Outdoor Plants & Spaces

And so much more, for the outdoors and beyond!

Homeowners, take note.

It took five different paint colors and $300.

Make your own living wall.

It’s one of the most magical ways to display plants ever.

Fresh paint brought out the best in this charming old house.

Parents want the scoop.

Sweat equity and a little creativity go a long way in transforming this dreary space into a must-see hangout.

While front door decorations may be a top priority for exterior decorating, the balcony is a perfect place to transform into a cozy winter wonderland for the season, especially if you're short on space.

We don't blame her.

Even your plants can get in the holiday spirit

They've gown over 600 different types of crops underwater in Italy.

Don’t show up to your next holiday party empty-handed.

Terry Crews teams up with Drew and Jonathan Scott and upgrade a friend's backyard.

Add some drama to your garden.

There are some plants that actually want soil that never dries out.

It’s hard enough making any big move, but add in actual living things like pets and plants, and the stress of moving gets even tougher to handle. You might already be thinking about how to keep pets happy during the journey to a new home, but have you considered the well-being of your botanical friends, too? Here are some great strategies for making sure your plants survive the long trip to a new home and stay happy and healthy along the way. Prep your plants.

This family's yard redo offers multiple hangout spots that help them take full advantage of their outdoor space.

Paint rescued the front door AND the concrete steps in this budget-friendly refresh for fall.

If this fall chore is on your to-do list, you need to read this.

Just because summer's gone doesn't mean there isn't time to hang outside.

It will keep your plants healthier.

Disneyland and Walt Disney World are big on illusion. The masterminds—Disney calls them “Imagineers”—behind the theme parks even invented a paint color that was designed to make things visually disappear. They call it “Go Away Green,” and you don’t have to run a theme park to take advantage of its mysterious cloaking powers. In fact, we’ve found some super close matches to Go Away Green so you can try a paint color that’s similar!

From roses and lilies to zinnias and peonies, here's what some of the most popular flowers symbolize, and the states and countries they represent.

The "before" was the perfect blank canvas.

I am gearing up to finish a few garden projects….one of which is a deck that we dug the footings for last fall. I have gone back and forth on the way to finish the deck. Do I do pressure treated wood that I stain (cheap), or do I invest in a hardwood that will be less maintenance (expensive)?I have obsessed so much that I even had an architect friend write a whole article about the pros and cons of all the decking options.

Are you tired of it getting dark at 5 PM every day? I know I am, but we’re in luck: this year’s Winter Solstice fell on December 21st, which means that the days are getting longer, and that summer will come again, and that this is a perfect time to start thinking about sunny days and outdoor projects. Here are 10 of our favorite outdoor-space transformations from 2012.TOP ROW:1. Before & After: Bare Patio Turned Luxurious Cabana2. Jane and Justin’s Backyard Before & After3.

Gardens are destined to be charming little spaces, the type where you’re surrounded by life and charm as you sit down to sip tea and read a weathered paperback book. If you’re reading this thinking, “That doesn’t sound like my garden,” you might just need a little touch of antiquity. Make it your mission this weekend to scout out thrift stores, flea markets and antique shops for something old and quaint that you can repurpose for your outdoor space.

Enjoy alfresco wine nights, outdoor dining, and patio hangs all year long.

The lightweight essential to always pack.

If you’re exploring indoor trees for your home but aren’t sure where to begin, trust us when we say that the Pachira Aquatica is the tree you want. It is virtually kill-proof, relatively tidy, and grows as large (or as small) as you want. They are also pretty much immune to the most common cause of black thumbs: over-watering (hey, we’ve all been there).

This 1957 ranch's warped garage looks way more sophisticated after a major upgrade.

This outdoor space went from a dead patch of grass to a cozy boho-style family hangout.

It's the chemical-free way to combat spider mites, aphids, silverfish, ants, roaches (and more of your other favorite bugs) at home.

Time for a second look.

Last week, I showed you how you can make natural pesticides for your plants. While these sprays pose less risk than the toxic ones, they also rid your plant of beneficial insects like the ladybug. Unlike most pesky bugs you want to purge from your garden, ladybugs pose no harm and are beneficial to your plants by feasting on a few of your plant’s nemeses such as aphids, mealybugs, leaf hoppers, scales, and mites.

Meet Audrey III, IV, V and VI.

Out of all the cool houseplants, useful herbs, and indoor trees available, grass isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when you’re looking to fill your indoor spaces with living greenery. But even though this type of plant is usually related to backyards and landscaping, grass makes for a great indoor container garden option that can be both decorative and useful and is quite easy to grow.

Here's what you need to know, before you start building.

This bummer space got a beautiful new look.

Your porch is begging for a seasonal makeover!

Some clever additions make this standard-issue balcony feel like a custom cozy retreat.

"The whole setup with the repotting of the plants took me less than three hours," this renter says.

Care for a backyard art studio?

This balcony is small but mighty.

If you’re planning on listing your home anytime soon, you may want to consider how these four tech-inspired upgrades can be incorporated into your home's open-air spaces. 

Make your garden smell like a bakery.

Never be without water, no matter where your day takes you.

Yes, you can even cultivate trees in your living room.

They can be quite the conversation starter.

Why doesn’t everyone have one?

Renters and owners with small balconies: This one's for you! "I feel like I am escaping the city and have a relaxing space away from the hustle down below," this DIYer says of her redo.

From custom built decks and DIY furniture to unique dining solutions and twinkling lights, these seven formerly frightening spaces show dramatic before and afters that totally changed the way these homeowners and renters live. 

A quick but ambitious DIY project took this front door from cookie cutter to contemporary.

From oversized outdoor takes on old classics to remixes of timeless tailgate games, these are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

From what to wear to how to act, here are five top tips for a better birdwatching experience.

How would we know that it’s blueberry season if Jennifer Garner didn’t post about it?

My mom and I love this outdoor furniture brand, and you will, too!

It will save you time and effort with giant bags of soil, compost, and more.

'Tis the season for backyard gatherings.

Not only do these walls look beautiful, but homeowners and business owners will no longer need to put up with noisy traffic-caused headaches.

Consider these cities whether you're a beginner or a pro.

This transformation gives the house a fresh update without losing all its retro charm.

They are bright and lively, have a sweet scent, and are easy to grow and maintain.

You didn't miss your window! These picks would look great in your yard.

Follow these do's and don'ts to enjoy your common space all summer long.

This chic shed will make you want to start gardening immediately.

According to meteorologists, outdoor experts, and observatory guides.

This 1910 door had been painted over plenty of times, but stripping it down and repainting it in a fresh color gave it a completely new life.

Ali Spagnola, a Los Angeles-based digital creator and artist, found herself with 30 leftover pounds of chia seed. So she did what anyone would do in that situation: she covered her toilet with it and made it into a porcelain Chia Pet. 

It's slow, satisfying, and refreshing.

Perfect for the dog days of summer.