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A Panelized Home: Creating the Lighting Plan
The proper lighting and the ability to control each layer of light is the key to composing a stunning visual environment.
A Panelized Home: Preparing the Foundation
A solid foundation is more than a footprint. That’s why the Hammonds took the time to work through the design details before deciding on a shallow basement for their seashore home.
A Panelized Home: Securing Permits
Oceanfront property, while desirable, creates many hurdles before groundbreaking can begin.
A Panelized Home: Tips for a Deck Project
Building a deck can add beauty and value to any home. Here, some advice before you get started.
A Panelized Home: When Weather Strikes
Foul weather hits the site before the roof is finished, forcing some fast-paced work to seal out the elements so interior work can continue.
Adding Tile Accents
Preparation, planning and a few tricks of the trade make easy work of installing decorative tiles.
An Illusion of Neatness: Garden Cleanliness
Some people’s gardens always look as though they were momentarily expecting Architectural Digest’s photographer. Others look as though they’ve been stirred up with a giant spoon and never tidied up.
Energy-Efficient Windbreaks
Smart landscaping that saves energy and dollars.
EnergyWise House: Elements of an Energy-Efficient House
Designing and building an energy-efficient home that conforms to the many considerations faced by home builders can be a challenge. However, any house style can be made to require relatively minimal amounts of energy to heat and cool and be comfortable and healthy.
Forcing Bulbs
What to do with those leftover bulbs.
Gardening in Big Flowerpots
Fill large flowerpots with a glorious assortment of annuals for a colorful, easy to maintain container garden.
Gardening Made Easy
A few simple strategies to make your garden less labor intensive.
Gardening With Kids: Theme Gardens
Planning a garden around a theme, such as a fairyland or outer space, allows kids to create a growing space that means something special to them.
Gardening with Perennials: Choosing Plants
A few ideas to keep in mind when you’re planning your gardens and choosing plants.
Gardening with Perennials: Designing with Color
The great thing about flowers is that you really can’t go wrong with them. Even if a perennial bed doesn’t turn out exactly like what you envisioned, chances are it’s going to be attractive.
Gardening with Perennials: Gardens with Style
Choosing a garden style is a little like getting dressed.
Gardening with Perennials: Getting Started
Whether you’re a new gardener planning your first perennial bed, or an experienced gardener hoping to improve your existing plantings, we can help make your garden a success.
Gardening with Perennials: Ornamental Grasses
Long relegated exclusively to lawns, grasses are now becoming the darlings of the perennial garden.
Flowering Bulbs
Fall is for planting bulbs. Their flowers are the harbingers of spring and one can never have enough of them.
Five Easy Roses
While it’s true that some rose varieties require extra effort to grow their best, there are others that are as carefree as many other popular garden shrubs.
Find the Right Contractor
Whether you’re planning an addition for a growing family or simply getting new storm windows, finding a competent and reliable contractor is the first step to a successful and satisfying home improvement project.
EnergyWise House: Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning
Many people buy or use air conditioners without understanding their designs, components, and operating principles. Proper sizing, selection, installation, maintenance, and correct use are keys to cost-effective operation and lower overall costs.
EnergyWise House: Energy-Efficient Appliances
Appliances account for about 20 percent of your household’s energy consumption, with refrigerators and clothes dryers at the top of the consumption list.
EnergyWise House: Maintaining Existing Air Conditioners
Older air conditioners may still be able to offer years of relatively efficient use. However, making your older air conditioner last requires you to perform proper operation and maintenance.
EnergyWise House: Using Plants for Sun Control
Landscaping is a critical element in building an energy efficient home. A few simple strategies can add up to big savings on your monthly electric bill.
EPA Pressures the Wood-Preservative Industry to Change
With an EPA ban on CCA-treated wood going into effect, are decks going to crumble, picnic tables disintegrate, and play sets collapse? Not likely. Learn what will replace it and how to deal with existing structures made from pressure-treated lumber.
Evergreen Groundcovers
These useful plants can cover a bare spot and save you some raking.
Fall Colors
Although bright red maples and glowing orange sugar maples are what’s referred to as “peak” color, the more subtle hues wax and wane throughout the season.
Fall Perennial Pruning
Fall is the time to prepare the perennials for winter.
Feeding Birds
Who eats what in this feathered kingdom.
