How to Cover a Chain-Link Fence and Give Yourself Privacy

Chain link fences are a popular choice for boundary markers because they are inexpensive and easy to install. However, the openness of these fences leaves them exposed to prying eyes. If you’re looking for privacy but don’t want to replace your fence with a solid wood or vinyl panel, there are still ways around it.

Once these fences are installed, they’re hard to remove, even with a tractor because they’re deeply buried and encased in concrete. But there’s no need to live in constant fear of being watched from outside your house if you have a chain-link fence installed in front of it. 

Here’s how you can add some privacy without having to spend too much money on expensive fencing materials.

Purchase a Bamboo Fence

You can purchase bamboo fences online or at your local home improvement store. Rolled bamboo fencing is constructed from attached poles ranging in thickness from 3/4 -inch to 2 inches. You can install full bamboo pole screens by attaching the poles to the top and bottom of your chain link fencing. This will not only give you privacy, but it’s also a visually attractive addition to your backyard.


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Full bamboo screens are easy to install, and they’re designed for maximum strength and durability. Depending on how much privacy you need, you can use them in front of or behind your pool. If it’s for organic coverings, then full bamboo is durable but for organic material, it will slowly deteriorate unless you keep maintaining it.

Choose the poles cut on the bamboo nodes because they’ll do better than poles with exposed ends. This will extend their life as the nodes act as caps for the poles. While bamboo screens will last for a while, you need to maintain them regularly to get life out of them because various weather elements can deteriorate them. Also, if you’re doing a long fence, then you’ll need multiple bamboo rolls.

Chain Link Fence Slats

Fence slats are the ideal barrier material when you need to fence in an area for privacy purposes. The poles make it possible to see through the screen, but they also prevent anyone from seeing what’s on the other side because of their height. These fences allow for long, narrow pieces to be inserted vertically, so why not do your entire fence with these?

Chain Link Fence Slats
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Plus, these privacy screens are economical compared to other types that are made specifically for private areas. Fence slats are made of high-density polyethylene or aluminum.  You can also spray paint them with whatever color you like to help match them with the color of your home or complement your home color.

Because of their material, chain link slats can last for a long time. But depending on the weather in your region, you can repaint them once in a while. They’re also easy to replace, so don’t fret if they get damaged.

Reed Screens

This is another option for covering your chain-link fence. Reed screens are thinner than slats, so they may be the best choice if you want something light-weight yet easy to handle. You can install reed screens on top of panels or suspended above them by using L-shaped brackets. This gives you more privacy while still letting fresh air in.

They are about as wide as a drinking straw, making them easy to roll up and transport. If you’re looking for a light-weight fence covering, reed screens are a great choice. On the downside, they are not as sturdy in strong winds because of their thin diameter that can bend under pressure.

They’re very easy to install. You only need to secure them to the chain-link fence using metal wires. They act as a privacy screen, especially if they’re new but will deteriorate and drop as they age.

Wooden Fence Panels

A more permanent solution is to install wooden fence panels. They come in all shapes and colors, but they are commonly used to divide property or act as fencing. You’ll need someone else’s help to hold the panel while you attach it to the chain-link fence.

Wooden Fence Panels
Image credit: https://www.homefortheharvest.com/

It can also be installed with brackets like reed screens, using bolt cutters to cut the fencing wire. They’re the most attractive option when it comes to upgrading your chain-link fence. Using u brackets, screw the wooden fence panels to the main fence line. The brackets are available at any home improvement store.

Since these panels have already been pre-constructed in the factory, there’s no need to individually nail up boards. Wood fence panels are very durable, and if you use cedar, they’ll last nearly as long as the fence they are attached to. You can preserve wood panels by preventing ground contact.

However, you’ll need to obtain a fence permit to attach these panels in front of your chain link fencing. You also need to be handy and inventive to get the best option because there are no hardware kits and systems to help you make conversions.

Mesh Wind Screen

A Mesh wind screen is also called bird netting, which is very effective against pests and has no gaps between the metal mesh that might allow small children to put their heads through. Mesh fencing is already installed into prefabricated panels that you can buy at your local hardware store..

The Mesh privacy screen is water and wind permeable. It also has a double-thick trim around the perimeter, plus brass grommets on the trim to enable you to attach it to the chain-link fence with zip ties. The brass grommets and zip ties make them easier to install and remove than other options.

Mesh screening is highly durable. It’s a non-organic UV rated with high-density polyethylene, enabling it to last for many years. It’s also the lowest cost when compared with other privacy screens.

On the downside, they are more about utility than beauty. They’re often used in industrial areas, schools, tennis courts, and swimming pools, making them unsuitable for home options.

Make Hanging Slats

Choose one cedar plank on top of your privacy panels and lay it horizontally on the ground. After that, lay two smaller cedar boards vertically over the plank. These smaller boards will help support the round lattice panels.

Ensure the side boards are level to prevent the slats from hanging straight on your chain link fence. Space the rest of the cedar boards evenly and nail them in place. The remaining cedar planks will form the rest of the panel. Measure the space between the top and the bottom of the slat the place the remaining cedar planks in between them.

Plant Bushes and Trees in Chain Link Fence

Covering a chain link fence with wood planks is not the only option you have. If privacy and security are what you’re after, then plant bushes and trees in front of your chain link fence. This will help conceal the area and create a more secure feel.

Make sure you pick the tree that is suitable for your growing location. Choose a plant-based on the temperature in your region, plus consider if you need a plant that will survive well in sunlight, dry soil, and keep its color year-round. If you’re going with bushes, trees, or shrubs, they’ll require weekly maintenance and can take a few years to grow to full size. Also, trim the plant evenly along the top and sides and keep the top wider than the base so light filters down to the lower branches.

FAQs on How to Cover a Chain-Link Fence and Give Yourself Privacy

Can you put a privacy screen on your fence?

Yes, you can put a privacy screen on your chain-link fence depending on where you live. The local homeowners association always restricts installing screens into your fence.

How deep do chain link fence posts need to be?

Chain link fence posts must be deep enough in the ground to support your fencing and any additional security features you add on.

Can I use vines for privacy?

Vines are an excellent choice of plant material because they can grow quickly, provide shade, give privacy and save money.

Does a chain link fence increase the resale value of a property?

Yes, having a chain-link fence can increase the resale value up to 4% because it’s practical and stylish at the same time. But not every fence is the same. If you’re looking to increase your resale value, you can opt for the wood-paneled fence.

Final Thought on How to Cover a Chain-Link Fence and Give Yourself Privacy

As you see, there are so many ways you can add privacy into your chain link fence and stop prying eyes and outsiders from peeping through the fence. There are so many different plants you can plant to give yourself privacy. You can screw these in your existing fence and get the impression that your chain link fence has disappeared.

Moreover, planting grass around your fence is a great idea since it will help you achieve that perfect green lawn. It doesn’t matter where you live or for what reason you have installed the chain link fence; there are always ways to improve the look and feel of the fence, make it more private, and do something with all that open space.

 

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Vinyl Plank Flooring Review: Pros and Cons

Finding the right flooring for your home can be a difficult and time-consuming task. You want something durable, stylish, and affordable. Vinyl plank flooring may be your solution to all of these problems. It’s waterproof, so spills are no issue, it comes in many styles and colors to match any home decor, and it’s very affordable. 

The best thing about vinyl planks is that they’re easy on your wallet while still giving you all of the design flexibility and customization options offered by other types of flooring. And unlike wood or stone, these floors will never warp or crack under pressure. They’re waterproof, durable, and available in many different colors, textures, finishes, and styles. 

Keep on reading to learn more about vinyl plank flooring!

What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl Plank Flooring is an alternative to hardwood floors made from PVC plastic. They look like wood planks but without the maintenance that real wood requires. Since World War II, the material has been around when soldiers used sheets of it as makeshift armor against shrapnel. 

Today, this versatile product can be found in furniture, cars and boats, and even clothing, making it one of the most popular materials. This type of floor covering looks great and offers some other benefits, including being easy to install. Learn how to install vinyl plank flooring here and see how easy the process can be.

Plank vinyl floor, also known as a luxury vinyl plank or luxury vinyl floor, is vinyl flooring in long, narrow strips and not the traditional square tile shapes. 

Sheet vinyl is a flexible vinyl with a printed top layer covered by a clear wear layer, while vinyl plank flooring is a multi-ply product with four features. Therefore, luxury vinyl is five times thicker than traditional sheet vinyl. 

On the other hand, plank vinyl floors have deeper embossing and better graphics, bringing it to a closer simulation of wood, unlike the previous sheet vinyl flooring and plastic laminate flooring.

What is the Difference Between Luxury Vinyl Plank and Luxury Vinyl Tile?

A luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is considered luxury vinyl plank flooring, but it’s not the other way around. LVT is also more expensive than vinyl planks. Vinyl tiles are thinner than flooring planks, so even though both products are similar in technical terms. The thickness of the mat will be an obstacle to the imaginary wood grain effect. Their main difference is their appearance. Vinyl plank looks like a wood plank, while luxury vinyl tile looks like a tile.


Image credit: https://www.flooringamerica.com/

What is the Difference between Vinyl Plank and Vinyl Sheet

Vinyl plank and vinyl sheet are almost the same. They share the same disadvantages. Vinyl sheet is absolutely perfect for utilitarian roles such as basement flooring and bathroom flooring. But vinyl sheets are totally different from vinyl planks.

dvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl Plank Floor is Water Resistant

If you are looking for water-resistant wood flooring, then vinyl is the best option. It’s not as water resistant as laminate flooring, but it doesn’t crack and warp like hardwood floors do when exposed to too much moisture. Vinyl plank is always water-resistant because it’s made of plastic.

Vinyl Plank Floor is Water Resistant
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Most vinyl plank floors can be easily installed, making them waterproof as well. This makes it perfect for a mudroom and any other room that is frequented by dirt and wet.

Simple and Easy to Maintain

Vinyl plank flooring features a tough surface that is simple to clean. A single wash with the right product will remove most dirt and grime from your floor’s surface, making it look new again. They don’t require special maintenance like wood floors.

You can clean vinyl floors regularly, but you don’t need to stick to the cleaning schedule or use any expensive specialty product. Also, these floors should never be steam-cleaned, varnished, or waxed. The pressure of a steam cleaner can drive moisture down through the seams to the wooden subfloor.

Vinyl Plank is Great Scratch Resistant

Apart from being water-resistant, vinyl plank is also great scratch resistant. Thanks to its ultra-durable wear layer, it’s super hard to scratch, unlike hardwood, which will show dents and dings after years of use.

Easy to Repair

Repairing vinyl tiles is much easier than traditional wood flooring. All you need is to remove the damaged plank and install a new one without sanding and refinishing the entire floor. As you can see, you don’t need to break the bank to clean and maintain this type of flooring.

Installing a new vinyl plank for your flooring project is also easy as long as you follow the installation instructions on the purchase.

Highly Durable Flooring Option

Both luxury vinyl planks and tile flooring are stains, scratch, and dent resistant, making it great for high traffic areas, kids, and pets friendly. It’s extremely versatile and great for the bathroom and kitchen because it doesn’t chip or scratch easily. 

However, you should pay attention to your flooring because low-quality vinyl flooring may scratch and blend easily. The floor shouldn’t be nailed down to reduce the appearance of black water stains around the nail’s head and also prevent interference with vinyl flooring’s waterproof and water-resistant ability.

 You may need to use wood plastic composite [WPC] and stone polymer core [SPC] in subfloors. This is because some WCC and SPC flooring are thick enough to let vinyl flooring float on them, but not all WPC and SPC can do so.SPC vinyl flooring is thinner and has more density, especially the stone-based core.

Vinyl Flooring is Long Lasting

If you’re looking for long-lasting flooring material, then vinyl flooring is a perfect choice. Vinyl flooring has a lifespan of more than 25 years, so it’s unlikely you’ll ever need to replace any part of your flooring unless you damage it on purpose.

 The lifespan of this type of floor material also depends on several variations. These variations include installation process, quality of the flooring, wear layer thickness, and maintenance. And if any planks get damaged, you can easily remove and replace them.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Can Go Where Hardwood Can’t

The perfect feature of luxury vinyl planks is that you can install them in places where solid wood flooring isn’t a good choice, such as below a radiator or a heating register. Because the rigid core keeps these planks from bending, you won’t have to worry about them wrinkling and buckling underneath the bulbous radiators.

It’s not affected by heat and humidity, making it a great alternative for wood floor bathrooms. Its water-resistant and waterproof nature can make it withstand even wet climates. Plus, vinyl plank is impervious to termites, so that you can install it outdoors as well. Vinyl flooring offers a good alternative in areas where wood installation will be tricky.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Can Add Resale Value to Your Home

Another benefit of vinyl plank flooring is that it adds resale value to your home. It’s easy to clean and maintain, so once you install them in a new home, they will stay looking fresh for years. Its durability will make the homebuyer know they’re getting a beautiful floor that will last for a long time.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Can Be Customized With Various Designs and Styles

You can get luxury vinyl floors with the same styles as the most expensive hardwood flooring. Get vinyl plank flooring in different colors, textures, and prints to create beautiful patterns on your floors. 

This way, you can get vinyl floors that look just like luxury vinyl tile or any other kind of wood floor without paying five times more for real wood! Vinyl plank flooring is regarded as superior flooring to sheet vinyl and laminate flooring but less prestigious than solid hardwood and porcelain tile.

ffordable and Comfortable Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring is a more economical choice than genuine wood flooring but more comfortable and luxurious than laminates. With a vinyl plank floor, you get the same beauty as with the most high-end wood floors and extra comfort from walking on it. The base of the rigid core is attached with foam or cork underlayment to add comfort and provide sound absorption.

Vinyl plank flooring is usually made from recycled rubber tires mixed with plastic, and the rubber makes the floor more comfortable and reduces noise. Vinyl plank is also moisture resistant, making it a good choice for kitchens and other high traffic areas because of the slip resistance feature, which you will find important if you have children or pets.

Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring

Just like other floorings, both luxury vinyl and rigid core vinyl flooring have their disadvantages. Here are those cones:

Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring
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Vinyl Floor is Not a Natural Wood Floor

The disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring are all based on its lack of resemblance to real wood. Vinyl plank is just that,plastic. If you want a real hardwood floor look and feel, then vinyl is not the right choice for you. No matter how better the floor photograph mimics the natural wood, it will still feel hollow and hard when you walk on it. It won’t make the house feel as luxurious as natural wood.

It’s Prone to Fading and Discoloration

The second disadvantage of vinyl plank flooring is the inherent threat of fading. All hardwood flooring contains some amount of sunwood in their construction, including luxury vinyl and rigid core vinyl planks. Sunwood is a natural component found in real lumber that allows it to expand and contract with changes in humidity levels.

However, just because it contains wood does not mean your vinyl plank flooring is safe from the sun’s harmful rays. If you leave your home without blinds or drapes, and it doesn’t matter if you live, the sun will fade your floor within months. These products are prone to fading when exposed to direct sunlight.

Hard to Remove

While installing vinyl plank flooring is easy, removing the glued-down vinyl is quite another story. Think again if you consider vinyl plank flooring because it is easier to maintain than real hardwood.

Susceptible to Dents and Damages

The wood composite core is soft and susceptible to dents. It can handle some misuse for some time, but pulling and pushing furniture, dropping sharp items, and walking with high pointed heels will scratch, dent, stain, and gouge the flooring.

Give it some time after installation before bringing in your furniture. Also, select a padded back version of SPC flooring to prevent unwanted noise and vibrations when people walk into the room.

Vinyl Plank Floor Cannot Be Refinished

The vinyl plank floor is very light and thin to refinish and repair. The top prefinished wear and tear-resistant layer make it hard to repair. If you misplace the plank, it cannot be refinished with a matching shade or texture.

Seams on some vinyl plank floors are too noticeable and may require tile-look lines rather than the usual straight line installation pattern. It is preferred that you plan your layout before installing to avoid visible seams in your home.

Vinyl Plank Floor Resale Value is not as High as Hardwood

This flooring material has limited resale value, unlike hardwood. The value of the house is limited and not too much unless you change the material or upgrade.

It’s a Non-Biodegradable Material

The manufacturing of vinyl flooring requires the use of toxic chemicals, and after installation, it emits high volatile organic compounds which are not eco-friendly. These off-gassed VOCs can affect the health of indoors, especially if there are no windows or proper ventilation.

The New Engineered Vinyl Plank Flooring with Adhesive Strip

This is the latest version of vinyl flooring. It’s quite different from the traditional one with its smart courses. The designs are purposely created to prevent visible seams, no gapping or expansion gaps, and resistant to most chemicals, including pet urine, water damage, mold, and mildew.

 You can install this type of vinyl plank flooring much easier than the old version; peel and stick. It can be installed in just an hour or so in a moisture-free work environment. However, the downside is that this type of vinyl plank flooring is more expensive than the old version.

You can also call it a more water-resistant engineered wood floor because moisture changes won’t affect the vinyl core like a layered engineered core.

FAQS on Vinyl Plank Flooring Review

Is vinyl plank flooring toxic?

Vinyl flooring emits a gas that is considered toxic, especially to people with underlying respiratory conditions.

How long does vinyl plank flooring last?

It can last from 5 to 25 years, depending on the quality and your level of maintenance.

Final Thought on Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl flooring has many benefits. It’s not as expensive as hardwood, and it’s easy to install and maintain. The biggest selling point of vinyl planks is that they’re durable, waterproof, and scratch-proof. So, if you don’t want to worry about refinishing for years, then vinyl planks are a great choice.

 

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Proper Hosted and Hostess Gift Etiquette

Proper gift etiquette is not old-fashioned like many people portray. If you’re invited to a party or a special event, it’s important to learn proper gift etiquette to avoid embarrassing situations. This also applies to the host of the party or the event as you wouldn’t want to portray bad behavior in the presence of your guests.

So, what are those hosted and hostess gift etiquettes? This article outlines everything you need to know whether you’re hosted or the hostess. Keep reading!

Dinner Party Gift Etiquette

When you bring a hostess gift to the dinner party host, don’t expect it to be served or displayed while you’re there. Give the gift at the door so that the host can put it away before greeting other guests. Don’t worry if it isn’t appropriate for the occasion, but avoid bringing something so personal that it would be inappropriate to serve guests.


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Appropriate gifts for a dinner party hostess include:

Guest soapsDecorator candles Coffee table bookBottles of winePotted plantBouquet in a vaseBox candiesTin of cookies

Holiday Parties Hostess Gift Ideas

Bring a hostess gift to help get the season off on a sweet note during holiday parties. Some get-togethers require more preparation than others, but your thoughtful gesture will make the festivities even merrier. The following holiday party ideas are sure to provide plenty of inspiration:

Gift basket with cookies, popcorn, coffee, teas, and hot cocoa mixBottle of wineOrnament and other holiday decorationsHoliday-themed tins of candy and baked goods

Housewarming Gifts Etiquette

Housewarming parties are for celebrating new homes and all the excitement that goes with them. The housewarming gift shouldn’t be that expensive, but it should be something lasting for the house. Try to find out the color scheme beforehand. You can also shop for things to buy for a new house to get your inspiration from them.

Housewarming Gifts Etiquette
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Housewarming Party Gifts Ideas include:

Bottle of wineA holiday-themed tin filled with baked goods or candyGuest towelsHouseplantDish towelsPicture frameSpecial foods like olive oil, cheese knivesWine glassesKitchen supplies

If the housewarming is for a neighbor new in town, introduce your new neighbor with a welcome kit containing an area map and restaurant menus.

Overnight Stay Host Gift Ideas 

You do not need to bring a gift for the overnight host, but if you would like to consider bringing these gifts:

Wine basket with a variety of wines and a couple of wine bottlesA Gift card to a specialty store that caters to the host’s tasteGourmet food basketRestaurant gift cardSpa basket

Host Gifts for Meeting Future In-Laws

If you’re visiting the home of your future in-laws, bring a hostess gift to relieve that nervousness. Make sure you know their taste before embarrassing yourself by giving inappropriate gifts. You can then set up your meeting with the future in-laws by bringing:

A bouquet that matches the season and decor of their homeWine, champagne, or spiritsPlant in a decorative potVariety of potted herbsCoffee and tea basket

Casual Gatherings Gifts Etiquette

Nowadays, it’s quite perfect to bring a hostess gift to a casual party. The hostess sees this gift as a small token of gratitude for their efforts. It doesn’t need to be formally wrapped, but it can be given as an addition to the festivities.

Casual Gatherings Gifts Etiquette
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Anything that will complement their efforts and help them in the future, even if it’s a small gift, will be greatly appreciated.

Formal Celebrations Host or Hostess Gift

Whether you’re attending a birthday party, a bachelorette party, or an engagement party, you have to be worried about getting a gift for the honorees. But if you’re the one being celebrated, take time to write your hostess a thank you note. You can also go the extra mile and send flowers, chocolate, and something else that she loves, like a gift certificate to her favorite spa.

Hostess Gift Etiquette Tips

Be Discreet

This shouldn’t be time to brag about how you brought an expensive bottle of wine and champagne. Do not show others who might not have realized they should have brought a gift if you want to be a perfect houseguest. Don’t make others feel uncomfortable or guilty.

Don’t Expect Your Gift to be Shared or Unwrapped Immediately

If the hostess is in the hosting mode, they have many things in their mind. So, avoid diverting attention from the event. Simply greet the host and tell them you’ve brought them something to enjoy later.

sk What You Can Bring

Ask the host or hostess if there’s something you can bring to the occasion. This tip doesn’t apply to housewarming celebrations and bridal showers because the host may not be expected to receive a gift anyway.

Wrap Your Gift

Don’t hesitate to wrap your gift if it feels appropriate. You can wrap it with a gift bag, a bowl, or a simple gift box. Make sure you conclude by writing a thank you note.

Hostess Gift Ideas

Now that you know how and when to give a host gift, pick out the perfect gift from these ones to show appreciation:

Candles

Candles are a great gift to thank someone for letting you stay with them. However, they’re not always the best gift for dinner parties because their scent may clash with the meal.

Cheese Board and Knives

These are great gifts for any occasion. They do work well for housewarming parties, dinner parties, and other occasions.

Coasters

Coasters get away with hostesses’ fear of guests staining their nice wooden tables with their practical and stylish solution. They can even create talking points, thanks to their different styles and fun options.

Gift Baskets

With gift baskets, saying thank you to your host can be easy because they host a lot of items that your host may need. They also come in several varieties; for example, if your host loves coffee, you can get them a coffee-themed basket that goes above and beyond a simple coffee mug and a bag of beans.

Glasses and Other Stemware

No matter what you’re celebrating, be it a fancy dinner or saying thank you to someone’s hospitality, you can never go wrong with wine glasses and stemware. Decorative tea towels and dish towels can also serve well.

Flowers in a Vase

While it’s not great to offer flowers to the host, when you offer them in a vase, you’ll relieve your host of the duty of finding a place to place the flowers. And when the flowers die later, the host will remain with a beautiful base to remember.

Chocolate

Chocolate comes in many varieties, so you can do it in a creative way but still, be delicious to your host.

rtisan Soaps

Provide some apothecary to your host by gifting those soaps. A collection of three to four different soap scents will ensure your hostess finds a scent to enjoy.

Coffee Table Book

Coffee table books make for a thoughtful and unique host or hostess gift. They’re not only talking pieces, but your host may also be interested in them. If they need, ask their friends and family for ideas for coffee books they’ve been looking forward to.

Coffee Table Book
Image credit: https://dosaygive.com/

FAQs on Proper Hosted and Hostess Gift Etiquette

Do you give a hostess gift at the beginning or end of your stay?

When you arrive, bring your hostess gift to the host in person. You can also give during your stay or after you return home once you’ve gotten a better idea of what your host likes.

Do you give a hostess gift when the party’s still going on?

Yes! You can bring your host or hostess gift with you to the party and present it at the end of your stay.

Final Thought on Proper Hosted and Hostess Gift Etiquette

There you go! Avoid showing up to your friend’s party, at a holiday event or dinner party empty-handed once you know what they like. At least have some gifts with you to show some gratitude and appreciation for their invite. It’s also a very nice gesture to bring a host gift if you’re visiting someone’s home for the first time.

 

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How Furnace-Mounted Home Humidifier Works

The furnace-mounted home humidifier is a must-have for any homeowner. You can control the humidity levels of your home with ease by installing this device. It will help keep your family comfortable all year round and protect them from the effects of overly dry air too.

But do these devices really work as intended or are they just hyped for nothing? This article seeks to answer the question and tell you more about the working of these furnace-mounted home humidifiers. Keep reading to find out.

Types of Furnace Humidifiers

Reservoir Humidifier

The reservoir humidifier is the most common type. It works by placing water in its tank and heating it by the furnace blower. Once this happens, steam is produced and sent throughout your home with the warm air your HVAC system produces.


Image credit: https://files.shroomery.org/

Bypass Humidifiers

These types of whole-house humidifiers are installed on an air-return duct. They work by drawing warm air from the ductwork then blowing it over a water panel and evaporator pad. The air absorbs moisture in the evaporator panel then releases it into the room. The unit does not work if the airflow is restricted or blocked by closing doors or windows.

Steam Humidifiers

A steam furnace humidifier heats water until it becomes steam. The resulting steam is then forced into the HVAC control, where it travels through your home until it reaches its intended destination – the various rooms in your home.

Steam Humidifiers
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Fan-Powered Humidifier

The humidistat sensor of this flow-through humidifier detects when the air is too dry. It opens the solenoid valve and activates the fan that draws in dry air. The solenoid valve allows water to enter the water panel or moist pad. After the water flowing through vaporizes, the fan directs water vapor into the ductwork. 

The water that doesn’t vaporize exits the equipment through the drain line. Once the air reaches the set relative humidity level, the solenoid valve closes, shutting off the fan.

How Parts of Furnace Humidifier Works

Humidifier Water Tap

The humidifier water tap is installed directly under your hot water tank. A hose runs from the humidifier to this tap. As soon as the flow-through humidifier senses that relative humidity is low, it opens the solenoid valve and allows cold water to run into an aluminum plate below the pad or panel. This plate then transfers heat to the water. The hot water then goes through the tank and down into the house.

Water Inlet Valve Assembly

The water inlet valve assembly controls the water flow to the humidifier, mounted a few inches downstream of the humidifier. The solenoid valve is electromechanical, and its coil draws from the air conditioner’s electrical power source to open or close. When your air conditioner shuts off, so does the humidifier.

Furnace Humidifier Humidistat

This part controls humidity levels much like a thermostat controls air temperature. You can set it to the desired humidity level, say 40 percent. Once this level is reached, it signals the humidifier to turn on.

Humidifier Evaporator Pad

This part is also called the evaporator panel or water wick. This pad aims to provide an efficient transfer of water from the humidifier tank to the surrounding air. It facilitates evaporation and collects any mineral deposits from water. Its porous texture is perfect for this purpose.

Humidifier Evaporator Pad
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After a season of use, the metal pad should be cleaned and inspected for mineral deposits. These white spots are calcium, magnesium, or similar salts that have been dissolved in the water. Although they do not cause a health risk, these minerals can clog or discolor your humidifier pad resulting in poor air purification.

Humidifier Drainage Pan

To remove mineral deposits accumulated on the pad, you can use a product called ‘Humidifier Cleaner.’ Although this is not required, it will help lengthen the life of the humidifier pad. Fill the pan with very hot tap water to dissolve minerals. Submerge the filter in water for 15 minutes. Remove the filter and rinse in warm water. Let air dry completely before returning to the humidifier.

Importance of Installing Furnace Humidifier in Your Home

Improved Comfort and Health

A moist and humid home provides many benefits. Humidified air protects furniture and wooden floors from cracks and shrinkage by maintaining a consistent humidity level in the home.  A comfortable living space is easier to achieve with a whole house furnace humidifier system.

It also reduces static electricity, mildew formation, nasal congestion, dry throat, and itchy skin. This will result in more comfort, better health, and less work for the immune system. You can also install them in the existing HVAC equipment.

Improved Air Quality

When your home is adequately moist with relative humidity levels, particles such as dust and allergens that can affect your mucous membrane are less likely to be present. Increased humidity levels also help to get rid of dust termites, bacteria, and viruses.

Reduced Energy Bills

Moist air feels warmer than dry air. That’s why summer days feel unbearable when humidity levels are high. But when you add moisture into the air, the heat that the hot air absorbs will be transferred to water molecules in the air. 

What to Watch Out in Furnace Humidifiers

Mold

Because the inside of a furnace humidifier is a moist environment, the growth of mold and mildew is quite common in it. If you don’t check the mold growth, your furnace could be blowing mold spores all over your home. You should learn how to get rid of mold so it doesn’t become a problem for your home.

Water Damage

Issues such as clogged filters and drain pans can cause water buildup that may damage your furnace or even flood your home.

Maintenance Needs

If you’re installing a whole house furnace humidifier, you require less maintenance, less money, and less time. You’ll only need to replace the humidifier pad and filter annually if you have one. But for a steam furnace humidifier, you’ll have to replace the humidifier pad and filter every six months. Also, if you’re using a whole house furnace humidifier, you must get your furnace cleaned each year by professionals.

Final Thought on How Furnace-Mounted Home Humidifier Works

Keep your furnace humidifier in perfect working condition by following the above steps. This will leave you with a moisture-generating device that is always ready to keep your home humidified and healthy. If well maintained, a furnace-mounted humidifier will be one of the best appliances to have at home.

 

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Outdoor Kitchen Plans

Building your own outdoor kitchen can be rewarding. But you must know how to plan it and build it correctly, or else you might end up with a disaster on your hands.

DIY Outdoor Kitchen Plans provides detailed instructions on how to build an outdoor kitchen. It also offers many suggestions for planning the space and choosing the right materials for construction.

If you’re looking to build an outdoor kitchen yourself, then this is the product for you. This guide will show you how to choose the right location and design elements that will make sure that everyone loves spending time in your new backyard oasis. These outdoor kitchen plans will also give you space for your grill, refrigerator, sink, and pizza oven. Here we go!

DIY Outdoor Deck Kitchen

With the right tools and budget, you can build this DIY outdoor kitchen yourself. The included design and construction plans show you how to build a kitchen with a built-in grill, refrigerator, sink, cooktop, and storage. And if you don’t have a deck to build it on, you can always attach the kitchen to your deck or patio.


Image caption: https://placeofmytaste.com/

DIY Stone Covered Grill Island

DIY grill island is the best outdoor kitchen, especially if you have a very small outdoor space to work with. You can easily build it on a weekend when you have friends around to help you out with the construction. After finishing, you can cover it with stones to give it a fancier look.

DIY Outdoor BBQ Island

This project is a lot easier than it looks because the island is built from prefabricated modules designed for maximum structural integrity and ease of assembly. The modules lock together to form a customized grill island that can be tailored to your needs. This particular project uses a stainless steel countertop and a backsplash.

Patio Grill Islands with Fireplace

If you have any space left on your patio, you should consider including an outdoor fireplace in it. Three of the most popular designs for outdoor fireplaces are fireplace inserts, lava rock fireplaces, and stainless steel designs.

Patio Grill Islands with Fireplace
Image caption: https://st.hzcdn.com/

Outdoor Kitchen Bar with Pergola

An outdoor kitchen with a pergola overhead looks gorgeous and offers you shade during summer days. There are many different types of pergolas, but the most popular ones are the wavy style and the grapevines arbor design. However, it may take you days or even a week to complete this project. The pergola gives your kitchen a Caribbean look. You can place it at the end of your deck or build it as a freestanding kitchen.

Outdoor Kitchen with Concrete Countertops

The concrete countertops add a touch of sophistication and modernity to your outdoor kitchen. Crafting these countertops is quite easy when you know the right steps to take. All you need is self-leveling cement, wood planks for support, and a few tools that you probably already have in your home. With this outdoor kitchen plan, you don’t have to worry about elements causing your countertops to crack.

Outdoor Kitchen with Tiled Backsplash

This simple outdoor kitchen plan has a tiled backsplash that resembles the tile work of an indoor kitchen. If you’re skilled in masonry, then crafting this backsplash is easy and affordable. However, if you’re not familiar with laying tiles, hiring a professional will cost you less. And a professional will ensure you get what you want.

Outdoor Kitchen Build

Create an awesome entertaining space by turning your concrete patio into an outdoor kitchen plan. You can also bring a pergola to protect your kitchen against elements and add cabinets to store all your entertaining essentials.

Backyard Wood Fired Pizza Oven

A wood-fired pizza oven is a very popular item in outdoor kitchens. It will give your patio or backyard a unique rustic look that no one else in the neighborhood has. Pre-made kits are available for you to either buy and assemble on your own or have a contractor build them for you from scratch.

Backyard Wood Fired Pizza Oven
Image caption: https://i.pinimg.com/

Outdoor Serving Cart

If you’re working on a budget and not looking for a big outdoor kitchen project, then an outdoor serving cart may be the right item for you. It’s a pre-built or pre-made serving center that can either sit on your patio or be placed in a corner for more space. You can set it beside your grill to give you an extra prep space, serving area, and some much-needed storage.

Patio Storage Cabinets

If you’re serious about your outdoor grilling, then you know how important it is to have adequate storage space in your backyard. These garden cabinets fit the bill because not only do they store all of your barbecuing tools and plates, but they also add a decorative touch to your yard.

Outdoor Kitchen

DIY outdoor kitchen plan consists of custom wood cabinets, a unique counter, and a grill island. The outdoor kitchen designs take advantage of the outdoors and creates a unique place where people can gather to cook. The unique counter is designed so that it serves as both functional workspaces and integrates two table legs.

Sewing Cabinet Outdoor Bar

A bar plays a very important role in an outdoor kitchen. That said, you can turn your sewing cabinet into an outdoor bar that has a certain rustic touch. With this, there’s a big basin that you can use as a sink and fill with ice to keep your drinks cold. Other features of the outdoor sewing cabinet are a storage area for your food, extra counter space, and two drawers to store utensils.

DIY Portable Outdoor Kitchen

If you don’t have space in your backyard for an outdoor kitchen, don’t worry. DIY portable outdoor kitchens can serve as a solution for this. It’s about building a compact kitchen that has the same features as a stand-alone outdoor kitchen.

All you have to do is find a mobile workbench and add an aluminum countertop on top of it along with other needed utensils. With its portability, you can easily move it in and out of storage. And since the countertop is aluminum, it’s rust-resistant and looks good at the same time.

Rustic Farmhouse Outdoor Kitchen

You have to love the rustic farmhouse style. This outdoor kitchen is the perfect example of this kind of design. It’s quite roomy, and it has many countertops for storage purposes. The sink looks neat with its drainpipe installation, while the refrigerator is placed below it. You shouldn’t miss this in your home, especially if your home is done in farmhouse style.

Rustic Farmhouse Outdoor Kitchen
Image caption: https://hips.hearstapps.com/

Repurposed Cabinet Outdoor Kitchen

So many people love this outdoor kitchen design. And we can see why – it’s rustic and beautiful at the same time. The cabinet used as a countertop has the shape of an arch, which creates that gorgeous visual effect you can observe in the corner of this kitchen. The best thing about this project is that it doesn’t require that many resources. The whole thing is made of wood and recycled materials.

DIY Outdoor Kitchen Using Wood and Shipping Pallets

Isn’t this idea cool? It’s taking recycling to a whole new level – we love the idea of using old shipping pallets and turning them into a nice and functional outdoor kitchen. Wood pallets can also create simple counters and food prep stations. With its rustic built-ins, light wood gives your space airiness. It’s casual and fun, plus offering plenty of storage below.

Outdoor Kitchen with Built-in Grill and Sink

Stone is a classic outdoor kitchen staple, and this simple design adds modern elegance with its rounded edges and unique countertop shape. The sink is situated at one end, while the grill takes up most of the space underneath. In-between them, there’s a shelf for storage and a pot rack that also serves as home décor. This is a great way to add style to your outdoor kitchen as well as function.

Outdoor Kitchen with Grill and Island

An outdoor kitchen is incomplete without a grill, and this one is decked out with an island, bar stools, and a stainless steel sink that adds to its practicality. The island gives you extra counter space to work with, while the curved design helps it fit in seamlessly.

Food Prep Station with Crate Shelving

If you already have a grill in place but lack a prep and staging area, then this one’s for you. It provides a counter and a crate-style shelf that can be used for storage or as a serving dish. The rustic wooden top adds to its visual appeal. These crates can hold plates and dishware to get the party started.

Outdoor Kitchen with Bar, Sink, and Mini-Fridge

This combination is a full-scale dining space. It gives you enough room to spread out and enjoy your food with family and friends. The mini-fridge is a great place to store drinks, while the sink lets you clean up after dinner.

DIY Reclaimed Wood Outdoor Bar

Incorporating reclaimed wood in your kitchen countertop and base cabinets makes them look rustic. The idea works perfectly for an outdoor kitchen because it’s durable and won’t be damaged by weather elements like rain, snow, or wind.

FAQs on Outdoor Kitchen Plans

How does an outdoor kitchen add value to your home?

With their popularity, outdoor kitchens greatly improve the value of homes in the market. An outdoor kitchen is one of the most popular additions to a home when it comes to resale value.

How does an outdoor kitchen add square footage?

Typically, outdoor kitchens are custom-designed with either a grill or a stovetop and a sink. Installing this type of kitchen in your backyard adds extra square footage to the home.

What types of kitchen materials are used for outdoor kitchens?

Several different materials can be used for outdoor kitchens, including stone, brick, and metals. And some homeowners even opt for wood material to get a rustic feel.

Final Thought on Outdoor Kitchen Plans

As you can see, there are plenty of outdoor kitchen ideas. Some are simple and more budget-friendly, while others are more complex and expensive. So, get started on building your DIY outdoors so that you can have a place you can relax and enjoy together with your family.

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What Is Electrical Grounding?

Electrical grounding is one of the most important elements in electrical systems. However, many people do not know what it does or how it works. Many people are still not aware that they need to ground their electrical system properly. 

Some even believe that a grounded system can be dangerous for them and their family members. This article will discuss the importance of grounding an electrical system and how it works with your home’s wiring. We’ll also tell you why you should have a grounded circuit breaker panel at home, read on.

What Is Electrical Grounding?

Grounding an electrical system is a procedure where the electrical current transitions from its use to a ground source below the electrical system. It is also known as a grounding circuit or a grounding wire.


Image credit: https://safetyskills.com/

A properly grounded electrical system ensures that your home’s wiring is safe and gives you a reliable path to ground in case of any current overloads or short circuits.

How It Works

The electrical code and many other electrical codes require a grounding system for both the electrical service that enters your home and the components of the circuit inside your home. This ensures that each wire in your house is bonded to a ground source either at the point where they leave the power meter, at their point of entry into your house or as close as possible to those points.

The ground connection provides a path for electric current to flow. For example, from an electric circuit breaker and electrical box, the electrical service wire goes to the power meter, where it attaches to a set of three grounding bars, all tied together with ground wires. These are connected to your underground water pipe by another set of barbed rods driven into the soil or secured in low resistance plastic buckets filled with the sand-gravel mix.

There’s an active wire in an electric circuit that supplies the power and a neutral wire that returns the current back to the breaker panel. A grounding wire connects all-metal structures to have a common reference point for electrical potential. Grounding wire ensures the electrical current returns safely to the ground without harming anyone in the event of a short circuit.

A copper conductor is connected from the metal rod of the wiring system into the ground. The grounding rod is connected to an electrical circuit that conducts electricity safely to the earth. If the wiring systems use electrical cables covered in the metal sheathing, they are considered grounded. The metal will serve as the ground conductor between the wall outlets and the service panel. 

But if the wiring systems use plastic-sheathed cable, the system is typically considered to be ungrounded. In this case, grounding rods must be installed as the sole method of grounding the circuit wiring.

Grounding systems should remain grounded even when no electrical current flows through them. If a ground wire were to disconnect from the system and there was no current flowing through it, any metallic materials that could become energized could cause the electric current to flow through them.

For example, if the electrical system inside an ungrounded building became flooded and power was turned off, any grounded metal objects such as hand tools or appliances would remain electrically charged even when not in use.

Importance of Electrical Grounding

Protects Against Electrical Overloads

One of the main benefits of electrical grounding is to protect your appliances, home, and everyone in the event of power surges. The surges normally happen when lightning strikes during extreme weather conditions. These events can produce high voltages of electricity which can damage your appliances.

However, by grounding your electrical system, you’ll protect against these electrical surges. This will help to ensure that even when your appliances are turned off, they won’t receive an electrical shock if there’s a sudden surge through the wiring in your home.

Help to Stabilize Voltage Levels

When you ground an electrical system, you can easily distribute the right voltage to every appliance. This helps the appliances run more efficiently, and it can prevent them from overloading your electrical system. The earth provides the common reference point for voltage sources in an electrical system.

Prevention of Serious Damage, Injury, and Death

When you do not ground your electrical system, both your appliances and your life are at risk. In the worst cases, you can suffer serious or fatal injuries from a power surge or electrical fire if your appliances are not grounded.

Earth is a Great Conductor

One of the main reasons you should ground your appliances is that the earth is a great conductor. This means that the excess electricity will always take the path of least resistance. When the appliance is not grounded, it can send a current of electricity through any person who comes in contact with it. If that electricity is high enough, then you will suffer from serious injuries or even death.

Help to Direct Electricity

Another reason why grounding your appliances is beneficial is that it helps the excess electricity to go where you want it. For example, if that current of excess electricity were to strike an object, then there would be a chance for that object to become electrified. This means that every time you touch it, you’re at risk of being shocked.

How to Determine if Current is Grounded or Not

You can check if an electrical appliance is currently grounded simply by putting your hands on it. If you’re feeling a tingling sensation coming from the appliance, then this means that it is not currently grounded. This shouldn’t be added to water, either.

If the appliance is equipped with a three-wire cord and a three-pronged plug, the third wire, and the prong provide a ground link. However, appliances are not always equipped with this three-wire cord, sometimes they only have two wires.

How to Test Electrical Grounding

Your outlet is the first sign of proper electrical grounding. If it’s a three-prong outlet with a U-shaped slot, then this means that the outlet is grounded.

How to Test Electrical Grounding
Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

Inspect your appliances. If you have an electrical appliance with a three-wire cord, you are safe because these machines come equipped with grounding plugs. This is designed to minimize the chance of electric shock by providing a proper ground for any appliance equipped with it. 

These devices also reduce the potential for electrocution. Insert the red probe of your circuit tester into the smaller slot of the outlet. This outlet is a hot wire that carries the electrical current. Insert the black probe wire into one of the two larger slots, neutral wires that return electricity to the circuit breaker or main power source.

Test all of your outlets to ensure no faulty ones with high resistance and allow a small amount of current to pass through them. Check the indicator, it should light if your outlet is grounded. If it doesn’t light up, reverse red and black probes. If the indicator doesn’t show up in the electrical grounding test, your outlet is not grounded and is not safe for use.

FAQs on Electrical Grounding

What happens if you don’t connect the ground wire?

The simple act of not connecting the ground wire does not make your electrical system safer. Without grounding, appliances might hum or buzz annoyingly when you turn them on, but they’re unlikely to cause serious problems. However, in some cases, ungrounded outlets can be dangerous.

What is grounding in electrical terms?

The term grounding gives electricity the most effective way to return to the ground via an electrical panel.

Final Thought on Electrical Grounding

As you can see, electrical grounding is very important. You have to raise electrical safety levels in your home to keep yourself and your family safe. Be sure to follow all grounding safety tips so that you can remain grounded throughout any electrical work. Also, take your time to understand simple electrical project costs so you don’t end up with surprises.

 

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Beautiful Blue Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

You can never go wrong with the color blue for your kitchen cabinets. This color has a way of bringing some calm to every home and every room they touch. Blue color can be used in kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, and guest bedrooms because of its tranquilizer feature that will put you into a state of peace.

If you’re a tastemaker who loves bold things, then you’ll appreciate layers of floor-to-ceiling color. But if you’re hesitant when it comes to adding a splash of cornflower blue, try working it into just your island pop won’t be a big deal.

Here are some of the gorgeous blue kitchen cabinet ideas that will inspire you to adopt them at home:

Mix Black and Blue

If you want a more modern twist on the classic blue kitchen cabinets, why not give them a shot of black? It’s also an idea for those that want to add contrast to their new design. With enough white ceiling to lift the colors, it will never let you down. Items like clear pendants, white ceilings, and marble countertops will help your cooking space feel continuous and lifted. 


Image credit: https://www.mydomaine.com/

Consider Playing with Blue and Brown

If you want colors that go together well, we suggest exploring the shades of blue and brown. If you go for darker shades, then it’s going to look casual and inviting. If you choose lighter tones,  your kitchen could feel more formal and stylish at the same time.

Display Modern Rustic Kitchen

The sleek backsplash and countertop of this blue kitchen idea will give you an impression of modern rustic style. The dark gray cabinets will provide the necessary storage space, while the black appliances will perfectly fit your kitchen idea. 

Display Modern Rustic Kitchen
Image credit: https://www.mydomaine.com/

The deep blue color emphasizes that feeling of spaciousness in this kitchen so if you are creative enough, try out this kitchen remodel idea, which can do wonders for your kitchen.

dd a Matching Breakfast Nook

Your cooking space should not be hanging in the color department; instead, keep the paint coming into breakfast nooks. A gorgeous deep blue kitchen idea brings real magic into your breakfast nook. An elegant round table looks awesome in this kitchen; however, it can easily be replaced with a square one if you are more of a classic person.

Try Out Fiestaware Kitchen

This is another vintage-inspired cooking space that comes with colorful fiestaware kitchen ideas. If you are tired of eating dinner in a gray and white space, having a pop of color might be the breath of fresh air your kitchen needs. 

The collection is displayed on the open shelving above the blue cabinetry. Marble counters and white subway tile in the backsplash are a perfect backdrop for all of these fun colors.

Consider Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

If you’re looking for a modern, bright kitchen that’s echoed with rural landscape, then you’ll find it in this space. The room is defined by the open shelves made entirely of white-washed wood, which also provide a hutch for displaying plates and serving trays. 

Consider Modern Farmhouse Kitchen
Image credit: https://www.kilz.com/

Color blue cabinets complement the gray stone countertops while popping pink pantry doors giving off an airy vibe. The lower cabinets are painted with a soft shade to set the rustic tone.

Modern Blue Cabinets

Bring out that beauty of timber countertop and redwood-wrapped vent into your kitchen by using an electric shade of blue. The reclaimed redwood is locally sourced wooden water tanks, which gives it an organic balance to an otherwise sleek and modern design.

Showcase a Metallic Highlight

Make your space feel more industrial and feel live-in by showing off a kick of denim blue. This will make your space pop out against all of the white walls. The silvery grays, chrome appliances, black paint, and brassy fixtures won’t feel steely, thanks to this blue infusion in the form of an island.

The white countertops, sink, and trim will help to give your room a definition. Metallic accents and appliances will also add sparkle to your elegant cooking space.

Retro Painted Cabinets

Spruce up your old wood with a few coats of paint. For example, you can treat your cupboards with a shade called Hague blue to achieve that retro flair. A handcrafted ceramic tile can also bring brightness and texture to your room. This will leave you with the charming kitchen that you’ve been looking for.

Glossy Blue Kitchen Cabinetry

Reflect the light with some sleek blue-tinted cabinets. The beauty of high gloss is that it reflects light, brightening up your space against all odds. Make these panels pop against white walls by adding a few colorful water glasses to the mix.

To use dark blue successfully in your small kitchen, limit the color to one element like a single bank of cabinets and the kitchen island. A high gloss sheen paint can help you lighten up dark blue cabinets by naturally brightening the space.

Sky Blue Kitchen Cabinetry

Think of the sky on a clear blue day. Isn’t it beautiful? Well, now you can enjoy some of that color indoors with this tall paint job. Hang some tall cabinets against the wall to create more space for your kitchen stuff, freeing up floor-to-ceiling space below. For a sky blue with a little more presence, pick one of the midrange tones on the swatch and not the lighter shades.

Turquoise Kitchen Cabinets

Dark turquoise cabinets seem to float within a kitchen designed for entertaining. The right shade of blue can instantly impact the mood of your kitchen. A sunny yellow backsplash helps to brighten up this classic combination of white cabinets and dark green walls. It’s an easy update that works just as well with casual modern home decor as it would for country charm.

Go with Groovy Wooden Cabinets

Do not only focus on paint. Instead, consider things like tints, stains, and thinner coats of lacquer to let wood grains and other materials shine through. For example, you can use a blue wooden cabinet base to inject the space with a groovy near 70s vibe. You can proceed to perpetuate your vibe with the patterned wall and pendant lights.

Blue Cottage Kitchen

Blue is the color of peace and tranquility. This calming hue would perfectly bring out your sweet side while making you more productive at work since blue also stimulates creative thinking. Blue cottage kitchen opens outdoors, offering you a space to prepare and enjoy meals in relaxing comfort. The white cabinets, countertops, and woodworks set their pretty pastels with crisp detailing.

The subtle tones and organic shapes of the flagstone flooring would perfectly complement the sleek contemporary design. The cabinets are smartly designed, making them more functional than usual with open shelves and added hardware for easy access to your cooking tools.

Coordinating Cabinets

A blend of blue and wood tones will serve as a high color palette without resorting to eternal classics. The room features blue cabinets that are painted over with white for elegance and cleanliness. The clean lines and rounding edges give a softer impression. While the cream-colored appliances offer a nice contrast to all of this.

Try ColorBlocking

White, wood and blue makeup make your kitchen look gorgeous by a color-blocked appearance, thanks to the wood paneling on a white waterfall island and blue cabinetry behind it. The colors and materials stay front and center, making an inimitable statement. 

Try ColorBlocking
Image credit: https://www.boardandvellum.com/

dd a Bit of Leather

Blue itself makes a major statement, but you can take it up a notch by incorporating leather pulls. Apart from this material being gorgeous, they can amplify the space further by picking up the colors in the wood countertops, giving your space more warmth.

FAQs on Beautiful Blue Kitchen Cabinets

Is a blue kitchen too trendy?

Yes, navy cabinets are very fashionable, but they also work well in modern kitchens. The navy is always stylish because it goes with everything and looks great in small or large doses. You can mix navy cabinets with white walls, marble countertops, and black appliances to create a sophisticated space.

Is the blue kitchen cabinet color hard to maintain?

It doesn’t matter if the color is more subtle or vibrant; all shades of blue are easy to maintain. All you need is a general-purpose cleaner and a few microfiber towels. But you can take your time to learn how to clean inside your kitchen cabinets with ease.

Final Thought on Beautiful Blue Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

As you can see, there’re so many blue kitchen cabinets out there. Make your cooking space feel bigger and brighter by choosing blue cabinets. You can add pops of color with accessories or leave everything neutral for a sophisticated look.

 

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Why Does My Kitchen Sink Smell Like Sewage

Because your kitchen is the heart of your home, it’s important to keep it clean and to smell fresh. But sometimes you might still notice the foul smell despite your kitchen being sparkling clean. 

Rotten food and kitchen plumbing issues are some of the causes of an unpleasant sewer smell in your kitchen sink. Well, if you’re really not sure about what’s causing that disgusting odor from your kitchen sink then this article is for you. Below are some of the reasons why your kitchen sink smells like sewage.

Reasons Why Your Kitchen Sink Smell Like Sewage

Food Debris in the Drainpipe

When you go to the kitchen sink and flip the switch, do not be surprised to find that there’s no water coming out. Cleaning and disposing of your food waste in the disposal garbage doesn’t completely clean your drain pipes. Food waste can get stuck and cause blockage.

You should remove food debris from the drainpipe using a vacuum cleaner or similar tool to avoid such a situation. Grease buildup can also accumulate and cause a clog which prevents water from flowing properly into the drain. You need to learn how to unclog the kitchen sink before anything else. Regularly using a plunger or plumber snake will help you deal with the problem.

Greasy Drain

This is also another cause of foul sewer smell in your kitchen sink. The accumulation of grease and oil in the drains can also cause a blockage, so it must be removed to restore the flow. If left unattended, fat and oil can harden in the drainpipe and rot gradually, leading to a rotten odor in your kitchen and the entire house.

You can also remedy this by not pouring oil and grease down the drain. Other than causing an unpleasant smell, it can lead to pipe blockage. Try to run a baking soda and vinegar solution in the drain and wash it down with boiling water.

Clogged Vent

If there’s a sewer smell coming from your sink and a greasy drain or trap is not the problem, a clogged vent might be letting sewer gas into your kitchen. Clogged vents prevent the flow of sewer gas out through the drain, so they are retained in your home, giving it an unpleasant odor.

It’s always difficult to identify and remove a blockage in a plumbing vent, so it’s best to call a professional plumber to clean your vent line and check the drain pipes. This can also be remedied by cleaning the drain vent. Use a ladder to climb the top and clear any debris that is clogging your drain vent.

Dirty Garbage Disposal

There’s a certain type of smell that comes from the garbage disposal. It’s formed as a result of some types of food that are kept in it for too long, especially those containing fat, oil, and grease. This is because bacteria form on these foods and emit a noxious odor when they decay.

Inadequate running water in the garbage disposal and food particles can rot and get stuck in the bottom of the unit. This leads to an over-accumulation of food particles which rot and produce a bad smell inside it. Dumping too much food at once and worn-out garbage disposal parts can also cause dirty garbage disposal.

Sewer Smells

Another common type of smell coming from the garbage disposal is a sewer smell. This happens when the drain between the sink and the sewer becomes clogged. Your house plumbing is designed to contain harmful gas, flush away sewage and provide you with clean and potable water.

If the sewer gas is smelling in your kitchen, the smell can be leaking from the sink trap or plumbing vent. The sink trap is located underneath your sink. This can bring some irritation, plus health hazards. Pour baking soda once a week into your sink to remedy this. If you try this and still smell sewer gas, it’s time to call the help of a professional.

P-Trap Malfunction

If you hear some gurgling noises in your drain, then there is a high possibility of the P-trap malfunction. The sound of water draining into the sink should be smooth and quiet. If it sounds bubbly or smelly, these are warning signs that something might have gone wrong with the trap.

The p-trap isolates the drain line from the fixture, blocking the irritating smells. It holds water at the bottom of the curve. So, if it becomes dry, it would cause a sewer smell to come from the sink.

How to Deal with Sewer Smell in Your Kitchen Sink

Hot Water and Dish Soap

A simple remedy to this problem is filling the sink with hot water and adding a few drops of dish soap. Let it sit for a while and see if the gurgling goes away. If not, then you might have to get your trap replaced or repaired.


Image credit: https://imagesvc.meredithcorp.io/

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour one cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by the same amount of vinegar, and let it sit for 10 minutes. While waiting, boil a pot of water, then pour that boiling water down the drain to flush the baking soda and vinegar. This will help eliminate the sewer gas that caused the gurgling sound in your kitchen sink drain.

Baking Soda and Vinegar
Image credit: https://images.saymedia-content.com/

Citrus Peels, Ice Cubes and Salt

Remedy your kitchen sink smell by throwing some ice cubes, kosher salt, and coarse salt into it. Once you have done that, fill the kitchen sink with boiling water for 10 minutes, then run the cold water to check if the smell is gone. Add lemon juice to give your sink basin a fresh smell.

Place a couple of citrus peels in the disposal, then grind them up with the disposal running. Make sure you run water while grinding so that you don’t end up with stuck-on food debris in your garbage disposal. If your drain is clean, but the smell persists, you might be having a plumbing issue.

Bio-Enzyme Drain Cleaner

Bio-enzyme drain cleaners are environmentally friendly because they do not emit toxic fumes like some chemical drain cleaners. They’re also safer for kids and pets since they are non-toxic, biodegradable, and do not emit fumes.

Bio-enzyme drain cleaner is mixed with water to form a powerful cleaning solution that can cut through grease, grime, and any other rotting food smell.

FAQS on Why Your Kitchen Sink Smell Like Sewage

Why does my kitchen sink smell like rotten eggs?

The reason why your kitchen smells like this is that there’s too much accumulation of grease and fat in your drains. You can wash it away by running baking soda and vinegar in the boiling water.

How do you get rid of the sewer smell in the kitchen sink?

Dump a cup of baking soda into the drain, let it sit for 15 minutes, pour half a cup of vinegar, and leave it to work for a few minutes. What you need to do next is run the hot water for a few minutes.

Final Thought on Why Does Your Kitchen Sink Smell Like Sewage

As you can see, the kitchen sink is the most used area in your kitchen, which makes it emit foul odors over time. It’s usually because of the food particles or grease that are stuck in the kitchen sink drain. As you’ve seen above, getting rid of the sewage smell is not a difficult thing after all. For rotting food smells, chemical cleaning methods are the best, but for sewer gas smells, try to check and fix your systems.

 

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Best Types of Squash for Beginners to Grow

Squash is a great vegetable to grow, but it can be confusing with many different types and names. Squashes are broadly separated into two categories which are summer squash and winter squash. They’re very easy to grow as long as they’re growing in fertile soil and watered frequently. 

We’ve put together a list of the best types of squash for beginners that will help you choose what kind is right for your garden space. Let’s get started!

Patty Pan Squash

This type of summer squash is sometimes called flying saucer squash. This is a fun squash to grow because it will turn bright yellow and have a sweet taste if you let the fruit mature. Pattypan squash is small, yellow, hard squashes with a light, nutty flavor. It’s very easy to grow, and it can be challenging to cut a pattypan squash, but that should never stop you from having this squash.


Image credit: https://images.immediate.co.uk/

corn Squash

Acorn squash is very simple to grow because it has a vine that doesn’t cover too much space. It will produce a big yield if you let the fruit mature to its orange-red color. The skin is a rich dark green and bright orange with a sweet, nutty flavor.

Crookneck Squash

The crookneck squash is a very productive vine. The fruit is long cylindrical, pointed at the blossom end, and has yellow skin with stripes and greenish-white flesh. It has a distinctive pale yellow flesh with hints of green when cooked. These summer squashes have a crookneck rather than a straight neck.

The vines may trail up to 10 feet or be quite erect, 3 to 4 feet tall. The most popular crookneck is yellow crookneck squash. It’s a bush-type plant that is easy to grow. It produces fruit up to 12 inches long with golden yellow skin and golden yellow flesh rich, sweet, nutty, and firm.

Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a great all-around plant that produces small fruits with a firm, tasty orange smell. The taste and texture of the cooked butternut squash are similar to sweet potato. It’s also a good choice to add soups and recipes, especially when you drizzle it with olive oil and then slowly roast it.

Butternut Squash
Image credit: https://solidstarts.com/wp-content

Butternut squash is widely known for the rich, nutty flavor of its yellow flesh. The neck of the fruit is tan and narrow, while the bulbous bottom is bright orange. It can grow up to 2 feet long. This plant grows best in temperate climates, making it great for cooler regions.

Delicata Squash

Delicata squash is a semi-bush plant, which produces yellow flowers and small, tender fruits. If the summers are hot, it will produce abundant crops of fruit. These fruits can be harvested at any stage of growth from very young to mature if still green. They have a perfect shape for stuffing with delicious cheeses and meats.

It is a good choice to use in soups and recipes, especially when you stuff it with any of your favorite ingredients. It also has thinner skin than many other winter squashes, which makes it easier for you to prepare. Their flesh is creamy white and sweet as well. Delicata squash is a hybrid of the Hubbard and Butternut varieties, making it close to both types.

Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is another type of squash that’s easily identified. Spaghetti squash comes in different shapes, sizes, and colors and has distinctive comma-shaped spaghetti-like strands that contain its stringy flesh. Spaghetti squash is low in calories, carbs, and sodium. It also contains rich amounts of potassium.

Spaghetti Squash
Image credit: https://specialtyproduce.com/

You can find them at your local grocery store with either a yellow or orange exterior. Spaghetti squash has gained popularity in the last five to ten years, thanks to its low-carb and healthy alternative to spaghetti.

Kabocha Squash

A very popular Asian squash, Kabocha (or Japanese pumpkin) is a thick-skinned winter squash shaped like a squat cylinder with dark green skin. It should be eaten cooked, as its raw flesh tastes very bitter and woody. Kabocha squash has an earthy flavor and goes well with savory dishes.

When you cut it, you’ll find a bright orange flesh that tastes like a pumpkin and sweet potato blend. However, it doesn’t store as long as other types of squash; therefore, you don’t have to grow many of them.

Buttercup Squash

In comparison to Kabocha, Buttercup is a very large, bright orange squash with a bulbous bottom and long neck. It has a dense texture and sweet flavor that tastes great when baked or pureed into soups. 

Buttercup squash store well into late winter and are buttery flavor and satiny when baked and mashed. After baking, add olive oil and Romano cheese and roast until browned and crispy on the outside edges.

Hubbard Squash

Hubbard is the largest American variety of winter squash, with an average weight of 50 pounds, which means you’ll need a big storage space to keep them. They’re suitable for pies and baked goods because they’re dryer than other types of winter squash.

It’s used in cooking in much the same way as a pumpkin. It’s also used as a filling for pies and puree in other dishes. Hubbard squash takes at least a hundred days from seed germination to harvest. Its fruits are ready to pick when the vines start to turn dry. Allow your fruits to cure for about two weeks before eating. Also, ensure you store your fruits in a dark, cool place for up to six months.

Zucchini

If you’re looking to grow edible fruits, then you should not let go of zucchini. Like any other squash, zucchini requires cross-pollination between male and female flowers. The most common summer squash grown in summer gardens is green zucchini. Green zucchini can grow in a range of conditions and climates. It requires cross-pollination for fruit production, so you need to plant at least two plants. 

There’s also baby round zucchini which is a popular choice if you want to grow a lot of zucchini in a small space. It’s also good for growing in containers. If you’re just learning how to grow zucchini, you need to know that it can be grown from seeds or by transplanting seedlings outside after all danger of frost has passed. You can also learn how to harvest zucchini so you don’t end up damaging your precious fruits.

Banana Squash

Banana squash is largely elongated in shape. It comes with several varieties that can grow up to 4 or 5 feet long and 1 foot wide. The fruit is very sweet, and the flesh is dark yellow. The skin of this squash is usually orange, pink, or blue in hue. When you store it properly, it can take up to six months. This squash is a great product for you to store.

Turban Squash

The shape of this squash does resemble the shape of a turban. They are very decorative squash with vivid color. They have many colors at the same time, but unlike decorative gourds, they are also good for eating. This squash is very popular with chefs because it can be cooked in many different ways, both sweet and savory. 

The flesh of this type of squash is very dense, and the flavor is described as nutty with a sweet, almost maple syrup-like aftertaste. Besides that, they are also low in calories and easy to digest. They also come in different colors, such as bright orange or golden yellow with green striped skin that add beauty to your salad.

Carnival Squash

Carnival squash is one good example of a common hybrid type. It’s a cross between acorn and sweet dumpling squash. It’s got a pale orange color, so it adds flavor to your meals. This type of squash is also great as a side dish because it can be enjoyed with sweet or savory dishes.

Red Kurri

This is another Japanese squash, but this time it’s also known as red Hubbard. It’s got a slightly nutty flavour than the carnival squash, but with an equal sweetness too. Despite its name, it is not related to pumpkins at all. They have a delicious, mildly sweet flesh which gives them a chestnut-like flavor. They are versatile because the flesh can be used in many dishes, like soups and roasted vegetables.

Pumpkin

This is probably one of the most common types of squash on the market today. If you already know how to cook pumpkins, think smaller and more flavorful. It is fun growing this type of squash because the vines wrap around trees and other structures for support. The flesh of pumpkins can be used like butternut squash in soups, stews, dishes with pasta, or risotto.

Pumpkin
Image credit: http://ocdn.eu/

 Also, you can make pies with it if you roast it in slices before placing it in the oven. They start small and green on enormous vines, then start fattening up and transforming into the bright orange color we are accustomed to. This is another squash type for which you need a big pot.

Zephyr Squash

Zephyr squash are two-tone fruits that make them easy to distinguish in the garden. The squash has long fruits that are straight and divided into two colors. The yellow color is on the top, while the pale green color is on the bottom. The fruit of zephyr squash can be eaten or added to salads, stews, and pies. 

In order to have a successful harvest, you need to keep your plants healthy all summer long. Ensure that they get enough water and fertilize them every two weeks with a special formula for vegetables that contain more potassium. Also, take care of pest problems that can damage your crop if not controlled in time.

Straightneck Squash

Straightneck squashes are known for their long, straight shape. They are typically yellow and have mildly sweet flesh and tender skin that is easy to peel. It is often used in pies, soups, and stews. Use the same techniques as for crookneck squashes but watch out for mildew which can damage your crop if not controlled in time.

Sweet Dumplings

Sweet dumplings are small and compact with whitish-yellow skin with green stripes. You can even eat its tender skin if you want. Unlike other winter squash, it’s tender. It is fast-growing and has long vines that creep everywhere. They have a sweet flavor, plus a taste and texture that is similar to sweet potatoes. Make sure you grow them in gardens that are spacious and have full sunlight for optimal growth.

FAQs on Best Types of Squash for Beginners to Grow

What is the best yellow squash to grow?

Yellow Crookneck is considered one of the best types of squash to grow. It’s very easy and fast to grow and perfect for beginners, plus they’re also resistant to bacterial wilt.

What is the healthiest type of squash?

The healthiest type of squash is yellow squash, also known as summer squash. Yellow Crookneck Squash has the most antioxidants and the highest level of Vitamin A, making it one of the healthiest types of yellow squash.

Final Thought on Best Types of Squash for Beginners to Grow

As you can see, there are several squash varieties that you can grow with ease. Try yellow crookneck summer squash if you want to go with something easy to grow and resistant to most diseases. It is considered one of the healthiest varieties of summer squash in the world.

 

 

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21 Best Shade-Loving Flowers for Your Shade Garden

You want to plant a blooming shade garden, but you don’t know what flowers will thrive in partial shade. Many flowering plants require full sun to grow and bloom properly. However, there’re some flowers that can do well in shaded areas.

Many of these shade perennials come in a wide variety of colors and characteristics. For example, some will grow relatively large while others will stay petite and remain close to the ground. You will be spoilt of choice when it comes to choosing shade-loving flowers. To make your work easier, here is a list of the best shade-loving flowers to add to your garden. 

1. Astilbe

Astilbe is an incredible plant that is suitable for your garden shade. However, it requires lots of water for it to thrive. You must ensure that it doesn’t dry out. So, the best way to cultivate it is to plant it near a pond or stream of water.


Image caption: https://images.saymedia-content.com/

They are slow-growing and produce plume-like flowers on stalks above the foliage in the spring and summer. They do well in partial shade but can also tolerate heavier shade. But they won’t achieve their maximum size in full shade.

2. Hydrangea

This plant can be cultivated in partial shade but prefers full sun. It produces flower buds that are blue-green. You may also purchase some hydrangea shrubs that are pink or pinkish-red in color, which is more suitable for partial shade conditions. 

Hydrangea
Image credit: https://www.almanac.com/

Some hydrangeas bloom in large, round clusters, while others have smaller, flatter appearances. It produces oodles of impressive flowers from early summer to fall.

They also do well under tall deciduous trees. Planting them in areas with low light can reduce their flower output, while too much sun and heat can wilt the plant. They should get some morning sun then followed by afternoon shade. Also, make sure you give them extra water during hot days.

3. Bleeding Heart

This beautiful flower gets its name from the fact that it bleeds out watery sap when cut. The bleeding heart loves shade and mulch yet can’t handle too much cold. It is often found in moist conditions with dark, rich soil. When transplanting bleeding hearts, you should place them 6-12 inches deep while ensuring they are standing upright.

The bleeding heart needs plenty of water during the first week. Too much sun can also interfere with flowering. Apart from the partial shade, you should also select a planting site that’s protected from strong winds because flowers are delicate. When watering, make sure you keep the soil moist and not soggy.

4. Spiderwort

Spiderwort is the favorite of many gardeners because of a few reasons. It’s a shade-loving perennial that can do well in moist soil with good drainage. Although it doesn’t require much maintenance, you should still act fast when you notice that your plant isn’t doing too well.

Spiderwort
Image caption: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/

You will need to keep the soil free of weeds while also avoiding overwatering. When winter arrives, make sure you protect your Spiderwort because they will most likely perish without protection. It features long leaves and blue purple flowers. It’s also perfect for shaded areas of your garden and prefers moist and well drained soil.

5. Bellflower

Bellflowers or Campanulas are perennials that can be planted in spring and summer. To have a successful garden, keep the blooms away from your vines as they will block sunlight. The blooming season of this flower runs from June through your first frost.

The soil should be kept moist and well-drained for these flowers to blossom. Keep the weeds away because it will use all the nutrients that your Bellflowers could otherwise use.

6. Yellow Fumitory

Yellow fumitory or Fumaria officinalis is not a parasitic plant, but it does require some nutrients from its host. This yellow flower needs either grass or clover so that it can grow well. So, make sure you plant it in a cooler area of your garden. It grows from about 8 to 20 inches tall and has beautiful yellow blooms.

7. Solomon’s Seal

This flower is also called False Spikenard, and it’s native to North America. It blooms early in the spring before trees begin to bud. The plant can grow up to almost 3 feet tall and has scarlet-orange flowers that look like bells.

This partial shade lover produces small, lengthy, tube-shaped flowers which hang from the stems. Expect its blooms to appear in late spring and last throughout the summer. The blooms turn bluish-colored berries while summer leaves and fall begin.

8. Foxglove

This is another type of flower that you should give a chance in your garden. This perennial plant blooms when exposed to the sun’s heat; that is why it blooms in the early summer with clusters of tubular flowers. It produces tall, spiked flowers in mixes of white, pink, and Light Purple.

This wildflower prefers moist, rich soil to grow in your garden. Foxgloves are great for adding color to an area with partial shade exposure, plus it has beautiful flowers that will look amazing when allowed to grow.

9. Jack Frost Aster

This wildflower is also called “Frost Flower” and can be found throughout wet meadows, grasslands, and open woods. It has small white flowers that bloom during the fall to attract insects for fertilization. The blooms of this wildflower remain until winter, so it has another name as “Snow Queen.”

10. Fuchsia

This type of wildflower is also called Crimson Rambler because it has colorful, fuchsia-colored inflorescence. Another name for this plant is “Princess Feather,” named after the flower that resembles a feather. This flower can grow up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide, with an equal spread. Other names: “Old-Fashioned” and Rambling Rector.

If you like hummingbirds, you should know how to plant and care for the hardy fuchsia perennial. Expect the tubular to bloom from spring to the first frost of your season.

11. Coral Bells

Coral bells are native to the United States from New England west to North Dakota and south to Florida and Texas. This plant prefers shady areas but will tolerate a little bit of sun. Uh, its soil requirements should be moist but well-draining, rich in organic matter.

Coral bells should be planted in early spring or fall. The leaves will turn an awesome red in the fall. Do not let the soil dry out when it is dormant; otherwise, your plant will die. They grow lower to the ground with small spiky flowers which begin in the spring. It requires less maintenance, making it thrive with less attention.

12. Monkshood

Monkshood also goes by the name of wolf’s bane of aconitum. It needs a moist, shady area to grow well in a temperate climate. Test the soil pH to ensure it’s under six and is not particular about what type of soil it grows in. Monkshoods are poisonous, but they make up for it with their beauty. 

They provide great flowers for bees and butterflies. This deer-resistant plant has sturdy green stems and gorgeous blooms that are either purplish color or deep blue. It adds a layered look to your shade garden because it can grow as high as 3 feet.

13. Leopard Plant

Leopard plant also goes by the name of golden groundsel and golden ragwort. It grows well in a place that is damp but not too moist. It isn’t particular about habitat, just as long as it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight every day. Leopard plants produce large yellow flowers that have a leopard-like shape hence the name. It’s also a perennial for shade gardens.

Leopard Plant
Image caption: https://www.thespruce.com/

14. Bear’s Breeches

This shade garden favorite is the largest of all perennial plants. It has bell-shaped blooms that can grow up to 1 foot in diameter and produce dark green leaves with silver patterns. Moreover, this plant also provides visual interest throughout the four seasons by changing its appearance from spring through winter.

With a height of 3 to 5 feet tall, this plant requires a large growing space. Hardy down to zone 6; forgetting these perennial plants is very difficult.

15. Green and Gold

The name is somewhat misleading because this plant has yellow flowers with green markings. Although it’s not native to North America, many gardeners use this plant to substitute for Green-and-Gold (Loropetalum chinense). Now thanks to its popularity, you can already find Green and Gold in local plant nurseries.

16. Mourning Widow Perennial Geranium

Of all perennial geraniums, this is the best variety to grow in colder climates. It can survive winter, and it can grow beautifully too. While other geraniums’ flowers only last for 10 minutes, the Mourning Widow’s blooms stay for up to five days.

The green leaves of this geranium are splotched with central-chocolate brown marking and dark maroon-purple. It grows up to two feet tall and requires very low maintenance.

17. Toad Lily

This is a hybrid plant that comes from a cross between Lilium henryi and Lilium pardalinum. Its scientific name is “Tricyrtis hirta,” It can also be found in Asian countries like Japan, China, Korea, Mongolia, and Taiwan.

Toad Lily
Image caption: https://gardenbeast.com/

If you want this variety to grow in your backyard, make sure there’s a good amount of moisture during the first years of its life. It produces tall flower stalks, growing up to 1 meter tall, and has an amazing fragrance. Toad Lilies are among the most unique shade-loving perennial flowers. 

With an almost ground orchid-like appearance, both the plant and late-season blooms can stop your neighbors in their tracks. They come in several varieties, but most have white blooms splotched with pink, rose, and burgundy speckles.

18. Creeping Veronica (Veronica Repens)

Another shade-loving plant, creeping veronica, is an evergreen perennial with semi-succulent leaves. This trailing perennial dies back to the ground in colder regions, but its roots remain alive throughout the winter. Creeping Veronica produces spikes of blue flowers that bloom across spring and summer.

It thrives in partial shade and moist soil that is well-drained. Like most plants of the Polemonium genus, creeping veronica is deer resistant. The bright blue flowers in late spring have white and green glossy trailing foliage that turns burgundy in the summer.

19. Lungwort (Pulmonaria)

A traditional favorite of the shady gardens, lungwort (Pulmonaria) is an herbaceous perennial with spiky leaves and striking blue flowers. Native to Europe, this garden escapee is hardy in the Northeast United States and southern Canada. Lungwort grows best in partial to full shade. It begins to bloom in early spring as the flowers also begin to clump together. 

The blooms are bell and funnel-shaped and grow in clusters. It can also tolerate more sunlight when the weather is still cool. Too much light can burn the foliage, whereas too much shade can reduce flowering.

20. Lily of the Valley

This is a hardy ground cover with arching medium green leaves and petite, fragrant, white flowers streaked with purple. Although they are evergreen, the leaves will turn yellow in fall when night temps drop below 55˚F.

They can tolerate direct morning sun, but you need to protect them from the strong afternoon sun. Full sun is essential in a warm climate, and make sure you water them to keep the soil lightly moist and not soggy.

21. Lamb’s Ear

This is a low-growing ground cover with silver-gray, beautiful foliage. Although they are considered evergreen, lamb’s ear leaves will turn yellowish in winter when night temps go below 50˚F.

They need to be planted in well-drained soil and can tolerate afternoon shade, but you have to protect them from the strong afternoon sun. They will grow in almost any light condition, but full sun is best in warm climates. Make sure you water them to keep the soil lightly moist and not soggy. Also, learn how to control and care for lamb’s ear for them to grow well.

Final Thought on Best Shade Loving Flowers for Your Garden Shade

There, you have it! There are so many shade perennials that you can incorporate in your compound, whether indoors or outdoors. These shade gardens are not only attractive but also give your home a beautiful fragrance.

 

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