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Life Under the Shade

Flowers That Can Be Planted in December

December often brings to mind images of snow-blanketed lawns, holly berries and evergreens. Seldom does even the most avid gardener think about dragging out the rake and hoe in the midst of winter. When the ground is frozen, there are very few options for winter planting. Flowers that are in bloom or in a non-dormant stage will ultimately go into shock if their roots are exposed to the frigid and cold soil. However, if the conditions are right, gardeners can jump-start the season in time for the first blossoms of spring. Tulips •Tulips originated from the mountainous regions of central […]

How to Easily Add Holiday Cheer to Your Outdoor Spaces

Don’t neglect outdoor patios and porches in your Christmas decorating. Wreaths, candles, and large glowing orbs draw guests outside to cozy up by the fire. Put Out Christmas Lanterns Arrange a grouping of festive lanterns at your entryway for quick-and-easy holiday style. Consider using flameless candles as a worry-free alternative to regular pillars. Don’t Forget Outdoor Furniture Pull elements from your home’s decor right into the center of the action by dressing up your outdoor furniture. Have throws available to let Christmas guests know you have their comfort in mind. Set a Holiday Scene In Your Outdoor Room This warm […]

Decorating Your Front Porch for the Holidays

Our favorite way to light up the season is with a brilliant array of paper luminaries. Line them along front walks, driveways, and porches for a fiery Christmas display that’s so simple (and affordable) to pull off. To create your own gleaming arrangement, generously cover the bottom of white paper bags with sand, which will keep them sturdy and stationary when exposed to the elements. Arrange bags in desired positions (the luminaries lining the walk all 2 feet apart), and then insert tea lights or battery-operated LEDs. Top off a square mailbox with an abundant bouquet of winter plants. Fill […]

5 Ways to Upgrade Your Patio Style

Do your outdoor living areas need a new look? Check out these decks, patios and landscaping then try the stylish updates on your own outdoor spaces. Perk Up a Patio With Pavers A great option for upgrading a typical poured-concrete patio, concrete pavers are moderately priced and come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. One advantage of using pavers is that they’re easier and less expensive to repair than a concrete slab — if there’s a paver that’s stained or cracked, you can simply replace it or, depending on the pavers you have, just turn it over. Choose […]

Perfect Party Plants That Repel Bugs

Before you choose your greenery and blooms, consider some of the added benefits certain plants can bring – namely, repelling insects. Here are a number of plants that will keep insects at bay. And since no one minds a few butterflies hovering around the garden, we found some plants that will attract the fluttering beauties. Lavender This beautiful purple flower (pictured) not only looks attractive, but smells just as sweet. Thankfully, it wards off mosquitoes, a nice benefit for any patio or outdoor entertaining space. Citronella Also known as West Indian lemongrass, OneKingsLane.com says this tall plant is an excellent […]

Make Your Porch More Welcoming in 7 Easy Steps

Your front porch is the first thing guest will see, and a huge part of your street cred (aka, curb appeal), but it rarely appears at the top of cleaning to-do lists. While the inside of your home probably should take priority, it’s important to clean your porch at least once a year. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to making your porch pretty: 1. Move Everything Anything that isn’t nailed down has gotsta go! Move everything out to the yard or into your house – you want your porch to be a blank canvas prepped for cleaning. Tip: If you have […]