Plants for Morning Shade and Afternoon Sun: Best Perennials for Partial Light

Thriving in Half-Day Sun Conditions Most sun-loving perennials perform well with afternoon sun exposure. In my Iowa garden, plants like baptisia, amsonia, salvia, and peonies thrive in half-day sun conditions. However, e

Build Landscape Walls: Construction & Maintenance Guide

Landscape walls hold back slopes, create level areas, control erosion, and define outdoor rooms. To work and stay solid, they need correct construction and maintenance: solid base, proper batter (backward tilt), and dra

Latticework Privacy Screens: Build Prefab or Custom

Lattice is inexpensive and requires no special expertise—simple hand tools and a drill/driver suffice. Privacy lattice has 1½-inch openings; garden-spaced has 3-inch openings. Prefab vs. Homemade 4x8-foot prefab panels

Do-It-Yourself Landscaping: Evaluate, Plan & Execute

Whether a small bed or full transformation, decide what you can DIY and what needs a pro. Heres how to evaluate. Analyze Your Skill Set If your thumb is brown or design knowledge limited, start with research, basics, an

Chicken Coop Plans: Design Basics & Free Downloads

Chicken Coop Plan Basics No single perfect design, but safe coops share key features. Consider these whether building or buying: Size 2–4 sq ft floor space per hen. Plan for your eventual flock size—easier to start larg

Landscape Tips for Decks, Patios, and Pools: Container Strategies

Use Containers on Decks, Patios, and Around Pools Outdoor living areas put plantings up close—choose combinations carefully. Seating areas are perfect for fragrant flowers, variegated foliage, or bicolor blooms. Conside

A Family Backyard Landscape Plan: Play, Veggies & Relaxation

Free Garden Plan: Family Backyard Our free Planting Guide includes a larger illustration, detailed layout diagram, five regional plant lists, plant alternatives, and complete installation instructions. Free one-time reg

12 Money-Saving Landscaping Tips: Smart Shopping & Planning

Estimating Costs Prices vary wildly by source, region, and season. These tips help you shop smarter for plants, soil, wood, and rock. Plan Before You Buy Sketch your design on paper first. Knowing exactly what you need

Tabletop Fountains: Miniature Water Gardens for Indoor Charm

Create a charming water garden on your table with river rocks in a glazed saucer—unglazed terra-cotta leaches water. Use as a condiment tray with flower blossoms. Simple Saucer Fountain What You Need 11-inch glazed ter

Landscaping with Rocks and Stones: Expert Tips from Barbara Pleasant

Rocks and stones add texture, color, and year-round interest. Garden writer Barbara Pleasant (Garden Stone) shares insights: Rock vs. Stone Stone is weathered by water/air near the surface—rounded edges, crevices. Rock

How to Grow Water Lilies: Planting, Care & Winterizing

The water lily (Nymphaea) has enchanted humans for millennia. Once reserved for palaces, they now thrive in home gardens—tubs, ponds of any size, all USDA zones. They grow from tubers in pots beneath water, sending up f

Landscape for Curb Appeal: 8 Expert Tips for a Stunning Front Yard

Maximizing your front yards appeal doesnt have to be difficult or expensive. Here are eight expert ideas to transform your streetside view, no matter your style. 1. Consider the House Your house is the largest element.

Using Landscape Edging: Define, Protect & Beautify Garden Beds

Edging defines garden areas, creates clean lines, and serves practical functions. It separates lawn from beds, contains mulch, corrals loose pathway materials, and can even serve as a mowing strip. Taller edging directs

Fountain in a Pot: Easy Container Water Feature

Create a simple fountain in any large pot (terra-cotta works beautifully). If no drainage hole, drill one or drape the pump cord over the rim. Disguise cord with plant stems. Place near an electrical outlet; avoid exten

How to Create a Dry Creek Bed: Natural Drainage & Beauty

A dry creek bed adds a soothing, natural look to any garden while improving drainage. Design with gentle curves and mixed rock sizes for year-round appeal. Follow these steps: Step 1: Excavate Determine size and shape,

Build a Deck-Top Pond: Weekend DIY Aquatic Haven

If you can hammer a few boards together, you can build a charming deck-top pond in one weekend. Heres how. What You Need Two 8-foot lengths of 1x8 cedar (or 1x10/1x12 for deeper pond) Waterproof polyurethane glue Table

Chicken Coop Basics: Essential Guide for Backyard Flocks

The Chicken Coop The coop is where your chickens sleep and lay eggs. A secure latch, hardware-cloth-covered windows, roosting bars, and nesting boxes (one per 3–4 hens) filled with straw or pine shavings are essential.

10 Upscale Ways to Transform Terra-Cotta Pots

10 Upscale Ways to Make Over Terra-Cotta Pots Give ordinary terra-cotta pots a high-end look with these 10 creative makeover ideas. From metallic finishes to textured treatments, each technique adds personality and styl

Landscaping to Increase Home Value: Curb Appeal Strategies

Overview Landscaping boosts home value—whether selling or improving neighborhood appeal. Add cosmetic features/plants, or remove detractors like diseased trees or view-blocking evergreens. Value-Boosting Steps Step 1: S

How to Install Flagstone Stepping Stones: A Weekend Path Project

Overview Flagstone—durable, maintenance-free—excels in landscaping. Natural jagged edges create interesting fits; cut squares/rectangles work too. DIY installation saves money with professional results, whether for garde