Gardening news from around the web

Chaos gardening – wild beauty, or just a mess? A sustainable landscape specialist explains the trend

A mix of annuals and perennials can look colorful and carefree. Deryn Davidson
Deryn Davidson, Colorado State University, The Conversation
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Chaos gardening is touted on social media as an easy, no-effort way to create a beautiful garden. A landscape specialist explains what to be aware of before chaotically tossing seeds around.
Cultivating for color: The hidden trade-offs between garden aesthetics and pollinator preferences
Claire Therese Hemingway, University of Tennessee, The Conversation
Monday, August 18, 2025
Uniquely colored flowers with big blooms might make for an aesthetically pleasing garden, but they can be unhelpful to pollinators. Careful consideration can help you plan a colorful and eco-friendly garden.
Daniel Kramer, Madeline Carr
Wednesday, August 5
If you build a house in the United States today, there’s a good chance you’ll be living under the dictates of a neighborhood homeowners association – roughly two out of every three new homes are in an HOA, as are a third of existing homes. Some of these HOAs have evolved to encourage environmentally friendly […]

Upgrades to Optimize Your Outdoor Living Space

Friday, August 28
(BPT) - When you invest in a deck, you're creating more than an extension of your home: you're creating a place where friends and family can gather, relax and make lasting memories. With a few …

To control weeds in your garden, late summer and early fall is the best time to make a difference

Late summer and early fall are a perfect time to fight weeds in the garden.
Manjot Kaur Sidhu, University of Maine, The Conversation
Sunday, September 20
What gardeners do at the end of the growing season will determine how clean, productive and manageable their garden beds will be when spring arrives.
Windy days can mean more pollen and more sneezing.
Christine Cairns Fortuin, Mississippi State University, The Conversation
Monday, May 5, 2025
From sending more pollen airborne to breaking up pollen grains, which lets them penetrate deeper into your lungs, the wind is not the allergy sufferer’s friend.
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Julie Noble for Houzz
Wednesday, August 5
Houzz reports homeowners are prioritizing outdoor living spaces in 2026, focusing on comfort and functionality, with trends like multifunctional zones, elaborate outdoor kitchens, and professional help rising.
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Sheeka Sanahori for Angi
7 hours ago
Angi reports that Washington, D.C. ranks as the top U.S. city for fall home maintenance, with many northern cities leading in preparedness. 
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Garden and Home

The unseen, unsung hero of the water you drink

4 days ago
(BPT) - By Ned MonroeIt happens so often we hardly notice: Head to the kitchen, grab a glass from the cabinet, fill it with water from the faucet.Tap water is one of many conveniences of modern …

Shortlisting a residential water softener: A buyer’s guide

Natalia Georgiadou for Culligan Harvey
Friday, September 18

Culligan Harvey reports that shortlisting a residential water softener involves assessing household demand, plumbing compatibility, system types, and long-term maintenance costs.

How Radiant Heat Benefits Homes Inside and Out

Tuesday, September 15
(BPT) - From warm floors to fogless mirrors to driveways free of snow and ice, radiant offers countless solutions for energy-efficient comfort, convenience, safety and sustainability.Have you ever …

Friday, September 25
(BPT) - Are you considering or in the midst of planning to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)? If so, you're part of a fascinating trend that's meeting multiple housing needs across the United …
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Lifestyle news
Holiday shoppers are turning to AI. Can retailers deliver?
Alyssa Wolfe for Kase
Yesterday at 3:35 PM
Kase reports holiday shoppers increasingly use AI for gift selection, prompting retailers to adapt inventory and fulfillment strategies for 2026 demands.
How to stay fresh while camping
Israel Fontoura for AXE
Yesterday at 2:05 PM
AXE reports tips for staying fresh while camping, emphasizing hygiene essentials and fresh clothes to combat odor.
How to protect your engagement ring at destination proposals
Howard Stone for Jewelers Mutual Group
Yesterday at 1:00 PM
Jewelers Mutual Group reports that nearly 1 in 5 proposals occur during travel, highlighting the importance of protecting engagement rings during destination proposals.
Armpit discoloration and darkening: Causes and solutions
Kelly Baldwin for Dove Men + Care
3 days ago
Dove Men + Care reports that underarm darkening can be caused by friction, irritation, and product ingredients. 
Stress sweat: Why it peaks when summer ends
Israel Fontoura for AXE
3 days ago
AXE reports that as summer ends, stress sweat replaces heat sweat, triggering stronger odors due to routine changes.