7+ hour, 25+ min ago (428+ words) There's a reason this smokeless fire pit topped our tests. Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore Extracting the Bonfire 2.0 from its form-fitting packaging took longer than getting it ready to burn.Assembly was simple: Place the base on the ground, put the pit on top of that, insert the ash pan, then place the grate on top of the ash pan. The final step, placing a ring on top of the pit for extra safety, required building the fire. Burning is much more interesting, isn't it? I started a small fire with some downed wood I found and a fire starter block. Since the wood was wet from recent rains, the smoke it produced was thick, black, and noxious.If you're thinking that's not quite what was advertised, you're not wrong. But the Bonfire has a double-wall construction that creates convection, which…...

18+ hour, 25+ min ago (657+ words) Masie brings her interest in interior design and decor to House Digest, and she uses her lived experience and natural curiosity to inspire her writing for the site. She discovered her interest in journalism at a young age, first attempting to kickstart a campaign for a student newspaper at her middle school. The Best Plant Identification Apps To Protect Your Garden Invasive species are non-native species that can cause severe damage to ecosystems. Whether they're incredibly fast spreaders that are difficult to remove or they pose a direct threat to local flora and have been known to choke out native plants, being able to identify an invasive plant is important to stopping its spread and making wiser choices with your gardening. Many invasive plants can be confused for native lookalikes, so having the power of an identification app or additional…...

21+ hour, 25+ min ago (832+ words) Aleem is a freelance writer, biology teacher, and former research assistant on a government-funded project studying plant-based medicine. He has written hundreds of articles on sustainable gardening, biological pest control, and biodiversity. 10 Beautiful Companion Plants That Grow Well With False Cypress False cypress (Chamaecyparis spp.) is a genus that includes six species of evergreen trees. You can use them as specimen plants to add vertical interest in the landscape. And since they are evergreen, they can also be used to create hedges and to provide winter interest. What's special about these trees is that they are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and resistant to browsing by rabbits and deer. But they are not resistant to insect pests. And that is where beautiful companion plants that grow well with false cypress, like autumn fern, sedum, coleus, and petunias, can help. Companion plants can keep…...

1+ day, 3+ hour ago (1454+ words) Do keep an eye on the weather and only prune when the temperatures are right A lot of pruning in December depends on your climate. In colder and milder regions, plants go dormant in winter, which is perfect for pruning them, but you do want to avoid pruning during spells of extreme cold and frosty weather. It is always better to do your pruning on milder, frost-free days, and keep a close eye on local forecasts to avoid trimming just before extreme cold arrives. While in warmer climates, plants may not go fully dormant, but there is a risk of early pruning forcing them to produce tender new shoots, which will be at risk during any cold snaps. It can make December pruning feel like a potential minefield, and the risk of making the pruning mistake of trimming at the…...

1+ day, 6+ hour ago (35+ words) Use at least four inches of organic mulch such as straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips. It slows evaporation and helps more water soak into the ground. Mulch also keeps soil cooler and blocks weeds....

1+ day, 17+ hour ago (640+ words) Sam has worked as a professional writer, editor, and multimedia journalist for more than seven years. Their work has appeared in dozens of print and digital publications, including Them, Apartment Therapy, and Hunker Home, to name just a few. (Fun fact: They also moonlight as a consulting astrologer and have penned horoscopes for popular astrology apps like STAR/CHILD.) Prior to going freelance full-time in 2022, Sam was an associate editor at Logo News, Paramount Global's now-defunct online LGBTQ+ magazine, where they interviewed multiple celebrities and even won a GLAAD Media Award for a video series they co-produced. The Stunning Evergreen Plant With A Fruity Scent That Doubles As A Privacy Hedge Whether you're an avid gardener or a beginner, you're probably already at least a little familiar with magnolia trees. After all, these elegant flowering trees are super popular in…...

2+ day, 19+ hour ago (855+ words) Outdoor living has become an essential part of the modern home. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, relaxing after work, or simply admiring your garden, a well-built retaining wall in Redmond and surrounding area adds comfort and value to your property. One of the most effective ways to bring structure and beauty to an outdoor space is with a retaining wall. A retaining wall isn't just a functional feature. It's a foundation for better design. When installed by an experienced'retaining wall contractor, it becomes a focal point that ties your entire landscape together. For homeowners in the Pacific Northwest, Property Care Northwest has become a trusted name for durable, beautiful retaining wall installations that stand the test of time. Retaining walls play an important role in both design and safety. They hold soil in place, prevent erosion, and help manage…...

4+ day, 25+ min ago (46+ words) Get expert tips on winter-proofing your Texas patio plus a look at three outdoor living trends coming in 2026 from Koper Outdoor Furniture and Living Spaces. Sponsored by: Koper Outdoor Furniture and Living Spaces A spacious outdoor seating arrangement that blends comfort with minimalist design...

4+ day, 2+ hour ago (702+ words) To help property managers, facility owners, and commercial developers understand the evolving landscape of commercial outdoor care, we've compiled a list of seven essential tips rooted in today's newest trends, tools, and service approaches. These insights offer a clearer picture of what modern landscape maintenance looks like'and how businesses can get the most from their investment. Modern commercial landscaping is no longer a single-season service. Businesses today benefit most when they invest in year-round maintenance plans that include spring cleanup, mowing, edging, mulching, plant care, leaf removal, and winter prep. This comprehensive approach keeps properties looking consistent and prevents costly repairs caused by neglect or seasonal damage. Full-service outdoor management also allows businesses to work with a single provider for all needs'a model that boosts communication, simplifies scheduling, and ensures the property receives consistent care. For companies looking to streamline…...

4+ day, 4+ hour ago (22+ words) Taking care of your garden during the hot summer months can feel challenging, especially when water is limited and time is short....