Outdoor Plants & Spaces

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?

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.

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

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.

This makeover turns a bare rooftop into hangout central.

The "old, creaky, and slanting" deck was causing major problems before.

Or any outdoor space!

"I love cooking, and we really love hosting our friends for meals, so we wanted an outdoor space we could also entertain in."

Don't forget the pillows.

One item you should always add to your secondhand shopping list? Wicker baskets. You never know what kind of cute accessories you can make with them.

Two words: Garden. Parties.

This Miami backyard is a masterclass in landscape design

New research has found the vegetable that each state wants to learn how to grow the most.

No space is too small to enjoy al fresco dining, sipping, reading, or relaxing.

Big or small!

Here’s what to look out for.

Check it out.

Read this before buying (or planting!).

A pro painter completed this project for his own home, and he's got tips to share.

We call her "Norgina."

There's a new trend in garden design that is surprisingly affordable.

Hurry — this fan-favorite design won't last for long!

You already have them on a metaphorical pedestal, so why not go all the way?

When it comes to edible gardens, you don't have to settle for delayed gratification. These picks will be plate-ready in a snap.

Turn your fingers into an actual green thumb.

Why not take that Zoom call al fresco?

Never wonder how to spend a fresh air-filled Saturday again.

No fence could mean no deal.

Toaster lettuce, anyone?

So, you’ve noticed some tiny pests creeping on your precious houseplants , leaving little webs and stressing out your once-thriving plant. Here’s the bad news: You may have a case of white spider mites. These buggers reproduce quickly, so the time to take action is NOW to save your favorite green buddies, like your fiddle leaf fig plants and dracaena plants. Here’s the good news: It’s possible to quell a spider mite infestation, but it will require persistence.

From lemon trees to weeping willows, there are plenty of options perfect for shady spots.

Ali Wong give her best friend's backyard a makeover with the help of the Property Brothers.

From stargazing to gardening, you can start these hobbies today.