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Peat moss isn’t better or worse than soil; it’s different. It’s soilless but is often added to soil to lighten, aerate, and help retain moisture. Although it’s great for keeping moisture and aerating the soil, peat moss is not often used for lawns since its acidity hinders grass growth and can kill earthworms. However, adding peat moss to your soil is excellent if you have acid-loving plants. The most significant disadvantages of peat moss are it’s too acidic for non-acid-loving plants, it’s not renewable, and it doesn’t have any nutrients....

While living in a warm climate offers a wider variety of plant choices than many areas, those faced with the job of landscaping near a swimming pool still have the basic considerations pool owners in any region must confront. Follow these 8 tips and advice for making the smartest choices. 1. Buy Plants Based on Research, Not Look Before making an impulsive trip to the nursery for whatever strikes your fancy and fits into your greater vision of how your swimming pool area should do, do some research....

There is no way anyone can glance at a batflower and not do a double-take. And if you wish to gaze at these fascinating flowers from the comfort of home, you’re in luck because the plant can be successfully grown indoors. The main challenge will be finding it. Specialty and mail-order nurseries often are the only viable source of any batflower variety. In terms of growing conditions, white batflowers generally do well in the same conditions orchids prefer: high humidity, good airflow, and moderate light....

White sofas are beautiful, yes. But in a statement piece of furniture—and in a piece of furniture that actually gets used day in and day out—it doesn’t quite make sense. Yet, we’re falling for it because of, well, aesthetics. However, designers are putting their foot down on this trend and calling them a thing of the past. We talked to some designers to find out why. Griffith argues that so many of us have pets, kids, or busy schedules....

This time around, I’m going to press pause on my plant obsession. Yes, I’ve tried to do a plant ban before, but I always seem to fail. A wishlist plant comes my way or I find the cutest little plant shop and I just can’t resist. Well, starting on Ash Wednesday, all bets are off. I’m sticking to it this time. Here are the five reasons I’m giving up plants for Lent—and why it’s going to work this time!...

We recently connected with designer John McClain to discuss how to combat the idea that neutral = boring. Not only does McClain believe neutrals aren’t boring—he’s here to convince us all that, if done well, they can even be exciting. “Some statements don’t deserve a response, but to that, I would counter that neutrals are fundamental,” the designer shares with The Spruce. “What is a pizza without its crust or a canapé without its cracker?...

Low Yield and Poor Quality The popular veggies people like to grow from scraps are lettuce, celery, carrot tops and onions. However, once you get it to grow, it will not result in a robust, full-size plant. Also, it usually isn’t the best specimen for planting. “Often, the vegetable has been sitting in cold storage for too long and has been tampered with too much,” warns Dimitrov. “The root system is no longer established or viable, and it likely will not grow well....

There are many great reasons to make your own nectar, however. Since this critical hummingbird food is easy to make by mixing the right proportions of plain white granulated table sugar and tap water, there’s never an excuse not to make it from scratch. Homemade nectar is better for hummingbirds, and once you learn how to make it, you’ll never rely on commercial mixes again. While there have not been extensive studies to determine whether these chemicals are positively harmful, they are not needed to nourish the birds or attract them to feeders....

There are several possible reasons a toilet may be flushing slowly or inadequately, and determining the cause is necessary before the problem can be fixed. Common causes of a slow-flushing toilet include low water levels, a partially clogged drain, mineral build-up on the jet holes, a defective flapper, and a blocked drain vent. To help solve your problem, take a look at the in-depth breakdown of these toilet issues and the possible fixes below....

Fast Facts Scientific Name: Taeniopygia guttataCommon Name: Zebra Finch, Chestnut-Eared Finch, Spotted-Sided Finch, Nyi-Nyi, Timor Zebra Finch, Australian Zebra FinchLifespan: 2-5 yearsSize: 4-4.5 inchesWeight: .4-.45 ouncesWingspan: 9 inchesConservation Status: Least concern Zebra Finch Identification These small finches have colorful plumage and many bold field marks that make them easy to identify. Despite their familiarity, however, it is important to be familiar with all the zebra finch’s field marks as many other Australian finches can look similar....

Whether a classic neutral or a subtle variation within a color family, a neutral paint color has many advantages in a room design: They are flexible, classic colors that are always in style.They are perfect for people who are unsure of their color preferences, or who change their minds a lot. A room’s color scheme can be changed merely by switching accents against the neutral background. They are ideal for people who prefer bright, colorful accents and furniture....

Cool Season Drought-Tolerant Grasses Cool season drought-tolerant grasses vary in their drought tolerance; some need supplemental watering, while others can survive on occasional rain alone. Some grow in natural looking clumps and can be too bumpy to serve as a play area, so it is important to choose the right plant for the right purpose. Tall fescue is an adaptable, bunch-type grass with a coarse texture. Each plant grows from a single seed, so it needs to be seeded heavily....

Here are some tips to avoid ten of the most common container gardening mistakes. Moving a Heavy Container Have you ever had to lift and move a large garden container that you just filled with potting soil and plants? It can be overwhelmingly heavy, especially if it has been watered. When you are filling and planting a large container, place your pot in its final location and then fill it, avoiding a backache later!...

Whether you’re looking for a 10-year anniversary gift that’s modern, traditional, or even unusual, these options will help to inspire your search. 10-Year Anniversary Gift Traditions Traditional metal: Tin/aluminumStone: DiamondColor: SilverFlower: Daffodil You’ll notice that daffodils are one of the first blooms to pop up in spring and bring happiness after a long winter. A bouquet of daffodils will make your partner happy all year round, no matter when your 10th anniversary falls....

Begonias can be categorized a number of ways, but a useful method for gardeners is by root structure: Fibrous-rooted: This group includes plants described as wax begonias, cane begonias, dragon-wing (angel-wing) begonias, and other types, all of which have standard root balls with thin roots. The leaves tend to be round and waxy, and relatively small. The flowers are also fairly small, about 1 1/2 inches. Potted plants may continue blooming if you bring them indoors and place them in a bright window through the winter....

One of the easiest ways to show off your creativity and personality in the bedroom with a repurposed or DIY headboard.

Here are 11 thrift store furniture tips to help you successfully shop for secondhand treasures. Establish a Budget Sure, the best place to find rock-bottom prices is at garage sales, flea markets, and thrift stores. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still overspend if you’re not careful. A dollar here and a dollar there can quickly add up. So before heading out, know how much you can afford, and stick to that amount....

Some people are lucky enough to find a tray or an entire cabinet in their attic, but this is a much less common occurrence since the popularity (and cost) of this antique has increased. Nowadays, antique enthusiasts search high and low at antique shops for the chance to own one. Some people even buy reproduction printers blocks to achieve the look. These letterpress drawer ideas will help you transform the tray you already have or inspire you to go out and find one yourself....