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Although kiss me over the garden gate is native to China, it has a long history in American gardens, going back to President Thomas Jefferson, who liked to include bold plants in his famous gardens. The plants gradually fell out of favor, a victim to the trend of breeding compact bedding plants that could be sold already in flower in tidy nursery six packs. Contemporary gardeners looking to bring back the bling to their gardens have rediscovered the Victorian favorite, and now you’ll find this plant on seed saving lists and in heirloom seed catalogs everywhere....

What Is a Pre-Hung Door? A pre-hung door is a slab door that is already attached by hinges to a three-sided doorframe. It is sold by the manufacturer as a complete package and “ready to go,” though some may need additional features. More expensive than a slab door, a pre-hung door is a mostly self-contained unit with a frame that fits into a prepared doorway. Upon sale, pre-hung doors are tightly bundled into their included frames with polyester tension packing straps and plastic spacers to prevent them from shifting or twisting during shipment....

There are many types of pressure booster pumps so you will have to do some research and find out which pump is right for you. Read reviews, talk to others, and make a wise decision for your home based on your situation. All-in-one pressure boosters are often a good choice because they have the pump, motor, check valve, pressure and flow sensor, and diaphragm tank complete in one unit. These units are usually affordable, compact, and relatively easy to install....

Understanding Front-Load Washers HE Washers Front-load washers are designed for high-efficiency operation while using low energy. There is a downside to this energy-saving washer model; some consumers have experienced mold or unpleasant odors developing in their front-load washers. Once present, these issues can be quite difficult to resolve. With a little extra care, you may be able to prevent these issues from occurring. It should be noted that not all high-efficiency front-load washers have had this problem—but many brands have been implemented to prevent, or at least reduce the risk of such problems with some of the newer models....

In general, tractors are more heavy-duty and do much more than mowers. Before deciding, think about several factors. How big is the area that needs mowing? Is it large enough that you fear push mowing would be too much strain on your back? Other considerations include the attachments, mulching capabilities, double duty as a snow removal device, and so much more. Read on to navigate the world of push and riding lawn mowers and lawn and garden tractors and learn about the differences, pros, cons, and buying tips....

As with most home improvement choices, there is a direct relationship between quality and expense, and in the case of roofing, quality usually translates as longevity. With a roof, it rarely makes sense to choose a roofing material based sheerly on price, when spending a little more may give you a roof that lasts for as long as you own the house. A cheap roof is no bargain if it needs to be replaced every three to four years....

If you have a backyard with ample space for lounging and entertaining, it’s likely you’ve looked for a patio dining set at one time or another. While there are plenty on the market, it can be tricky to find one that’s comfortable, holds up to the elements, and accommodates all of your friends and family. To see if we’d found a winner in RST Brands’ Deco 9-Piece Patio Dining Set, we picked up our own set and got to work testing it out....

Plant Description Foliage: Russian sage grows as a many stemmed clump. The foliage is finely cut gray-green leaves that are slightly scented.Flowers: Each stem ends with long, thin flower panicles. When fully in bloom it looks like a lavender-blue haze. Botanical Name Perovskia atriplicifolia Common Name Russian Sage Hardiness Zones Russian sage is reliably hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. Plants grown in Zone 4 may need some winter protection, but as long as the roots survive, your plants should send out new growth in the spring....

With a family of five, we do at least one load of laundry each day and often more. Each laundry load can range from small baby items to large, bulky things like comforters or quilts. It’s worth the investment in a long-lasting, high-quality dryer with multiple cycle options, making my daily tasks easier to accomplish. The professionals handled installing the Samsung 7.4 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer with Steam Sanitize+ and hauled away my old dryer....

Keep reading to see how their nest has evolved from there place where Jessica grew up into the beautiful home where the pair are raising their own children. Location “Our home is located in the historic district of Downtown Concord, North Carolina,” Jessica Miller shares with us. “It’s our hometown, and actually, this was my childhood home that we purchased from my parents.” Traditional With a Twist In describing her aesthetic, Miller shares that she gravitates toward different styles....

While our phones can do pretty much anything these days, interior designer Susan Hayward recently revealed that there’s one thing she’ll swap for the digital version: a notebook. And not just any old notebook—Hayward is officially a convert to graph paper notebooks. As the founder of her eponymous design firm, Hayward tells us that this is the one thing she uses every single day. Read on to find out more about her must-have notebook—and what makes it particularly useful in Hayward’s professional life....

Today’s savvy consumers are becoming more and more taken with green cleaning. And with advanced technology and superior products hitting the market every day, you no longer need to choose between getting the clean you want and responsibly taking care of yourself, your home, and the environment. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Concentrated Laundry Detergent is one of the leading green laundry detergents and it hails from a historically environmentally-friendly company....

When it comes to cleaning, especially heavy-duty outside cleaning, a garden hose just won’t cut it. You need a pressure washer to get the job done. One of the top options available? The SIMPSON MegaShot MSH3125 Pressure Washer. It delivers a powerful 3,200 PSI at 2.5 GPM stream of water that’ll clean even the dirtiest outdoor items. We used the washer for some cleanup jobs to see if its performance matched its raw power....

Let’s face it: Those old-school trampolines were a little dangerous, and most of us know someone who at one point took a tumble off of the jumping surface. These days, though, most trampolines on the market—like the Skywalker Trampolines 15’ Round Trampoline With Enclosure—come with safety features like nets and bumper pads to keep your kids (and their friends) safe. But, as with any toy, not all trampolines are created equal, so we tested this Skywalker model to see how it stands up to the competition....

For any disease to take hold, three things need to be present: In the case of soil-borne diseases, the pathogens can remain in the soil for long periods, waiting for the host - our plants - to come along. The environmental conditions can vary widely. Some pathogens favor damp conditions, some like certain soil pH levels and others target tender, succulent growth. While some pathogens are short term visitors, appearing when the host and conditions are just right, others are naturally found in the soil and persist for years....

For my kids and many others, if a game involves a ball, then they are in. Whether it’s a specific sport like basketball, tennis, four square, kickball, soccer, or football, or just playing catch or keep away, something is alluring and addictive about the bouncing, soaring, rolling qualities of playing with a ball. While my kids are fans of the old favorites, they are always hungry for the novelty of new games....

The two structures are often mistaken for each other, and while they do have similar features, each has its own architectural characteristics and purpose, and there are significant differences between the two when it comes to location, size, and construction. Read on to find out how balconies and terraces differ, what the origins of each are, and how to make best use of these outdoor spaces in your own home....