Plants & Yard Ideas

Get excited to never kill another plant again.

With the fall season officially here, some would-be gardeners who missed their chance to flex the ol’ green thumb may be experiencing regrets. Fortunately, there’s no need to wait until next spring to try again. There are a ton of alternate gardening options, and this personalized home garden known as the Verdeat is a pretty cool one.According to its Kickstarter page, Verdeat is a “modular fully automatic gardening system” crafted from environmentally friendly materials.

Name: Rachel Andersen Type of Project: Backyard Patio Renovation Location: Tulsa, OK Type of building: Single-Family Ranch The Renovation Diaries are a collaboration with our community in which we feature your step-by-step renovation progress and provide monetary support towards getting it done in style.Rachel has tons of friends and family who happily joined her on weekends to knock this project out!

$26.99 for a fiddle leaf fig, anyone?

We talked to a few plant experts to get step-by-step instructions on how to start your own pumpkin patch—or at least one. In any case, here are some handy tips for getting the results you want:

You have a shady section of your garden that you don’t know what to do with. Or maybe your apartment or condo has a balcony that’s covered in shade all day. What plants should you put in those corners of your outdoor space?

You'll want ten.

There’s just something about a well-done window box that makes the outside of a home or building look especially polished and welcoming.

These tiny home dwellers managed to add beautiful plant life into their compact abodes in cute and clever ways!

Before you can roll around in the grass or have a picnic in the backyard this summer, you need to prep your lawn. Just like you spring clean your house, now’s the time to get your yard in shape for the season by doing all those necessary tasks like removing debris, replacing grass, or taking out weeds. These ten items will help you give it a fresh start and set the groundwork for a beautiful, lush lawn come June, or you can always bring the great outdoors inside by growing grass indoors.

Devon Else wanted her family's large patio to feel warm and inviting, so she decided to break out some paint and DIY it. Including a door, the entire project cost just over $1,000.

So sweet.

I’m in a traveling, outdoor mood, largely because I’m stuck inside an air conditioned office and longing to be outside. To soothe myself, I want to revisit a home we visited last summer — Margaret Roach’s year round retreat in upstate New York. I’ve included new pictures, and I think you’ll get a lot of vicarious pleasure out of this visit. Enjoy!

Beyond the ick-factor, fungus gnats are harmless to people and generally harmless to plants, so long as they don’t start breeding out of control because the larvae will feed on and damage plant roots.

Remember pet rocks? Yeah, it’s time to upgrade. Meet the marimo ball.

There are proven benefits to hydrating your beloved plants with coffee.

These rainbow outdoor spaces aren't afraid of vibrant hues, and will inspire you to add color to your own home's exteriors.

So you can have a hot girl summer, not swat girl summer.

The term “goth plants” isn’t one you’ll see in your average box store garden department. These plants have darker leaves and flowers, deeper and richer colors, and/or other components that are more emo than your run-of-the-mill greenery. This Reddit thread on Colocasia Black Magic led me to the Plant Goths thread, and my interest was officially piqued.

Let your home shine bright with these smart design tips.

Want to take your plant parent status to the next level? Check out these modern ways to decorate with your greens.

From wall planters to floating shelves, here are eight items that will help you create a plant wall that won’t cost you your security deposit.

The best plants for small spaces and low light, plus watering tips, and more.

Name: Rachel Andersen Type of Project: Backyard Patio Renovation Location: Tulsa, OK Type of building: Single-family Ranch The Renovation Diaries are a collaboration with our community in which we feature your step by step renovation progress and provide monetary support towards getting it done in style. See all of our Reno Diaries here. Rachel worked 3+ jobs all throughout high school and college, because she had a big dream: to buy a little place and make it into a home.

Name: Rachel Andersen Type of Project: Backyard Patio Renovation Location: Tulsa, OK Type of building: Single-Family Ranch The Renovation Diaries are a collaboration with our community in which we feature your step by step renovation progress and provide monetary support towards getting it done in style. See all of our Reno Diaries here. Rachel bought her first house at the young age of 21, and works hard to make it a welcoming place for family and friends.

Name: Rachel Andersen Type of Project: Backyard Patio Renovation Location: Tulsa, OK Type of building: Single-family Ranch The Renovation Diaries are a collaboration with our community in which we feature your step by step renovation progress and provide monetary support towards getting it done in style. See all of our Reno Diaries here. Rachel and friends have worked for weeks to pull this backyard space together, not cutting any corners, and doing it all DIY-style.

Name: Rachel Andersen Type of Project: Backyard Patio Renovation Location: Tulsa, OK Type of building: Single-Family Ranch The Renovation Diaries are a collaboration with our community in which we feature your step by step renovation progress and provide monetary support towards getting it done in style. See all of our Reno Diaries here. All projects come with lots of good intentions — filled with budgets, plans, and timelines.

When I was growing up in Lafayette, Louisiana, my family took a lot of trips to Mississippi to see my grandparents, and on the way back, I remember, there was this one lavender house, right by the interstate, that always caught my eye. This one pale, pale purple home, in a sea of beiges, seemed almost magical.

Jennifer’s backyard was overgrown and her deck had seen better days. After clearing away a good portion of the growth, she knew her backyard had major potential but she wasn’t entirely sure what to do about the deck. Enter gravel! Friend to both budget and mother nature, this alternative choice helped Jennifer build a gorgeous outdoor space. From Jennifer: Before I purchased my house in late 2007, it had lived a maintenance-free life. The yard was completely overgrown.

It was love at first sight for Elizabeth and her patio. And like any good relationship, they’ve inspired each other, supported each other and brought a little color into each others’ lives. From Elizabeth: When we took the tour of our apartment I didn’t even need to step through the front door before I realized that we we’re going to take it. Simply based on the patio.

Previously I wrote about my bare backyard when it was a wasteland of dog poop, weeds and sorrow. Today I’m showing you my new and improved outdoor space, which is now a low maintenance dream. Two thirds of the new backyard is covered with an expansive composite deck. The other section is a rectangular area of gravel with a firepit: Composite Deck: Probably the most ground-breaking — yet largely unsung — feature of the new and improved backyard is the new platform deck.

There’s nothing quite so satisfying as growing your own food—and nothing quite so frustrating as being a would-be gardener with a too-small outdoor space. I have known this pain myself, so I was particularly intrigued when Dabney, our Projects Editor, told me about Square Foot Gardening, a very efficient technique for growing things you can eat. Could this be the perfect way to grow a lot of veggies in just a little bit of space?

This Bay Area front yard had seen better days, but now it is an urban oasis worthy of major admiration—and envy, especially of their lucky friends who get invitations for sunset cocktails but didn’t have to do any of the actual work. If you happen to have a similar project to tackle, this reader submission has the most thorough process description ever seen in a Before & After post. Everything looks so lush and luxurious!

You might remember Jessica’s petite apartment, which was featured in a House Tour (and video) a couple of years ago. Off the bedroom, through that French door, is a teeny tiny balcony, which she just got around to sprucing up, and it’s so worth a look. This tiny balcony seems like it’s only large enough to hold a bistro table and chairs—or even just one chair perhaps?—but a clever makeover makes room for so much more. Absolutely amazing!

Let's unpack the tiny backyard shed phenomenon, shall we?

‘Tis the season for partying outdoors. But what to do when you don’t have a proper backyard in which to throw an al fresco bash? Fret not, my patio-deprived friends. There are still plenty of ways to host a stellar summer soiree without an actual backyard. It just takes a little planning and creativity. From picnics at the park to old-school pub-crawls, here are seven ways to throw a stellar summer fete—no backyard necessary.

It went "from shabby storage shed to chic guest suite."

Even if you don't have a rooftop to use, you'll find garden inspiration from all the ways this couple and their neighbors made use of their shared outdoor space.

Each time a tiny seed transforms into a rainbow of flowers, I feel renewed with hope not just for my garden, but for the world. It’s a reminder that there is a possibility of beauty everywhere.

Most plant parents know that a regular watering schedule is key to keeping your leaf babies thriving. Perhaps you already pump the jams while tackling this important task, but now there’s a soundtrack made specifically for giving your thirsty stems a drink.Created by artist Past Palms, the eponymous EP “is a sonic reflection of yearning for nature in a nature-less place.

There are so many different types of summer solstice traditions around the globe that we could never possibly list them all, but this flower-focused one from Sweden is especially lovely for the occasion. On the night of Friday, June 21, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is gifting travelers flying from the US to Scandinavia a bouquet of seven gorgeous fresh flowers, which they are to put underneath their pillows.

These windowsills use more than just flowers to decorate.

We’ve been enviously reading posts from the Northern Hemisphere about the lead up to summer and meanwhile down here in Australia, we’ve just entered winter. It’s getting really cold and frosty so not much is happening in our garden at the moment.

Indoor plants have seen their fair share of sunken living rooms, mall food courts, and midcentury modern. Let’s take a tour through the houseplant bubbles of yore.

Here’s how to grow your own.

Do you know what a mandrake is? If you’re a botany enthusiast, you probably do. However, if your plant knowledge ends right around “dandelion” and “ivy,” you may not know. It’s a hearty root, but it’s also different from other growing thingamajigs in that it…kind of looks like a human. And if you’re a fan of Harry Potter franchise, you know this more than anyone as to how alive they can seem.

These unusual plants are shooting to the top of our “must-have” list and gaining traction among collectors and plant parents.

This is the perfect time to bring your houseplants outside to promote new growth and overall health.

Sometimes staring out of a window isn’t enough to soothe the senses and clear the mind, which is explains why there’s a sitting on the roof trope we often see played out in our favorite TV shows and films. It appears to be quite peaceful up there, but unfortunately not all homes are equipped with such easy rooftop access. However, window manufacturer Velux has made it so that your skylights can do double duty.

These blooming beauties bring color to your indoor space.

Fresh flowers or a new plant can transform a home as easily as the weather. But personally, I find both of them to be a giant pain in the neck.

If you’ve been looking through our outdoor area-maximizing guides this summer and feeling bummed because you don’t have a big area to yourself to clean or decorate, fear not! There are still plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in whatever home you’ve got. Here are some ideas. First of all, do you really not have any outdoor space? Or is it just super tiny? Because let me tell you, you can do a lot with a little. As these inspiring small spaces prove.

If you’re reading this story, there’s a good chance you’re a brand new plant parent. Congratulations! After sifting through countless species and asking yourself some serious questions to make sure you’re up for the task, you’ve finally found a plant that you will have to hold, love in sickness and in health, until (plant) death do you part.The only question that remains is how you’ll use your plant.

Red Fox We’re probably not the first to tell you that bees have been disappearing from their hives, never to return, at alarming rates. Colony Collapse Disorder has been an issue here in the US since the 1990s and it’s now occurring all around the world. Among the super-bummer factors believed to be causing CCD is habitat loss. While this is a really large scale issue, there are a few things the average gardener can do to help out.

During the month of March, we’re gathering some of our best problem solvers together into master “Home Remedies” posts to help you make your home healthier, solving one problem at a time. Today, help for all the indoor gardeners out there that struggle with keeping house plants healthy.

Of the many things that have to be in place before you can throw a successful garage sale (like decluttering your house to have enough stuff to sale and picking a good location), you also need to make sure your garage sale is playing by the rules and playing nice. Here are three things to consider before throwing your next garage sale. 1.

These gorgeous blooms are perfect for a container-sized cutting garden.

Fiddle-leaf figs. Monstera deliciosa. Prayer plants and umbrella plants… or is it nerve plants and elephant ears?  Whether through drop-shipping or subscription boxes, access to living plants has never been easier. But how do you keep them all straight? How do you know when to water what? Does anyone know exactly what “bright, indirect sunlight” actually means?Here is your plant guide, from A to Z.

Memorial Day is behind us, which means it’s officially prime backyard time. If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space (even if it’s just a sliver of grass) you’ll want to make the most of it. But knowing where to start can be tricky. We love these gorgeous backyard spaces from past home tours, which offer some great outdoor inspiration. If you have the space, consider creating a variety of seating options — the neutral color palette ties together each of these.

It was in serious need of a spruce up.

Fresh flowers are one of life’s ultimate indulgences: they’re beautiful, they’re fabulous, they’re gone before you know it. Here are 14 gorgeous, ephemeral arrangements from our House Tours and a discussion of just what makes them work so well— besides their own gorgeousness, of course… Danielle’s Charming, Classic Chicago Walk-Up: Ranunculus Ah, the sweetest little cabbages of the floral world.

Succulents are all the rage these days, which means they’re popping up everywhere. In funky containers, concrete planters, wreaths, even bridal bouquets. But as cool as they are — they often come with a hefty price tag — which is why I decided to make my own. Instead of attempting the more common wreath form, I opted for a modern take on the traditional mistletoe kissing ball.

Live without much natural light? These off-the-radar options are for you.

You've got four options.

With the recent onslaught of hot weather, we’ve been scarfing the guacamole and thought it a shame to just chuck the avocado pits. We grabbed a couple of our trusty Spega yogurt glasses and did our best to recall the glory days of elementary school science class. Jump below for a refresher on how to turn your seed in to a little tree…. Straight from the official avocado website: 1. Wash the seed.

For many apartment dwellers, growing flowers and veggies inside containers is the only way to have a home garden. And having a home garden is awesome! Spending time in the sun after being trapped at work all day can cheer you up. Growing your own food, herbs, and flowers is rewarding. Getting your hands dirty will make you feel closer to nature. Plus, container gardens can be as small or as big as you want.

These are the best things we've bought for our plants.

Summer will be here before you know it, which means it’s time to schedule some beach trips, stock up on rosé, and get your outdoor space in tip-top condition.We know what you’re thinking: “What outdoor space?

On many occasions, we’ve been tempted to grow our own potatoes. They’re fairly low maintenance, can be grown in a pot or in the ground, last a fairly long time if stored properly, and can be very nutritious (high in potassium and vitamin C). Here’s more incentive: according to this article, you can grow 100 pounds of potatoes in 4 sq. feet.

We love the geometry and repetition of a terraced garden, and this little set-up, from the home of Susann Larsson of Purple Area, is an ingenious way to bring the look to your small-space deck or balcony garden. It works perfectly for herbs, which will stay small with constant harvesting… Susann’s lovely little garden benefits from the uniformity of the galvanized steel pots.

We’ve said it here before: plants bring life to all living spaces. If you’re concerned about killing plants, we’ve consulted with a plant expert, Debra Prinzing, to bring you the hardiest ones. 1. Dracaena marginata (also known as Dragon Plant) “It’s pretty sculptural,” Debra says. “Good for the young and modern.” She recommends getting two and putting them on your fireplace mantel or on your entry table.

Q: Can I use house plants to improve my home’s indoor air quality? There is data and research on the value of outdoor plantings and the positive effect on air quality through natural transpiration. It would seem that the same would be true of indoor plants, if well maintained, both in terms of overall humidity levels, and in terms of potential CO2 reduction and biofiltration.Sent by TomEditor: Here’s what our friends at Green Home Guide have to say.