Outdoor living is in, especially during the sweltering summer months. Turn a staid, screened-in porch into a tranquil oasis with some comfortable furnishings and ambient decor. These are our favorite tips for creating a screened space you’ll want to live in all year long.
Treat It as Your Home:
Don’t be tempted to skimp on furniture for your screened-in porch. Many homeowners rely on basic patio furniture rather than adding comfortable cushioned couches and chairs that create an inviting space. Outdoor poufs are a versatile choice that does triple duty as extra seating, a footrest, or a convenient side table. Choose options with weatherproof fabric that provides easy maintenance and care.
The cozier you are on the screened-in porch, the more likely that you (and your guests) will want to spend time there. Think of this area as a natural extension of your home. When choosing furniture, picture how you want to use the space. If you plan to entertain, are you envisioning cocktail parties or boisterous family dinners? Pick your pieces accordingly.
Add Accessories:
Those little details are a major part of making the patio feel like an extension of your indoor space. Think colorful throw pillows, durable rugs, side tables for snacks and beverages, and accent lighting. Choose colors that coordinate with your indoor palette for a seamless transition from inside to out. Pillows and throws in various textures will add visual and tactile interest. Potted plants add more life to space while emphasizing its natural elements.
Keep It Cool:
For a three-season porch, you can use from spring to fall, consider screened-in, porch-cooling options to see you through the hottest days of August. Ceiling fans are more effective than a window AC unit, and they create a cooling breeze that will provide relief. Evaporative coolers lower the temperature by using humidity. With these units, cold air is blown over water droplets that chill the air as they evaporate.
You can also install shades that can be pulled down to keep the cool air in during the summer and to block the cold air out on chillier nights. Look for transparent versions that will preserve the outdoor feel of the porch.
Promote Relaxation:
Both real and battery-powered candles create a romantic light that enhances the porch’s appeal. String lights provide a similar function. If your home is in a suburban or an urban area that tends to get noisy, consider outdoor speakers through which you can play relaxing ambient noise, such as ocean sounds or birds chirping. You can also plant a row of trees or shrubs to dampen the noise, provided it doesn’t block your view. Consider adding a fireplace to your screened-in porch, which has the added benefit of allowing you to enjoy the space when the weather cools.
By incorporating these design ideas to add life to your screened-in porch, you’re expanding the usable square footage of your home and increasing its value. Best of all, you’ll have a space your entire family can enjoy together for years to come.
I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.
Your yard is an extension of your home. Just like your home, you want to keep your yard in great shape. Like your home's interior, you also want to make sure the yard is an entirely inviting place. You also want your lawn to stay tidy and green. There are lots of steps you can take to accomplish this task. A beautiful yard is not only a place to admire. It's also a credit to the neighborhood for your neighbors to adore as much as you do. If you're going to put that house on the market, you'll want to make sure it has instant curb appeal. Homeowners planning on staying put can also benefit from a lush yard full of pleasing features any day of the year.
Here are 7 secrets to keeping your Lawn Tidy and Green:
1. Creating Outdoor Rooms:
It's best to think about the entire yard as a series of open rooms. Each room can be dedicated to a separate purpose. One area might be where you grow your beautiful roses. The next might be an area dedicated to growing lots of fruit and vegetables or a grove of trees that you can retreat to on a hot day. Each area can serve different purposes and yet still be part of an organic whole at the same time. Each area can also provide you with hours of enjoyment. Keeping each area in the best shape possible makes it possible for you to use that part as intended.
2. Other Features:
A yard typically has lots of other features besides the grass. You might have a birdbath or a pool. One area might have a large deck and a patio where you take your morning coffee before heading off to work. When making sure that your own lawn is in ideal shape, you'll want every single feature to work effectively. Allow enough space to make sure that any chlorinated water in your pool is firmly away from your more delicate flowers and growing vegetables. Keep a close eye on your deck and the patio area. These need to carefully examined as the season's pass. Look for any cracks in the pavers and other parts of the patio. Apply a coat of stain to the entire deck with waterproof features to keep it looking good and avoid problems with wood rot.
3. New Forms of Grass:
Different kinds of grasses can also be used in your yard. Synthetic turf from SurfaceIT Sydney can provide you with a useful alternative to your standard yard materials. This new form of grass is easier to maintain than many other types of grasses. There's no need to use lots of messy chemicals like fertilizers to keep in looking good. This form of grass also needs a lot less help to make it look good. You don't have to spend hours mowing it each year. It will also last longer than a handful of grass seeds and won't get full of dirt in the middle and muddy patches in the middle of a storm. This is a good choice that can work well with other types of lawn material for a coherent and elegant look.
4. Proper Fencing:
Fencing is another way to keep your yard looking fabulous. If you have a large dog, the fence will make sure they're not wandering the neighborhood. Fencing also provides a safe space for kids to enjoy as parents watch them have fun. Think about the kind of fencing you want to use. There are many choices ranging from standard wood to aluminum siding. Fencing can be easily integrated with the rest of the home's look and materials by using the same material as the rest of the house in this design. Add additional privacy by training a series of vines to climb over varied areas of the property. They'll add lots of colors and provide a lot of interest to the entire yard.
5. Long Term Plans:
Any plan for your yard should have both short term and longer-term ides in place. In the short term, you might want to begin by removing any existing features that you don't like. For example, you might have bushy areas with lots of growth that have grown over time and even uprooted areas in your yard.
Investing in the right tools to help you clean your yard effectively and swiftly is essential. One must-have tool is the Milwaukee M18 electric string trimmer which is a flexible, multi-use tool that is durable and long-lasting.
Your longer-term plans for the yard might include other aspects of it such as putting down a brand play space for the kids and installing new railings. Consider how you reach each area in the yard. Keeping it in good shape also means removing any obstacles in the path to the yard such as redoing the paths that lead to it.
6. Feeding the Yard:
All cards need to be fed to look good. You'll want to think about how to feed your yard and when to feed it. Now is the time to bring in the tools you need and store them in an easy and convenient place such as your garage. The yard needs to have food typically several times a year. You'll want to take the time to make sure the yard is fed on schedule. Adding additional items such as mulch can help by adding even more interest and protecting areas of the yard that might otherwise get too much sun all day long.
7. Watering It Right:
A yard also needs water. Water makes sure are all areas of the yard look nice. Nature typically waters the yard as needed. However, sometimes nature needs a little help now and then with the watering process. If you see areas that look as if they are getting a little bit brown, you'll want to make sure they are fully watered. A few minutes of watering once a week can keep your yard in great shape even in the middle of long, hot days. Consider grasses and other plants that need less water but will still look great. You'll conserve water and have a stunning yard at the same time.
Read Also:
4 Essential Tools Needed To Maintain Your Garden In The Winter
5 Essential Tips To Designing A Beautiful Front Yard Garden
“Flowers are for Tinder dates. Plants are for soul mates.”
Growing up, I watched with awe how my mother would convert any space, indoor or outdoor, with some love and a whole lot of plants. While some plants are your usual Begonias and Fuchsias, what attracted me the most was the collection of spiky plants my mom was obsessed with!
So it was only natural when I moved to my own place, my ideas on the decor were heavily inspired by my mother’s natural tastes. I couldn’t help filling spaces in my home with plants, and I soon realized I had developed a specific taste for plants that are spiky. But, of course, I refuse to believe that I am alone with my tastes. There have to be more people like me, and this article is for your guys!
Keep reading to find out more on the same.
Click Here Read Out: 10 Best Aesthetic Plants To Buy In 2022
10 Best Spiky Plants To Decorate Outside Your House:
“Don’t let the fear of limited space keep your from buying plants.”
Exactly! If you are wondering about the limitation of space, don’t! Because I am here to help you out with alternatives to outdoor spiky plants - if there’s no space inside, hopefully, you will make some outside for these babies. Scroll down to find out the top ten spiky plants for decorating the outside of your house.
1. Agave
A native American plant, the Agave thrives the best in arid and hot conditions. The best part? This dark green plant can tolerate droughts and also happens to love the sunlight - perfect for keeping outside your home, and it doesn’t even require a lot of care. Another great thing about this plant is that it lives for nearly three decades.
Since there are several species of the Agave plant, it is a little difficult to tell you the approximate growth level of these spiky babies. However, on average, these plants grow somewhere between six to ten feet. But smaller variations might grow up to only four feet.
2. Golden Barrel Cactus
Scientifically known as the Echinocactus Grusoni, the Golden Barrel Cactus is a cute addition to any home garden. These cuties are plants with spiky leaves and can grow up to 3 feet on both sides (length and width). Also, the woollen hair in white colour on top of the yellow needle-like spikes only adds to the visual effect of the plant.
Although these Golden Barrel Cactus need plenty of watering, sunlight exposure, for some strange reason, is hardly a requirement. In fact, while planting these spiky plants, you will find out they are avoiding the sun by themselves. So it is wiser to plant these in a space place in your garden.
3. Holly Plant
Popular as a Christmas symbol for many years, the Holly plant is a classic hedging plant that often provides both shelter and food to the wildlife. Even birds like Robins or Blackbirds feed on the red berries of this spiky plant. And if that was not enough, this plant also happens to be a great source of nectars and pollen for attracting bees.
The holly plant is a pretty cool feature for your garden because it brings in so many aspects. Moreover, the spiky leaves act as a deterrent for intruders. Also, since these plants grow slowly, they can easily go up to 30 or even 40 feet in some cases. Holly plants thrive best in well-drained soil that’s slightly acidic but not dry under the sun.
4. California Fuchsia
Are you up for some blooming, red addition to your outdoor garden? Then California Fuchsia is probably the best alternative for you especially if you are looking for some low-maintenance plants! The plant radiates the whole summertime floral vibes that can improve anyone’s mood exponentially. And if you are living in some dry area, then this one is surely meant for your garden.
The best part? California Fuchsia is primarily known for its flowers which keep growing through Spring, Summer, and straight into Fall. A colourful garden for most parts of the year - isn’t that what gardening dreams are made of? Just one thing - you need to be careful of the vertical spikes in the flowers.
Read More: 10 Best Foliage Plants To Buy In 2022 – Must Read!
5. Crown of Thorns
Don’t go on its name because Crown of Thorns is one of the most appealing spiky plants out there. The best part about these plants? The Crown of Thorns can easily tolerate droughts and resist heat, making gardening these babies very convenient. In fact, try to avoid overwatering at all costs!
Popularly known as the Euphorbia Milii, the Crown of Thorns happens to be the Christ Thorn since it is one such succulent with actual spiky leaves, which are thick, fleshy, and shaped like tears. Native to Madagascar, these spiky plants can grow nearly five to six feet tall.
6. Bougainvillea Plant
You already know how beautiful a Bougainvillea plant can be and especially as outdoor decor. But did you know that these are great for security reasons too? Someone once told me how all beautiful things have thorns, and these beautiful Bougainvilleas are no different.
The dense, thorny branches of the Bougainvillea plant can keep intruders at bay while adding color to the outdoor decor of your home. Moreover, these tall spiky plants can easily resist droughts and, in fact, thrive well under sunlight.
7. Devil’s Walking Stick
Scientifically known as the Aralia Spinosails, the Devil’s Walking Stick is literally named after its characteristic sharp, stout spikes prevalent on its leafy, green stems, branches, and stalks. Native to the forest areas of America, the Devil’s Walking Stick is popular for the clusters of umbrella-like white flowers.
This is literally a Devil’s Walking Stick that can grow up to 30 feet on average - the long stems, the orange prickles, the spiny leaves, and the white flowers are all characteristics of these spiky plants. Not only can these tolerate several urban pollutants, but they also can thrive well in a wide variety of soils.
8. Honey Locust
Did you know that these spiky plants that go by the name of Honey Locust can grow somewhere between 60 to 100 feet, on average? Aren’t these perfect for stabbing some intruder and boosting the security around your home? In fact, the black or dark grey barks can easily camouflage the thorn once the sun goes down. - perfect foliage plants for your home!
The best part? The Honey Locust is a plant that can easily adapt to any situation and thrive well under urban conditions. These can resist droughts and grows well in soil that is well-drained as well as moist!
You May Love To Read This: 10 Best Trailing Indoor Plants To Buy In 2022
9. Honey Mesquite Plant
Scientifically known as the Prosopis Glandulosa, the Honey Mesquite Plant is native to deserts located in Northern Mexico. Not only can these plants resist droughts, but they can easily survive under conditions that are dry and hot.
The best part? Those beautiful yellow flowers and the twisted trunks only add to the aesthetic pop outside your home. The plant is characterised by rough barks and long thorns, both of which help in making these plants the perfect defence hedge for your home.
10. Porcupine Tomato
Native to Madagascar, the Porcupine Tomato has a refreshing vibe, especially when it blooms in Summer with that beautiful purple tint. The leaves might fool you with beauty since it’s more like a cover-up for the upright thorns the plants are best known for.
The Porcupine Tomato is one of those spiky plants that thrive the best in well-drained soil and sun exposure. You can always plant it inside a container and strategically position the plant in different areas of your garden, creating a sort of surprise for any unwanted visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Why Are Desert Plants Spiky?
The spines and hair on a dessert plant prevent moisture loss by stopping the wind-effects. These can also help by casting little shadows on other plants. Moreover, the shininess of these spiky parts also helps in reflecting away the sun's rays.
Q2. What Is The Name Of The Spiky Plant?
A popular spiky plant that has been used for decor as a houseplant for several years is the Dracaena plant. Popularly referred to as the Spike Plant, the Dracaena plant is now competing with other varieties of spiky plants.
Q3. What Are Lucky Plants?
The best lucky plant that you can opt for is the Feng Shui plant. This plant is popular because it is considered lucky in terms of love, fortune, luck and prosperity. The other alternatives to lucky plants are Orchids, Bamboo, Rubber plants, and the like.
Wrapping Up:
“Home is where the plants are”
Now that you have a fair idea of some cool spiky plants names perfect for decorating the outside of your house, what are you waiting for? It’s time to bring in some new, spiky members home. Get yourself a beautifully thorny cactus or some much-needed Bougainvillea for the safety of your property - or opt for any other spiky plant!
Don’t forget to let us know in the comments below your thoughts on the same.
Read More:
10 Best Tall House Plants To Buy In 2022
Grow these flowering plants in your home garden
5 good luck plants that deserves a place in your home
When carpets are new, they stand out because every fiber is clean and flawless. However, as people walk on carpeting, the condition of its fibers changes, and this makes the pile less appealing. Carpet cleaning Environmental elements can affect a carpet's beauty as well by covering various fibers with microscope contaminants. If you want to keep your carpet in optimum condition in order to maintain its beauty, you'll need to follow 10 steps.
1. Vacuum:
Dust and dirt gradually build up on carpet material. If a dirt or dust layer is very thick, it will make a carpet dull. To extract dust and dirt, clean your carpet with a powerful vacuum twice a month. While vacuuming, push the vacuum horizontally. Then, position the unit so that you can clean the carpet again vertically. The number of passes will vary depending on the carpet's condition. Select the best carpet cleaning technique can make things easier for you.
2. Prevent Mud and Dirt Stains:
Most shoes have grooves that produce mud stains. If mud dries underneath a pair of shoes, it turns into dirt, and these particles can ruin your beautiful carpets. This is why you must place a mat that has stiff fibers near the front door. If everyone brushes their shoes against the bristles before entering your home, the carpets will stay clean. The dense bristles on the mat will wipe away any mud or dirt that lingers on everyone's shoe soles.
3. Clean Spills Quickly:
When someone spills a beverage on your carpet, clean up the liquid fast. If you wait until the beverage dries, you'll have problems removing the stain.
To clean up a spilled beverage, grab a paper towel, and dab it on the carpet fibers. Don't rub the towel on the carpet because you'll push the liquid down into nooks and crannies around threads. Whenever you need help eliminating a tough stain, treat the spot with soapy water. Then, dab a clean paper towel on the stain.
4. Keep Pets Off Delicate Carpets:
Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors shouldn't relax on your carpeting until they take a bath. The big problem is that pets have fur that holds dust and dirt. If contaminated fur touches tall carpet fibers, dirt will transfer onto the carpeting, and some particles may reach the bottom of the pile if a pet rolls or sleeps on the material.
5. Change the Furniture Layout Occasionally:
Furniture that's very heavy can damage delicate carpeting. Typically, the degree of damage is influenced by the length of time that a piece of furniture stays in one spot. The legs on hefty furniture can cause severe damage; they usually create crevices that make carpeting unappealing. In order to keep the fibers springy, simply change the layout of your furniture twice a year.
If you can't move your furniture because space is limited, invest in rugs with patterns that compliment your main carpeting. Place these rugs underneath the heaviest furniture to give your carpet a layer of protection.
6. Pull the Fibers:
Over time, as heavy furniture is pushed around a space, some areas of a carpet will buckle. If a carpet is very weak, ripples will also develop in isolated zones. These problems won't go away until someone pulls the fibers. Whenever you find rippling or buckling, implement procedures to correct the problems before creasing occurs. Creases can make the most attractive carpets less appealing because they create elevated zones that are tacky. To get rid of buckles and ripples quickly, let a seasoned carpet technician tackle the job. A professional can stretch out the carpet safely and efficiently without damaging the material.
7. Paint Interior Zones Strategically:
Paint can ruin a carpet if it drops on its fibers. You'll have to deal with bigger problems if you accidentally smear paint on the fibers or step on a layer of spilled paint. Once pressure is applied to paint, it will adhere to the fibers more efficiently, and the process of cleaning it up will be very challenging.
Whenever you're going to paint the interior walls around your home, you must prepare the space for the job. Place your paint cans and trays on a high counter or shelf so that no one will accidentally spill paint on your carpeting. While painting elevated areas, never coat your brushes or rollers will excessive paint. This strategy will prevent splattering as you apply coats on the high ceilings and walls.
8. Lease Carpet Cleaning Equipment:
Deep cleaning is an essential cleaning job. The equipment makes a carpet beautiful by washing soiled areas with a soapy formula. As the water soaks the fibers with rich soapy water, a brush loosens the dirt by spinning against the carpet material. After a carpet is deep cleaned, no dirt lingers on its surfaces because a deep cleaning unit extracts the dirty water into a convenient tank.
9. Replace Air Filters:
Air conditioning equipment uses ducts that can direct pollution into a home. However, all air duct systems are able to block contaminants before they enter a home using filters. When a filter is dirty, it must be replaced in a timely manner. If you replace your air filter regularly, thin layers of dust won't generate on your carpeting. Filters are the best carpet cleaning technique to make proper use of it. Carpet cleaning can make things easier for you to achieve your objectives.
10. Hang Blinds:
The sun produces very harsh UV rays that can damage delicate carpeting. If a carpet is a light color, intense heat from the sun can create noticeable spots on the carpet. By hanging blinds on multiple windows, you'll shield sunlight and protect your carpeting. Car cleaning can make your ambiance more aesthetic than before.
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