7 Easy-to-Care-For Rose Bushes to Check Out Before You Buy

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Rose bushes (Rosaspp.) might seem intimidating to new gardeners. A new generation oflow-maintenance rose bush varietieshave made growing roses simpler than ever. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova ‘Rainbow’ Knock Out measures about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide when mature. It can get bigger than that in some regions and growing conditions. To manage its size, prune branches that rub against each other in spring or in early summer....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 517 words · Michelle Brown

7 Effective Ways to Keep Unwanted Pests Out of Your Compost for Good

Below, we spoke to a gardening expert about their best tips for deterring pests in compost. This includes meat and dairy products, including bones. Flies, bees, and other insects are attracted to protein foods like these. Catherine McQueen / Getty Images Additionally, avoid adding animal feces or cat litter to your compost as these can attract potentially harmful parasites. Want more gardening tips? Maintain Healthy Moisture Levels Ideally, you want your compost to be moist but not soggy....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 248 words · Rebecca Powers

7 Entryway Mistakes to Stop Making Right Now, Straight From the Pros

Below, they share some common entryway pitfalls along with advice on what to do instead. It’s also important to neatly tuck away items such as shoes and clothes as well. If a closet isn’t an option,shop for a shoe storage benchthat will do the job. Britt Design Studio There are various styles and sizes to fit your specific space. Teri Clar, the founder ofNAFASI Interiors, swears by basic hooks and baskets....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 186 words · Mr. Keith Lopez DDS

7 Essential DIYs Every Homeowner Should Know

Owning a home can come witha lot more responsibility than renting. “There are just four skills to learn to become an accomplished DIYer,” Biermeier says. “Those four are measuring, hammering, using a screwdriver, and cutting various materials.” Design:Cathie Hong Interiors, Photo:Christy Q. Photo Once you learn those, he says, “plumbing and electrical skills will come naturally.” He also runs a consulting service to help homeowners tackle their own DIY projects....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 188 words · Kristy Norris

7 Expert Tips for Styling Beach and Coastal Decor on a Budget

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly If you love the beach look, good news! Decorating in acoastal styleis one of the most budget-friendly ways to go. However, sometimes it takes a bit of inspirational help to achieve the appearance that you want. The Spruce / Jason Donnelly Use these tips to help you style coastal decor perfectly. However, sticking with one or two colors is a very budget-friendly way to go coastal....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 293 words · Sharon Rowland

7 Expert Tips That Actually Work to Help You Finally Declutter Your Kitchen

Since kitchens are the hubs of most homes, its easy for clutter to accumulate over time. We spoke with a few organizing pros to get the best tips to declutter your kitchen below. Next, set goals, whether big or small. Hannah Tyler Designs It can be to create more space, make areas more functional, orpare down on clutter. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? This approach will help you stay focused and make the process more manageable, Parravani says....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 218 words · Ricky Flores

7 Expert-Approved Hacks to Keep Your Home Free of Pests All Summer Long

The Spruce / Michelle Becker Planning some house parties this summer? We have effective hacks (straight from pest control experts) to remind those critters itsyourparty theyre crashing. Nasty buzzers willalwaysattempt to go where theyre not invited. The Spruce / Michelle Becker Here are some easy ways to bounce them from your gathering. Dont let insect prevention stop you fromwatering your lawn and garden, though. These little floating, doughnut-shaped tablets contain a soil bacterium that destroys mosquito larvae....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 209 words · Rita Stevenson

7 File Cabinets to Keep Your Papers Organized

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation. Youll also want to consider the file cabinets orientation: For smaller spaces, I lean towards vertical cabinets. The Spruce Many file cabinets have locking drawers. If security is especially important, be sure any model you consider can be locked. you could load letter-sized files facing forward or legal-sized files facing to the side. PHOTO: Amazon...

May 4, 2025 · 4 min · 794 words · Amber Hughes

7 Floor Materials Contractors Never Use (and You Shouldn't Either)

Westend61 / Getty Images Some floor materials are durable, easy to install, and look great for years. But other flooring comes with a host of problems that devalue your expensive purchase. Meet the Expert Small Tiles Tile is an excellent flooring material. Westend61 / Getty Images It’s hard, durable, easy to clean, and available in various styles. But seams are tile’s weak point. For this reason, Amanda Kuhlman is cautious about small-format tiles....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 613 words · Cameron Moran

7 Flowers That Attract Monarch Butterflies

‘Fireworks’ is one of the best-behaved goldenrod selections for well-manicured gardens. The flowers are extremely drought- and heat-tolerant, but they will also bounce back after a light frost. Growlantanain full sun to prevent problems with powdery mildew. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Lantana thrives in well-drained soil, and its salt tolerance makes it a great choice for the beach cottage. For the longest bloom time. Some, such as ‘Bloomerang’ even offer a repeat blooming cycle to satisfy hungry butterflies....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 264 words · Amber Tyler

7 Flowers That Repel Insects Effortlessly for a Pest-Free Garden

However, there is another solution to avoid this problemplanting beautiful flowers that bugs happen to hate. Plant in average soilin partial shade, and enjoy the ornamental divided foliage when flowers fade. This is due in part to a combination of a bracing herbal aroma, and tough, fuzzy foliage. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Pull up young runners in the spring to keep Russian sage in check. Want more gardening tips?...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 234 words · Jonathan Torres

7 Forgotten Spots to Declutter Before Guests Arrive, According to Organizing Experts

Rebecca Rollins Interiors The lead-up to holiday guests and visitors is hectic. But, where to begin? Walk in your front door as if youre a guest, and consider whether the space isnt quite working. Rebecca Rollins Interiors For surface clutter, use baskets or trays to create a designated drop zone. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Check the Medicine Cabinet Erin Williamson Design Bathroom medicine cabinets often become like thekitchen junk drawer....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 159 words · Deanna Davis

7 French Drain Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Lawn (and How to Fix Them Fast)

Learn the main French drain mistakes that DIYers make and how to avoid them. The wrong fabric may not allow water to drain into the perforated pipe. Not using filtration fabric in a French drain is a major mistake because sediment will rapidly clog the drain. David Beaulieu / The Spruce Drainage fabric acts as a separator between the soil and the drainage filler material. Line the French drain trench with non-woven drainage fabric explicitly designed for drains....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 441 words · Thomas Deleon