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  • Ask a Pro: How to Get Rid of Honeysuckle

    Can outdoor design expert and Dream Team member Carson Arthur help one reader whose garden has been taken over by teaching her how to get rid of honeysuckle? Find out in the latest edition of Ask a Pro!

    Ask a Pro: How to Get Rid of Honeysuckle - bhgrelife.com

    Q. Honeysuckle has taken over my yard and is killing my lilac bushes and azaleas. How can I get rid of it without hurting my plants?

    –Sophie R.

    A. I wish I had better news for you about honeysuckle. Unfortunately it’s very aggressive, as you already know.

    Without using chemicals, the only way to remove honeysuckle from your garden is to rip it out under the ground. I know some people that have had success using extra-strength vinegar, but that could actually hurt your existing plants. Best of luck!

    -Carson A.

  • 4 Backyard Ideas to Spruce Up Your Home

    A beautiful home with a stunning outdoor living space is a wonderful thing, and it’s amazing what a well-kept lawn can do for not only your home’s value, but also for your own enjoyment while living there. More and more homeowners are starting to invest in their backyard space for many different reasons. To start, having an outdoor living space also increases the value of a home, offering you an excellent return on investment if you choose to sell in the future.

    The good news is that you can easily and economically get these backyard renovations finished; you just need some lawn care basics and a few ideas about renovations for outdoor design.

    4 Backyard Ideas to Spruce Up Your Home - bhgrelife.com1. The Grass Can Be Greener on Your Side Too

    As the old saying goes, “the grass is always greener on the other side,” but when it comes to your backyard, the case should be different. With some quick lawn care basics, you can grow a luscious lawn that will instantly change the appeal of your entire property. These grass-growing tips will set you up with a smooth, lush green carpet in your own backyard:

     

     

    • Prepare the area by removing all weeds, rocks, etc.
    • Loosen the top layer of dirt with a rototill, and place high-quality setting soil on top of it
    • Roll out a carpet of sod or seed the area
    • Water once a week, but feed the area bi-annually with some fertilizer

  • Bathroom Renovation Ideas that Pay Off

    It’s no secret that the bathroom is one of the most expensive rooms to renovate. It’s also the most frequently used room, so bathroom renovations are often necessary. The good news is that bathrooms have the power to increase the appeal of an entire house, as they are a key selling point for many homes. As such, bathroom makeovers can also provide a significant increase in the return on your investment. Even if you have no intention of moving anytime soon, doing some bathroom renovations can still bring more value to your house if you decide to move in the future.

    However, if you don’t want to completely rip down the walls and redo a bathroom in its entirety, you may be wondering which bathroom remodeling ideas will bring the most value. The following bathroom upgrades are worth considering:

    Bathroom Renovation Ideas that Pay Off - bhgrelife.comFocus on Repairs

    The kinds of renovations that will always bring the most value to your home are repairs. Focus your bathroom remodeling efforts on simply repairing what needs to be fixed. Additionally, ignoring repairs can result in a worsening of your problems – and as a result, they will get much more expensive. So fix that leaking roof, dripping faucet, and flickering light. These little things can go a long way to increasing your home’s value.

  • Ask a Pro: Carson Arthur’s Outdoor Sweeps Edition Part 2

    Check out Part 2 of Carson Arthur’s best outdoor maintenance tips from our recent Facebook Q&A, here on Ask a Pro!

    Ask a Pro: Carson Arthur’s Outdoor Sweeps Edition - bhgrelife.com

     

    Q. Hey Carson. I have a rooftop patio. I want to buy artificial grass. What kind/brand do you suggest? Where should I buy it? How do I maintain it?

    –Lisa R.

    A. The tricky part about artificial grass is how it is used afterwards. A majority of the products on the market are made from recycled materials but cannot be recycled after they become turf. Either look for a biodegradable or recyclable option, or choose an outdoor rug made of natural sisal. Maintenance is easy, wash it with a hose!

    –Carson Arthur

    Q. How do I create height in my gardens without pulling all my plants out? Do I start over again?

    –Kristin D.

    A. No way! Save the plants! Consider adding a lattice panel with a nice vine on it. It’s an easy way to create the exact height even in the middle of a bed.

    –Carson Arthur

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    Q. I have 3 agapanthus, aka lily of the Nile. Can I take the pods after the flowers are gone, dry them out, and plant them to make new ones?

    –Tisa J.

    A. You definitely can… but it’s a SLOW SLOW SLOW process to get them to a stage where they will bloom.

    –Carson A.

    Q. I have violets growing in my grass. What’s the best product to use to kill them once and for all without killing the grass?

    –Max W.

    A. Patience, sadly. I know there are a lot of chemicals, but if you want to go the natural route…it’s all about ripping them out one at a time. Sounds like fun?!?

    –Carson A.

    Q. Is it too late to start a small garden?

    –Robin C.

    A. Not at all! Go for it! Try some lettuce and radishes. They grow they fastest! Also spinach, kale, even some tomatoes and peppers will work for you now!

    –Carson A.

  • 10 Tips to Know When Moving into Your New Home

    It’s no secret that moving is a difficult, time-consuming task. You pack everything you own into a moving van, only to unpack everything into a new house. What may surprise you is that moving doesn’t actually have to be a daunting experience. There are some excellent tips that can make the entire process easy, effective, and enjoyable. If you are able to hire movers, all the better. In any case, these 10 tips are all you need to know when moving into your new home.

    10 Tips to Know When Moving into Your New Home - bhgrelife.com1. Connect your Internet

    This is one thing that many people forget. If you want to have Internet access as soon as you move into your new home, you need to plan for it ahead of time. Depending on your location and service provider, set-up and wiring can take several weeks to book. So, schedule this prior to the move.

  • Ask A Pro Q&A: Carson Arthur’s Outdoor Sweeps Edition

    Missed our Facebook Q&A on the best outdoor design, advice, and gardening tips with outdoor design expert and Dream Team member Carson Arthur? Never fear! We’ve gathered up the answers from the expert himself in our latest Ask a Pro. 

    Ask a Pro: Carson Arthur’s Outdoor Sweeps Edition - bhgrelife.com

    Q: I am trying to eradicate spearmint from a very small garden, but it is covered. I’ve put most of my plants in pots so the roots don’t get mixed with the mint. I just keep pulling the mint. Is there a better strategy?

    –Tara P.

    A: Oh no. That’s evil stuff! Unfortunately, the mint sends roots under the ground making it tough to pull out. Instead, bury the entire area with 7 layers of newspaper (working around the plants you want to save). Cover the newspaper with mulch and voila! An effective mint barrier that will smother the noxious weed and safely biodegrade into the garden.

    –Carson Arthur

    Q: Hi Carson. I recently planted a jalapeno plant as well as some cilantro in my small garden. Do you have any tips on how to best grow these plants specifically? Thanks!

    —Victoria D.

    A: Hot! As in, they love it hot! The more heat the better. Consider doing a 6″ cardboard ring around the bottom of pepper plant to allow it as much exposure as possible without any competition from other plants.

    –Carson Arthur

    Q: I have a 12-foot square area that we have tilled that is literally sandy soil. Mostly sand and rocks. What will grow here? We can’t plant grass because there is just no way to get rid of the rocks. Help!

    —Pam M.

    A: Tricky problem. I would consider doing a mass planting of some decorative grasses. They will handle the soil and give you amazing fall colour. Look for Northern Rye as a great option.

    –Carson Arthur

     

    Check back for Part 2!

  • 6 Must-Have Accessories for the Ultimate Man Cave

    Every man needs to have a space of his own, whether it’s for watching the big game or hosting his closest pals for the night. The man cave is an essential area that must have personal and unique characteristics to be considered a real man cave. To be a connoisseur of the cave, each man has to create his own theme and style. It can be classic and rustic or contemporary with a more sports-themed approach.

    However, there are a few key items that should be found in every man cave. What are these essentials? Below, we have compiled a list of the ultimate signature pieces that your room needs. Once you have these in place, you’ll be the proprietor of your very own official man cave.

    6 Must-Have Accessories for the Ultimate Man Cave - bhgrelife.com40” Inch—or Bigger—TV

    The phrase “bigger is always better” holds true for any man who enjoys watching his favorite sports team. It’s imperative for any real fan to witness a crushing hit or an incredible score in near life-size high definition.
    Don’t be fooled by all the pretenders with a measly 32” television. No one wants to watch the big game on a TV most people can carry with one hand. This is the most important necessity in any man cave, as it brings together your friends, family, and all who enjoy a cinematic experience.

  • 4 Tips for Creating a Luscious Lawn

    You know a good lawn when you see one—the kind of luscious lawn that makes you want to roll around or have a picnic. Well, the good news is that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. With some basic lawn care and grass-growing tips, you can have the kind of lawn that people will stop to admire. Here are the only steps you’ll ever need to having the greener grass on your side.

    4 Tips for Creating a Luscious Lawn - bhgrelife.comChoosing the Right Grass

    If you’ve found yourself in a situation where there’s more dirt than there is grass, you definitely need some grass-growing tips. It may surprise you that there are many different varieties of grass. Growing grass is much more complex than simply planting some seeds. Understanding how grass grows can mean the difference between having no grass or having a stunning, luscious lawn.

    There are several things to consider when choosing the right grass for your property, depending on the quality of grass you desire. The best lawn care tip is to choose a grass that is best suited to your climate. Grass is categorized into cool season grass and warm season grass. In cool season grasses, you have grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass. In warm season grasses, you have grasses like Buffalograss. You should pick the right type of grass within the respective category you belong in. You can learn more about choosing the right grass here.

    You also have the option of skipping over the seeds and placing sod. This can be a fast way to get beautiful results, but basic lawn care is still needed.

  • 8 Tips for Selling a Home with Kids

    Selling a home while there are kids still living in it can be one of the most daunting tasks you’ll ever have to endure as a parent (aside from potty training, of course). It’s a constant battle to keep your furniture and decor looking as they should in order to entice potential buyers. However, the good news is that it is certainly doable. With these 8 tips, selling a home with kids doesn’t have to be an overwhelming responsibility.

    8 Tips for Selling a Home with Kids - bhgrelife.com

    1. Give yourself plenty of time to clear the clutter

    Clutter is one thing that will instantly overshadow your home’s true appeal. Give yourself plenty of time to clear the clutter from every room. It may take several trips to Goodwill or to a storage unit, but clear out those hand-me-downs and forgotten toys early in the process so you can focus on other things while you sell.

    Once you have gathered all the extra items, and before you put them in storage or donate to Goodwill, take another look around. There will still be plenty of items that can be put away during the selling process; whether it’s bicycles, train tables, photos, or memorabilia, it’s time to store those away for your new house.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: How to Host a Housewarming Pool Party

    The real estate market has been hot this season, and now the weather is catching up! To celebrate moving into her new home, one reader is throwing a housewarming pool party. Find out what advice Dream Team member and lifestyle expert Carolina Buia has for hosting a safe and fun housewarming pool party that adults and kids can both enjoy.

    We just moved into our dream home and we’re having a housewarming party to celebrate! We will be hosting it in our backyard since we now have a pool. There are kids on the guest list and I want to make sure they play safe and are entertained while my adult guests can enjoy themselves too. Any advice? Thanks!

    -Vanessa C. 

    There is nothing more fun—for kids—than a pool party. That said, it’s not always fun for the host—because water makes grown-ups nervous, and rightly so, safety should always come first. It is so important that you keep those kids safe, as accidents can happen so easily! I would suggest “splurging” for a local life guard; they typically can be hired for about $15-$20 an hour. It’s a small price to make sure everyone is safe and free to have fun. You can also monitor the pool with a friend and take turns working the pool area.

    Now for the fun part! I would suggest getting some of the older kids (yours or your neighbors’) to arrange games in the pool, like water balloons! Don’t forget the pool floats and noodles!

    An ideal pool party allows parents to enjoy their kids but also have time to socialize with their like-aged peers. Set up tiers of appetizers (spanakopita, cucumber tea sandwiches, cheeses) and drinks inside primarily for the adults, while easy finger food can stay outside for the kids to devour. I love snacks that all ages can enjoy, like crudités, Nutella mini-sandwiches, juice slushies, etc.) Be sure to have plenty of water, so no one gets dehydrated.

    Make sure you have extra towels and a bucket of complimentary sunscreen for your guests: they will thank you for it (especially the forgetful ones)! You can even plan to have an umbrella set up outside, for those with more sensitive skin. Music is always a great way to set the mood, but better that it’s inside so you can hear all the kids splashing about.

    And don’t forget, the pool wears everyone out, so keep the party short and sweet! One of my favorite party philosophies is to always leave your guests wanting more. But most of all, enjoy yourselves, and don’t be afraid to get wet with the kids, whether you’re 18 or 80! Marco?

    -Carolina B.