outside

When houseplants go outside

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu After spring cleanup and repotting, many houseplants move outdoors after Memorial Day. The challenge, of course, is that most houseplants prefer indirect light, something we can control indoors but not on a sunny patio. A plant that...

Houseplant hitchhikers: Mealybug

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu A female mealybug amongst cottony egg masses on an orchid stem Mealybugs have taken up residence on the underside of this saucer. And suddenly it’s fall! Time to start bringing in those houseplants that have thrived outdoors over the...

Let the outside in with all-season rooms

Many homeowners express interest in creating fewer barriers between the interior and exterior of their homes. Some may have backyards built for entertaining and want to facilitate the transition between the inside of the residence and the outside when guests arrive. In other instances, homes may...

How to protect outdoor gear before placing it in storage

The right gear makes all the difference when spending time in the great outdoors. Outdoorsmen spend billions of dollars every year on gear, and that spending reflects outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, fully engaged outdoors enthusiasts were...

Coping with fewer hours of daylight

Daylight saving time comes to an end each fall, at a time when the hours of available sunlight already are beginning to decline. Some people are more accustomed to darkness than others. Norwegians, Swedes and people living in Alaska and the upper reaches of Canada near or above the Arctic Circle...

Steps for hanging holiday lights outdoors

It begins to look a lot like Christmas when twinkling lights brighten up homes inside and out. Few things liven up the season more than holiday decorations, particularly clear and colored lights. Prior to taking out the lights, ladder and thermos of coffee to get you through the job, it's important...

The secrets to cold weather entertaining

Upon the arrival of cold weather, people tend to move indoors and limit their time spent in the elements. For those who live in places where there are restrictions placed on indoor entertaining and gatherings, it may be challenging to find ways to spend time safely together as temperatures drop....