Blue rug is the nickname for the groundcover, Juniperus horizontalis “Wiltonii.” It takes the nickname for its ability to spread into a silvery blue, carpet over the landscape. Because the juniper isn’t as dense as turf, weeds have an easy time getting a toehold and proliferating.
Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) with its clusters of fragrant, mauve-colored flowers is a valuable addition to a butterfly garden, attracting scores of the winged creatures The plant typically grows to 4 feet, though occasionally it reaches heights of up to 6 feet.
Tolerant, pretty wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) doesn’t need a lot of help growing well. At home in a wide range of environmental conditions, wax myrtle usually does better without fertilization. However, if your soil really is nutrient deficient, a fertilizer may help encourage growth on ailing wax myrtles.
There are several types of hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.), but across the genus they are known for their lovely, colorful blooms. If your hibiscus has lighter, unhealthy-looking or yellow leaves, it may be suffering from a lack of acid.
Wood finishing is both art and science, and anyone who has ever stained an unfinished pine bookshelf or stripped and refinished an antique maple dresser has learned that the final result can be different than initially planned.
Sambuca, a cordial, finishes meals with, or in place of, dessert. It's semi-sweet anise flavoring complements coffee with cream or stands well by itself. The complexity of its flavoring pairs well with dark chocolate and cinnamon in pastries and confections.
There are a few different ways to patch holes, dents or scratches in wood, but oftentimes proper wood filler is not available. As most homes and buildings are sheathed with drywall, drywall mud is generally easier to find and a good substitute.
Almost any drawing can be turned into patterns for embroidery by transferring the drawing onto the fabric. A transfer pencil, which works equally well on light and dark fabrics, creates a design template that is easy to follow and washable after the embroidery is finished.
When it comes to quick and easy appetizers, tortilla roll-ups are both a crowd pleaser and a host's dream. To make this go-to finger food staple even more appealing, tortilla roll ups are also simple to make ahead of time. Avoid the last minute rush by preparing at least some of your ingredients the night before.
Hanging pictures from a curtain rod is a different way to display them. It adds character to a room, and also means that you can easily change out pictures without having to make new holes in the wall. Use frames in different sizes for a dynamic display, or a group of identical frames for a more formal look.