Thriving in forested or open wetlands and moist woods, Cypripedium reginae forms large clumps in limy sites at low to moderate elevation. Inspired by reginae, which is Latin for “queen,” this orchid is also commonly known as Queen Lady’s Slipper. Living up to its ideal as the queen of the garden, and indeed the showiest of lady slipper orchids, the leaves are noticeably large and ribbed. Atop each stout, hairy, leafy stalk grows one, two, or three lavishly sized and impressive-looking blooms....

If your linen closet needs an upgrade but you don’t want to spend a fortune on bath towels, big-box stores offer quality options at low prices. The Simply Vera Vera Wang Signature Bath Towel is a popular brand that you can find at Kohl’s and Bed Bath & Beyond. These towels are made from 100 percent cotton and densely packed loops—all good indicators of softness, absorbency, and longevity. To see if the towels hit all those marks, I tested them for several weeks....

To find truly soft sheets, we tried and tested a selection of sheet sets in The Lab, putting products made of a variety of different materials to the test with washing, wear, and even staining. We also used these sheet sets in real-world settings, with our product testers putting each set through its paces at home for one to three months so we could determine how they performed in everyday situations....

It is with the latter that this Q&A deals. We will begin at the top with links to answers to some of readers’ more pressing concerns. With those out of the way, later we will look in detail at other spring landscape maintenance issues that you may have. When Should I Plant Annuals in Spring? Local frost dates determine when it is ideal to plant annuals and vegetables in a particular region....

Stinking hellebores, not to be confused with false hellebore (Veratrum viride), can be planted at any time of year, and they are fast-growing, clumping plants that reach a mature size of about 1 - to 3-feet wide and tall. They will slowly spread but do not become a nuisance. Stinking hellebores bloom in very early spring, sometimes even in late winter. The leaves stay evergreen, but do become a bit tattered at the end of winter and can be cut back to encourage new foliage growth....

Fortunately, you don’t need to spend much time or money on sump pump repair and maintenance. Here are some of the most common things to check and fix. Check the Float The float is a vital part of a sump pump, and it is also one of the most vulnerable. The float rises with water in the sump pit, which in turn triggers the pump to start pulling water out of the pit....

My husband and I are new homeowners, and one of our favorite things about this new house is our backyard. We’ve never had green space of our own, and while it’s relatively tiny, there’s plenty of room to spread out and soak up the sun—a much-needed activity now that winter’s in the rearview. But, as new homeowners paying a mortgage for the first time, we are a bit strapped for cash....

We researched the best toy options from top brands, keeping in mind the recommended age, educational value, and safety features of each. While every 9-year-old girl has different interests, we love the Klutz Clay Charms Kit. It helps girls express their creativity by creating unique charms for bracelets, necklaces, and more with a few simple instructions. Here, the best toys for 9-year-old girls. Users love the included tools and hours of fun that this set provides....

We researched standout options of various sizes, materials, and styles, including foldable models and designs you can leave out as part of your permanent decor. Our favorite is the West Elm Butler Tray Stand, which pairs with your choice of serving tray and has collapsible metal legs for easy storage. We rounded up some of the best TV trays below. One thing to note is that the tray top is sold separately....

Preeti Gopinath, Director of the MFA Textiles Program and Associate Professor at the Parsons School of Fashion, says that when looking for the highest-quality flannel sheet, one important factor to consider is the weight of the flannel, measured in grams per square meter, or GSM. “The higher the GSM, the heavier and denser the fabric, as more yarns are packed into a square meter,” she adds. “This usually implies a better-quality fabric and a tighter weave....

A spice rack neatly allows you to see what you have when it’s time to cook your favorite dish, eliminating the need to double purchase, explains professional organizer Shaniece Jones. This saves you money and time spent running out if you already know and can see you have the spices you need, she says. But before you even choose a spice rack, there are a few things you ought to consider....

Here are the best gifts for 12-year-old boys. This kit has everything you need for hours of fun, exciting, and often exhausting play, including the portable can-shaped goals, labels, frisbees, and an instruction guide. Add this backyard staple to entertain your pre-teen on any summer day or bring it to the beach for an added touch of outdoor fun! Luckily, this can transfer to any couch or desk for hands-off watching, gaming, or reading....

We researched the best options available that are welcoming, practical, and within various budgets. Our top picks include kitchen linens from Sur la Table, a Standard Textile cashmere throw, and the Snif Candle Bundle Kit, a trio of warm scents that add style and a signature fragrance to a new home. Here are the best housewarming gifts. Editor-approved brand Snif.Co is different from others on the market. All of their candles are made in the USA and use clean-burning pure cotton fiber wicks....

Here are the best gifts for nurses. Self-Care Nursing is a tough job that is hard on the body and the spirit. Look for a gift that will encourage the nurse in question to indulge in some self-care. That could mean anything from luxury bath salts to a foot massager or a weighted blanket. Anti-Stress It can be hard for nurses to leave work behind at the end of the day....

Our top pick was the GobiDex 7-in-1 Kids Activity Table, which features multifunctional play surfaces, adjustable height table legs, and detachable storage bins for building blocks and other small toys. Here are the best outdoor toys for 4-year-olds. The double-sided tabletop features a flat surface perfect for arts and crafts, beginner science experiments, or snack time, and a textured play board for use with the included building blocks. Remove the top and the table transforms into a sandbox or water table, complete with a drain plug....

We researched dozens of single vanities from top brands, ranking them on ease of installation, style, sturdiness, and value. Our top choice, the Birch Lane Antionette Single Bathroom Vanity Set, is a free-standing option that includes plenty of storage space, has a luxe marble top, and comes with a sink basin. Here are the best single vanities for every type of bathroom. If you’re looking for a vanity set that will fit seamlessly into various bathroom styles, look no further than the Antionette Single Vanity Set....

Here are the best sheets available at Walmart in different styles, colors, and price points. If you want a tidy, neatly-made bed that would make your mother proud, then look for a set of sheets that washes and wears well. This pick is made with 100 percent microfiber that’s double-brushed for an ultra-soft feel, and the set is breathable and hypoallergenic. Another plus? These sheets are resistant to wrinkling, fading, staining, and shrinking, so they’re easy to care for and built to last....

Our favorite is the AECOJOY Retractable Patio Awning because it is compatible with various types of wall finishes, easy to adjust, and is made of UV- and water-resistant fabric. Here are the best retractable awnings to create a customizable outdoor space. The awning is easy to operate using a manual hand crank mechanism. One thing to keep in mind, though, is placement. A hand-crank may pose a problem if you need to install it up high, so consider the height of your awning placement before making your choice....