Photo: Reuter Homes

When winter lets go of it’s frosty grip, it makes us want to jump into the garden and start spring landscaping as soon as possible.Trimming the hedges and decorative bushes, buying seedlings and plants, and perhaps even thinking ahead by looking at water timers in order to prepare for spring and soon a long hot summer.  If it’s your first time landscaping or you want to try something different this year, follow our easy landscaping ideas that may give you some creativity and help with your green thumb at gardening:

Start with a Plan

Before you go digging up your garden and purchasing new plants, make sure you have planned ahead exactly what you want to do to update your home’s curb appeal. Envision your backyard in an ariel bird’s eye view where you would like your patio, fire pit, garden and shrubs to be. Then, sketch it out and put it on paper to preserve your great ideas. Try different plans and create a blueprint to help your put your dream yard into action.

Photo: K&D Landscape Management

Know Your Climate

When designing your landscaping, know what plants will work best and thrive in your geographical location. If certain flowers need daily watering, they may not be such a good idea in a hot and dry location. Do your research to find out what would work perfectly for your garden. Palm trees are a great way to spruce up your yard but may not be so great in a place with cold winters. It doesn’t mean you can’t use them – plant them in large pots that can be wheeled into the garage in the colder months.

Photo: Executive Landscape

Build a Pergola

An easy DIY to make an instant impact on your garden and turn it into an outdoor oasis is by building a wood pergola. There are tons of online tutorials and plans that can make pergola building easy and affordable. These are great on wood decks or stone patios as they offer shade, privacy, and can also be used for climbing plants and a draped curtain on top. For more easy backyard ideas, check out our other post to see 20 beautiful gardens and terraces. Don’t forget to add a nice outdoor lounge so you have a place to relax and enjoy your handiwork.

Photo: Natural Landscape Group, Inc.

Think About Maintenance

You must keep maintenance in mind when landscaping your home. Certain plants and building materials need more maintenance than others, making it important to plan for the future. A wooden deck may need a new coat of polish every few years while a stone patio only needs a quick pressure washing after every season. Lush flowers may need pruning, daily watering, and replacing every year while evergreen shrubs can last for years with only a few trims. Keep those things in mind, are you a green thumb person or do you want to landscape your home and be done for good? The choice is yours!

Photo: Designscapes Colorado Inc.

Article By: Mirna Cacic

We just love anything shabby chic, and this cute chair planter is no exception! Raid your local thrift store or garage sale for an old wooden chair that you can turn into a planter for cheap! This is a great way to dress up your porch, patio, or garden if you’re on a budget. Paint the chair a fun color or add whimsical designs to it to dress it up and match it to your garden decor. This project is great because you don’t need any special power tools to get the job done, and it can be done in less than an hour!

Supply Checklist:

1) Old Chair

2) Paint

3) Sand paper

4) A planter with a lip, wide enough to fit inside your chair (the lip will help hold the planter in place)

5) Polycrylic

6) Screwdriver

7) Damp cloth

8) Plants and soil

Step #1:

Sand your chair using the sand paper. This will help remove any varnish that will prevent the new paint from sticking to your chair. Sanding the chair will roughen up the surface so the paint can stick better.

Step #2:

Take out the seat from the chair. You can do this easily by removing any screws using a screwdriver.

Step #3:

Get a damp cloth and wipe down the chair to get rid of any dust before painting. When you’re finished, paint your chair your desired color.

Step #4:

To make the new paint on your chair last longer, give it a few coats of polycrylic.

Step #5:

Add your soil and plants to your planter, then place the planter into the spot where the chair seat originally was. Now place your new shabby chic planter anywhere you like! Try it out on your patio or porch, or place it in your garden amongst your flowers!

Photos: DIY Cozy Home, Love This Pic, Moonstruck Vintage.

Summer is coming up fast, which means lots of fun in the sun and nighttime campfires. The one thing that always sends people packing back inside are mosquitoes! Keep these pests at bay by planting these 8 plants in your garden! Growing plants such as rosemary and lavender is a great and all-natural way to keep mosquitoes away. If you’re worried about harsh chemicals from sprays, going all-natural is the way to go! Take a look at our list of 8 plants below and pick out your favorite!

1. Rosemary

Not only is rosemary a great herb to use in the kitchen, it also keeps nasty mosquitoes away! Rosemary is a hardy plant that requires little water and lots of sun.

2. Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal flowers look great as a groundcover and they can also be used in the kitchen! It works well in many fish dishes if you’re looking for a special boost of flavor. Butterflies love Pennyroyal – they just can’t seem to stay away!

3. Lavender

Lavender is also an all-natural mosquito repellant! Lavender is an easy plant to grow, and requires well-draining soil and lots of sun. It also makes a great tea!

4. Basil

We all know that basil is the star in every tomato sauce, but did you know that it repels mosquitoes, too? Basil will thrive if you live in a hot and dry climate, and it needs well-draining soil and lots of sunlight.

5. Peppermint

Many bugs hate the smell of peppermint, which is great news for us since peppermint is an herb that is a must-have in any garden and kitchen! Use it to make tea, soothe mosquito bites, or add it to your lemonade!

6. Citronella

Citronella is a common ingredient in most store-bought mosquito repellants. It’s a tall grass that can grow up to 6 feet tall and works great in a climate without frost. If you live in an area with frost, you can simply plant it in a pot and bring it inside during cold weather.

7. Horsemint

Horsemint grows quickly and loves the shade. It loves sandy soil and its leaves can be used to make a delicious tea.

8. Catnip

For the cat lovers out there, planting catnip is a must! Catnip is a member of the mint family and is super easy to grow. It’s drought tolerant and not only keeps mosquitoes away, but also flies, termites, and cockroaches!

Photos: Deux Dilettantes, Wikipedia, Parfait Image, Everything Lavender, My Everyday Oils, Rawyaelgammal, Garden Guides, Img Arcade, My Medicine Woman.

Looking for that extra special touch for your next party, baby shower, or wedding? These flowers are just the right thing to add that extra pop of color! Arrange a blue rose or two amongst white roses for a unique twist on a traditional bouquet! This works with any white flowers, although some take longer to pick up the color than others. The secret to getting the flowers a beautiful color is in something we all have lying around – food coloring!

Supply Checklist:

1) Vases, glasses, or jars

2) Scissors

3) Food coloring

4) White flowers (roses, daisies, carnations, etc.)

Step #1:

To begin, trim off the ends of your flowers. Cut them at an angle. This helps the flower absorb the water better, thus helping it absorb the color.

Step #2:

Fill your glasses or vases with water.

Step #3:

Add a few drops of food coloring to each vase and place your flowers in as well.

Note: Some flowers take longer to change colors than others. Roses can change color overnight, but daisies can take up to two weeks. Plan ahead if you want to use these for a special event.

Photos: Growing a Jeweled Rose, Dream a Little Bigger.

Save those coffee grounds from your morning coffee and put them to good use! From fertilizing your garden, deodorizing your fridge, to cleaning your pots and pans, there are so many ways you can use coffee grounds! So next time you make a cup of hot coffee, save the grounds! Take a look at our top 10 ways you can use coffee grounds around your home!

1. Get Rid of Scratches on Wood Furniture

Furniture a bit banged up? Steep some coffee grounds and dip in a q tip. Dab the q tip on scratches to hide them.

2. Clean Your Pots and Pans

Place a spoonful of coffee in a dirty pot to help scrub away grease. The coffee acts as an abrasive to get rid of stuck-on food and oil.

3. Give Seedlings a Coffee Boost

When planting seedlings, stir some coffee grounds into the dirt to raise nitrogen levels in the soil. You can also add the coffee grounds to your watering can to give them a boost that way.

4. Age Paper

This one is great for craft projects! If you want your boring white paper to have an aged look, dip the paper into coffee diluted with water. Leave it to sit for a minute, then take the paper out and dab it dry.

5. Get Rid of Insects

Sprinkle coffee grounds around plants to keep bugs at bay. Make a ring around the plants to ward off slugs and ants that want at your precious flowers!

Photo By: Trusty Joe

6. Deodorize Your Fridge

Fridge smelling funky? Put a small amount of dry coffee grounds in a cup at the bottom of your fridge. The coffee will absorb any odors that are lingering in your fridge.

7. Give Your Blue Hydrangeas a Boost

If you’re trying to grow Blue Hydrangeas, add coffee grounds into the soil before planting. The coffee will increase the acidity level of the soil and it will also help the flowers absorb any aluminum in the soil, which helps keep them a vibrant blue!

8. Keep Ashes From Flying Around

If you’re trying to keep ashes from flying all over your floor as you’re cleaning out your fireplace, sprinkle damp coffee grounds over them. The damp grounds will help keep the dust down.

9. Get Rid of Cockroaches

Get rid of these unwanted visitors by filling up a jar with an inch of damp coffee grounds. Take out some sticky tape and wrap it around the jar’s neck. The coffee will help draw the cockroaches into the trap.

10. Clean Your Hands

To get rid of onion or garlic odors from your hands, rub coffee grounds on them before washing them with soap.Photos: Yankee Magazine, Cleanipedia, Well and Good, Brandon and Shelby, Black Down Garden Centre, Working Mom Adventures, Deborah Silver, Passion Potager, Pest Control Toronto, Home Food Safety.

If you’re unsure of how to decorate your mantle this fall, take a look at this one! It’s simple, festive, and you can put it together on the cheap! Scroll down for more pictures!

The first thing we noticed about the mantle is the neutral backdrop. The mantle itself is a crisp white, which makes the fall accessories pop! For your mantle, choose fall shades that stand out. The bright oranges work great against the white, and if your mantle is more of a beige color, choose contrasting, but similar tones. Since the crisp white of the mantle is a cold tone, the fall accessories are as well. Choose what fits your mantle best.

The rustic crate makes the perfect stand for these flowers. To fill up the crate, a pumpkin nestled on top of leaves works great. The mini pumpkin, squash and pinecone look so cute inside, too!

One of the easiest ways to accessorize is with pillows! You can use slipcovers if you don’t want to buy new ones. For festive but cheap pillows, check your local Wal-Mart or Target.

Add warmth to your mantle with candles! Grab cheap candleholders and candlesticks at the thrift store and spraypaint them to match your mantle.

The top of the mantle is kept simple, with a salvaged piece of fence painted white, a leaf wreath, and more mini pumpkins. The garland adds a cute touch to the mini shutters, which can easily be replicated at a larger scale, if you like. You can make a large garland covering the entire mantle with burlap, which is a great choice for those on a budget.

Photos: The Frugal Homemaker.

These autumn touches will make your home cosy in no time! Autumn colors, natural elements, and rustic pieces are a cheap way to bring some fall into your home.

1. Autumn Colors

Think burnt orange, rustic brown, and brick red. Choose a color scheme that matches your home, and tone down the orange and red with neutral tones.

2. Pumpkins

Arrange pumpkins throughout your home for an instant fall vibe. We love these painted white pumpkins decoupaged with leaves using Mod Podge.

3. Knit Pillows and Warm Blankets

As the weather gets colder, store small blankets in your living room for easy reach. Add a few knit pillows on your couch for added comfort. You can easily make a few knit pillows for cheap using thrift store knit sweaters.

4. Mason Jar Decor

Mason jars can add a cute rustic touch to any room. Arrange them on your kitchen table, and toss in a few acorns and a candle! You can also wrap wire around the rim and hang them up for instant lanterns!

5. Make a Wreath

This wheat wreath would look great on anyone’s front door! Tutorial here.

6. Decorate Your Mantle

Add rustic pieces, natural elements, and neutral colors to your fall mantle. We love the cute pinecone garland and antique gears.

7. Decorate Your Porch

Get your porch fall ready with pumpkins and dried corn stalks! Don’t forget the leaf wreath on the front door!

Photos: Annie Bowman, Alison Gootee, Tog and Porter, Camilla at Home, Daisy Mae Belle, Grand Design Co., Tumblr.

Make sure your garden and yard are pet-friendly this summer! We’ve got 10 tips on how to keep your dogs safe in your yard all summer long!

1. Supervise

If dogs are left alone in your backyard without you, they’ll quickly find something to amuse themselves with. It could be tearing up your plants, or digging a hole. You need to be with them in the yard and give them structured exercise to prevent them from getting bored.

2. Obedience Training

Make sure your dog knows basic obedience training. You can do this by enrolling your dog in a training class. This is a great way for you and your dog to bond, and your dog gets some well-needed socialization with other dogs as well.

3. Latch Your Gates

Make sure your gates have strong latches to prevent your dog from escaping your yard. Locking the gate will also prevent children or delivery people from opening the gate and accidentally letting your dog out.

4. Build a Fence

If you can’t keep your dog away from your flower beds, consider building a low fence. Even a low fence is enough of a visual deterrent for your dog to stay away.

5. Toys

Keep a basket of toys handy in your garden. These can be toys that your dog can play with only in your garden, and in time, he’ll look forward to going out so he can play with his special toys. Keeping your dog occupied is key in preventing him from looking for trouble.

6. Shelter

Even if your dog lives indoors, he’ll appreciate having his very own space in the garden to relax. Build or buy him a nice and comfortable doghouse where he can retreat for some quiet time.

7. Build Pathways

Create garden paths in your backyard from brick or gravel to keep paws dry. Your dog will quickly learn to stay on the path so you lawn won’t become packed down.

8. Container Gardening

If your dog can’t seem to stay away from your garden, try planting flowers or vegetables in pots or planters. Many plants do well when planted in a pot, and they are less likely to be trampled by your dog.

9. Water

Provide your dog with fresh water in your garden for when he gets thirsty from playing. You can also add in a small kiddie pool for him to cool off in. If kiddie pools aren’t your thing, a small pond can be made on a budget that can match the rest of your garden decor.

10. Get to Know Your Breed

Some breeds are more prone to digging up plants and making holes than others. Make sure your dog has plenty to keep himself occupied with so he doesn’t turn to your garden. If your dog loves digging, consider giving him his own corner of the yard to dig in. Always provide plenty of praise and treats when he uses it!

Photos: Rogue Hydro, Pet Resort Willow Wood, Hillside K9 Academy, Seegar’s Fence, Plow Hearth, Maxi Sciences, Millennium Land, Urban Food Warrior, Hunt ‘Em Up, Dog Behaviour Advice.

Who can resist sipping ice cold lemonade and sunbathing, while listening to a waterfall? We love garden ponds and waterfalls, but the price isn’t always something to smile about. There’s a way for anyone to make their own pond on the cheap, just check out this easy tutorial!

Step 1:

Take your pond form and lay it where you would like your pond to be. Mark the area with spray paint and begin digging.

Step 2:

Once the hole has been dug, test it to see if the form will fit properly. Once you’re happy with the fit, place sand at the bottom to help level the form.

Step 3:

Choose stone that fits with your garden and arrange it to create your waterfall.

Step 4:

Purchase a pump that matches the gallon size of your pond. Larger tubing for the pump means more water flow, and smaller means less. Choose what fits with your pond.

Step 5:

The final step is to purchase and plant plants. Choose plants that are appropriate for the location of your pond, and take into consideration how much (or how little) sunlight they will be getting.

Photos and idea: Oh My Creative.

Decorating the perfect cake isn’t just for professionals anymore! There are tonnes of different ways you can decorate your cake for that special occasion, and none of them require any special skills or ingredients. We’ve picked 9 of the easiest ways to decorate your cake that’ll wow your family and friends!

1. Candied Lemons

Candied lemons sound complicated, but they’re really not! To make them, simply bring 3/4 cup water and 3/4 cup sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves and add 1 thinly sliced lemon. Simmer until tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and cool them on a rack before decorating your cake.

2. Meringues

For a last-minute cake decorating idea, arrange store-bought meringues on your cake. They’re a great alternative for when you don’t have time to make piped-frosting rosettes.

3. Gumdrop Roses

To make these adorable gumdrop roses, first dust your work surface with granulated sugar. Using a rolling pin, roll 3 gumdrops until they are 1/8 inch thick. Cut the rounds in half crosswise and roll 1 piece into a tight bud. Pinch it at one end to form the center of the flower. Take the remaining pieces and place them around the center. Make sure they overlap slightly and press them together at the base. Trim the bottom so that they have a flat base and sit nicely on your cake.

4. Raid Your Pantry

This simple cake topper consists of basic pantry ingredients like waffle cones, mini marshmallows, and peanuts. This topping goes great with a simple chocolate cake and requires minimal effort, making it easy for last-minute decorating. Pile the ingredients high and drizzle with chocolate syrup.

5. Sprinkled Frosting

Before you start frosting your cake, add sprinkles to your frosting. Festive and fun, this cake decorating trick requires no effort and the results are so pretty!

6. Chocolate Drizzle

All this requires is slowly pouring melted chocolate over your cake and allowing it to drip down the sides. Perfect for chocolate lovers!

7. Fondant Shapes

Dress up any cake in an instant using precolored fondant. Roll it out into thin sheets on parchment paper and cut out shapes with cookie cutters.

8. Powdered Sugar

To decorate a cake in a snap, cut shapes out of paper and place them on your cake. Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the stencil and remove the paper. You’re left with a lovely design that’s sure to impress everyone! Try using a paper doily for a more intricate pattern.

9. Edible Flowers

Yes, there actually are flowers that you can eat! You can find edible flowers at your local farmers’ market, grocery store, or online. There are tonnes of different varieties to choose from, and all of them have their own unique flavor.

Photos: Wedding Cupcakery, BHG, Coffee and Quinoa, Best Friends for Frosting, Raspberri Cupcakes, Sweetapolita, Good Housekeeping, Entertaining Any Time.