Home gardening is booming these days, both as an outlet for Americans, and, according to sociologists, as a trend for millions turning toward a simpler, gentler lifestyle worldwide.
Neighbors are exchanging herbs for oranges and more parents are providing the opportunity for their children to witness first-hand how food is grown from seed.
A small, sunny patch in your backyard is all you need to start, and failing that, window boxes, containers or even pots on an apartment building rooftop can provide equal opportunity.
If you’re new to gardening, experts say to start with easy-to-grow veggies like zucchini and cucumbers, which tend to grow almost like weeds, lettuce, if you have enough space for leafy greens to spread out, and tomatoes, which do as well in hanging baskets as they do when staked in the ground. You can start your veggies from seeds, young plants purchased locally or from a catalog—and while you’re at it, consider growing strawberries, a summertime favorite that can thrive in small pots or planters on a deck or patio.
Apart from the purchase of plants or seeds and the cost of containers and potting soil, you will want to invest in a trowel, possibly a hoe, some gardening gloves and a watering can and/or a sprinkler attachment for the garden hose. Plant food, while a nice idea, is optional, and if you’re not yet ready to venture into the store, curbside pick-up from most home stores is available almost everywhere.
In all, your garden will be a minimal investment considering that, according to experts, home vegetable gardens produce on average more than double the value in fruits and vegetables than what they cost in materials and supplies. You can start small, spending far less than you may think.
Most garden shops and big box garden stores offer free instruction on planting and maintenance, but you can learn a lot online. Many families today are making it a project to learn and experiment together.
A Brief Guide to Biophilic Design
The modern world has many advantages, but one issue that many of us are facing, particularly those who spend their days working in front of a computer, is the feeling of being disconnected from the natural world. The good news is that a growing movement known as biophilic design might be just the answer and is being utilized by designers and architects around the world. Cities, in particular, are embracing this trend, and if you’re looking for a living space that will help you reconnect with Mother Nature, here’s what you should know about biophilic design.
The Basics
At its core, this design movement is all about creating a living space that feels like it’s a part of nature. That means much more than just incorporating green spaces. Equal emphasis is placed on using natural materials, such as wood and stone, to capture natural light throughout the day, and simply being able to observe things happening outside, like the sunset or a snowstorm.
Design Solutions
Breaking down the barrier between indoor and outdoor spaces is a big part of biophilic design. A retractable glass wall, for example, can capture sunlight in the winter and in the warmer months be opened up to allow fresh air to flow through the home. Additionally, you can bring the outdoors inside with indoor gardens or living walls. Even feeling connected to animals can play a role in biophilic design, like a koi pond, where you can relax while watching fish or attracting birds and butterflies with specific types of plants.
The Benefits
The main argument, of course, is that when we feel closer to nature we’re more relaxed and in tune with our surroundings. Additionally, biophilic design is considered to be an environmentally friendly solution because it typically requires using clean, natural materials to build homes that use less energy. For instance, if you can design a home to capture a natural breeze, then you may not need air conditioning in the summer. Or, by capturing adequate sunlight through performance glass windows you can reduce the heat required to keep your home warm in the winter. If that’s not enough, it’s an added bonus that this also means lowering your bills.
Joining the Trend Toward Victory Gardens
Home gardening is booming these days, both as an outlet for Americans, and, according to sociologists, as a trend for millions turning toward a simpler, gentler lifestyle worldwide.
Neighbors are exchanging herbs for oranges and more parents are providing the opportunity for their children to witness first-hand how food is grown from seed.
A small, sunny patch in your backyard is all you need to start, and failing that, window boxes, containers or even pots on an apartment building rooftop can provide equal opportunity.
If you’re new to gardening, experts say to start with easy-to-grow veggies like zucchini and cucumbers, which tend to grow almost like weeds, lettuce, if you have enough space for leafy greens to spread out, and tomatoes, which do as well in hanging baskets as they do when staked in the ground. You can start your veggies from seeds, young plants purchased locally or from a catalog—and while you’re at it, consider growing strawberries, a summertime favorite that can thrive in small pots or planters on a deck or patio.
Apart from the purchase of plants or seeds and the cost of containers and potting soil, you will want to invest in a trowel, possibly a hoe, some gardening gloves and a watering can and/or a sprinkler attachment for the garden hose. Plant food, while a nice idea, is optional, and if you’re not yet ready to venture into the store, curbside pick-up from most home stores is available almost everywhere.
In all, your garden will be a minimal investment considering that, according to experts, home vegetable gardens produce on average more than double the value in fruits and vegetables than what they cost in materials and supplies. You can start small, spending far less than you may think.
Most garden shops and big box garden stores offer free instruction on planting and maintenance, but you can learn a lot online. Many families today are making it a project to learn and experiment together.
4 Superfoods to Keep You Healthy
Many people are constantly on the hunt for the healthiest food choices, whether it be to lose weight, lower cholesterol or simply adapt better eating habits. Superfoods have become increasingly popular over the years, offering health benefits and new recipes that are not only good for you, but taste good, too. Here are four superfood options you can add to your diet to keep you healthy.
Blueberries
High in fiber and low in calories, blueberries are a popular superfood to add to your recipe book. From snacking on them individually to adding them to a spring salad or warm pie, they are a fruit you’ll be glad you tried. Blueberries contain no cholesterol or fat and are bursting with antioxidants. Be sure to wash them before consumption and to ensure extended freshness.
Pinto Beans
Beans of all kinds are very good for your body, including and especially pinto beans. In addition to helping manage diabetes and cutting the risk of high blood pressure, pinto beans contain no saturated fat, trans fat or cholesterol. They are also high in protein, which can be very helpful for vegans and vegetarians, as well as a high content of fiber, iron and folic acid.
Artichokes
For a low calorie and low sodium choice, add artichokes to your next meal. Packed with vitamin C, fiber and folate, artichokes are a great option, whether fresh or jarred. Add them to your favorite spinach dip or in your next chicken dish for a healthy and tasty option to add to your recipe book.
Prunes
Yes, prunes are known to be a stereotypical “old person” food. However, they are also a great choice when looking for something high in fiber and antioxidants. Prunes are also known to help reduce and slow down age-related mental and physical problems. Whether they are in a salad or consumed in juice form, this superfood is a great addition to any pantry.
Five Outdoor Features for a Luxurious Backyard Experience
Here are five features that will provide an upscale feel to your outdoor space.
Covered Seating
Be it a loggia, pergola or trellis, provide a comfortable place to gather outdoors.
Infinity Pool
In addition to providing a place to swim on a hot day, infinity pools have a certain wow factor.
Entertaining Area
An outdoor kitchen, barbecue, or wet bar ensure that all entertaining needs are accounted for.
Fire it Up
A fire in the evenings is one of the ultimate backyard luxuries. It’s a focal point and natural place to gather around.
Privacy & Plantings
Thoughtful landscape design will make a backyard or terrace feel like your own private escape.
5 Natural Stone Styles for Dramatic Home Design
These five eye-catching natural stones will make for an unforgettable living space.
Amazonite Extra Granite
With shades of teal and gray infused with white crystals, this makes a design statement in any room.
Pink Onyx
Swirls of pink and white make this mesmerizing surface feel simultaneously relaxing and energizing.
Nero Antico Marble
The contrast of black and white Nero Antico marble gives your home a sleek and modern feel.
Fusion Wow Quartzite
A range of colors including shades of gold, orange, blue and peach make it one of the most unique stones around.
Earth Glitter Granite
Black with shimmering swirls of gray, pink and orange, this stone brings a room to life with its stunning appearance.
Five Designs Tips to Create an Eclectic Space
Joining the Zero-Waste Movement Is Easier Than You Think
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American generates nearly 4.5 pounds of trash on a daily basis, more than half of which goes to a landfill.
If you’re looking to reduce your net trash output with the ultimate goal of joining the zero-waste movement, there are a variety of small steps you can take today.
Refuse
Start by not bringing any items into your house that you don’t need. This includes company giveaways, such as a promotional tote bag from a work conference, free pens that make their way into your hands, plastic bobblehead figures from the ballpark and plastic utensils that come with your takeout order.
Reduce
Buying fewer things will ultimately save you money. Before buying new clothing, electronics, home appliances or anything else, ask yourself if you truly need it.
Reduce your reliance on single-use items such as plastic water bottles, individual yogurt cups and disposable plastic razors. When you do buy something, take advantage of reusable canvas grocery bags.
You can also lower the thermostat in your home and lower your energy usage, plan meals each week so that less food is wasted, and take advantage of public transportation so that you use your car less.
Reuse
Picking up a new skill such as sewing can help you repair some of your clothes and give them a longer life. If there are too many holes in a shirt to repair, use it as a rag instead of using paper towels. Reusing items for something other than their original purpose is a chance to get creative and see just how far you can go.
Recycle
If you’re already recycling, you may be able to take your efforts up a notch. Recycling is a great way to properly dispose of something you no longer use so that it can be turned into something usable again.
Beyond cans and bottles, many items can be recycled. In fact, household appliances, batteries and old toys can be responsibly recycled or given away for free for others to use.
Eco-Friendly Tips With Low Costs and High Savings
Most homeowners have weather-stripped their doors to maximize climate control, and have switched out traditional incandescent light bulbs with eco-friendly CFL models. Short of installing double paned windows or making other costly home improvements, what more can you do to make your home “greener” without emptying your wallet?
Change filters often. Change air conditioning filters monthly to keep the system running at peak performance.
Dry bigger loads. Your dryer has more capacity than you think. Dry two or more loads at once so the dryer cools down and heats up less frequently. And clean out the lint filter often.
Check the fridge seal. Feel for cold air around your closed refrigerator door to be sure the seal is in good condition.
Adjust stove top cooking. Avoid wasting heat by matching up your pot/pan size to the correct burner.
Unplug battery chargers. Many chargers continue to draw power even when not connected to a device, so unplug yours after charging.
Use a laptop. They use less energy than your desktop computer, so use them instead when you can.
Reduce hot water consumption. Install low-flow, aerating faucets and shower heads. Select a shower head with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons per minute.
Choose drought-tolerant plants. Any number of plants and ground covers can add greenery to a yard without gulping lots of water – including clover, certain breeds of grass like Bermuda and Zoysia, and edible plants like herbs and strawberries. (Note: you may want to put in some type of wood or brick border to contain groundcovers or plants in the area you want them to stay in.)
4 Tips to Pick the Right Artwork for Your Home
Keep these tips in mind when selecting artwork for your home.
Golden Rule of Art Acquisition
Surround yourself with works that truly inspire and excite you.
Size and Scale
Whether it’s a painting or a sculpture, try to maintain a sense of size and scale that’s appropriate to the room.
Consider the Atmosphere
In each room, we strive to create a different ambiance. Keep this in mind and select art that captures the perfect mood for each setting.
Color and Style
The art you choose to display should be consistent with the overall aesthetic, so consider how the colors and textures will fit into a room.
Lighten Up Your Living Space
Do you dream of a light, airy living space?
Achieve the desired effect with these simple tips:
Paint it white. Two coats of white paint will turn your living space into a year-round winter wonderland.
Minimize. Cut clutter by adding hidden storage systems. Minimize furniture to a handful of necessary pieces.
Add mirrors. In addition to wall mirrors, add mirrored backsplashes or mirrored trays. Not into mirrors? Sparkle can do the trick, too.
Lighten the linens. Breezy, airy curtains will make your space seem plush and comfortable.
Incorporate shades of gray. Add soft, light shades of gray or blue to your color scheme.