If golden bamboo is invasive in your region, consider planting noninvasive ornamental grass instead. ‘Northwind’ switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) has thin blades and a bold upright habit. It grows 4 to 5 feet tall. ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora), which has showy seed heads in late summer and fall, is another native grass to consider. It grows 3 to 5 feet tall and has showy seed heads in late summer and fall....

“It started off as a pragmatic remodel,” architect Erik Evens says. “Then it got a whole lot more interesting.” A modest plan to update the kitchen, bath, and master suite—and bring more utility to the backyard—morphed into a sledgehammer-fueled, wall-toppling renovation. “We ended up completely reinventing the house,” Evens says. Evens respected the home’s early-20th-century architecture while elevating the entry’s presence with grand columns. The biggest change appears just a step inside the front door where a small entry and hall had opened to a dining area....

1 cup warm water (105°F to 110°F) 1 tablespoon honey 1 pkg. active dry yeast 2 ½ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour Olive oil

Formerly a management strategy and business consultant, Haeley gave her career a turn by becoming a professional blogger after launching Design Improvised, a website for simple DIY projects that are bound to have a big impact in people’s lives. Haeley’s approach when it comes to arts and crafts relies on creativity: materials like pipe cleaners and yarn become home, party, or holiday decor in easy steps.Her longtime partnerships include Sutera, Brightology, Balloon Times, among others....

Situated across the Midwest and the South, these three homes demonstrate how location impacts price. Ranging from three to five bedrooms, the spacious houses were built for larger families and all cost around $510,000. Each home has unique features and design elements that set it apart from the rest. From an in-home guest suite to a lower-level lounge area complete with a wet bar, you’ll love the grand details these homes have to offer....

Best Vegetables to Roast When it comes to roasting, not all vegetables are created equal. Before you preheat your oven, make sure you’re choosing good veggies to roast for the best and most delicious results. Vegetables such as onions, potatoes, carrots, beets, winter squash, and other hearty root vegetables work well. Tender vegetables, such as asparagus and mushrooms, also transform in the heat of the oven. Vegetables to Avoid Roasting Green beans, broccoli, and other green-hue vegetables are not as well-suited for roasting because they tend to turn olive green, and the green beans shrivel before becoming tender....

You’ll Need: 12 pounds ripe tomatoes (about 25 tomatoes)3 tablespoons packed brown sugar2 tablespoons kosher salt or 4 teaspoons salt1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper2 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves, chopped1 cup lightly packed assorted fresh herbs (such as oregano, thyme, parsley, or Italian parsley), chopped6 tablespoons lemon juice Step 1: Peel the Tomatoes Start with firm, unblemished tomatoes and wash them in cold water.To remove the skins, dip the tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds or until the skins start to split....

Benefits of Mulch There are some advantages to adding mulch to your garden. In the summer, mulch helps the soil hold moisture, so you don’t have to water as often. Soil also tends to dry out faster and harden in the hot sun. Mulch will help protect the ground from baking in direct sunlight and keep your plants happy. Mulch also prevents weeds. Adding it to your planting bed will block light from reaching the soil, keeping many kinds of weed seeds from sprouting....

Types of Mortar Mortars are similar to concrete but have more compressive strength and are formulated to bond masonry units, seal them, and account for small differences in their sizes. Lime is added to increase the water-retention properties of the mix and to make it more workable. Mortar is thus classified in the following types: Type M: This mortar has the highest compressive strength. It is the best choice for masonry that’s below grade, subject to frost heave, or in contact with the earth, such as retaining walls and walks....