Although the weather is starting to cool down, that doesn’t mean you have to put an end to your gardening efforts for the year. In fact, fall is one season in particular where some gardens look their best! Since outdoor conditions are different during this time of year, it’s important that you’re planting the right types of fall flowers if you want your garden to pop. Take a look at some of the flowers we recommend as you work on your garden.
It’s time to start thinking about this year’s garden. Before you get too wrapped up in the plants and flowers that you’re going to grow outdoors, don’t forget you can also freshen up your home by growing your favorites houseplants indoors too.
We encourage you to make room for one, two, or maybe even a few, houseplants. Use this guide to determine which species is best for you depending on the amount of light your home receives.
All winter we look forward to having the chance to sit outside once again, lounging with a cool, refreshing drink in hand, surrounded by friends and family. But while each summer brings new opportunities, new memories and new experiences, one thing that stays the same are those pesky critters creeping up on us, biting us until we can’t take the itch any longer. Yep, you guessed it, we’re talking about mosquitoes. While some bug spray may hold you over for a while during your time outdoors in the summer, we have something else that can be helpful in keeping these blood-sucking pests away – plants! Here are the top 10 mosquito repelling plants that we recommend:
Marigolds are known to give off a rather distinct smell that mosquitoes aren’t a fan of. You can either plant new seeds or grab a potted marigold from a nursery nearby – either way, just make sure you place your marigolds in the area where you and your guests are probably going to spend most of your time.
CitronellaIf you usually keep a citronella candle on your deck or patio, you know how helpful citronella can be in deterring pests. In fact, citronella is known to be one of the most commonly used ingredients in various insect repellents! Instead of a candle, this time try using an actual citronella plant to keep mosquitoes away – either plant it in the ground or place it in a pot.
Lavender can be your biggest saving grace when it comes to keeping any type of pest out of your garden – other insects and rabbits are just a few things that tend to stay away from lavender plants in addition to mosquitoes. Although you might enjoy their smell, mosquitoes can’t stand it! For the best results in growing a lavender plant of your own, make sure it’s placed somewhere that receives full sun. Continue Reading…
Our homes aren’t the only place that could use a little décor to help create a peaceful and serene environment–our place of work can benefit from the same. Aside from hanging pictures with positive sayings and decorating our desks with photos of family members, having plants throughout the office can also make us smile. Not only can they make you feel good, but studies have shown that employees are more productive when workplaces are decorated with some indoor office plants.
Could your office use a pick-me-up? If so, here are some of the best plants:
Graduation ceremonies are coming up quick, and if you’re attending one to celebrate someone’s accomplishments, giving a gift to a graduate, or throwing a graduation party, one thing you must definitely know about is flowers. Just like you would carefully consider the type of flowers used in a wedding or other formal event, it’s important to take the time and really think about what kind of floral arrangement, as well as what type of flower, is most appropriate for this occasion.
To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a complete guide to graduation flowers below so that you can rest assured knowing the decisions you make are the right ones. Continue Reading…
If there’s one way to know that Spring has finally arrived, it’s by the amazing blooming tulips you can find in your garden, your neighbor’s garden, or even the landscaping of commercial properties in your community. In fact, some people even believe that Spring doesn’t officially begin until the first tulip pops out of the ground. But regardless of how you associate them with the Spring season, one thing’s for sure – tulips are one of the most beautiful flowers you’ll see all season long.
Now, we know what you might be thinking – for tulips to thrive in Spring the way they usually do, when do they originally need to be planted? Let’s find out.
Valentine’s Day is essentially the most romantic day of the year, but have you ever wondered why an entire day was dedicated to telling our loved ones how we feel? After all, you should be able to show your appreciation for someone every day of the year! Well, the truth is that Valentine’s Day wasn’t necessarily always about sending Valentine’s flowers, exchanging gifts and munching on some of the sweetest treats – here’s how it really all began.
Although three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus are recognized by the Catholic Church, one of the most popular Valentine’s Day legends is centered on the saint that was a Roman priest during the third century. At this particular time, history explains that there was an emperor named Claudius who felt that single men, rather than men who were married and/or had children, were better off as soldiers. As a result, Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for men, at which point saint Valentine stepped in to marry men and women despite the emperor’s ruling. Continue Reading…
From the time she’s old enough to understand exactly what a wedding is, every little girl dreams about walking down the aisle dressed like a princess to find her prince waiting for her at the other end. But before she can get to that, she needs to experience the proposal. While some gents prefer to make the big day a complete surprise, others choose to pop the question during a romantic Valentine’s Day celebration – could it get any sweeter? If you’re planning a Valentine’s Day proposal this year, here are a few tips to help you guarantee that your lucky lady says yes:
What Is Day of the Dead?Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), is a holiday that is celebrated annually on November 1st and 2nd to honor and remember those that have passed on. The holiday resembles All Saints Day and All Souls Day, which are celebrated after Halloween on the Christian calendar.
First developed in Mexico, the Day of the Dead is most notably celebrated in Latin American regions, although it is becoming increasingly popular throughout the United States, too!
When the Aztecs first began observing this occasion over 3,000 years ago, their ultimate goal was to honor and celebrate the deceased as their spirits returned, not necessarily to mourn those who are no longer with us. While it is definitely still a time of reflection and remembrance, the main focus is to celebrate the lives that our loved ones lived.
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, chances are you’re thinking about how you’ll wow your lucky lady once you two have a chance to be together – a romantic night in the city or a home cooked meal, perhaps. But aside from everything you can do when you’re side by side, don’t forget about making her feel special during the time that you’re apart. A great place to start? Surprise her at work! Although Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, you can still make a lasting impression on her and her co-workers by doing something special in the office on the Friday before or Monday after. Below are a few of our favorite office Valentine’s Day ideas. Continue Reading…
