#outdoor-living

#outdoor-living

Above: "I spend most of my time planning which vegetables, fruits, and herbs to grow, and then dreaming up menus and parties around them," says Janet Mavec of Bird Haven Farm in Western New Jersey. How do we get invited to a dinner party amongst the garden beds? Read the full story at The Secret of Bird Haven Farm: How a Landscape Mystery Was Solved by Fernando Caruncho (and Nancy Drew). Photograph by Ngoc Minh Ngo.

Fort Lauderdale continues to appeal to buyers looking for both sun-soaked weekends and year-round convenience.

Remove standing water: Mosquitoes thrive in standing water, so eliminating any stagnant water sources in your yard is crucial to prevent breeding.

A canopy, parasol, or shade sail can enhance outdoor space usability during hot weather, while covered permanent designs like awnings and pergolas extend outdoor living throughout the year.

As newly built homes shrink in size, buyers want to make the most of their space, and for many builders, that means bringing back livable outdoor spaces like the porch and patio.

The deals extend to many of the same items, including weather-resistant dining sets, stylish outdoor sectionals and sofa sets, hardy woven patio chairs and ottomans, and even some aesthetically pleasing fire pits.

"As a real estate expert who loves helping homeowners boost their property's appeal, I've seen how a well-designed fence can elevate a yard and increase value."

"Environmental psychology research shows that green spaces on a smaller scale, such as a tree-lined street, can yield restorative benefits... linked to stronger community ties, lower rates of depression, and greater resilience."

"My favorite, favorite part is going out on the dock and watching the South River and all the activity on the water. Just sitting out there and watching the water go by is awesome," said homeowner Hugh Martin, chairman of the California biotech company Pendulum Therapeutics.

"After coming out of working the first 15 months of COVID in hospitals, it was like, 'Oh my gosh, I'm in nature. This is amazing. No mask, no PPE,'"

Summertime is the perfect season to establish a personal retreat, whether it’s a vast woodland escape in California or a serene pond in New York.

Now is the time to enjoy spending time at your home al fresco. Just picture it: sipping iced tea while gabbing with friends, enjoying a light beach read, or relaxing with a fresh crossword puzzle.

The SKIL 12-Volt Indoor/Outdoor Red Misting Personal Fan not only enhances outdoor comfort but does so affordably, making summer gatherings enjoyable even on the hottest days.

Eating every meal outside in summer elevates the experience, making every bite feel more delightful and engaging with nature. It's a celebration of the season.

The Colonial Gable Greenhouse from Little Cottage Co. provides ample natural light with its charming colonial style and offers multiple uses like a garden shed or craft space.

"Have you and your family been thinking about adding a new pool to your backyard? Maybe it's something you've wanted to do for a long time, but have no idea where to begin. You're not alone."

Homeowners increasingly invest in awnings not only for aesthetic appeal but also for energy efficiency and functionality. The global awnings market is rapidly expanding.

The KYL Fan Attachment transforms standard fans into energy-efficient cooling systems by improving airflow and reducing temperature by up to 1.5°C while minimizing electricity use.

"Privacy fencing, either along a property line or around a specific area in your garden, creates a sense of sanctuary, seclusion, and peacefulness," says Janice Parker.

The swarm of circling flies are males, waiting for an unmated female to fly by. Because the lesser house fly is not as tolerant to heat or sun, they choose shady, cooler spots to hang out, and places where the air is still.

Inflatable seating usually feels like a compromise: it either sags under your weight or feels unstable and bouncy, never quite delivering true ergonomic support.

Ashley’s outdoor furniture sale offers discounts of up to 25%, making it an ideal time to invest in your outdoor space for seasonal entertaining.

This year's tour features five distinct residences celebrating outdoor living, diverse architectural styles, and community engagement while benefiting a worthy local nonprofit.

As summer approaches, evenings become the time to enjoy outdoor gatherings, making proper lighting essential for backyard enjoyment—all while taking advantage of great deals.