Lawn & Garden

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(ARA) - Comfortable spaces don’t need to be constrained by four walls, and an outdoor entertaining area can quickly become the most important “room” of your home. You aren’t alone if your porch or patio looks outdated and drab. Weather conditions can be tough on outdoor areas, but with a few simple updates, you can create a perfect outdoor space in no time.

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(ARA) - Does maintaining a lush, healthy and green lawn to enjoy with friends and family seem daunting? It's often a task that is easier said than done for homeowners. But take heart, a simple watering routine can help grass thrive.

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(ARA) - For many American gardeners, 2012 has not been a kind year. Most of the Midwest is dealing with one of the worst droughts on record. And while the Midwest is bearing the brunt of the drought this year, other parts of the country have also been hit hard in recent years, and climate change may be making matters worse. Since a drought can strike any year, anywhere, it makes sense to come up with a sustainable plan for helping your garden survive through the driest summers.

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Most homeowners take great pride in keeping their lawns and yards beautiful. While there are many critters that can become a nuisance in your yard, there is one intruder that can quickly turn a groomed lawn into one filled with dirt mounds and yellowed grass and dying shrubs. Moles can be tricky to get rid of because of their extensive tunnel systems and the abundant food sources, but knowing more about these unwelcome guests can help you kick them to the curb.

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(ARA) - Everyone loves to receive a bouquet of roses as a gift, but an even better gift is one that keeps on giving for years to come. Why not give a beautiful rose bush instead of a bouquet of flowers? Whether for birthdays, holidays, the birth of a baby, a house warming or even as a hostess gift, it's a wonderful show of appreciation and sentiment to share the beauty and fragrance of roses with loved ones. With the right selection and a few simple pointers, you can be sure those recipients will remember your special gift long after cut flowers would have perished.

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(ARA) - Most deck owners know that one of the keys to keeping their decks looking good is staining it every few years. However, while deck staining is a process that most homeowners are capable of doing themselves, finding the time to do it can be difficult. With the right approach and the right products, you can get everything done in just one day and spend the rest of the year enjoying your newly stained deck.

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(ARA) - Last year's summer temperatures broke records in many areas of the country. Depending on where you live, this summer could be shaping up to be a scorcher for you. As temperatures climb, many of us retreat indoors, leaving our outdoor living spaces vacant until fall. However, it is possible to enjoy being outside throughout the sultry months if you take a few steps to keep your outdoor living spaces as cool as possible.

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(ARA) - Warm weather and outdoor entertaining go hand in hand. Sit back and relax this summer with family, friends and great food at your next backyard barbecue. No matter who or how many guests, you'll want to create a memorable gathering that keeps people talking. Plan your next summer celebration with these no-fuss party ideas.

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(ARA) - With spring arriving earlier this season, gardeners across the country are inspired to plant now. Daydreams of fresh produce used in delicious sauces, salads and stir fries have many drawing garden plot plans and even starting seeds for future transplanting. Tabletop gardens are a fun and decorative way to expand into new planting opportunities.

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(NAPSI)—“You can learn a lot of things from the flowers,” as Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” remarked. Here’s a look at a few of the things you can discover among the flowers in America’s beautiful, bountiful public gardens.

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(NAPSI)—There’s good news for homeowners who want the grass to grow greener on their side of the fence.

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(NAPSI)—Birds and butterflies add color and excitement to a garden that can’t be found from any other source. And their contributions are much more than aesthetic: Birds help control insects and slugs; while butterflies are important pollinators. Almost anywhere a plant grows will get an occasional visit from these attractive and beneficial creatures. Making your yard a welcoming oasis for them can be as simple as choosing the right plants.

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(ARA) - Healthy eating is defined in many different ways, but the United States Department of Agriculture replaced the former Food Pyramid with MyPlate - creating an easy visual for everyone to enjoy healthy and balanced meals.

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(ARA) - From the way the charcoal briquettes are arranged to finding that perfect set of tongs, every home grilling expert has his or her secrets. For many, grilling goes beyond just a practical warm-weather cooking method and it becomes more of an art form.

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(ARA) - Window boxes overflowing with blooms, decorative pots lining the driveway with striking colors, and even a flowering vine climbing up the mailbox - the growing season have arrived, and it is time to decorate the landscape.

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(ARA) - Looking for a trendy home and garden makeover that gives instant gratification and doesn't require a lot of time and resources? The latest trends in fashion and home decorating are drawing inspiration from the bright colors and laid-back attitudes of the tropics.

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(ARA) - There's no question why summer is the best-loved season of the year: it's all about fun, relaxation and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. So, it follows that homeowners don't want to waste a minute of those glorious months of sunshine. When planning traditional summer get-togethers, save time by taking steps to ensure that your outdoor spaces are as low-maintenance as possible so that the focus is on the party, rather than the prep.

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(ARA) - Does spending time on your deck "do it for you" - or does your deck simply "do the job?" Now that warm weather has arrived, you'll be outside more; your outdoor space should be an area that you truly enjoy and are proud to show off to company. You may not need a complete deck remodel to achieve that level of perfection. With some smart deck upgrades you can create an upscale look for less.

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(ARA) - Swimming is the most popular summer activity and if you have a pool or spa, your backyard just may be this summer's most popular retreat for friends, neighbors and all the children that come with them. Adding as many water safety steps as possible is the best way to assure a safer and fun experience this summer.

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(ARA) - It's that time of year when homeowners are lured outside by the warm, sunny weather. Is your outdoor space ready to be enjoyed to the fullest? If your deck or patio needs updating, catching up on the top design innovations and trends will help you create an inviting area that will add value to your home investment.

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(ARA) - AJ Allmendinger, driver of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge, recently acquired a piece of land on which to build a race shop to work on his cars and store his equipment in the offseason. The project has been a learning experience for Allmendinger about the decisions and key steps that are an important part of any endeavor that requires digging. From planning the structure to installing septic and well lines to clearing the ground for digging, Allmendinger has a few tips for others who are planning digging projects.

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(ARA) - With summer on the horizon, families will be heading to backyards across the country for picnics, sports games and to simply soak up the sun. A lush green lawn is the perfect setting for these activities and will be the envy of the neighborhood. How does one achieve that well-manicured, stadium-style lawn?

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(ARA) - A child's awe while watching a seed germinate and grow into a healthy plant with beautiful flowers or a delicious vegetable is something very special. Their sense of accomplishment expands when the flowers they grew are arranged in a beautiful bouquet or their vegetables are shared in a family dinner.