Why You Should Grow Marigolds Instead of Mums This Fall

Dane Tashima

Fall will be here before you know it, and we know what that means—it’s time to bring out thefall decor. Of course, exactly how to decorate your space for the season may be trickier than it seems. As you’re deciding which route to take, why not consult your zodiac sign?

Fiddle-leaf fig plants (Ficus lyrata) are loved for their large, green, glossy foliage, which makes them beautiful houseplants. However, caring for this plant can sometimes be tricky, mainly in fall and around the onset of winter when many gardeners notice their plant starts dropping leaves.

Chrysanthemums or mums are a must-have for autumn décor. They are perfect for pairing with pumpkins and gourds, and steal the spotlight with an explosion of blooms in fiery red, orange, and yellow hues that echo the autumn foliage. You’ll also find vibrant pink, lavender, and even white mums to dress up containers and gardens. Mums are easy to care for but require regular watering to keep them flowering for many weeks. How much water plants need and how often you should water mums varies depending on where the plant is growing. Follow these simple tips to determine when to water mums and keep them looking their best all season.

It can be tempting to whip out some paint to refresh an old piece of furniture that's been sitting around your home, however, it may be better off left alone than painted. We asked pros to share what types of furniture should never be painted, so you know which ones to avoid giving a quick DIY makeover to.

Sometimes, we want to refresh our clothes and linens beyond just setting a normal washing machine cycle.

Have you ever thought about installing a pond in your garden? A pond can offer numerous advantages and serves more purposes than just being a decorative feature. Whether you have a spacious garden or a modest area, a pond can be a valuable addition. Here are five reasons why your garden might benefit from having a pond:

Even if you aren't fortunate enough to live next to a meadow of wildflowers, you can still capture their untamed beauty in a container or garden this summer by planting cosmos. Cosmos come in various colors, from burgundy to pink to white. Mix them up for a more natural look, like a wildflower meadow. Bonus: this colorful flower, native to tropical America, attracts birds and butterflies with its cheery blooms. Because of their wildflower characteristics, cosmo flowers are considered invasive in some environments. Cosmos are prime not only for containers but for creating a mass of color in borders or backgrounds or as a filler among shrubs.

While mums are particularly popular during the fall season for their lasting power and bright multi-colored blooms, they aren't the only stars of the show for this upcoming season.

Brick is one of those designer-favorite materials that is timeless and can add unique depth and texture to architectural elements, both indoors and out.

Decorating a windowsill might seem like a simple way to add a bit of flair and personality to your living space. After all, a well-decorated sill can act as a mini-showcase for your style, housing everything from cute trinkets to treasured mementos. But before you start lining up your favorite possessions along that sunny ledge, it's important to remember that not everything plays nice with sunlight. 

If you're considering painting your deck, be mindful that experts are extremely opposed to this practice for a number of reasons.