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Do you ever find it frustrating that the most expensive part of starting seeds is… the dirt? Seed trays are cheap, heat mats are cheap, even high quality seeds are cheap! Don’t believe me? Here’s the actual cost breakdown from my most recent round of seed starting: Which is why I used a single very … Read more

Have you ever dreamed of hosting backyard barbecues and impressing your friends and family with delicious grilled meals? Building a brick barbecue can be a rewarding DIY project that not only enhances your outdoor space but also provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing cooking area. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step … Read more

Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us? When it comes to showy perennials its hard to beat a hydrangea. Those flowering shrubs covered with giant bubbles of pink, white, purple, or blue blooms are a staple of practically every well-designed garden … Read more

However, in the UK, they can be damaged by draughts, dampness and winter cold or wet, regardless of whether they are grown inside or outside. Underneath we explain how you can revive a fully-fledged outdoor cordyline or a small potted plant that you are at risk of losing. Cordylines are popular ornamental plants, but like … Read more

Waiting for figs to ripen can take quite a bit of patience depending on the variety you have. Some varieties of figs can take two months for a fig to ripen after its initial development. Violette de Bourdeaux is a variety that is notorious for taking a long time to ripen, but the wait is … Read more

The ponytail palm is a unique and eye-catching houseplant known for its bulbous, swollen base and fountain of curled leaves resembling a ponytail. But despite its name, it’s not actually a true palm! The ponytail palm is a succulent that stores water in its base, making it quite drought tolerant. Figuring out the right watering … Read more

Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a dramatic plant with distinctive iridescent orange and midnight blue flowers that resemble an exotic bird peeking out from the broad leaves in autumn, winter and spring. Although this flower is often associated with tropical places, like Hawaii, the plant is actually native to South Africa. It grows wild … Read more

You’ve nurtured your zucchini plants, seen those large yellow flowers burst open early and bright, and couldn’t wait for the first delicious fruits! You’ve imagined grilled slices, perhaps some zoodles… At last, you reach down through those large leaves to select one; what you take seems more like a lumpy old cucumber than a nice … Read more

Seeing an agave bloom is always a spectacular sight! Their tall flower stalks look like whimsical trees from a Dr. Seuss book. When an agave flowers, it’s reaching the end of its initial life cycle—however, it will produce baby plants in one of two ways, depending on your specific variety! So, while you may lose … Read more

Japanese fern trees have become an increasingly popular choice for yards and gardens over the past few years. Their graceful, fern-like foliage and naturally rounded shape make them an attractive addition to any outdoor space. If you’re considering purchasing a Japanese fern tree, there are a few things to keep in mind as you shop … Read more