Last spring and summer I spent an unspeakable amount of time re-landscaping our front yard. This ordeal was captured, in part, so Home Fixated fans could learn from my many “educational opportunities.” If you’d like to see how I pickaxed, shoveled and jackhammered my way through those months, have a look at our Yard Wars re-landscaping article 1 and article 2, along with the crowning jewel when we documented how to tile a new front walkway. One thing I learned very quickly is that in landscape work, using the right tool can be the difference between miserable, multi-week, agonizing work and far less agonizing, multi-hour work. If you’re getting ready to tackle a garden or landscaping project, read on to get the scoop on the most essential landscaping tools to maximize your results and minimize the anguish. Read More
Gardening
Porch Planters With Pizzazz – How to Dress Up Your Front Porch
I recently noticed that my hardy hibiscus was rapidly outgrowing its container. Like most gardeners, I find keeping my plants in adequately large planters can be a difficult endeavor. You finally think they’re all secure for the season and then one has a random growth spurt. As it turns out, the local garden center had a sale on neon blue plastic containers. I bought two, thinking to use the other for something else. But then inspiration struck. I could set matching containers at either side of my entryway for extra pizzazz. Sort of like a plant version of double mint gum. If you’d like to do the same in your front yard, read on for details for your own porch planters.
Read More
