bugs away from where people are congregated. These actions include:
Switch out light bulbs: Many bugs are attracted to light and will swarm to bulbs, which are usually where the people are. Consumer Reports suggests using LED or yellow light bulbs around your yard and porch to help prevent this.
Don’t let pesky bugs ruin your outdoor gatherings. If you prepare ahead of time and jump to action to keep these critters away from your yard, you can better enjoy the time you spend with friends and family this year.
Making a tree stump planter is a great way to turn an otherwise unsightly feature into something beautiful. The nutrients in a decaying stump will help your plants grow without the use of fertilizer, and the organic vessel will retain water naturally requiring very little care all season long.
How to Make a Tree Stump Planter
Flowers and plants can be switched out for the seasons just as you would with a window box. Read on to learn how to make a tree stump planter from elements in nature which can be found in your own back yard.
HOW TO MAKE A TREE STUMP PLANTER
Materials to Make a Tree Stump Planter
An old stump or log
Small axe and/or hoe
Potting soil, plants
Moss (optional).
Instructions to Make a Tree Stump Planter
Choose a location. It is important to take into consideration the location of the stump or log before selecting plants to place in it. If the stump or log is in a sunny area, be sure to choose plants that require full sun. If it is in a shady area, look for plants that thrive in the shade.
If the stump or log has been sitting for a while, hollowing it out should be easy. The inside contents should be spongy. You can wet the wood to make it easier to remove the contents as well.
Use an ax if the wood is hard, or a hoe if it is soft to loosen and remove the inside contents — hollow out enough of the wood that you’ll be able to cover the roots of the plants, allowing a few extra inches at the base for soil.
Add a layer of soil approximately 1 inch deep to the bottom of the hollowed-out wood. While the plants are still in the pots, experiment with arrangements and depth needs. Once an arrangement is decided, remove the plants from the pots and loosen the roots gently if they are clumped.
Place the plants in the wood and cover the roots and sides with more soil.
Tuck moss around the base of the plants to add a woodsy effect and to aid in water retention.
Check for soil dampness once a week and only water when needed.
PLANTS FOR A TREE STUMP PLANTER
Plants for Full Sun: Sunflower, marigold, geranium, pansy, creeping phlox.
Plants for Shade: Forget-me-not, creeping Laurel, ferns, hosta, begonia, impatiens.
