While the average gardener may not be able to process linen or the plant’s linseed oil, it has become quite a popular hobby to harvest flaxseed. In addition to such versatile nature, the rather tough plant adds a certain whimsy to any wildflower garden and it is easy to grow. This erect annual herb grows three to four feet tall, donning numerous flat gray-green leaves. Small five-sepal flowers are born in sky blue (and occasionally white or pale pink in some other varieties)....

When you observe the Golden Larch during the spring and summer, you will wonder where the common name “Golden” comes from. In the spring, the color of the delicate, almost feather-like, whorled needles is reminiscent of fresh out-of-the-garden green peas. It’s not till fall when suddenly those soft needles pop with a burst of unbelievable color that screams of the season. A golden color emerges that most would never expect to see on a conifer....

Hornbeam maple is best planted as a nursery container specimen or balled-and-burlapped tree in the fall or spring. It is relatively slow-growing for a maple, taking as much as 20 years to reach 20 feet in height. As the multi-stemmed hornbeam maple matures, it becomes broader, so keep this in mind when positioning your tree. This tree can inhibit the growth of smaller plants, so it isn’t a good choice in an area heavily populated by other species....

In its native environment, the plant has been known to reach heights of 60 feet and sometimes converts to fully epiphytic growth if its connection with the ground is severed. As a houseplant, however, it’s likely that your plant will remain about 3 feet in length, and it’s easy to care for. P. erubescens can survive without water for a short time like many philodendrons, but it’s best to water your plant when its soil is dry, allowing for drainage as necessary....

Best planted in fall (though any time is usually successful), pond pines grow slowly, taking as many as 18 years to reach maturity. Due to their love of water, pond pines usually make their homes in areas near swamps, marshes, and ponds—though they’re seen in coastal plains areas as well. Soil Pond pine trees like sites with poor drainage, and in forests this means undrained peaty soil that holds moisture....

The Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus) is a surprisingly easy-to-grow flower that adds a splash of color in the fall, when this plant blooms. You can collect the stigmas to produce your own saffron, but be aware that it takes at least 150 to 200 flowers to produce around just one gram of this spice. Don’t be expecting a bumper harvest! For the best results with this plant, pick a site that gets plenty of direct sunlight and has a well-drained sandy, loamy soil....

Also known as the American aloe, the plant’s name is a misnomer. It was once believed that it took 100 years for this plant to bloom, but we now know that it blooms after two or three decades of storing up energy to send up a single stalk, topped with an inflorescence of small yellow blossoms. A monocarpic species, the flower display is the plant’s final act before dying. Light Like other agave species, century plants do best with full sun, so plant them in a location that receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day....

The smooth, flexible, sword-shaped leaves are 1 to 2.5 feet long and about 4 to 6 inches wide on most varieties. In spring, outdoor plants may produce small six-petaled star-shaped florets on a dropping branched stem or panicle. The fragrant blooms can be white, pink, lavender, or yellow, Later in the season, 1-1/2-inch fleshy round berry fruits develop, in green, yellow, or red. If grown outdoors in the garden, ti plant is best planted in the spring, where it grows quickly to a maximum height of about 10 feet....

There are numerous ways to hang them — from a simple wall hook to stylish towel bars and rings that come in various shapes, sizes and materials. Keep your bathroom neat and your hand towels always on hand with the following folding and hanging methods. Use a Wall-Mounted Towel Ring A towel ring is a good choice for a small bathroom or powder room as it doesn’t take up much space....

There are three main types of fondue: melted cheese, melted chocolate, and an Asian hot-pot type where meat is cooked in oil or broth. Most of this party can be prepped before your guests’ arrival. You can slice the meat and chop the cubes of bread, pound cake, or fruit hours before your party. The cheese and chocolate for your sauces can be chopped, grated, or cubed in advance too....

This weed spreads through horizontal stems (runners) and seeds that take root where it touches the soil. Both self-propagation methods are prolific. The seed pods hold about 10 to 50 seeds but can hold up to 5,000 seeds—giving them more opportunities to overtake gardens. The pod can distribute its seeds as far as 10 feet upon maturation. Seeds also get stuck on garden tools, clothing, pets, and other wildlife, transferring to other areas....

Round, rectangular, or bolster pillows are usually the best options for this purpose. Use a mix of shapes and colors to create a more eclectic look or pick uniform pillows for a clean, consistent look. However you style pillows on a daybed, they are sure to add a soft, inviting appearance. By adding a footstool or ottoman in front of a daybed, you emphasize its lounging possibilities and help add to the couch-like appearance....

If you want to add a little masculine drama to your space, consider using more of the following elements. Color Masculine rooms tend to be decorated in earthy neutrals. Think browns, grays, and shades of black such as charcoal. This doesn’t mean the room has to be dark (although dark rooms work well with masculine decor); try shades of these colors with pops of brighter colors. Just keep in mind that when brighter colors are used, they’re usually in bold tones such as a strong red or dark jewel tones....

Start Fresh Before you tackle the project of organizing your fridge, you’ll first want to remove all of its contents. “Clean the drawers, shelves, and door caddies to remove and debris, crumbs, and spills,” advises Jill Moore of Organized Jill. Afterwards, you’ll want to complete a few other key steps. First, Moore says, take inventory of what you have. “Sort into categories: condiments, dairy, meats, produce,” she suggests. “If you own a bottle of ketchup, now is the perfect time to let the fast food ketchup packets go to the trash....

If you’re planning on purchasing a home, keep in mind that you’re not just buying a house, you’re investing in a neighborhood. The two are synonymous so you need to be extra careful in choosing the area you’ll be living in. Ask the Right Questions Ask yourself what the most important features of a neighborhood are. What makes a neighborhood special to you? Remember that you’re thinking not just about your own preferences but about all the members of your family....

When it comes to roses, winter weather in USDA plant hardiness zones six and below can challenge the bushes. Shrub varietals, like David Austin roses, are hardier and can pretty much fend for themselves, but hybrid roses—especially hybrid tea roses—are a little fussier and will need extra care from you in order to make it through the season. If you’re a rose lover in USDA zones six and below, follow these tips for winter survival....