Over the last 13 years we have slowly transformed our backyard from a weed filled gravel pit into a yard the whole family can enjoy. We are almost done with the backyard landscaping but have a couple spots that still needed our attention. I tackled the garage & coop area first because it is so close to the patio and has been a bit of an eye sore. I teamed up with Vigoro to share how I made over this space! This post is sponsored by The Home Depot & Vigoro but all ideas and opinions are 100% my own. BEFORE:This cement pad was poured by the previous owner and we have been baffled as to what to do with it. I don’t want a shed that small or that close to the house. Up until now, it has only served as a place to put the picnic table while we mow. Backyard Landscaping ProcessWe decided to just get rid of it. Shane rented a jackhammer from Home Depot back in early March and within an hour he had the whole thing broken up! Even though it was still a bit chilly, they boys had fun clearing away the chunks. I found a recycling center that takes concrete so it isn’t going to waste. We filled the hole with Vigoro soil. My favorite trick when filling a large area is to lay out all the bags and then slit them open. All you have to do it flip the bag over! It goes really fast! We figured this out when doing our paver patio a couple of years ago. Once it was raked smooth and stomped down, I added Vigoro grass seed. It ended up getting snowed on several times (Utah weather is crazy!) but still came in nice and thick. My youngest loved checking it every day and reporting back to me how much in had grown in a day. I had cleared out the area a little bit by the garage earlier in the year but still needed to get a nice clean edge. I used string to create a line and dug along it to ensure it was straight. One of my new favorite things is this no dig edging! I have three type of edging already in my yard, and so I have experienced how long it takes to dig and then make sure as the edging is going in that it doesn’t go all bendy and wonky. It is a pain! This was edging from Vigoro a breeze to install. And it is super sturdy. Vigoro has a huge selection of plants at Home Depot. I picked out some not only for this area by the garage, but also for around the chicken pen. You can order online and have any of these Vigoro items shipped to your house, or you can buy online and pick it up curbside. I have done both! One of the other things I had delivered, was mulch. Ever since I put black mulch in my front yard last year I’m obsessed. I weeded ONCE last year and it was only a few dumb morning glory weeds. I didn’t even put landscape cloth down or anything. Plus the dark color makes such a stunning contrast against the plants. It comes in other pretty colors, I’m just partial to the black. The edging will help keep the mulch in the flower bed. The Reveal!We started this process in early March. Weather, Covid-19, and a sprained ankle drew out the process a little longer than I would have liked, but the end result was totally worth the wait! One of my favorite parts of this project though is the fountain! Shane thought I was crazy at first that I wanted to MAKE the fountain. But I had a vision. I knew from watching videos online that it was best to use melamine boards. The concrete doesn’t stick to them and it creates a smooth surface. So I ordered some from Home Depot after drawing up my plans. I’ll have a post about how I made it later. For now, let’s just admire how good it looks surrounded by the new plants and mulch! The planter and the stones were also delivered by Home Depot. I like that the planter ties in the white window. White and greenery always looks good together! And the large, round gray stones are PERFECT in the bottom of the fountain! I’m a sucker for rows of anything. I love looking at my vegetable garden because of that. So I’m kind of digging the single row of salvia plants from Vigoro with their purple blooms. They are pet friendly too so if my chickens, ducks, or bunnies get out, it won’t hurt them if they nibble on them. But fingers crossed that they won’t! We covered the PVP pipe spigot with some cedar and stained it to match the shutters on the garage. I think it looks so much better! You can kind of see where the concrete pad was (in person) because the new grass is still a little brighter than the rest of the lawn, but in the evening when the sun is going down it blends in nicely! It will continue to darken as the summer goes on. It is so soft! I’m so happy with how the backyard landscaping turned out. It took a long time due to crazy Utah weather and then my sprained ankle, but thankfully I have very helpful boys who will do just about anything for a snow cone…. even in chilly April! Vigoro products are exclusively sold at Home Depot. They have everything you need for transforming your yard. Gravel, rocks, mulch, plants, grass seed, fertilizer, soil, landscape cloth, weed killer, edging, trellises, plant hooks, garden twine, and more! What type of outdoor projects do you have this year? Tell me about you plans and ideas in the comments below PIN For Later:You will also like:Powered by WPeMatico The post Backyard Landscaping Project REVEAL! appeared first on House Decor Club. via House Decor Club https://ift.tt/3fElWfk
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A lady general contractor and designer expects changes in the way homes, commercial establishments and public spaces are designed and built amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“COVID-19 has a huge impact on the interior design industry. Our homes, commercial and public spaces will encompass the new awareness of the personal safety concerns of the people,” says Joy Gladys Jabile-Ejercito, the general manager and principal designer of JJE Design and Construct. “Though open spaces in homes, offices, public spaces will be at a decline, there will be a new definition of spaces especially at home. Spaces will be segregated so as not to be easily exposed to the virus. The foyer will become the transition zone with the sanitizing and changing areas. There will be work spaces, home-school area and virtual meet-up area. With these new spaces, the Wi-Fi connection will become one of the basic needs or necessities,” says Jabile-Ejercito, an active member and former corporate secretary of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers board of trustees.Despite her hectic schedule, she is also a triathlete, marathoner, cultural advocate, one of the best dressed women of the Philippines awardees, an awardee of Society for Cultural Enrichment Inc., a ramp model, an active member of Business Network International, a member of Rotary Club Makati Premier District, a mother of four children and wife of a surgeon. She taught at the Philippine Women’s University School of Fine Arts and Design and headed the Interior Design Review Center of the same university in 2008. She is a regular lecturer and speaker in various schools and universities in the Philippines. In January 2018, her project was featured in the coffeetable book of My Home. In the same year, her residential project was featured in the front cover of My Home magazine.Jabile-Ejercito says that to avoid the spread of the virus and infection, interior designers will have the role to specify anti-bacterial finishes, including those that already exist like copper. They will also include design nudges to direct everyone where they can sanitize or wash their hands and employ RFID technology for temperature screening or UV light for disinfecting spaces without being exposed to humans.“For the construction industry, there are certain elements that are standard in the healthcare facilities might be applied in public spaces such as reduction of the number of flat surfaces where germs can sit and installation of proper ventilation systems,” she says.Jabile-Ejercito has been in the industry for 26 years and founded her own company on Sept. 10, 2017 which marked her 46th birthday. Today, JJE Design and Construct is one of the most aggressive and progressive in the industry with a solid roster of clients that includes residential, commercial and hospitality structures. Their designs are considered timeless, sustainable and universal.JJEDC’s clients include owners of residences, hospitals, clinics, offices, shops /stores, boutique hotels and resorts. Her dream project is to design and do an interior fit-out of a whole hotel or condo building and to construct a low-rise [up to 6 floors] building. “Furthermore, I dream to have interior design projects abroad and construction projects in other regions of the Philippines,” she says. A daughter of a military general, she wanted to become a doctor in college and enrolled for Agricultural Chemistry at UP Los Banos before shifting to BS Biology in the second semester. “I only got involved with interior design when I was looking for a stepping stone in UP Diliman so I can transfer there. Interior Design was easier to transfer to as it was not a quota course. My plan was to shift to BS Biology after. But then, I got to enjoy Interior Design. For one, being an artist is in my blood. My dad’s hobby is painting, sketching, drawing. He was the artist in his school and I was also the artist in my school. So I pursued it and came to love it,” she says.When she graduated from college and passed the interior design licensure examination, her father put up Arqui Interfaz Construction and Development Corp. to build low-cost housing for the military. “I find interior design very interesting because it does not only make the spaces aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, relaxing and comfortable but functional effectively and efficiently. Through my learnings, interior design is also psycho-social. It helps promote the wellness and well-being of the users and encourage enhanced teamwork and communication, support business process and improve staff welfare and morale,” she says.“I find fulfillment in finding solutions to the problems. I enjoy going through the process of visualizing, looking at the details, planning, and implementing. Seeing my design and drawings come to life is simply amazing,” says Jabile-Ejercito. Before she established JJEDC, she has done design and construct in several projects. The most fulfilling project was when she handled Diseno Lindo as the vice president for design. Throughout that time, she learned how to deal with clients, close businesses, go through the design process efficiently and effectively, execute her design, manage people and time and become accustomed to accounting, residential construction, furniture construction and project management.The outlook for JJEDC and the building industry was bullish before it was interrupted by the health crisis. “Before the pandemic, the interior design industry was performing well especially with the ‘Build, Build, Build’ projects of the government and the private sectors. People would buy properties and have them built on, repaired or renovated or even done with interior fit-out. People invested in properties to own or to be rented out that interior design was sought-after,” she says.“ECQ and COVID-19 have greatly affected the interior design and general construction industry. During the lockdown, there was no client engagement. The only revenue we had was the pending progressive billing that a client needed to pay. The client was also hesitant to pay because he needed to budget his funds in these uncertain times. It was understandable. I had to show compassion and asked for understanding because I also need to support my workers who are dependent on me,” she says.JJEDC now focuses on planning and design which they do digitally and online. “Collaboration and coordination are done through the Zoom platform. We are currently discussing the new direction of the company. The work from home is not new in our company as we have been doing it because we spend more time visiting jobsites. Now more than ever, we just need to formalize and enforce it to protect the health and safety of the staff. The jobsite visits will be case to case and only if it’s urgent and necessary,” she says.Jabile-Ejercito says that in the aftermath of the pandemic, builders and designers will consider adequate lighting with good audio and virtual connection, personal bubble that serves as comfortable social barriers, physical distancing, comfort zones in social environments and interior design that promotes mental and physical health through lighting, materials sound and acoustics.“As economy acclimatizes, work from home will not be an afterthought where we can create beautiful and functional office in the comforts of our home,” she says.More people, she says, will move away from congested residences. “During this pandemic, people all the more thought of having their own homes or moreover, in the suburbs, away from the virus and infections. They will shy away from areas where there is a large gathering of crowds,” she says.Jabile-Ejercito remains optimistic about the outlook for the industry. “Interior design and construction have not been completely impeded by this pandemic. This quarantine has inspired people to nest and re-decorate. In the age of pandemic, the home has become our world. Everyone wants to take care of the wellness and well-being at home to support the body, mind, and spirit throughout these difficult and challenging times.“I am ready to meet the challenges. To meet the challenges, interior designers, here and abroad, are now rising up by offering services virtually using online virtual platforms. Some are even brainstorming new packages to meet clients’ changing needs. Most do virtual meetings and consultations with clients, architects, and the rest of the project team for the design process. Floor plans and images of fabrics and finishes are sent electronically to give the team direction. Design decisions can be made virtually to keep the design process moving forward.She says to brace for the new world, the design and construction industry is now researching for modern technologies to specify to clients. “The public spaces will move toward more automation to mitigate contagion. There will be speeding up of the development of the touchless technology that are automated, voice-activated, hands-free, celfone-controlled. Eventually, there will also be the profuse use of Siri to control things without having to touch,” she says.Generally, people will now appreciate more the things that matter, she says. “The materials things now have lesser relevance. That will be the family, health and safety. In this age of pandemic, people will just want to survive by not getting sick and for the business to survive,” she says. COMMENT DISCLAIMER: Reader comments posted on this Web site are not in any way endorsed by Manila Standard. Comments are views by manilastandard.net readers who exercise their right to free expression and they do not necessarily represent or reflect the position or viewpoint of manilastandard.net. While reserving this publication’s right to delete comments that are deemed offensive, indecent or inconsistent with Manila Standard editorial standards, Manila Standard may not be held liable for any false information posted by readers in this comments section. Powered by WPeMatico The post Lady contractor sees homes evolving amid pandemic – manilastandard.net appeared first on House Decor Club. via House Decor Club https://ift.tt/2YEnwqD One of the most loved and used spaces of a home is the kitchen, we look there, we sometimes work there and most importantly we make memories. With that being said, the kitchen gets a whole lot of use and boy do we love it. However, if you have been in your kitchen often this quarantine then you know the space can feel like it needs a revamp. Whether, that is moving furniture around, giving it a deep clean, adding new pieces that brighten the room, or simply giving it a fresh coat of paint updating your space can instantly boost the appeal of the room and make it feel brand new. Here are a few stress-free kitchen updates for 2020 that will immediately give you a fresh vibe. Hang Artwork
Use colorful artwork to make the room have an edge with just a hint of charm that is colorful yet engaging. Though the kitchen isn’t the very first place you might think of adding artwork too, the space itself can make excellent use of art. Art is one of those elements that not only add character and charm but it allows you to make a statement without having to take away from the room overall. Take full advantage of the plain walls and fully embrace it. Bring in chic images that add color and texture to the room without going overboard. It’s all about having a piece of the room lighting up on its own. Add repetitive art for a charming appeal. Farmhouse Accents
Bring in as much wood to make the room feel as farmhouse as possible without overwhelming the room. There is nothing like a farmhouse accent. Farmhouses have the stigma of being warm, cozy, and welcoming- who doesn’t want to feel that every time they enter their kitchen?! To bring a farmhouse touch, consider bringing in as much wood as possible at and keeping it airy. It’s all about making the room feel unique and chic while still being calming and engaging. Furthermore, it makes your kitchen feel like home no matter what the rest of your décor is. Load up on Lighting
Whether you use the same type of lighting every time or you diversify your fixtures, you always want to have smaller lighting to help the room feel as bright as possible. If there is one thing that will make the room come to life is lighting. Lighting works by making any awkward spot appear brighter even if the space is quite small. The key is working with multiple light fixtures and making them the main focus of the room. Consider bringing in light fixtures that are large enough to fill the room yet do not take away from your overall facts. It’s all about making the room have a chic appeal while still being charming and bright. Bring in a chandelier and add other light fixtures around for that cohesive charming appeal. Furniture-like Island
Work with a wooden island to fully embrace the room and give it that charming that feels cozy yet modern. Though nobody can deny the fact that kitchen islands are practical, charming, and extremely useful. However, one thing most islands do not have is additional space. With that being said, consider the idea of bringing a furniture-like island and having it become a versatile piece of furniture. It doesn’t have to look practical the key is making it functional enough that you can use it for multiple different reasons, whether that is eating, or storing food. Paint your Cabinets
Take your kitchen to the next level by using a bold hue, pair it with darker bits for a contrasting appeal that makes sense to the room. Anyone who reads our website frequently then you know how much we love the idea of painting your cabinets. Painted cabinetry is one of the easiest ways to make a room come to life. Furthermore, it enables you to give the kitchen a fresh new vibe without having to completely change up your décor. Use bold, vibrant hues from a modern touch that has a hint of new or go dark for that edge that screams “vintage chic.” Keep in mind, you want your cabinets to be the same hue so that every area of the room is as cohesive as the next. Texture, Please
For that bold texture work with a daring wallpaper. It makes a huge difference without taking away from the room’s organic approach. There is nothing quite like having texture in a room, it adds color, character, and style by simply being displayed. Add multiple different textures such as plants, patterns, and colors for a bold appeal that easily makes the room come to life. Creating a bold texture makes the room have a sense of style that is inevitable to not admire. You might want to the texture you use the spotlight of the room by working on one area at a time. Never overwhelm the room, simply work with what the room has to offer and workaround for that seamless aesthetic. Add Fresh Hardware
Consider using brass for endless amounts of vintage flair that feels nature and authentic yet modern and chic. Completely changing your hardware could be just what your kitchen needs for a new twist. There is something about changing your hardware that will instantly make a room come to life. Whether you use unique ones that are extremely modern, or you go for a more traditional vibe you want your new hardware to be just as charming as the rest of the room. Luxury
Whatever luxury pieces you decide to bring in remember to add a hint of marble. Marble is perfect for a contrast that engages the room and its luxury feel. When it comes to making a kitchen feel more modern, and fresh consider changing your appliances and going with luxury. Whether you bring in a new refrigerator or a new stove it’s all about making your luxury element the main appeal. It should be the first thing people notice in a room without being too obvious. The key is creating a balance by splurging on the material that is mostly used in the room. Open Shelving
Add a plant or two to break down your displayed pieces while adding a hint of color There is nothing like not having enough room to store your favorite items, which is where having open shelving will come into place. Open shelving works well in any space that needs something extra, but you don’t want to bring new décor. Additionally, it works well when you want to keep the space as open as possible while embracing what the rest of the room has to offer. Consider displaying your finest china and keeping the space chic and minimal. Mix and Match your Furniture
Bring in colorful stools that come in an array of patterns to truly complete the look overall. Not every single furniture in your kitchen needs to match bringing in new pieces that match each other is perfect for those that want to have something unique in the room that isn’t overbearing it. Consider mixing and matching your stools, consider bringing in multiple different hues or even patterns and sizes for that engaging look that is charming with a hint of unique. Furthermore, use stools in different sizes for the ultimate contrast. It’s time to embrace your kitchen and have it come to life! Which of these ideas are you interested in trying? Share with us below. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKEPowered by WPeMatico The post Cool Stress-free Kitchen Updates for 2020 appeared first on House Decor Club. via House Decor Club https://ift.tt/2AxbIP8 15 Farmhouse and Cottage Kitchens with Smeg Fridges. How to incorporate a sleek and colorful SMEG to your farmhouse or cottage kitchen for a boost of style! We are knee-deep in our kitchen renovation at the 1891 Cottage. I hope to have enough left over in my budget to install a Smeg fridge. A Smeg fridge has been at the top of my wish list for SO long! I love the sleek style and pretty colors they offer. And I’ve been trying to decide what color to put in our kitchen. Here are 15 of my favorites! White Smeg Kitchen at Emily HendersonA white smeg might seem like a tame choice, but the neutral color matches everything and the sleek and modern style will give your traditional kitchen a whimsical flair. Black Smeg Kitchen at Emily HendersonThe black smeg in this cottage kitchen compliments the black and white tile perfectly! Kate La Vie Smeg Kitchen RenovationKate’s kitchen is one of my favorite transformations. The mint color looks amazing with all of the pastels. I love her pantry and the backsplash tile design is so pretty! Be sure to hop over and see the details. Pink Smeg Kitchen at Look Linger LoveChassity’s style is so whimsical and bright. I love the colors in her home and the pink smeg in her kitchen is absolutely perfect Orange Smeg Kitchen at Ikea Family LiveThis orange smeg is definitely the focal point in this small cottage kitchen. I love how bright and happy it is! Mint Smeg Cottage Kitchen at Southern LivingMint is one of my favorite Smeg colors. It fits perfectly in this little guest cottage. I love that there are so many different sizes and colors to choose from. White Smeg Kitchen at Planete DecoIf you love a farmhouse boho look, a white or black Smeg might be the perfect choice. Mint Smeg Kitchen at Sugar and ClothPastels are on point in this cute cottage kitchen at Sugar and Cloth. I love all of those pops of color and I love the coordinating Smeg toaster too! Red Smeg Plaid Kitchen (source unknown)There just something so bright and cheerful about red and white. I think the color scheme looks so great in a cottage kitchen. Love the plaid tablecloth too! White Farmhouse Smeg Kitchen at Laidback FarmhouseThis image stopped me in my tracks when I saw it on my Instagram account. Nat’s cottage is one-of-a-kind. Every single element is so pretty! Be sure to check out her Instagram account and give her a follow! Pink Smeg Kitchen at DD Ford ConstructionPink is the perfect pop of color in this beautiful cottage kitchen. The pink Smeg coordinates perfectly with everything! And the other appliances are pink too! This would be such a cute look for a pool house or mother-in-law suite. Orange Smeg Kitchen at Nadja Endler PhotographyAnother idea if you love boho decor is an orange Smeg. The color goes so well with a background of wood and fresh greens. Lime Smeg Kitchen at FastighesbryanHow fun is this charchruse Smeg? It could be the perfect pop of color against your neutral decor. Black Smeg Kitchen at SF Girl By BayA black Smeg might be in my future. I love this matte black one against a backdrop of white plus black and neutral wood. Gorgeous! White Smeg Kitchen at MacarenageaOne of the things I love about Smeg fridges are how compact they are. If you have a small home or apartment, installing a Smeg can save you so much valuable wall space. Pin These Farmhouse KitchensSo tell me — Which kitchen is YOUR favorite? What color fridge should I put in our new kitchen at the 1891 Cottage? I’d love to have you follow along with us on Instagram @tatertotsandjello and have you share your opinion with me as we renovate this fun old home in the heart of SLC’s avenues district! Farmhouse Kitchen LightsMy Favorite Farmhouse LightsAnd if you’re wondering what kind of lights to use in your cottage or farmhouse-style kitchen, here are some of my favorites! Have a Beautiful Day! xoxo Related PostsPowered by WPeMatico The post 15 Farmhouse and Cottage Kitchens with Smeg Fridges appeared first on House Decor Club. via House Decor Club https://ift.tt/2YHD5he 4115shares This post is sponsored by Dole Sunshine. All opinions are my own. Pineapple Lime Luau Slushy Punch is a party must! Refreshing pineapple and tangy lime combine favors in this fizzy, fruity, slushy punch that makes enough for a crowd! Summertime is the perfect time to throw a Luau Party!Invite friends and family over for a summer party! You will want to make this refreshing Pineapple Lime Luau Slushy Punch for your party. Pineapple Lime Luau Slush Punch is so easy to make and will be the centerpiece of your party. Plus, it only requires THREE ingredients — Dole 100% Pineapple Juice, lime concentrate and soda.Freeze overnight, let thaw for a couple of hours and serve! The trick to this punch is freezing it correctly.You will need two empty gallon milk jugs. The punch is carbonated and when the punch freezes it expands. So you will only fill each milk jug up about half way. That way there is room inside of the containers for the punch to expand. If you fill the containers completely the punch will expand and the containers will break inside your freezer and make a big mess. So don’t be tempted to use only one container. Fill each clean milk jug container with half of the Dole 100% Pinapple Juice (46 ounce), half of the lime concentrate, and each milk jug will get a 2-liter bottle of lemon-lime soda. Shake the milk containers gently to mix. Don’t shake them too much because you want the punch to retain as much of the carbonation as possible. Put the lids on the milk containers and put them in your freezer. Let them freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight. About 2-3 hours before your party, take the containers out of your freezer.You will see that the liquid inside of the containers has expanded to fill the whole containers. I wanted my punch to be as cold as possible. So I let the containers sit outside for about an hour until they were a little bit thawed. Then I brought the containers inside and used scissors to make cut each container in half. Inside the punch was still very frozen. I took the frozen punch out of the milk jug and put it into a big punch bow. Then I used a knife and broke up the punch into smaller pieces and poured the thawed liquid over the top. We threw our Luau Party on a very hot day and our punch stayed slushy and cold for 4-5 hours!My daughter LOVED it. She had 4-5 glasses of punch all by herself. This punch recipe makes enough for a large crowd!
The punch was a huge hit!!Right before I served the punch I added about 10 strawberries, sliced up for a little color. You can switch the flavors of the punch up!Add different concentrates or flavors of soda to the pineapple juice and you can make this punch new for all kinds of parties! It would be fun to make it for the holidays with pineapple juice, cranberry concentrate and cranberry soda! So many possibilities!! Here’s a printable version of Pineapple Lime Luau Slushy Punch:Pineapple Lime Luau Slushy PunchPineapple Lime Luau Slushy Punch is a party must! Refreshing pineapple and tangy lime combine favors in this fizzy, fruity, slushy punch that makes enough for a crowd! Prep Time 5 minutes Cook Time 6 hours Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes Servings 20 Ingredients
Instructions
More Summer Slushy RecipesFresh Watermelon Slushy RecipeHave a Delicious Day! xoxo Pin it for later! Or share it with a friend! Related PostsPowered by WPeMatico The post Pineapple Lime Luau Slushy Punch! appeared first on House Decor Club. via House Decor Club https://ift.tt/2YF4mB6 Rainbow Pride Hydrangea Wreath. Celebrate Pride Month and Summer with a colorful and happy rainbow flower wreath! Rainbow Pride Hydrangea WreathWe love June and Pride month. With a child who is gay I am proud to support my child, be an ally and support love and equality for all LGBTQ+ kids. (see more about my personal story and resources at the bottom of this post) I’m an ally and support my LGBTQ+ friends and family. Utah has a Pride parade that peacefully marches just blocks from our new home. What Colors Can You Include in a Rainbow Wreath?The main colors in the rainbow are — red, orange yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. The colors that are significant for the LGBTQ+ flag are — red = life, pink = passion, orange = healing, yellow = sun, green = nature, turquoise = art, indigo = harmony, violet = spirit. Rainbow Hyrandgea Wreath Supplies
Steps to Make a Rainbow Flower WreathThis wreath is so easy to make! In minutes you can have a bright and beautiful rainbow flower wreath! Cut the Stems Off FlowersI used wire cutters to cut the stems off tje hydrangea blooms. Cut close to the base of the flower head. Arrange Flowers on the wreath formI arranged the flowers in their placement on the flag = red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and white (just because it’s pretty). Hot Glue the Flowers to the Wreath FormUsing a flat wreath form or cardboard: If you are using a flat wreath form it can be a little tricky to hot glue the flowers onto the wreath form since the ends of the flower heads stick out under the flower. I put a dab of glue at the point of the flower base and set it on the wreath form. Once I did this to each flower and the glue cooled, I flipped the form over and then glued some of the flowers at the edges onto the back of the wreath form. This keeps the flowers more securely onto the form. Using a round wreath form or grapevine wreath form: If you are using a styrofoam or foam wreath form you can stick the backs of the flowers right into the wreath form. Make a hole with the sharp point at the back of the flower into the wreath form, then pull it back out, add a dab of hot glue and push the stem back into the hole. For a grapevine wreath, use wire or hot glue the flowers onto the wreath form. Cut Lengths of Colored Ribbon to Make a BowThis is optional. You can leave the wreath plain and hang it up or you can make a bow with colored ribbon. I cut 9 different colors of ribbon and wrapped it around the base and tied it into a bow. Resources for Moms of LGBTQ+ KidsMama DragonsI”ve been on a journey as a mom of a LGBTQ+ child for the past 12 years. I will write a post sharing more of my journey. I’ve struggled because my child is very private and I felt sharing too much information would violate their privacy. But at the same time I had such a hard time knowing how to help my child navigate coming to terms with their orientation and well being. My sister also has a gay child and she has been a wonderful example of how to support her child and other LGBTQ kids. She is now president of Mama Dragons – a world-wide support group for moms of kids on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Please check out their website and I would LOVE for you to share it with anyone that might need a support group! Encircle TogetherEncircle Toogether is another wonderful resource, especially if you are in Utah. Encircle Together is a youth and family resource center with locations in Provo, Salt Lake and St. George Utah. Encircle locations offer drop-in hours, friendship circles, education programs as well as therapy. And if you aren’t in Utah Encircle Together is online with services, articles and books you can access to help families navigate and grow stronger! Please message me if you have any questions about my journey or any of the resources I’ve mentioned above! I would love to help! tatertotsandjello (at) gmail.com or message me on Instagram @tatertotsandjello. More ways to celebrate PRIDE and be an ally to LQBTQ+ kids coming soon! Another Rainbow Wreath IdeaLove, Related PostsPowered by WPeMatico The post Rainbow Pride Hydrangea Wreath appeared first on House Decor Club. via House Decor Club https://ift.tt/3ftuwNT Companion gardening is very similar to the way individuals react with each other. Have you ever met someone to whom you knew you had an instant connection? Conversely, there are people that cause the sensation like scratching a blackboard or getting on your last nerve? Companion gardening is a great way to learn about plants that either work well together or cannot function and do more harm than good. According to “Companion Planting Guide” published in the Feb. 10, 2019 issue of Farmer’s Almanac, there are multiple benefits for using companion planting. A few of those are “shade regulation, natural supports, improved plant health, healthy soil, and weed” control. While different plants can be beneficial, how does this symbiotic relationship work? In vegetable gardens, “some plants, especially herbs act as natural insect repellents.” The odors they emit can confuse different insects. This can be beneficial since it will not encourage a host of harmful insects and will actually discourage their dinner parties on the plants they love. A few good companion plants can be flowers such as the marigold which are good for almost any vegetable grown. They are known to repel insects which are harmful to plants and when turned under into the soil, they are known to also repel other harmful pests such as nematodes. In addition, herbs while grown for their addition to cooking, can also serve as a deterrent to pests. “Dill and basil planted among tomatoes can protect from tomato hornworms” which can decimate a tomato plant overnight and are camouflaged by their green color. The only way to find the culprit is by searching for stripped branches and/or their dropping trail. Although there are many great pairings of flowers or herbs into your vegetable garden, there are several that simply do not work. One example is while “white onions and garlic repel [many] pests, they stunt the growth of beans and peas” according to the article. Consider the benefits of companion gardening and consult the online article for more extensive suggestions for using companion gardening to benefit your production. For more information, call the AgriLife office at 498-4071 in Odessa or at 686-4700 in Midland or visit aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu or westtexasgardening.org. Powered by WPeMatico The post MASTER GARDENERS: Plants need friends too: Consider companion gardening – Odessa American appeared first on House Decor Club. via House Decor Club https://ift.tt/3fmAekC Fertilizers are a great way to give your garden the extra push it may need when producing flowers and fruits. There are four different ways that fertilizers are applied: Broadcast before planting. The proper amount of fertilizer is spread evenly over the garden and mixed into the soil to a depth of 3 to 4 inches before making beds for planting. This method is least likely to cause plant damage. Band or bed applications. The fertilizer is applied in a strip to the side of the row before planting. This method requires care to prevent plant damage from roots which may come into contact with the fertilizer band. Starter solutions. This is used mainly on transplants such as tomatoes and peppers. Mix 2 tbsp of garden fertilizer with 1 gallon of water and stir well. Pour 1 cup of the mixture into the whole and let it soak in before transplanting. Side dressing. The term side dressing denotes an application of fertilizer, usually one containing nitrogen only, alongside the rows or in a circle around growing plants. This ensures a nitrogen supply as plants grow and develop. One heavy fertilizer application in the early spring is not enough, it is much better to apply a moderate amount before planting with supplemental side dressings during the growing season. A guide for side dressing applications is listed below.
For more information, call the AgriLife office at 498-4071 in Odessa or at 686-4700 in Midland or visit aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu or westtexasgardening.org. Powered by WPeMatico The post GARDENING: Fertilizer gives your garden a boost – Odessa American appeared first on House Decor Club. via House Decor Club https://ift.tt/37yHnMa
Go wild with underplanting for gardening success Mail Tribune
Powered by WPeMatico The post Go wild with underplanting for gardening success – Mail Tribune appeared first on House Decor Club. via House Decor Club https://ift.tt/3e9bDzK Add the Talkmistress to the gazillions who, in the midst of the pandemic, have discovered gardening. In my case, it’s a rediscovery. My last attempt at serious gardening came with my last attempt at home ownership in the double-aughts. It was then that I discovered that contrary to what I’d believed prior, I could plant something and it actually live. The gardening spirit arose again when I came to the realization that our sixth-floor, rented-condo balcony needed more than just a couple of patio chairs and tables. The whole thing started with several gift plants. Jack, a neighbor, gardens around the complex and got permission to hand me off a half-dozen impatiens, which I repotted in our landlady’s ceramic container. (An aside here: Yes, I’m one of the clueless ones who, when first seeing the flower name “impatiens,” wondered what happened to the “t” at the end. Was the flower namer so lacking in patience that he/she rushed the job by leaving it off?) The impatiens were planted in the same pot as a poinsettia given us by another neighbor at Christmastime; we’d kept it inside all winter and it continued to thrive. Initially, the poinsettia wasn’t happy with its relocation; it, like all us old coots, apparently doesn’t take change well. I added the impatiens, assuming the poinsettia was about to bite the dirt it was planted in. But its now-green leaves are peeping happily from among the flowers. A third plant, a family of easy-to-please succulents in a ceramic pot shaped like half of a large teacup, was given me by my fitness trainer’s mom. They, too, have thrived. So has a pot of succulent varieties I’d also been given and keep indoors. I soon began to yearn for a full-fledged container garden to give my family of freebies some company. In search of an eclectic mix of plants, flowers and herbs, I set off for a couple of the big gardening retailers. Here’s some of what I came away with. They all came with “how to care for” information stuck down in the dirt, or printed on the label … information that might have been read a bit hastily due to garden-starting eagerness, coupled with end-of-spring, “Wait, I thought I was going to heaven!” heat. • Croton, and Croton’s Mama. Got two pots, purchased on different visits, of the plant with the big leaves in what hubby calls African colors. Croton’s Mama was the same price as the first croton, but about three times bigger … and in three different sections, all hollering not “Feed me!” per Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors, but “Repot me!” • Drama Queen Cherry Tomato Plant and Drama Queen Sweet Basil plant. Forget to water either of these early and often, and their leaves wither and droop. Water them and they look happy again. We’ve already harvested basil leaves to jazz up some blackeyed peas. The tomatoes are taking their sweet time: We’ve got one adolescent and two babies as of this writing. Being “impatien,” we may put the tomato leaves in our salad instead. • Fonzie, our lavender plant. Even when the dirt dries up, it still looks good, and it’s growing flowers. It’s cool as a cucumber, hence the name stolen from the old Happy Days TV-series character. • Get In Trouble With Condo Management White Mandevilla. It has no blooms yet, but it’s already got a vine that’s looking for something to latch onto and grow. If we leave it by the balcony railing, and it makes like kudzu, we’re gonna be reprimanded for messing up the uniformity of the building exterior. Better find some short poles. • In Over Our Heads Heirloom Black Diamond Watermelon. I had not heard of this breed of watermelon before and, for some insane reason, thought this was a miniature melon. Um … “the fruit grow from 30 to 40 pounds,” according to Google. “[It’s] the largest edible fruit grown in the United States.” Note to self: Find a trough. Replant. • Green Bell Sweet Pepper, another plant for whose future offerings we’ll have to wait a bit. • High Maintenance Begonia plant. “Don’t underwater. Definitely don’t overwater. Put in bright sunlight. Put in indirect sunlight. Depending on what type of begonia you have, you may have to ignore all of the above.” Whew, shoulda bought another succulent. • Never Seen Before/So Gorgeous I’m Afraid I’ll Murder Them Celosia. One guy mentioned in an online article that they look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Yeah. Unless someone like me cares a whole awful lot/These flowers are not gonna live. They’re not. I figure this latest gardening venture will end one of two ways: 1. Our balcony will look like a modern-day Garden of Eden, complete with a little of our own food. 2. I’ll be tempted to wish I’d invested in one plant in particular: Marijuana. Grow your email: Powered by WPeMatico The post LET’S TALK/Opinion: Green thumb: Gardening on a balcony – NWAOnline appeared first on House Decor Club. via House Decor Club https://ift.tt/2Y2rF8T |