Gardening news from around the web

Chaos gardening – wild beauty, or just a mess? A sustainable landscape specialist explains the trend

A mix of annuals and perennials can look colorful and carefree. Deryn Davidson
Chaos gardening is touted on social media as an easy, no-effort way to create a beautiful garden. A landscape specialist explains what to be aware of before chaotically tossing seeds around.
Deryn Davidson, Colorado State University, The Conversation
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Cultivating for color: The hidden trade-offs between garden aesthetics and pollinator preferences
Uniquely colored flowers with big blooms might make for an aesthetically pleasing garden, but they can be unhelpful to pollinators. Careful consideration can help you plan a colorful and eco-friendly garden.
Claire Therese Hemingway, University of Tennessee, The Conversation
Monday, August 18, 2025
If you build a house in the United States today, there’s a good chance you’ll be living under the dictates of a neighborhood homeowners association – roughly two out of every three new homes are in an HOA, as are a third of existing homes. Some of these HOAs have evolved to encourage environmentally friendly […]
Daniel Kramer, Madeline Carr
Wednesday, August 5

Upgrades to Optimize Your Outdoor Living Space

(BPT) - When you invest in a deck, you're creating more than an extension of your home: you're creating a place where friends and family can gather, relax and make lasting memories. With a few …
Friday, August 28

To control weeds in your garden, late summer and early fall is the best time to make a difference

Late summer and early fall are a perfect time to fight weeds in the garden.
What gardeners do at the end of the growing season will determine how clean, productive and manageable their garden beds will be when spring arrives.
Manjot Kaur Sidhu, University of Maine, The Conversation
Sunday, September 20
Windy days can mean more pollen and more sneezing.
From sending more pollen airborne to breaking up pollen grains, which lets them penetrate deeper into your lungs, the wind is not the allergy sufferer’s friend.
Christine Cairns Fortuin, Mississippi State University, The Conversation
Monday, May 5, 2025
Houzz reports homeowners are prioritizing outdoor living spaces in 2026, focusing on comfort and functionality, with trends like multifunctional zones, elaborate outdoor kitchens, and professional help rising.
Julie Noble for Houzz
Wednesday, August 5
Angi reports that Washington, D.C. ranks as the top U.S. city for fall home maintenance, with many northern cities leading in preparedness. 
Sheeka Sanahori for Angi
9 hours ago
Garden and Home

The unseen, unsung hero of the water you drink

(BPT) - By Ned MonroeIt happens so often we hardly notice: Head to the kitchen, grab a glass from the cabinet, fill it with water from the faucet.Tap water is one of many conveniences of modern …
4 days ago

Shortlisting a residential water softener: A buyer’s guide

Culligan Harvey reports that shortlisting a residential water softener involves assessing household demand, plumbing compatibility, system types, and long-term maintenance costs.

Natalia Georgiadou for Culligan Harvey
Friday, September 18

How Radiant Heat Benefits Homes Inside and Out

(BPT) - From warm floors to fogless mirrors to driveways free of snow and ice, radiant offers countless solutions for energy-efficient comfort, convenience, safety and sustainability.Have you ever …
Tuesday, September 15

(BPT) - If you've ever endured a power outage for any length of time, you know what a hassle it is. And one of the biggest issues? The loss of food and/or medications in your fridge and freezer. What …
9 hours ago
Lifestyle news
Holiday shoppers are turning to AI. Can retailers deliver?
Kase reports holiday shoppers increasingly use AI for gift selection, prompting retailers to adapt inventory and fulfillment strategies for 2026 demands.
Alyssa Wolfe for Kase
Yesterday at 2:35 PM
How to stay fresh while camping
AXE reports tips for staying fresh while camping, emphasizing hygiene essentials and fresh clothes to combat odor.
Israel Fontoura for AXE
Yesterday at 1:05 PM
How to protect your engagement ring at destination proposals
Jewelers Mutual Group reports that nearly 1 in 5 proposals occur during travel, highlighting the importance of protecting engagement rings during destination proposals.
Howard Stone for Jewelers Mutual Group
Yesterday at 12:00 PM
Armpit discoloration and darkening: Causes and solutions
Dove Men + Care reports that underarm darkening can be caused by friction, irritation, and product ingredients. 
Kelly Baldwin for Dove Men + Care
3 days ago
Stress sweat: Why it peaks when summer ends
AXE reports that as summer ends, stress sweat replaces heat sweat, triggering stronger odors due to routine changes. 
Israel Fontoura for AXE
3 days ago