Is Old Mulch Still Good to Use? Vegetable garden beds and annual flower beds will not have plants in them during the winter but are mulched in fall to protect their soil from the harsh elements in winter. You have worked hard to build up the fertility of your garden soil, so you would not want gusty winds or torrents of water carrying any of it off, would you? If the condition of the old mulch has not decomposed appreciably by the time spring comes, it will still be usable....

Typically, the smallest shower size is 32 inches wide by 32 inches deep. However, the International Residential Code (which regulates houses, duplexes, and townhouses) allows for showers as small as 30 inches x 30 inches. Measurements go up incrementally from there, usually to about 36 inches by 60 inches. Your shower is a space of zen. And to help make sure that you get it right, we’ve broken down the essentials below that will allow you to make it as peaceful, functional, and practical as possible....

It’s best to plant seeds of this slow-growing perennial in late autumn or plant seedlings in the early spring after your last frost. The plant, native to eastern North America, grows to around 2 feet tall on average. And while it can self-seed, it typically doesn’t spread aggressively and overtake other plants. Light White baneberry is a wildflower that grows naturally in mature forests. Consequently, many people use this plant in their shade gardens, although it can tolerate areas with partial to full shade....

We turned to the experts to find out why waves are the way forward. Donna Gariepy of Aspen & Ivy agrees. “Curved lines add softness and comfort to a room, as they are more organic and adopt more beautiful nature-inspired shapes,” she says. “Curves can also create a focal point, bring visual impact, and give the illusion of length to a surface that may be angular.” “Believe it or not, you can use paint to bring some of those curves we are all loving into your own home,” Curtis assures us....

10 Reasons Why You Might Not Want Bird Feeders There are many reasons why bird feeders may not be right for every yard, no matter how welcome the birds might be. You Can Still Feed the Birds Just because a birder chooses not to have dedicated bird feeders, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to feed the birds. Natural food sources are more easily recognized by local birds and may appeal to many more bird species, particularly if one yard provides a wide variety of natural foods for birds....

Winter Water Sources Like many animals, proper hydration is essential to a bird’s survival—it allows them to keep their body tissues insulated, properly preen their feathers, and generally thrive all year round. In winter, many birds resort to melting snow or ice with their bodies or beaks to get a few drops of water, or they visit puddles or fast-moving water sources (such as rapid rivers or creeks) that are not completely frozen....

Most succulents need six to eight hours of direct southern exposure. Unfortunately, most homes and apartments do not have it. “People stick them anywhere: low light bookshelves, 10 feet from the nearest window, entry hallways with no windows, and the succulents eventually get etiolated (stretch looking for the sun) and lose their leaves and die,” says Failla. Even worse, eager plant parents forget that succulents are very sensitive to overwatering....

Invasive Plants vs. Aggressive Growers Not every overly enthusiastic plant is invasive and plants can be invasive in one area and not another. Get to know which plants are aggressive in your area and especially your growing conditions, which greatly affect how well a plant grows. If you have full sun and sandy soil, you are not going to have a problem with Petasites, which spreads with abandon in boggy areas....

These flowering bushes are highly sought after for meditation gardens, but even casual gardeners can appreciate these plants. Blue and purple hues are highly favored blooms; hybrids in these colors continue to be developed. Here, learn about the top 10 most beautiful flowers and shrubs that bloom in blue and lavender colors. Butterfly bush originally came to the U.S. around 1900 and is considered a weed or invasive plant in at least 20 states....

Here are 10 cardboard furniture designs that are perfect for compact living spaces like dorm rooms or tiny apartments. Some of these ideas you can buy and the others are DIY. For more details visit their shop. Price: $129.00. For more details visit their Etsy shop.

Regardless of what year you’re celebrating, here are some unique, fun, and unforgettable anniversary celebration ideas inspire you to make the most of every anniversary you share with your partner. 

We love this set of 24 plastic pumpkins, especially since they come in an unexpected color palette and there are so many of them. Scatter them along your mantel, dining room table, or entryway console—you name it.

1. How do I brighten my dingy white clothes and linens? Over time white clothes and linens can become dingy or yellowed from redeposited soil, dye transfer from other garments, missed stains and even using too much bleach. The key to keeping white clothes is looking bright is preventing them from discoloring in the first place. But what if it is too late and they are already dull, gray or yellowed?...

Questions to Ask a Furniture Salesperson Asking the following questions and applying your existing knowledge will help create a successful furniture shopping experience: Can I get a better price? When you walk into a furniture store, most likely you’ll see price tags on everything. A salesperson will also quote you a price if asked. But you can always ask if you could get a better price on that chair, for instance....

Here are 12 of the best kid-friendly plants to grow. USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9Flower Color Varieties: PurpleLight: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-drained, acidicMature Size: 12–18 in. tall, up to 12 in. wideDeer Resistant: Yes USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8Flower Color Varieties: Purple, blue, yellow, orange, whiteLight: Full, partialSoil Needs: Loamy, moist but well-drained, acidicMature Size: 4–10 in. tall and wideDeer Resistant: No USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8Flower Color Varieties: Purple, pinkLight: Full, partialSoil Needs: Loamy, moist but well-drained, acidic to neutralMature Size: 2–3 ft....

We asked some of our favorite designers to share which TV home elements they love, and where they’ve found surprise inspiration during their Netflix binges. Emma Sims Hilditch of Sims Hilditch Designs agrees, noting that it’s these small elements that can truly make or break the believability of a set. “Designers love to see interiors which, although fictional for the screen, still reflect the perceived surroundings of the property. If a home is by the sea, it’s nice to see little coastal touches placed throughout the home which nod to this....

Here, find 15 clever ways to clean with baking soda. But first, here are tips and warnings on what you can and cannot clean with baking soda. What Not to Clean With Baking Soda Baking soda is a mild abrasive and it can cause tiny scratches when scouring a surface. In addition, baking soda leaves behind a white residue, so it should never be used on any item or surface with crevices or heavy texture that you can’t rinse well....

Read on for DIY radiator cover ideas that can turn steaming eyesores into sizzling eye candy. How Can You Make Your Own Radiator Cover? Instead of purchasing pre-built radiator covers, you can make your own radiator cover. Many do-it-yourself homeowners create inexpensive radiator covers that look beautiful. To build a radiator cover, you only need a few materials like wood and aluminum, but sometimes soft materials such as a cane, fabric, and string, depending on the style....

Recently, they introduced new products spotlighting closet and entryway storage and organization, which includes closet systems, shoe storage, garment racks, and so much more to browse through. With majority products starting at $1 to most items being less than $25, it’s a great opportunity to freshen up any space without having to worry about the after costs. Read on the find out what 15 organizing essentials you need to declutter and bring back order into your life....

Many native and naturalized plants have evolved to grow in wet soil, so they are effective landscaping solutions for areas with drainage issues. Here are 16 attractive landscape plants that enjoy having “wet feet.” Water Loving Plants List This plant is native to swamps, bogs, and damp thickets. It can adapt to various types of soil, as long as you keep it evenly moist. Also, be sure to promptly remove root suckers to prevent unwanted spreading....