rim joist drawing

Rim Joist: Purpose, Insulation & Common Mistakes

Rim joists run around the outer edge of wood-framed houses, providing critical structural support to a home’s floor frame.  Properly insulated rim joists can increase your building’s energy efficiency. However, improperly insulated rim joists will not only impede energy efficiency but can also lead to structural damage.  Data collected by the U.S. Census indicates that … Read more

flower on an ashwagandha plant

Growing Ashwagandha Plant: Complete Guide With Essential Tips

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herbaceous shrub from the nightshade family, native to India, Nepal, and Northern Africa. Also known as Indian ginseng, or winter cherry, the Ashwagandha herb is one of the most important plants in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used for millennia as a dietary supplement to boost the immune system, reduce … Read more

white clover lawn

Clover Lawns: 12 Reasons Why & Best Varieties

Looking for an alternative to frequent watering, fertilizing, and weekly mowing? Clover lawns are the answer. Many people think clover is a weed that should be banished. Although, a clover lawn could be one of the best things you can do for your landscape.   Let’s discuss how this perception of clover came to be, why … Read more

white flowers spirea shrub

22 Beautiful White Flowering Shrubs for Any Garden

White-flowered shrubs can look elegant and gorgeous in pretty much any type of outdoor space, however large or small the area you’re dealing with. You can expect some of the prettiest, most romantic, and most stunning results when choosing white flowering shrubs to decorate your garden space. There are many white flower options to choose … Read more

rain chain installed on a gutter

Rain Chains: What They Are + Why You Need One + How to Make Your Own

If you’re looking for an alternative to ugly downspouts, you might want to think about installing rain chains. Rain chains guide rainwater away from your house while also beautifying its exterior.   Although they are a relatively recent trend in American housing design, Japanese architects have used rain chains since the late 1500s. Known in Japanese … Read more

trees with white flowers

Trees With White Flowers: 23 Beautiful Choices

How does a gardener’s heart become captivated by trees with white flowers? A single tree with large blooms of white flowers is utterly magical in its ability to enhance an entire landscape. You may be surprised by the variety of options, whether you’re planning to add just one white flowering tree or several to your … Read more

peperomia plant

Peperomia Plants (Everything You Need to Know)

Peperomia is one of the few plants with many species (over 1000 plant types) and foliage variations that can thrive comfortably outdoors and indoors. So if you love houseplants and want one that is low maintenance and perfect for your home, Peperomia ticks the right boxes.  It has beautiful leaves, tolerates, and thrives in various … Read more

mosquito repellent options

Mosquito Repellent: Discover All Options (What Actually Works)

 Carbon dioxide attracts mosquitoes. Every time you exhale, you’re emitting a plume of mosquito attractant. Add your body’s natural warmth and scent to the equation, and your barbeque has become a living, breathing mosquito feast.  Fortunately, there are nearly as many options for combating mosquitoes as there are types of mosquitoes. Well, maybe not that … Read more

pothos leaves turning yellow and with leaf spot

Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow: 10 Causes & How to Fix Them

Pothos enjoys a well-deserved reputation for being a low-maintenance houseplant. It’s easy to grow in any home, it tolerates a bit of neglect, and it’s the best plant to start with as a beginner gardener. But even this hardy plant can suffer if its growing requirements are not met. And the first sign of an … Read more

vegetable garden layout

6 Vegetable Garden Layout Ideas (What to Plant in Them)

Planning your vegetable garden layout is the first step to becoming a successful gardener. Plot size, soil, and sunlight are deciding factors. But you also need to factor in how much time you can dedicate to your garden and how many vegetables you need to grow to make it worthwhile.  This article looks at 6 … Read more