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Looking at these near-wild gardens, you might not realize that it takes careful planning and regular upkeep to maintain that carefully careless greenery (even for low-maintenance cottage gardens)—and that time and effort are absolutely necessary if you want your English cottage garden to have any sort of curb appeal. That said, is the English cottage garden trend one that potential buyers will flock to or run from? And can an English cottage garden actually increase curb appeal?...

Thoroughly Wash Produce For goodness sake, don’t skip this simple step. It only takes a minute. Several of our favorite summer foods make the Dirty Dozen list of most contaminated by pesticides. Strawberries, nectarines, grapes, peaches, cherries, spinach, kale, and tomatoes are on that list and should be washed thoroughly. But that doesn’t mean you only need to wash those foods. There are many opportunities during growing, picking, packing, and transporting for food to become contaminated (just think of how many people touch your produce at the grocery store)....

When deciding on which type of garland to display, note that artificial garlands provide more flexibility for reshaping because they’re typically made with wired stems that stay in place when adjusted. If you prefer to decorate with real greenery, keep in mind that fresh fir, cedar, magnolia, or eucalyptus garlands could be heavier than the faux variety. You might need to adjust your hanging method to provide more support. You should also handle fresh garlands with extra care to keep all the branches intact....

Gravel walkways are best suited to low-traffic areas and flat ground, where the gravel won’t migrate downhill. This DIY paver walkway provides a clean and attractive route through the yard. Concrete pavers offer a wide range of colors and patterns, are easy to install, and are relatively inexpensive. Interlocking paver blocks are also available, making the process of laying paver patios and paths even easier. Expert Advice: To calculate the amount of sand (or gravel) you’ll need for a paver stone walkway, multiply the path length (in feet) by width (in feet) and then multiply by the desired depth of sand (in feet) to determine cubic feet....

To do this on your own, buy switch and receptacle boxes that meet local codes and are large enough for the wires they hold. It’s easy to underestimate, so buy extra supplies. At the same time you install boxes, attach fans, lights, or other fixtures that need to be hardwired. Local codes specify where cable should run and at what height to place receptacles and switch boxes. Check codes before you begin....

Wanek started his career in newspaper journalism and photography but after working with magazine publications, his passion for home design evolved into his current profession as a prop stylist. His love of gardening, plants, and all things outdoor living has been featured in newspapers, magazines, and digital publications.

What You’ll Need ScissorsTissue paperPaper towelPlastic wrapRibbon[button-pdf id=“546244” title=“Downloadable bouquet tags” /] How to Make It Cut 2-3 sheets of tissue paper into a large square. Wrap the bottom of the bouquet with a damp paper towel and wrap the damp stems with plastic wrap – make sure they’re completely covered, or the water will ruin the tissue paper! Fold your tissue paper into a triangle. Then place the wrapped bouquet in the center of the folded triangle....

These tips and projects are for indoor use, but you can easily transform them into outdoor projects with a topcoat of weather-resistant sealer. Here’s the nitty-gritty on materials, tools, and tips to get started. How to Make a Mosaic Supplies Needed Mosaic tileTile nippersSandpaperAdhesive fiberglass meshAdhesiveNotched spreaderGroutDisposable glovesSponge Step-by-Step Directions Use these easy instructions to create a mosaic pattern on any surface you choose. Most mosaic projects can be completed in a few hours, and will need to dry for 24 hours before use....

We love seeded eucalyptus because it has pretty, full leaves as well as a natural color variation in the seeds and stems, but if you prefer the look of standard eucalyptus, feel free to swap it out. Our simple wreath is built on an embroidery hoop base. Embroidery hoops are often sold in sets of graduated sizes, so consider making a family of these eucalyptus wreaths to display as a group....

While polenta is a Northern Italian dish, it plays well with all kinds of flavors from other cuisines. We love it as a side to comfort-food recipes, such as a great pot roast. Polenta also makes a hearty anchor to a vegetarian meal, as in this Winter Garden Polenta recipe. What Is Polenta? Hailing from Northern Italy, polenta is basically a cornmeal porridge (also known in the U.S. as cornmeal mush)....

How to Make Melted Chocolate These methods work for melting chocolate chips, chocolate bars, and squares. For best results, coarsely chop bars and squares before following these melting chocolate methods: How to Melt Chocolate On the Stove This method is easy and convenient. Place the chocolate in a heavy saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly till the chocolate begins to melt. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and stir the chocolate until smooth....

Updating doors with all-new hardware can get expensive. But that’s not the only way to change the finish for a more modern look. You can quickly refresh dated brass or basic nickel hardware with just a few coats of spray paint, which typically costs less than $10 a can. By painting instead of replacing your door hardware, you can achieve the exact look you want for a fraction of the cost....

This quick-growing annual (often planted as a perennial) makes an excellent filler for garden beds and containers. The soft color palette of impatiens allows them to blend well with pretty much anything. More recently, many impatiens have become susceptible to downy mildew, a devastating fungal disease, so look for resistant varieties. Where to Plant Impatiens Impatiens should be planted in humus-rich, moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6-6....

With help from an expert, we’ve compiled a cheat sheet to help you store your outdoor furniture for the winter, as well as some pre- and post-season tips. Why Winterize Outdoor Furniture? Taking care of your furniture in the off season helps extend its life and, therefore, your wallet. You’ll also save yourself time in the long run because there won’t be as much damage control you need to do in the springtime....

Organize Kitchen Cabinets