The 5 Most Important Home Maintenance Tasks You’re Forgetting to Do, According to Home Inspectors

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Brittany Anas , our reliable source on all things Home, Style and Design. If you’d like more information on Important Home Maintenance Tasks You’re Forgetting to Do, then please visit the linked website.

If you’re not properly maintaining your home, the damage will become clear come inspection time. Leaky roofs, faulty HVAC systems, wood damage hinting at major structural problems. Oh, my!

But what exactly are the most important chores to prevent longterm (and expensive) damage? I went straight to the source—professional home inspectors—to ask them what you should focus on. Here, the half-dozen tasks and missteps homeowners often make when it comes to home maintenance 101.

Cleaning your gutters

Check and clean out your gutters, soffits, and fascia throughout the year to prevent debris from accumulating. If you don’t, it could cause leaks, rotting, and other expensive damage, says Benjamin Martin, a home inspector and president and lead inspector for Florida Certified Home Inspections. 

“Once debris is carefully removed, any dirt or grime should be thoroughly cleaned and cleared; any missing caulk replaced; and holes, cracks, or loose areas repaired,” he says.

Plan to tackle this chore every spring and fall (or hire a professional if ladders make you queasy). Hot tip: Pine needles cause frequent gutter clogging. If you have a tree near your gutters, plan to do this more often.

Checking in on your air conditioning and heating system

Martin says the most ideal scenario is to hire an HVAC professional for semi-annual maintenance, focusing on cooling in the spring and heating in the fall. 

“In the meantime, homeowners, especially those with pets, should change their filters once a month,” he says

If you notice condensation gathering on your outdoor AC unit, don’t panic. Flush the condensate drain with soapy, hot water and vinegar. (If you’re new to this, look for the drain near the air handler. It’s usually made of PVC with an easy-to-access cap). If condensation continues to appear on the unit, if you notice drips, or the AC isn’t cooling, call in a licensed professional, Martin recommends.

Regularly flushing out clogs

Keeping your plumbing systems running smoothly will help you avoid leaks and water damage, Martin says. You should address small clogs as soon as they pop up. Yes, that means regularly removing the hair build-up in your shower (as unpleasant as it may be). 

In terms of your toilet, remove any gunk that accumulates near a toilet valve (the long mechanism in the toilet tank) and replace worn flappers (the rubber seal in the tank), he says.

Also, check underneath your sinks and inside cabinets to see if there are any water spots or puddles. You may have a hidden leaks that need attention.

Hot tip: Pay special attention to what you put down your garbage disposal. You know you can’t put an avocado pit down your drain and expect things to go well. But some lesser-known foods can also damage your garbage disposal, and—gulp—your more pricy plumbing system. Fibrous veggies like asparagus and celery can wrap around the disposal’s blades; coffee grounds can build up in the plumbing pipes; grease and fats can congeal and, over time, clog pipes.

Calling the exterminator in a timely fashion

If you see a couple of bugs crawling, you may get a tad creeped out, but mostly annoyed. However, allowing bug problems to escalate could wreak major havoc on your home, says Kathleen Kuhn, CEO and president of HouseMaster Home Inspections.
Wood-eating termites, for example, notoriously put a home’s structural integrity at risk, causing expensive repairs down the line. Carpenter ants also damage the wood where they nest. Powderpost beetles are wood-boring insects, creating hollowed out spaces in your wood.

Draining your hot water heater

Many homeowners don’t know to partially drain their hot water heater, says John Bodrozic, co-founder of HomeZada, a digital home management site. 

“Minerals in your water will build up over time at the bottom of your tank, which also causes the tank to work harder, which often causes the hot water heater to fail, causing water damage,” he explains.

Keeping your water heater running efficiently can greatly benefit your pocket: Replacing a hot water tank can cost up to $4,500. Bodrozic says to drain your tank from the bottom at least once a year to get the sediment out, then refill it.

Ahh, don’t you wish homeownership came with a user’s manual? To help, we’ve come up with a list of maintenance tasks that every first time home owner should know about.

If you’d like more information about the Denver Real Estate Market, then please contact your nearest Denver Realtor.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

These 19 Home Office Decor Ideas Will Make You Want to Tackle Your To-Do List ASAP

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Sarah Lyon, our reliable source on all things Home, Style and everything in between. If you’d like more information on Home Office Decor Ideas, then please visit the linked website.

For many, working from home is a major perk, but you know what makes it even better? Being able to set up shop in a home office that reflects your personality, encourages you to embrace creativity, and supports productivity. Whether you operate a business from your apartment or just need room to knock out a mile-long to-do list on the weekends, these office decor ideasbelow will inspire you to design the workspace of your dreams. Now if only they’d make your cluttered inbox disappear, too!

Create a Soothing Color Scheme

Blogger Taylor Brown‘s home office is a gorgeous mix of mainly black, white, gold, and gray pieces and features everyone’s fave rattan pendant—the SINNERLIG from IKEA—as well as other modern accessories such as a globe desk lamp from Target. If you like a peaceful palette, soft gray walls are the way to go. You can always turn up the drama with some colorful accessories if you tire of this kind of chic, monochromatic look.

Wake Up Your Walls

Add a pop of color to your walls, or even just the area behind your computer, as blogger Christene Holder did in her workspace. You’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to stare at a plain backdrop all day—a little color can make all the difference to help spark inspiration and creativity! And if you want a really streamlined space, closed cabinetry is your best friend. Holder used a two-toned mix of drawers and taller, almost pantry-sized, cabinets.

Get Sophisticated

If you’re not one for pops of color, you may want to design a more black-and-white space like blogger Maria Vizuete‘s, which also proves that a symmetrical setup can look stunning. Extra chairs placed in front of your desk make it easy to conduct meetings in your at-home workspace. And don’t underestimate the impact that a few well-placed mirrors can have, especially if you don’t have a lot of windows. Flanking the desk with two large, paned mirrors really brightens up the space and adds visual interest here.

Let the Sun Shine

Karen of Sanctuary Home Decor positioned her desk in front of her office window, which ensures that sunlight can stream in as she tackles her blogging and design work. Play around with different layout configurations to determine what works best for you and your work preferences. Desks don’t always need to be pushed up against a wall. Floating yours in the middle of a room or putting one in a sunny corner might be a better option for you.

Embrace Open Shelving

Blogger Stacy Risenmay‘s home office features plenty of open shelving. The key to keeping yours orderly and neat like hers? Bins and baskets. You can combine a mix of both open and closed storage pieces in different sizes as seen above. Just make sure each item sticks to a palette—here it’s black, white, and brown—for some visual unity.

Play With Paint

Even if you don’t want to paint all of your office walls, adding colorful wainscoting will make a huge impact, as illustrated by blogger Danika Gadeken of Nadine Stay. We love how the hunter green looks when paired with the cognac chair. If your walls don’t have this kind of trim work, you can fake it by painting half of your walls in a contrasting color.

Add Pizzazz With Panels 

Blogger Monica Benavidez hung chinoiserie panels behind her desk for extra charm, and they truly transform the back wall of her room. Whether you opt to purchase something special or get creative with a little DIY project, you can’t go wrong with some statement artwork like this. These kind of pieces make a big impact on the cheap, especially if you tackle the mounting and framing yourself. Plus, they provide a nice focal point behind your desk.

Go Traditional 

Blogger Kristine Franklin designed the most darling workspace, complete with a coordinated gallery wall and a lovely, traditional-looking chair, which pairs nicely with a more modern wooden desk. An oversized plant adds intrigue to the corner of the room. Don’t forget that last layer of life—greenery will wake up your senses and may even help you stress less.

A Clear Winner

Olivia Watson‘s office makes it easy to stay on top of her fashion blogging, thanks to her bookshelves-turned-purse and shoe racks. She also wheeled in a rolling rack that’s stocked with pieces for her future #OOTD posts. Because she has a lot of stuff in this room, her choice of a lucite desk, simple white chair, and plain rug ensures that the space doesn’t look too cluttered.

Set Up a Shared Workspace

If you and your spouse or business partner want to work side-by-side, a setup like blogger Remi Ishizuka’s is an ideal solution. She used IKEA filing cabinetsto separate her two seating areas and max out storage space. You may find it helpful to use the same furnishings—chairs, desks, and lamps—just to keep the look in your room cohesive.

Think Outside the Box

Hello, home office that looks like it’s straight out of an Anthropologie catalog! It’s hard to pick a favorite feature here, but it just might be the table. Not finding a desk you love? Try working at a dining table instead! This space by Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth features a mid-century modern piece that is large enough to sit two, making it ideal for group work. Go ahead and think a bit outside the box when decorating!

Hang a Favorite Print

Hanging a calming piece of artwork above your desk will make even the most stress-filled days feel a bit less chaotic. As much as we love a good gallery wall, an oversized print like this one that Megan of Honey We’re Homeincluded is really all you need. Plus, it’s a much easier install and doesn’t compete with the gold shelving units the way a full gallery wall would.

Go a Little Glam

Blogger Caitlin Covington worked with friend and designer Kelsey Hymel of Kelsey Lee Interiors to create the space pictured above. While glam touches like the chandelier may not be standard in an office, they’ll elevate a space in an instant and make sitting at a desk all morning feel like a little fancier. We also love the addition of oversized shutters here as the choice of window covering. They add an extra hit of architectural charm to the space.

Make Room for Plants

Real or faux, greenery can go a long way in making an indoor workspace feel a little more lively. Blogger Cyndi Spivey added several plant babies to her home offie, all of which make the room that much more cheerful. And go ahead and get that fiddle leaf fig tree you’ve been wanting. If Spivey’s office is any indicatory, it’s the perfect way to fill an empty corner.

Say Yes to a Sofa 

If you have room for a sofa or loveseat in your home office, why not go for it? Blogger Courtney Whitmore did just that, turning her space into a multi-functional room where clients can convene. Her decor is perfect for anyone who loves preppy, glam style. And if you’re lucky enough to have a window seat, you can turn that into extra guest seating, too. Just add a seat cushion or a couple of pillows.

Style Your Heart Out

Blogger Chris Carey‘s open shelving makes a major statement, thanks to its bold black hue. Don’t be afraid to use a dark color for a wall or shelving unit in your office, especially if your key furnishings and decorative accessories are lighter in color. The only thing to keep in mind is how much natural light your room gets. Deep colors can be tricky to pull off if you don’t have a lot of windows.

Maximize Your Storage

Blogger Missy Ulmer‘s beautiful home office is full of sunlight—and storage! A wall of built-in shelves, cabinets, and drawers provides both visible and hidden storage, the latter of which is perfect for stashing office supplies, paperwork, and other important documents. If you don’t have the budget for custom, you could always bring in some bookshelves to fake the look.

Find Clever Small Space Solutions

Ashley Carpenter proves that yes, you can even create a home office in an RV! The secret here is to keep furniture and decor relatively minimal, so you don’t create visual clutter. This color-coordinated boho space is the perfect spot to squeeze in a work sesh and has a lot of style but just the basics—a desk, lamp, plant, and clock.

Transform Your Basement 

Brittany Hayes of Addison’s Wonderland transformed her basement into a beautiful, spacious home office that has tons of functionality and style. A basement office provides minimal distraction while making the most of space that is oftentimes neglected.

If you’re interested in buying or selling a home, then please contact your nearest Denver Flat Fee Realtor to learn more about the Denver Market.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

The 7 Products that Pro Decorators Say Aren’t Worth Spending Your Money On

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Sarah Lyon, our reliable source on all things Home, Style, and everything in between. If you’d like more information on Products That Aren’t Worth Spending Your Money On, then please visit the linked website.

It may seem like professionally designed spaces feature only the finest, priciest pieces of furniture and decorative accessories—a sculptural lounge chair that looks like it belongs in a museum, a wall hanging made by hand using ancient weaving techniques. And wait, that decorative tray on the coffee table costhow much?

But in reality, there are plenty of affordable designer-approved items that will add function and sophistication to your home. And on the flip side, there are plenty of seemingly “must have” products that designers say aren’t worth the hype. So where can you cut corners? Four designers weighed in on things that aren’t worth spending tons of money on—and the budget buys you should consider for these categories instead.

Lamps

Good lighting is essential in any home, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. “Although there are many beautiful, high end lamps, I have found many fantastic lamps for under $100 online and at local stores,” says Molly Kay Johns of MK Interiors. Many look just as nice as the expensive ones, and you can save hundreds of dollars this way.” If you really want to save big, check out your neighborhood thrift store—we’ve found some great pieces at amazing prices.

Decorative Accents

Step away from that museum-worthy trinket dish—you can likely find something just as gorgeous for a fraction of the price if you do a bit of digging! “Vases, books, and other pieces for shelves and coffee tables can be found at local stores and some online marketplace for a lot less than big brand names,” Johns explains. “You don’t need to spend $900 on a vase for it to be pretty.” Heck, the next time someone sends you flowers, hold onto the plain glass vase. Cut flowers really shine in something that’s simple.

Art

“You can also find some amazing art at estate sales, on Everything But The House, and on Etsy,” notes Elizabeth Stamos, owner and principal at Elizabeth Stamos Design. “This artist has beautiful Paris prints that are really well priced.” You can also create your own art or frame swatches of wallpaper, magazine tear sheets, or blown up vacation photos. As long as you like what’s hanging on your walls, the price doesn’t matter. 

Side Tables

Don’t be afraid to add less expensive furniture pieces to the mix when you’re looking to cut back on decorating expenses. A good place to go cheaper is with occasional furniture like side and end tables. As Johns notes, “When paired with a larger, more substantial, high quality table elsewhere in the space, you can use a less expensive side table, and it will blend in nicely.” Same goes for nightstands in the bedroom—splurge on a headboard or bed, since it’s the focal point but don’t sweat the small stuff. Check out Apartment Therapy’s Bazaar for some viable options. This eclectic side table is available for only $135.

Dinnerware

“For young families, I always recommend the Williams-Sonoma Apilco white plates,” says Shannon Crain of Shannon Crain Design. “They are easy to clean, pretty, and don’t chip! Buying fancy china means some hand-washing is involved, so save money and time with a set of porcelain for everyday.” This particular collection is also microwave-safe and designed for restaurant use, so you know it’s going to stand up to wear and tear.

Entertaining Accessories

As much as we wish every day was a party, you’re likely not hosting seven days a week. So keep your entertaining items budget-friendly, designer Marika Meyer advises. “You can find fabulous home accessories at retail shops like West Elm and CB2 that look great for less,” says Meyer. “I love these CB2 faux cut crystal tea light holders and snapped up a bunch of these for a party I hosted over the holidays. I also love these West Elm drink glasses.  They come in multiple sizes, and the glass feels really refined, so you can use it just as easily for water as you can for cocktails.” If either of these options seem a little too pricey, know that your local dollar store is probably another good destination for basic glassware and candle holders.

Coffee Table Tchotchkes 

No vignette is complete without a candle or sculptural piece, but these items don’t need to cost hundreds. Stamos is partial to this CB2 match striker. Similar pieces are popping up on coffee tables across the country, and it just might be the cheapest way to bring a Goop-endorsed piece into your place.

If you’re interested in buying your first home, then please contact your nearest Denver Realtor to get the most up-to-date information about the Denver Market.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

3 Things to Splurge On for Your Bedroom, And 3 Things You Can Save On

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Hannah Baker, our reliable source on all things Home, Style, and everything in between. If you’d like more information on Things to Splurge on In Your Bedroom and Things You Can Save On, then please visit the linked website.

When it comes to decorating any room, it’s reasonable to assume you can’t splurge on every single piece of furniture or accessory you put into the space. Your bedroom—you know, the place you relax, unwind, and spend roughly a third of your life, should certainly feel calm. That said, how should you decide what to spend your money on and where you can cut corners? Well, leave it to the experts. We spoke to three designers on how to get the most out of your bedroom budget, and here’s what they had to say. 

Splurge On Custom Drapery

Because every window and room is different, Haley Weidenbaum, designer and founder of Everhem, says custom window treatments are the place to splurge. “If you want window treatments that look right in your space, it’s best to make the investment in some that are tailor-made for your unique windows,” says Weidenbaum. “When you order custom drapery, you’re designing something specifically for the width and length of your windows—and the height of your ceiling—so you can guarantee they’ll look proportional.” Plus, you’ll want to make sure you have drapery that suits your sleeping needs, whether that be of the blackout variety for the light sleeper or perhaps a sheer option for those who like to rise with the sun.   

Save On Nightstands

Weidenbaum says to go the inexpensive route when it comes to bedside tables. “Nightstands are a heavy use item in the bedroom,” she says. “While you might not realize it, they’re susceptible to a lot of wear and tear. Considering you can find affordable and perfectly sized nightstands at just about any big box or furniture store, the high-end route isn’t worth taking. And in a small space, you don’t even need nightstands. Try flanking your bed with wall-mounted shelves or even a set of simple chairs. All you really need is enough of a surface for a clock, lamp, and maybe a glass of water.”

Splurge On Art

If you’re familiar with LA-based designer Emily Henderson and the way she mixes whimsical vintage pieces with newer products, then you won’t be too surprised by her bedroom splurge suggestion. “The great thing about decor products in 2020 is that there is so much out there that is affordable and really good quality,” says Henderson. “So where I want—and recommend—to spend money is on a really special and/or vintage piece of art you love for your bedroom.” One good piece of art can make your space unique and elevate the overall style. “Plus, it’s something that can easily move with you from room to room, home to home,” says Henderson, so art is always a great investment, even if you’re currently living in a rental. And remember: There’s no need to buy all the art for your home at one time. A solid personal art collection takes time, thought, and careful curation.

Save On Sheets

“Where I would save is bed linens,” says Henderson. “I honestly use simple Target bedding most of the time with a cool throw or quilt.” Henderson is quick not to discount luxury bedding—but if budget is a concern, your money just might not be best spent here, since it’s fairly easy to fake the look of a high end bed. It’s all about the layering. Find a neutral budget bedding set to use as a base and then pile on a few interesting throw pillows and a blanket. This way, you can easily switch out these accessories when you feel like changing up your bedroom without buying all new bedding.  

Splurge On a Mattress Pad and Pillows

Maybe you wish you could replace your mattress—it’s never been that great, but it’s not quite past its prime yet. Well, that doesn’t mean you can’t tweak your sleep setup at all. In fact, designer Maggie Griffin believes in splurging on comfort with a couple of key bed add-ons. “Find yourself a comfy foam mattress pad and pair it with memory foam pillows,” Griffin says. You might be surprised how much these extras make a difference in terms of comfort. 

Save On Decorative Accessories 

When you set out to decorate your bedroom, Griffin says to make sure your space feels tranquil, which means keeping extraneous objects to a minimum. “Be careful not to overspend on too many accessories or furnishings when decorating your space,” says Griffin. “Your bedroom should feel restful and spacious—not cluttered with excess stuff and furniture.” 

If you’re interested in purchasing your first home, then please contact your nearest Denver Fixed Rate Realtor to learn more about the Denver Market.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

9 Wonderful Housewarming Gifts That Aren't Wine

This article has been taken from Better Homes & Gardens and written by Allison Maze, our reliable source on everything Home, Gardens, and everything in between. If you’d like to learn more information about Housewarming Gifts, then please visit the linked website.

Don't get us wrong: Wine is wonderful. But if you want to go beyond the bottle when helping friends, family members, and new neighbors feather their nests, take a cue from these stylish and thoughtful housewarming gifts our editors love to give.

For the decor-savvy nester, spring for a pretty-yet-practical coffee table book. Bursting with wow-worthy vignettes and beautiful interiors, Emily Henderson's Styled will provide the inspiration and advice she craves.

A Happy Houseplant

The houseplant is super hip these days, and even the most humble hints of green can cheer up a room. Opt for a small, easy-care plant or terrariumthat can nestle into a bookshelf or take up residence on a tabletop. A preppy pot doesn't hurt, either.

A Token of Their Neighborhood

Whether it's a vintage postcard featuring their new city or a pillow printed with their ZIP code, a gift with ties to their new locale is both unique and memorable.

A Personalized Address Stamp

Give their address change the ultimate stamp of approval with a handmade design worthy of the snail-mail spotlight.

Stylish Sips

Settling in to a new space calls for a toast. Make at-home happy hour even more enjoyable with a darling set of drinkware. These vintage aqua leaf lowball glasses will leave them swooning.

Tasty Local Treats

Win their hearts through their stomachs with goodies from a local bakery or candy shop. Or, nudge them to get started on their new-city bucket list with a gift certificate to a nearby restaurant.

Luxe Goods

Treat them to something they wouldn't normally purchase for themselves. Little luxuries such as fancy soaps, candles, and lotions will make their new space feel like a serene retreat.

Gift Cards They'll Actually Use

Because you know big-box staples like Target, Lowe's, Walmart, and the Home Depot are bound to be in their future. For creative points, gather cleaning supplies or small home improvement items in a cute little bundle with the gift card. 

Monthly Flower Delivery

Flowers exude a happy, homey vibe -- even among a sea of unpacked boxes. Purchase a flower-of-the-month delivery for a few months so they can look forward to each fresh supply.

If you’re interested in learning more information about the Denver Market and moving into your first home, then please contact your nearest Denver Realtor.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

12 Flower Garden Design Tips That Will Help You Plan a Stunning Landscape

The following article has been taken from Better Homes & Gardens, a reliable source for all things home, gardens, and everything in between. If you’d like more information on How To Plan a Stunning Landscape, then please visit the linked website. Please enjoy the 12 Tips Better Homes and Gardens has for creating your most beautiful flower garden.

Flowers make any landscape more beautiful. But don’t be intimidated by the idea of planting a flowerbed. Use these tips to help you learn how to design a flower garden, and use them as inspiration for creating your own colorful spring landscape.

Research Flower Characteristics

The best flower garden designs incorporate several types of flowering plants, including long-living perennials, short-term (but long-blooming) annuals, seasonal bulbs, ornamental grasses, and vines. Before you officially get started on your flower garden design, do a little research on what types of plants will grow best in your area, what colors and textures they offer, and any limitations or special care they might need.

Choose Your Flower Garden Design Style

Your personal preferences (or your home's architectural style) can help dictate your garden design and set parameters for its size. Different flower garden design ideas and styles lend themselves to different types of plants. For example, a contemporary-leaning landscape might take a minimalist approach and clearly define flower beds with hard lines; a cottage-style garden encourages a mix-and-match approach and whimsical paths and flower beds. If you enjoy bringing flowers indoors, consider a perennial cutting garden.

Determine the Garden's Shape and Size

Flowering plants can be arranged in beds of almost any shape and size, from expansive rectangles to petite corner beds. To get an idea of how your flower garden will fit into the rest of your landscape, use a garden hose to outline the edges before you start digging. Walk around the bed; look at the proposed garden bed from every viewpoint. Test if you'll be able to access plants in the middle or if you'll need to include a path. If you're specifically looking for flower garden ideas for beginners, start small: You can always expand your plan if you want, or go bigger next year.

Select Flowering Plants

Once you've decided on your flower garden's design, shape, and size, it's time to put your plant research into action. Consider show-stopper plants you want to use as a focal point, flower sizes, year-round interest, bloom time, and color combinations.

Supply a Focal Point

Every garden bed, no matter how big or small, needs a focal point that gives the eye a place to start before moving on to the rest of the flowerbed. That could mean anchoring a large bed with boxwood shrubs in the corners and a flowering shrub in the middle or planting a mass of a single flower type in the center of a skinny border. You can also add an interesting piece of garden art.

Evaluate Plant Height

You'll also have to consider a plant’s height when making your selections. For example, if your garden is a border along the house, the tallest plants will need to go in the back but shouldn't be so tall that they block windows or doors. If your flower garden design is an island, the tallest plants should go in the center. Some short plants suffer when shaded by tall plants, so take individual flowers' needs into consideration.

Review Bloom Times

Well-designed flower gardens have plants with year-round interest and staggered bloom times. Evaluate both factors before selecting plants. You don't want to create a garden that's full of color in the summertime but bare in autumn. That's another reason it's important to combine different types of plants—shrubs that provide spring bloom and winter structure, fall-blooming bulbs, and summertime perennials, for example—in your flower garden design.

Select Complementary Flowers and Foliage

Creating the best color combinations in your flower garden design can be tricky. A good place to start is the color wheel. For example, gardens planted in shades of the same hue, like pink, are pleasing to the eye. Colors next to each other on the color wheel, like purple and red, look good together, as do colors across from each other—purple and yellow. Foliage can also provide much-needed texture and color for visual interest when blooms have wilted away.

Rely on Odd Numbers

When laying out your flower garden design, plant at least three (or any odd number) of the same kind of plant, either together or spaced apart. It's a visual design trick that creates cohesiveness so flowerbeds feel less jumbled than a one-of-each-kind collection of plants.

Incorporate Hardscape

Hardscape elements, like pergolas, trellises, and arbors are beautiful complements to flower garden design. If you're crafting a bed that flows from front yard to backyard, for example, an arbor with a climbing rose can help mark the transition from public to private spaces.

Once your research is done and you've decided on all the elements and the garden size, it's time to prep the bed by removing any old plant material (including grass). You may also want to add edging, such as pavers or another material.

Now, it’s time to go get your plants! Shop early in the morning to avoid crowds so you have plenty of time to make your purchase. If you’re shopping in a greenhouse on a sunny day, wear layers because it can get hot (and bring a bottle of water, too). Do your best to stick to your list—it’s easy to get carried away when you're face-to-face with all the beautiful plant options.

Prep, Edge, Purchase, and Plant

Once your research is done and you've decided on all the elements and the garden size, it's time to prep the bed by removing any old plant material (including grass). You may also want to add edging, such as pavers or another material.

Now, it’s time to go get your plants! Shop early in the morning to avoid crowds so you have plenty of time to make your purchase. If you’re shopping in a greenhouse on a sunny day, wear layers because it can get hot (and bring a bottle of water, too). Do your best to stick to your list—it’s easy to get carried away when you're face-to-face with all the beautiful plant options.

Mulch, Water, and Enjoy the Show

Any newly planted flowers should be well-mulched then watered regularly until the plants are established. Monitor your rainfall and water as needed, ensuring that your plants receive about an inch of water a week.

Once your new garden is in the ground, place a chair or two close enough to admire it. Enjoy watching the plants grow and bloom, and take in the view.

In the fall, you’ll want to assess your garden. What did you like? What grew well? Think about what you’d change next spring. Consider whether you want to build a no-dig flowerbed. And do what gardeners do in the off-season: Dream of the next garden.

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