Your bog garden must never dry out. A natural bog garden will be replenished by rainfall, but if a dry spell hits, you will have to help out with the hose. Some standing water indicates a healthy bog garden. The presence of frogs, salamanders, or even turtles also tells you a bog environment is present. If you wish to cultivate bog plants but don’t have a natural depression that collects water, create one by sinking a plastic kiddie pool into the ground....

Understanding the stainless steel grade, then, is your way to determine the quality of the flatware you are buying. The Composition of Stainless Steel The stainless steel used in flatware is an alloy— a composite of various types of steel along with additional metals that lend improved appearance and performance. In the case of the stainless steel used in flatware, chromium is added to the blend to create an alloy with good rust resistance, while nickel is added to provide a silver-like shine along with some additional rust resistance....

Foliage and Flowers Swedish ivy’s foliage is quite beautiful. It has rounded leaves with scalloped edges growing from its stems, and many varieties of the plant have variegated leaves. P. australis blooms in the late spring or early summer and produces white or pale lavender flowers. It generally grows to about a few feet as its foliage drops. It lives for three to five years. Where to Grow This is an easy houseplant, perfect for a hanging basket, with not much maintenance required....

Level 0 This level might be used in temporary construction such as mall storefronts, temporary hallways, walls, and structures. No taping or finishing is required on this level. It can also be used in areas where final wall covering or decoration has not been selected. Level 1 In this level, gypsum board surfaces can be left free of excess joint compound. All joints and interior angles must have the tape set in the joint compound....

If you want to add that lovely lemon scent to your garden but don’t want to grow a lemon tree, lemon eucalyptus tree, or flowers that smell like lemon (such as lemon-scented geranium or mock lemon), consider these five easy-growing lemon-smelling herbs. Lemon verbena has a citrus smell that works well for room cleaning and freshening. Mixed with a bit of beeswax, it helps to bring a wonderful scent and shine to wood....

Indigo is often thought of as a deep blue with a hint of purple, but its definition varies. The color produced by the plant indigo errs on the side of teal or cobalt. In this roundup, we’ve incorporated a range of deep blues.

This trend looks like it is going to have some staying power, according to Swasti Sarna, senior data insights manager at Pinterest. “In our annual Pinterest Predicts trend report, we predict that animal architecture will be big in 2022. We are seeing rising searches on Pinterest for ’luxury cat rooms’ and ’luxury dog rooms.’" There has been a renewed focus in recent years on where and how we live, and that has extended to dog spaces....

Before washing sheets and bed linens, always read each item’s label to maintain your bedding over time. You should not wash some materials in hot water; choose the hottest setting recommended. Pre-treat stains with stain removers or oxygen cleaners as directed by the product label. Once your bedding is ready to wash, select an appropriate detergent for each type of fabric, then tumble dry your items in low heat to prevent damage to the material....

Understanding a Pool’s Basic Plumbing System To help you troubleshoot any problems that might arise with your swimming pool, it helps to have a basic understanding of how your pool works. In this case, it’s the pool’s plumbing system. Water enters a pool through the main drain, a skimmer, or both. It journies to a three-port valve and into the pump, which is run by an attached motor. From there, the water travels through a filter, then up to solar panels or to the heater (if they are installed) and back through the valves to the pool return lines....

It’s hard enough giving cost estimates when you’re on-site and familiar with the client and the kitchen. But when a contractor issues an estimate, he or she is dealing with a swirl of often-competing factors. Once you think you’ve got a rough estimate locked down, another factor gets introduced (season, locale, drywall prices are up, you name it) and everything changes once again. Cost vs. Value Reports Homeowners interested in a kitchen remodel estimates are usually shuttled to something called the “Cost vs....

Finding the right one for your budget and layout requires planning, and this guide can help you understand more about types available, average costs, and other considerations you need to know before you buy. Before Buying a New Soaker Tub If relieving stress and soaking your aching muscles and joints is high on your priority list, get out your measuring tape and figure out what space you have to work with....

Before You Buy a Weighted Blanket If you find yourself feeling restless and unable to sleep or need help relieving stress, a weighted blanket is an excellent tool. Besides being a cozy and comfy blanket to snuggle under, it’s an investment into your wellbeing as it produces mood-boosting hormones and increases serotonin levels. Unlike a regular plaid blanket you may buy during the holidays or a faux fur throw you use as a decorative accent on your bed, there’s a little more to consider when purchasing a weighted blanket....

Not all ornamental grasses are hardy in every zone, so checking that a grass will grow in your area will help you narrow down the field. You will also want to be aware of whether the grass grows in a tidy clump or tends to spread. But first, you may wish to decide what purpose you want it to serve in your designated area. Grass Design Considerations In the area you have picked out to grow an ornamental grass, consider the following criteria to help you choose the variety to plant:...

Consider Blended Shingles Blended shingles are most definitely an option worth considering, says Chuck Khiel, senior vice president at Fred Home Improvement. “This can be very helpful in choosing the right color for the new roof, as blended shingles can have as many as seven different colors in them,” he comments. You’ll of course want to select a blended shingle that comments the red brick of your home. Keep in mind that red bricks are also not always the same color, either, Khiel adds....

Know Your Wood Wood has two classifications: softwood and hardwood. Not surprisingly, softwood is softer and much less expensive than hardwood. It is often painted or treated, and maintenance usually involves keeping it clean and applying a fresh coat of paint or finish each season. Because it has the potential to last long, withstand the elements and resist insects and decay, hardwood can be a smart investment. Left alone, the natural color of hardwood garden furniture—like pieces made from shorea, teak, or ipe—will weather to a soft, silver grey....