A few years ago I got a beautiful bonsai container and decided to try to grow a compact plant to fit it. I had an old azalea growing in too small a pot that I thought would be perfect for my experiment. Here’s what I learned about bonsai, a living …

Epoxy resin countertops are famous around the world for their mechanical properties and resilience. Most of their fame is due to the unique process called curing. Epoxy resin is a type of plastic, cured as a solid of silica, resin, hardener, and filler and is reinforced with fiber, making it …

Bathroom remodels and upgrades are one of the most common home improvement projects. Choosing to refinish a bathtub is something that you might want to do if you have just moved into a new home or space, or if you have been using the same old bathtub for a few …

Basic rules in flower arrangements Like creating any other work of art, a perfect flower arrangement requires following certain rules to create a masterpiece. The basic rules for flower arrangements are: Proportion helps maintain a uniform size of the bouquet. The size of the flowers should be in proportion to …

Plant freesia tubers straight into the ground in April or May after the risk of frost has almost passed. If planting the previous autumn (undercover) or growing them in pots for the greenhouse, plant 5 tubers in a pot around 11 cm (4 inches). Plant them with pointed ends about …

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a forest plant, much appreciated for its fragrant summer flowers. Its low spreading habit also makes it ideal for growing as a ground cover plant. Lily of the valley thrives in a moist, shady spot and gradually spreads to form dense clumps of …

The soil should drain well and not remain soggy, especially in containers. It should also be moderately fertile to promote best growth. Amend poor soil with ready compost before planting. When to plant petunias It is easiest to buy young plants from a nursery that sells petunias in apartments. Look …

One way to guide your arrangement is to decide on a color scheme before shopping for flowers. Then, when you go to buy flowers, you know you’re picking up colors that work well together. Monochromatic schemes, which showcase different shades of the same color, can be striking. For another high-impact …

For a more unexpected approach to interiors, try a variation of pink and green. “My favorite color scheme is pink and teal,” says Michelle Gage, principal and founder of Michelle Gage Interior Design. “There’s something so perfect about the way the pairing hits each other. I love the soft and …

Traditionally, lofts are former industrial buildings turned modern apartments. They often feature high ceilings with exposed pipes, beams, and brick walls. A true loft was a building created for an industrial purpose. However, newer complexes are also mimicking the look and feel of lofts to meet the rental demand.