Editor’s Tip: For a more refined look, or to add color, fill the gabion with stainless steel garden globes instead of rocks. You can find globe sets with various sphere sizes online or at nurseries. The globes last for years and can be used for future projects.
Next, attach the stretcher to the large side panels. Place the stretcher between the panels and align the top of the stretcher rails with the top of the side panels. Make sure the hardware you installed earlier is facing inward. Once aligned, screw from the outside of the side panels into the top stretcher board. Be sure to drill into the stretcher board itself, not just the rails. Lift the entire unit up to the wall....
Starting Herb Seeds Indoors Some herbs, such as basil, chives, parsley, and dill, grow easily from seed. Other varieties that are easy to start include angelica, borage, chamomile, chervil, cilantro, coriander, fennel, lemon balm, marjoram, sage, stevia, thyme, and winter savory. If you start your herbs from seeds, follow the planting instructions on the packet. The basics are the same, whether you start the seeds indoors to get a jump on the growing season, or plant them directly in the ground....
5 No-Fail Tips for Choosing Front Door Colors for Brick Houses With so many colors to choose from, deciding on a single shade for your front door can be intimidating. Follow these simple steps for choosing the perfect color. 1. Stick to Livable Neutrals While paint color selection is always an opportunity for creative expression, it’s often best to stick to a livable neutral palette that will stand the test of time....
The Best Hydrangeas for Full Sun While several species of hydrangeas thrive in shade, panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) are the best for growing in full sun. These summer-blooming shrubs produce large clusters of white flowers for several weeks. The showy blooms fade to shades of pink or red before drying to beige. In many areas, the blooms dry on the plant in the fall and continue looking good through most of the winter....
How to Remove Stains from Granite: Make a paste of baking soda and water. Gently scrub the spot with the paste and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly. Several applications might be necessary to remove stains from granite countertops. How to Seal Granite: Seal granite countertops with an appropriate sealer formulated for stone. This will help prevent stains and make it easier to keep clean. How to Remove Stains from Laminate Countertops: For greasy buildup, try cleaning kitchen countertops with natural cleaning ingredients such as vinegar and water....
Plan to wash your patio furniture and cushions before storing them away for the season, or more frequently as stains happen. Depending on where they’re stored, you might also want to clean outdoor cushions and pillows before using them for the first time each year. Follow the steps below for the best way to clean outdoor cushions, including how to remove common stains like mildew from outdoor fabrics. How to Clean Patio Cushions and Pillows Some patio cushions and outdoor pillows feature removable covers that you can simply toss in the washing machine....
How to Sauté or Pan-Fry Chicken Breast Learning how to cook chicken breast on the stove is as easy as two simple steps. In a large skillet heat olive oil and butter or margarine over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until chicken is tender and no longer pink, turning once. How to Boil Chicken Breast Place two whole chicken breasts in a large skillet and add enough water to cover....
How to Know When It’s Time to Cut Down a Tree A dead or dying tree is most easy to spot during a time of year when it normally would have leaves on it. A lot of leafless limbs in summer is an obvious sign your tree is unhealthy to the point where it can’t be saved; dead trees will have no leaves at all. If it’s winter, you can lightly scratch a branch or snap a twig off to see if there’s any green tissue....
Choose a piece of solid wood furniture that’s the right size and style for your room. Then select two colors of latex paint: one for the top coat and another for the base, which will peek through from underneath. Once the paint is dry, you’ll use sandpaper to distress the surface to your liking. Follow the steps below to learn how to paint wood furniture with a gorgeous distressed finish....
Luckily, there are a few simple methods for locating wall studs without a stud finder. These practical tips and tricks require minimal tools, can be accomplished by any level of DIYer, and are sure to get your home projects back on track. What Is a Wall Stud? Wall studs are the vertical frame members that stretch between the floor and ceiling to make up the internal structure of a wall....
How to Freeze Apples As with all fresh produce, thoroughly wash apples in cool tap water to rid them of any pesticides or bacteria. From there, follow these simple steps for freezing apple slices. Step 1: Peel Apples To peel, use a vegetable peeler ($11, Target) or paring knife; start at the stem end and circle around to the blossom end. Step 2: Quarter Apples Cut the apple into four pieces through the stem and blossom ends....
How to Grow Dahlias Plant dahlias in a spot that gets at least eight hours of direct sunlight a day. In dry, hot-summer climates, choose a spot that provides direct sun from the morning into midday, offering shade or filtered shade by the hottest part of the late afternoon. Like potatoes, dahlias grow from tubers (they’re actually edible) so good soil preparation is key. Loosen or dig soil to a depth of about 10 inches....
Planting a Mango Seed The process of growing mangos from seed is actually pretty simple. While care should be taken during the extraction of the seed, both adults and children might find the process fun and worthwhile. Before you begin, make sure you have all your materials in place and ready to go. MangoKnifeScissorsPaper towelsZip-top plastic bagPotting soilContainer Step 1 The first step in the process is also the best: eat the mango!...
Commonly made from rattan, hanging chairs have a unique shape that might remind you of another retro trend: the egg chair that was popular throughout the midcentury period. The peacock chair of the 1960s and ’70s, with its woven construction and cocoon-like form, also bears a resemblance. Whatever the historical significance, it’s clear that these chairs are back in a big way. Decorating Ideas for Hanging Chairs Hanging chairs work especially well in a four-season room or on a patio, where the breeze can give the furniture a gentle sway....
Use outdoor walkway lights to guide guests to and from your home. Solar lights are a great choice, and they can be placed nearly anywhere. As the name implies, solar lights gather energy from the sun and use it to power lights. That being said, their light is usually a little softer than traditional systems, and on cloudy days, they may not work at all. A low-voltage system is a little more laborious but offers bright, reliable lighting....
Depending on how the pieces fit together, some jointed sidings can be fully attached by blind-nailing through a tongue or underlap that will be covered by the course above. Other types require face-nailing as well. The area where you will blind-drive the fasteners is thin, so there is a danger of cracking the wood when you drive a nail. Preempt any splits by drilling pilot holes. The extra step is worth the effort: A cracked board is seriously compromised and may allow water to seep behind....
How to Make a Cotton Drawstring Bag Supplies Needed Two fat quarters (18x22-inch pieces) of cotton fabric Scissors Sewing machine (like this Brother XM2701 Lightweight, $130, Walmart) Thread 6-inch sewing gauge Iron Ironing board Two yards of cotton cording Step-by-Step Directions With a few basic sewing skills and these how-to instructions, you can create your own drawstring bag. You should be able to complete this sewing project in under an hour....
