So you've just picked up a gorgeous new set of bedding, but should you wash sheets, covers, and pillowcases before sleeping in them for the first time?

As our laundry experts advise − yes, you should, every time you add a piece to your collection.

Here's why this simple step is so crucial for washing, drying, and caring for your bed linen, and how it could play a role in your health.

There's something about a new set of the best bed sheets that always instantly elevates your bedroom space. Whether you opt for bright colors and bold patterns or calming neutrals and crisp whites, it's an easy way to breathe new life into your sanctuary, and it can even help you to sleep better, too.

But, warns Rechelle Balanzat, Laundry Expert, CEO and Founder of Juliette, a New York-based premium laundry service, don't rush to make the bed with your new addition too quickly.

'"New" doesn't necessarily mean 'clean,' she explains. 'Before sheets reach your home, they've often been treated with finishing agents to improve their appearance and have traveled through factories, warehouses, and shipping facilities.'

For that reason, Rechelle always recommends washing them first (not doing so is a bad habit that makes your bed unsanitary) to help remove these residues, soften the fabric, improve breathability, and create a cleaner, more comfortable environment.

As Samantha Shpeen, Controller and Chief Home Officer at Clean Cult, adds, there's a comfort pay-off, too. 'Washing lets the fibers relax, so sheets that may feel stiff out of the packaging come out softer and more breathable from night one.'

How to Wash New Bed Sheets: For Fresh-Smelling, Unparalleled Softness

If you've got a new set of bed sheets that need washing, and aren't clued up on how to avoid common bedding mistakes, the process is simple:

• Check the care label for the relevant laundry symbols
• Use a gentle, non-bio laundry detergent, such as the Seventh Generation Concentrated Free & Clear Laundry Detergent, available at Amazon. As your bed sheets are next to your skin all night as you sleep, it's best to choose something that's suitable for sensitive skin with natural ingredients that won't cause a reaction as you rest. Always follow the instructions on the bottle or packaging in terms of how much detergent to add, and remember that less is always more if you want to avoid spotting any signs that you're using the wrong amount of detergent.
• Set the temperature and spin speed: Knowing the right washer and dryer settings for softness is crucial when washing bedding. In general, bedding is best washed on a hot temperature setting (90-130° Fahrenheit) and medium spin speed, though for linen and silk types, a cold and lower setting should be selected instead.
• Then, either take advantage of the benefits of air-drying laundry, which will naturally freshen your sheets and kill any lingering bacteria, or tumble-dry your sheets with dryer balls, available at Walmart, for added softness.

Once done, your brand new bedding is ready to adorn your bed, whether you're layering your bed for summer, or making your bed look cozy in winter.

What to Shop

From laundry detergents and drying racks to wool dryer balls and linen spray, my curated selection of products, which you can shop below, has got you covered.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Just like bedding, you should also always wash new towels before using them for the first time.

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Aside from their beauty, we love Mediterranean gardens for their ability to transport us to sunnier places, with slower paces, reminding us to relax and take it easy. And while it helps to live somewhere hot to create one, it's not essential.

From white-washed casitas and rustic stone to terracotta pots and gravel surfaces, there are certain elements that broadly capture this look – which, of course, spans many different cultures.

However, particular plants are a common thread in many Mediterranean gardens too, whether they are in Italy, Spain, France, Greece or any of the other countries that border this stretch of sea and encapsulate this style. Some of these plants will even grow in more temperate places – and you don't need a large garden either. If you would like to create a Mediterranean retreat in a small space, these are the best seven plants to grow, according to horticultural experts.

'A Mediterranean garden draws its character from the climate it comes from (long, hot, dry summers and mild winters) and the plants that evolved to thrive in those conditions,' says Tabar Gifford Master Gardener and representative, High Country Gardens.

'The hallmarks are silvery and grey-green foliage (nature’s way of reflecting heat and conserving moisture), aromatic leaves that release their fragrance in the warmth of the sun, flowers in warm whites, purples, and blues, and a structural quality that looks just as good in winter as it does in the height of summer.'

1. Lavender (Lavandula)

Originating from the Mediterranean region, lavender is unsurprisingly a plant many associate with Mediterranean garden ideas. Attractive, aromatic and with medicinal properties, lavender is also drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and a wonderful pollinator plant to grow. Some species and cultivars are more compact and suitable for smaller spaces too.

'If I had to choose just one plant to define the Mediterranean garden aesthetic, lavender would be it,' says Tabar. 'It’s also beautifully fragrant and offers structural interest year-round even when not in flower. Bees cannot resist it.

'The silvery-grey foliage is architecturally beautiful even out of bloom, and when those purple spires emerge in early summer, the fragrance is incomparable. For small spaces, compact varieties like ‘Hidcote’ (18 inches tall and wide) or ‘Munstead’ are ideal — tidy, well-behaved, and reliably floriferous.

'In containers, lavender thrives with the excellent drainage a pot naturally provides, and a grouping of three in terracotta pots is one of the simplest and most effective ways to create a Mediterranean patio feeling.'

Give lavender full sun and good drainage. Cut plants back by about a third after flowering to maintain a tidy shape and encourage longevity. 'Lavender actually prefers lean soil, so avoid the temptation to over-enrich,' adds Tabar.

This Hidcote Lavender from Plant Addicts will grow in zones 5-8 to around 2-3' tall and wide. To contain its growth, plant it in this pale granite clay D7" x H8" terracotta pot from Ace Hardware.

2. Catmint (Nepeta)

Another pretty plant with aromatic foliage, Catmint (Nepata) originates in North Africa, Southern and Eastern Europe. As such, these plants love full sun, well-drained soil and often feature in gardens in these regions (as well as those with warm, dry climates), delivering the Mediterranean aesthetic.

'Catmint carries that same sun-warmed, slightly wild quality that makes Mediterranean landscapes so appealing,' says Tabar. 'It forms loose, spilling mounds of silver-grey foliage topped with clouds of lavender-blue flowers that bloom from late spring well into summer.

'It's the perfect soft foil for lavender’s upright structure, and one of the most versatile plants in a Mediterranean-style palette.

'For small spaces and containers, the variety ‘Little Trudy®’ stays compact at just 10–12 inches tall and spreads to about 16 inches wide — it's perfect for edging a path, softening the base of a container grouping, or spilling over the edge of a raised bed.'

Nepeta is extremely drought-tolerant once established, deer-resistant, aromatic, and a favorite of bees and butterflies.

'It’s a plant that works hard and asks for very little in return,' says Tabar. 'Shear back by half after the first bloom for fresh growth and a second flush of flowers.'

For a cold hardy catmint, try this dwarf Nepeta from Nature Hill's, which also grows to one foot tall, and thrives in zones 4-10.

3. Hummingbird Mint (Agastache)

If you would prefer to use low-maintenance native plants to create a Mediterranean vibe, Agastache has a varied color palette, which ranges from similar lilac hues to Lavender and Catmint to other warmer tones, such as pink and yellow. However it originates from the American Southwest and Mexico rather than the Mediterranean basin, so will easily thrive in hot, sunny regions and support pollinators.

'Agastache thrives in identical conditions: blazing sun, lean dry soil, excellent drainage, and heat,' says Tabar. 'It's a plant I reach for again and again when designing for hot, dry conditions.

'In a Mediterranean-style garden, it brings vertical structure and vibrant color that the palette genuinely benefits from. Compact varieties like ‘Acapulco Salmon & Pink’, ‘Kudos Coral’, and ‘Pineapple Sunrise’ stay under two feet and bring warm sunset tones of coral, peach, deep orange, that layer beautifully with the blues and purples of lavender and catmint.

'The aromatic foliage has a wonderful anise-mint fragrance, and the flower spikes are irresistible to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It’s also spectacular in containers, where its upright habit and long bloom season (often early summer right through to frost) make it a reliable focal point.'

Ensure your plant has good drainage and cut back in early spring as new growth emerges from the base to keep it flourishing.

This Summerlong Peach Agastache from Plant Addicts is another compact variety that will do well in pots. Plant it in this D10" x H12" terracotta pot from Ace Hardware for Mediterranean style.

4. Salvia

There are so many types of Salvia, you can easily find one to suit your US hardiness zone, a particular color palette or specific style. Although, in colder regions, you may need to grow this plant as an annual, rather than a perennial.

The grey-green foliage is classically Mediterranean and looks beautiful even between bloom cycles.

'No plant genus is more quintessentially Mediterranean than Salvia,' says Tabar. 'Hundreds of species originate from the dry, rocky, sun-drenched hillsides of the Mediterranean basin and surrounding regions, and the genus has been in cultivation for centuries for very good reason.

'For a small-space Mediterranean garden, Salvia Greggii varieties (Autumn Sage) are ideal; compact, floriferous, and reliably drought-tolerant with a long bloom season from late spring through fall. ‘Furman’s Red’, ‘Lipstick’, and ‘Raspberry Wine’ bring rich color in a plant that stays tidy at 18–24 inches.

'For the classic blue-purple spike, Salvia Nemorosa varieties like ‘May Night’ and ‘Caradonna’ pair perfectly with silvery lavender and catmint foliage.'

Aromatic, drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and one of the best pollinator plants available, Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. A light trim after the first bloom flush encourages a second wave of flowers and keeps the plant looking its best through the rest of the season.

This pretty Marcus Meadow Sage from Plant Addicts is a Salvia Nemorosa with a mature height of 8-12" and spread of 10-12" so will stay contained in a small garden.

5. Mediterranean Spurge (Euphorbia)

Euphorbia is another classic Mediterranean plant species, with evergreen foliage, for year round interest. There are numerous varieties and cultivars to suit different climates and each can be grown in the ground or containers to suit small spaces.

With its gray-green, succulent-like foliage, Euphorbia looks particularly beautiful trailing from aged terracotta pots.

'If you want to create a Mediterranean retreat in a small space in a zone with cool, damp winters, I would recommend Euphorbia × myrsinites,' says Matt Manus, Senior Director of Horticulture, AHS.

'It needs a well-drained site, however, it is quite cold hardy and will reseed in northern gravel gardens as a lovely gray-green groundcover, especially in sharply-draining gravel gardens.

This Euphorbia Myrsinites from Lowe's has a mature height of 6-8", is suitable for zones 5-10 and would add interest to rock gardens.

For shadier sites in warmer climates Matt recommends Euphorbia. characias (Zones 6b–8b), or the colorful cultivar Euphorbia. amygdaloides.

'If you aren't blessed with full sun, some of the many drought-tolerant Euphorbia species, can handle shade and are always welcome when one still wants a Mediterranean feel in the garden,' he says.

'Look for cultivars such as 'Ruby Glow', with dark red foliage and lime-green blooms, or 'Miner's Merlot', with even darker wine-tinted foliage set off by acid-green, long-lasting flowers.'

Whichever Euphorbia you choose, grow it in this gorgeous tall, pale gray terracotta pot from Lowe's to create an eye-catching contrast and enliven a small space.

What to Shop

6. Giant Fennel (Ferula Communis)

Despite the name, Giant Fennel (Ferula communis), is suited to a small garden, as it grows tall rather than wide. Like its edible cousin, this Mediterranean plant bears beautiful umbels with tiny yellow flowers and would make a bold statement in a small space.

'Giant Fennel (Ferula communis) is kind of having a moment right now and not many know about it,' explains Matt. 'Many gardeners are finding success in Zones 5–8 with this giant fennel species, which is essentially a textural gem, with ferny foliage for three to five years before sending up an 8-foot flowering stalk.

'Another giant fennel, Ferula tingitana, is a shorter-lived species that can be a real showstopper and often reseeds freely. This is not a plant you'll find at most garden centers, so it also makes a welcome seed gift for adventurous gardening friends,' adds Matt.

Plants may die after blooming, so save seed to replant in future years.

If you grow your Ferula in a container, it will need a sturdy base like this beautiful Safavieh large planter pot from Lowe's.

7. Olive Tree (Olea europaea)

No Mediterranean garden is complete without an Olive tree, not even a small one. Olive trees grown in pots will remain compact in size, and while they may not produce as much fruit, as those grown in the ground, will provide shade, vertical interest and that all-important Mediterranean aesthetic.

'For those in a hotter, drier climate (Zones 7–10), I would recommend any number of plants for a small garden or sunny courtyard in this style,' says Matt.

'Woody Mediterranean standbys such as olive trees (Olea europaea) are always a great choice, and look good in pots, grouped alongside rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), thyme (Thymus spp.), lavender (Lavandula spp.) and many Salvia species, which can all be grown in containers.'

This Pendolino Olive Tree from Fast-Growing Trees is a slow-growing variety, that's easy to maintain and suitable as a patio plant in zones 3-11. When container-planted and pruned, it will stay small in stature.

Whatever the size of your space, whether a small garden or compact city courtyard, select one or more of the plant choices above and display them with pots of herbs that originate from the region, to bring your Mediterranean retreat to life.

'There’s something deeply satisfying about a Mediterranean garden,' says Tabar. 'The way aromatic plants, silvery foliage, and sun-baked textures combine to create a sense of place that feels both effortless and intentional.

'Mediterranean-climate plants are some of the most garden-worthy plants in the world, and you don’t need a sprawling estate to make them feel right at home.'

July is a significant month for growing okra. The heat-loving crop, also known as ladies’ fingers, is highly productive in summer, and a few crucial tasks this month will bring you a bumper harvest of pods to pick.

Regular harvesting is the most important job for July if you are growing okra in your vegetable garden. Along with picking, take time to water, feed, support, and keep plants pest-free to ensure the harvests keep coming. If you garden in the hottest climates, though, there is an extra task you can do that will reward you with extra crops.

Okra does need regular attention this month, and keeping on top of these tasks is important for the best yield throughout the summer and onwards. Here’s what to do with okra in July to pick the finest pods and to have healthy plants that will keep on producing new ones to pick in the future.

1. Harvest Pods Every Few Days

July is a peak time for harvesting okra pods, and you want to get them at their prime. Good timing is imperative, as young pods are tender and a delicacy, while older ones are tough and woody.

Regular harvesting is an important part of what to do with okra in July. It is advisable to pick them little and often every few days rather than opting for more infrequent, larger harvests.

The perfect pods are 2-3 inches long. Picking them often encourages the plant to keep producing new ones, whereas leaving mature pods slows down the development.

Use small pruners (like these Fiskars pruning snips at Walmart) or a sharp knife to harvest okra pods. Don’t pull the pods, as okra plants have very shallow roots, and you risk damaging the entire plant.

It is also advisable to wear gloves and long sleeves (you can get gardening sleeves at Amazon to stay protected) when working with okra plants. The stems, leaves, and pods have fine hairs that can irritate the skin.

2. Keep the Soil Moist

Okra is a fairly drought-tolerant vegetable once established in its planting spot, but this doesn’t mean it doesn’t need to be kept hydrated during July.

When okra is flowering and fruiting, it is a key time to keep the soil consistently moist to guarantee the best harvests. For the best yield, give okra at least one inch of water per week, though this amount can increase in hotter climates.

Keep a close eye on when to water plants, checking at least once a day during the summer months. Check the moisture levels a few inches under the surface, and water plants deeply to soak the root zone.

Always water the soil around the plants, rather than soaking them from above. Watering the foliage increases the risk of fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew. A soaker hose (such as this 25 ft flat soaker hose, available at Amazon) or drip irrigation is an efficient way to direct water into the soil and to the roots of the plants.

3. Feed Okra Plants in Pots

Okra plants benefit from balanced fertilizer at the time of planting. Those growing in the ground don’t tend to need extra feeding during the season, unless they show signs of struggling, such as slow growth or yellowing foliage. In this case, use a balanced liquid fertilizer, like this all-purpose plant food from Amazon.

If you are growing okra in pots in a vegetable container garden, these plants will need regular feeding throughout July and the rest of summer. The best fertilizers for these plants are higher in potassium, such as this Farmer’s Secret fruit and bloom booster fertilizer, also at Amazon. Apply this fertilizer every two or three weeks once the okra starts flowering.

The big fertilizing mistake to avoid is giving okra plants too much nitrogen this month. Using high-nitrogen feeds will result in a mass of foliage and leafy growth, but few flowers or pods.

4. Support Plants if Needed

Okra can reach four to six feet tall, depending on the variety, so they ideally need to be staked, especially in windy gardens. The plants are often self-supporting, thanks to their woody stems, but taller varieties do need staking to keep them secure during the season, especially when they are top-heavy.

The easiest type of plant support for okra is a sturdy bamboo cane (like these eight-foot bamboo plant stakes at Home Depot) or landscape stake.

A single support is required per plant, as they are not the types of plants that will climb a vegetable garden trellis. Alternatively, you can construct a tall tomato cage around plants to contain and stop them from falling over when laden with pods.

Use thin plant ties when attaching the okra stem to the support, such as twine, cloth, or Velcro straps, and don’t tie it too tightly.

5. Check for Pests

July is a time when okra can be under attack from many different summer garden pests, whether the crop is growing indoors or outdoors. Aphids, spider mites, flea beetles, stink bugs, and caterpillars are all known to trouble okra and can feed on leaves, stems, and pods.

Look out for signs of pest issues and take prompt action to stop populations from increasing quickly. It is recommended to pay particular close attention to the underside of foliage.

Smaller pests can be knocked off the plant with a strong blast of water from a garden hose, and insecticidal soap can combat populations (you can get ready-to-use insecticidal soap at Walmart, but use it with care as it can also kill beneficial insects). Larger pests can be manually picked off by hand and placed into a container filled with soapy water.

To reduce pest populations, try companion planting okra with aromatic herbs like chives, dill, and chamomile to repel insects or beneficial flowers such as marigolds or nasturtiums, which both deter pests from okra and attract natural predators.

6. Cut Okra Plants Back

In the hottest US hardiness zones, okra plants tend to slow down and stop producing flowers and pods. This can happen in late July or early August in the warmest southern climates, and growers often prune plants as a result.

It may sound brutal, but cutting okra plants back to around one or two feet from the ground in midsummer encourages the plants to produce a smaller, second crop of pods. If you do this technique, fertilize the plants with a balanced feed after pruning, and keep on top of watering to encourage healthy new growth.

A granular, balanced feed, such as this organic, all-purpose plant food from Burpee, is the best product. It offers plants all the essential nutrients they need to regrow and provide a second round of pods from late summer into fall.

What to Shop

If you enjoy collecting seeds to regrow your own vegetables next year, you can do this with okra. However, wait until later in the season to start. To harvest okra seeds, leave some pods to develop later in the fall. If you leave them in the summer, the plant will stop producing new ones to harvest.

So wait until the picking is winding down for the season; only then leave some pods to grow large, brown, and brittle. You can snip these from the plants and collect the seeds to sow again.

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Plucking homegrown fruit from your backyard is one of the summer joys many of us gardeners look forward to. By the time July comes around, our peach trees are producing delicious, juicy fruits, so they require a bit of attention.

If you're growing a peach tree in your garden, then you'll need to do some light pruning, keep on top of watering during hot spells, and check the fruit to see if it's ready to harvest this month, as well as remove any diseased fruit.

Neglecting these tasks now could hinder your harvest and the overall health of your tree. So, grab your harvest basket (I love the look of this wooden garden hod from Burpee) and head out to the yard. Here's what to do with a peach tree in July.

1. Prune Lightly

Knowing when to prune a peach tree is very important. Do it at the wrong time and you could remove flower buds, meaning no fruit.

Likewise, heavy pruning in summer can stress your tree and lead to its decline. That's why arborist Levi Williams advises only doing some light maintenance in July.

'As a rule of thumb, diseased or dead branches can be removed at any time and that includes July. Do not heavily prune trees during the summer months,' he says.

You should focus on removing the damaged branches and also thinning out any overcrowded, crossing branches. This will improve airflow and reduce the likelihood of disease, including peach leaf curl which distorts the leaves from excess moisture and causes them to drop off.

These Fiskars bypass loppers from Amazon can help you reach higher up your peach tree, and they'll make clean cuts.

2. Water Deeply

Watering is key when it comes to growing any fruit tree, but it's even more important to keep on top of during the hot summer months.

Letting a peach tree dry out in July can result in heat stress, stunting growth, dropping fruit and flowers, and even death in prolonged drought.

'Make sure to water trees heavily 1-2 inches of water per week,' Levi advises.

At the same time, you want to avoid excessive moisture when your peach tree is fruiting. This can cause the fruit to split and rot before you get the chance to harvest.

If in doubt, you can use this soil moisture meter from Amazon to check how wet your peach tree's soil is.

And if you're growing a peach tree in a pot (like this 'Contender' peach tree from Plant Addicts), remember it will dry out much more quickly than those planted in the ground.

3. Check the Fruit

July to September is the typical harvest time for peaches, which means it's time to check your fruit for ripeness.

Peaches are ready to pick when there is no trace of green on the fruit and it has a creamy yellow or white hue, starting to blush. You can leave peaches attached until they fully blush for the sweetest taste, but because they're climacteric, they will carry on ripening off the branch.

They should also give a little when gently squeezed. Hard fruit is not yet ready to pick. Likewise, the peaches should come away from the stems with a gentle twist, and have a sweet aroma.

'Don't forget to also remove any fallen or rotten fruit to avoid pests,' Levi advises.

'And if a branch is full of fruit and causing them to bend, it is recommended to provide support for branches with props,' he adds.

You can use these fruit tree crutches from Amazon or create your own natural plant support by repurposing tree branches.

What to Shop

FAQs

Do You Fertilize Peach Trees While They're Fruiting?

No, there isn't a need to fertilize peach trees while they're fruiting, unless it is nutrient deficient (which can be spotted by pale leaves and poor shoot growth). Instead, you should fertilize your peach tree in early spring to give it a boost of nutrients ahead of fruit production.

If you're struggling to get your peach tree to fruit, there are a few things you can do. This includes providing full sun exposure by pruning branches.

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There has been a slow, quiet shift in design over the last few decades toward a minimalist approach in high-end residential design.

It was one of the original pioneers of minimalism, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who coined the term 'less is more.' His designs were about finding beauty in the essential and stripping everything else away.

There is a shift happening in interior design in that having less but having it be exceptional has become the true marker of luxury. A home that functions beautifully without demanding constant attention feels far more luxurious than one overflowing with things that break, age poorly, or require endless upkeep.

In many ways, quiet luxury is really about freedom. Freedom from excess, freedom from maintenance, and freedom to spend your time and energy on living rather than managing your belongings.

The most luxurious spaces in 2026 are often the ones that feel calm, intuitive, and quietly permanent.

Spaces where nothing is fighting for attention and where the homeowner is freed from the exhausting cycle of constantly upgrading, replacing, organizing, and managing more. When they complete their renovation, they have something timeless.

I personally find this to be such a thrilling challenge in our designs. I also love to occasionally indulge in a more maximalist feel in a space, but through wallpaper and paint and layering texture rather than through actual objects, accessories, or collections.

I still feel the energy of a space that is loaded with items to be overwhelming in my own life.

If a client comes to us with collections, we utilize this personal touch but also work to contain those collections to certain areas so that they don’t spill out over the whole house, creating a feeling of clutter or overwhelm.

When thinking of the term 'quiet luxury' in my designs of homes for clients, and for myself, I also understand that the term is not just about owning less for the sake of minimalism.

It’s so much more layered in the approach. It’s more about living with intention. And what comes with that in this day and age means removing the constant low-level noise that comes from managing too much stuff.

So, how do we deal with this in a time when children come home with goodie bags filled with plastic toys, stickers, and candy from a birthday party, or when each time someone comes to visit, they feel the need to bring a 'hostess gift' that lands on the counter or in a drawer?

In my own lake house, I wanted a more extreme restraint in color and pattern, and I wanted the view of the water over the changing seasons to be the true star of the show.

An immediate reminder to me each time I enter the house that this is a place where I can leave my work behind and focus on the deep relaxation I had intended for this home.

For years, wealth was expressed through abundance. More rooms, more furniture, more collections, more storage units filled with things we might need someday.

But the modern luxury client is beginning to recognize that excess often comes with a hidden cost: maintenance, decision fatigue, clutter, repairs, and the constant mental burden of managing objects.

The goal is not simply to create a beautiful home. It is to create a home that asks very little of the people living in it.

Interior designer Jess Cooney is one of Homes & Gardens' Editors-At-Large for By Design, where she shares her thoughts on decor. See the rest of her articles here.

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Few things beat slipping into bed beneath freshly laundered sheets. But if you want that crisp, just-washed feeling to last longer, laundry experts say there's one unexpected pantry staple that can help: cornstarch.

Affordable, versatile, and probably already in your kitchen cupboard, cornstarch can help keep your bed sheets looking crisp and feeling fresher for longer, giving them that luxurious, hotel-quality finish without the hefty price tag.

Here's why it's what's missing from your routine when it comes to washing, drying, and caring for your bed linen.

Why Does Corn Starch Work to Make Bed Sheets Crisper and Fresher

As Rechelle Balanzat, Laundry Expert and Founder of Juliette, a New York-based premium laundry service, explains, this old-school DIY trick works by leaving a very thin layer of cornstarch on the fabric. This creates a light structure, giving sheets a crisper appearance while helping to minimize wrinkles.

'As cleaning sheets dry, this layer helps sheet fabric maintain its shape by holding a crisper finish and a cleaner appearance,' she says. According to Parima Ijaz, Textile Expert and Founder of Pure Parimaa, this technique works especially well on percale sheets (a closely woven fabric commonly used for the best cooling sheets), as their naturally matte, crisp weave complements the added structure from the starch. 'The result is an even more tailored look and feel,' she explains.

There are a few important caveats to keep in mind, though. 'Remember that cornstarch is not for cleaning sheets,' Rechelle warns. 'It enhances the look and feel of bedding that has already been freshly cleaned and pressed. Think of it as the finishing touch that gives your bedding a polished, hotel-quality look.'

Parima also cautions against overusing the technique. Frequent or excessive starching can gradually build up on fabric fibers, reducing softness over time and potentially affecting the material's long-term performance. 'For best results, use this technique occasionally when you want an extra-crisp finish,' she advises. It's an easy way to elevate luxury bedroom ideas or make a bed look more expensive without investing in new bedding.

How to Use Corn Starch In Your Bedding Laundry Routine

It couldn't be simpler to use this trick to keep sheets fresher between washes.

'Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch (available at Walmart) with two cups of water, and add the solution during the rinse cycle,' advises Parima. Use a measuring spoon and cup from Amazon for accurate measurements.

'If possible, pour it into your washer's fabric softener compartment to ensure it disperses evenly and avoids direct contact with your linens. Once washed, tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly. Your sheets should emerge feeling smoother, crisper, and more refined.'

What to Shop

If you're interested in giving this secret laundry ingredient a go yourself, below, you can browse everything you'll need, along with a selection of my favorite bedding and accessories for the ultimate hotel experience at home.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Rechelle concludes, 'It is not a suggestion for every wash, but it is a great option for you if you love the smooth and structured feel of freshly pressed sheets.' Pair it with airing your bedding every morning to avoid trapping bacteria.

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As the temperatures soar in the summer, cool-season crops are always likely to bolt. It is a frustrating yet natural process, and one that gardeners consistently battle with year after year.

Vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, arugula, radishes, and Asian greens, bolt and start to flower when temperatures pass 70°F. However, there are ways to prevent bolting vegetables, such as proper watering, mulching, providing shade to your crops, and planting them at the right time.

I have seen many crops bolt over my years growing vegetables. While I have lost many potential harvests, I have also picked up a few tips to reduce the chances of bolting vegetables blotting your kitchen garden. Whatever the size of your vegetable garden, these five factors can make a difference each season.

1. Be Consistent With Watering

Regular, consistent watering can reduce stress on your crops and lessen the chances of you looking at rows and rows of bolting vegetables you need to remove from the garden.

True, temperatures will affect when a vegetable bolts. But the likelihood of it happening increases when a crop is under stress from a lack of moisture. Vegetables suffering from drought stress will also start to bolt at lower temperatures.

To avoid this happening, check your plants often (a moisture meter can make it obvious when it is time to water – you can get a soil moisture meter at Amazon) and keep them well hydrated. Infrequent deep watering is more beneficial than little-and-often watering, and offers the best way to keep soil moist in the summer.

So your watering makes the most impact; water the vegetable garden in the morning on hot days. This helps prevent the soil from drying out and gives crops time to take up moisture before the temperatures rise.

2. Mulch to Regulate Temperature and Moisture

Heat and moisture are two factors that cause bolting of vegetables. An efficient way to combat both is by mulching the vegetable garden.

Mulching around crops regulates soil temperature. The thick barrier keeps the rays at bay, so the soil around the roots stays cool rather than getting baking hot. The layer also locks moisture in the ground, meaning less water is lost to evaporation, and your plants can take advantage.

Use organic products for this. The best organic mulch for a vegetable garden includes compost, straw, bark (you can get bags of pine bark mulch at Lowe’s), or shredded leaves. Spread it in a nice, thick 2-3 inch layer around your vegetables.

3. Give Crops Some Shade

High temperatures usually kick-start cool-season vegetables into survival mode, where they bolt in an attempt to flower and produce seed before their time is nigh. Giving crops some shade from the sun reduces the temperature by several degrees and can be the difference between bolting and non-bolting vegetables.

Gardeners can use shade cloth to cover plants. It is ideal to opt for a shade cloth that keeps out 50% of the light, such as this breathable shade cloth at Amazon.

You need to install the cloth over some hoops (like these fiberglass hoops at Walmart) to keep it raised off the crops. As the cloth heats up, if it is touching the vegetables, it can burn them.

An alternative way of providing more natural shade is through companion planting. You can plant cool-season, heat-sensitive crops under the partial shade of taller vegetables, including pole beans, tomatoes, or corn.

4. Pick Bolt-Resistant Varieties

One efficient way to avoid the issue of bolting vegetables is to be savvy when shopping for seeds. There are bolt-resistant varieties of many vegetables to plant, including spinach, lettuces, and Asian greens.

In truth, bolt-resistant varieties aren’t a guarantee. They have been bred using modern techniques to be more resilient to temperatures or inconsistent watering, but they can still bolt under extreme conditions.

Adding some bolt-resistant or heat-tolerant varieties of cool-season crops to your seed sowing schedule can help alleviate potential worries about vegetables bolting.

For example, you can get bolt-resistant Seaside spinach seeds at Burpee and bolt-resistant Jericho lettuce seeds at True Leaf Market to try out if you regularly suffer from these crops bolting each season.

5. Time Your Planting Right

Often, gardeners see their crops bolt because they have been planted a bit outside of the ideal.

We have all sown cool-season crops a bit too late in spring, which leads them to bolt once the summer temperatures arrive. Even fast-growing vegetables can lack the time to go from sowing to cropping if sown in late spring or early summer.

Ensure you give them enough time to mature. Work out the days to maturity – which you can often find on seed packets or online – and sow them at the appropriate time. If you miss the spring sowing, you can often sow again in late summer for harvests in the fall.

To avoid complete losses, radishes, lettuce, spinach, and arugula can be planted successively.

Starting early in spring (once the ground is warm enough, or even sowing seeds indoors) and sowing these every few weeks will give you different ages of crop in the kitchen garden. If they do bolt in the summer, you should have already had some harvests, and you don’t lose an entire crop.

Sometimes, bolting happens, and you have to deal with it. However, it doesn’t always mean you need to throw the crop away.

With some crops, like lettuce and spinach, the larger leaves can turn bitter, yet the smaller ones remain flavorful – it is not a total loss.

When it comes to bolting onions, though, you can lift the bulb and use it straight away in the kitchen. The bulbs may be smaller than ideal, but you can still harvest the onions and eat them.

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I always love hosting spontaneous gatherings with friends and family when unexpected good weather comes around, but it does mean frantically running round to pull everything together. That's why I rely on my patio plants to do some heavy lifting and ensure my outdoor seating is always ready for action.

By choosing table container plants to elevate garden furniture, you can be assured that the seating is already taken care of. I'm talking about fragrant, low-effort, showy plants that impress all summer long while needing minimal attention.

From aromatic herbs (Walmart offer a herb variety pack to create a herb planter), to vibrant flowers that bring elegance to the table, there are some particular table container plants that bring outdoor living spaces together with little fuss. Here, with insights from a garden designer, I talk through five easy options for effortless summer hosting.

1. Chocolate Mint

Aromatic herbs are always a good idea to have on a dining table or even a coffee table. One of the more unusual mint varieties is chocolate mint which has a distinct chocolatey scent and peppermint flavor.

Not only is having it in easy reach make it an excellent and surprising sweet treat for your guests, but its sweet scent will be released when hands brush past it.

Like growing other types of mint, it's actually best to keep chocolate mint in a pot. It's a vigorous grower, so keeping it contained stops aggressive spreading.

Just take care to grow it in a pot with a drainage hole and saucer, as overly wet conditions can oversaturate and rot roots. This distressed terracotta planter with a saucer from Wayfair has rustic charm.

Take advantage of chocolate mint's unusual flavor by regularly harvesting the mint leaves. This will encourage new, bushy growth and keep it tidy in its pot.

Find a chocolate mint plant on Amazon.

2. Calamondin Orange

I love giving my patio a Mediterranean-feel, so it feels like a bit of a vacation every summer evening. One of the best plants to style for this is a citrus trees.

More specifically, the calamondin orange tree (which you can find at Fast Growing Trees) is a super easy addition. Simply placing it on your outdoor dining table can make the perfect summer tabletop garden, especially when laden with mini oranges from late summer.

It's surprisingly low-maintenance to grow citrus trees in pots, with the main task being fertilizing through spring and summer (this citrus feed from Amazon is a good option).

Oranges are also self-pollinating, so you can get a good crop with just one plant.

Pairing it with brightly colored pots can bring the joyful look together, like this blue stripe scalloped pots from Wayfair.

3. Euphorbia 'Diamond Snow'

If you love tiny flowers, then there's no better choice for a tabletop container than 'Diamond Snow' euphorbia.

'When designing an elegant, low-maintenance garden, I naturally gravitate toward a palette of blue, purple, and white, and 'Diamond Snow' is hard to beat,' says garden designer Kate Schneider.

'This heat and drought-tolerant annual forms a tidy 12–18-inch mound and performs best in full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade. Its delicate white flowers bloom continuously throughout the season without the need for deadheading, making it a carefree addition,' she explains.

It has a fairy garden-feel with its small bracts and fine-textured foliage.

You can find 'Diamond Snow' euphorbia on Amazon.

4. Echeveria

One of my favorite things about summer is that you can move houseplants outdoors, and for those of us living in milder climes this means you can style heat-loving succulents outdoors.

To bring some texture to your outdoor furniture, you can create a succulent bowl with lots of different rosette echeverias.

By mixing and matching different varieties (see this pack of 12 echeverias from Walmart), you can create a chocolate box of succulents that is not only fun to look at but also run your hands over and feel.

Even better, succulents are incredibly low-maintenance. You can let them dry out entirely before watering again, and they won't need fertilizing as they thrive in poorer soil conditions.

I love the look of this raised succulent planter on a stand, perfect for a table centerpiece, or even styling at a lower level next to a chair leg.

5. Texas Lantana

Another bright bloom to make your outdoor living area more vibrant is Texas lantana.

'It produces cheerful blooms in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red. My kids insist it smells like tropical fruit punch, and I have to agree,' Kate says.

'Native to Texas as its name implies, this plant thrives in intense summer heat and blooms continuously throughout the season,' she notes.

To grow lantana in pots successfully, make sure to provide well-draining soil and you place it somewhere with lots of direct sun.

Deadheading your lantana will also extend its display all the way to fall. Just take care to use sharp and clean gardening snips, like these Fiskars ones from Amazon.

This 'Havana Sunset' lantana on Amazon has a dreamy mix of pink, orange, and yellow colors.

What to Shop

Our guide to summer table centerpiece ideas has more inspiration for bringing your outdoor living area to life. And if you want to use cut flowers to decorate for gatherings, check out our Petals & Roots allium floral design tutorial for an elegant arrangement.

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There are few color combinations as happy and comforting as pink and green, but channeling these two hues without veering into an '80s aesthetic takes a thoughtful approach.

In 2026, designers are once again channeling pink and green rooms, but not as you once knew them. Gone are the bubblegum pinks and teal-leaning greens – designers are turning to earthy plaster tones and warming corals teamed with sophisticated olive tones and refreshing, delicate greens to embrace this color trend. That's not to say this color combination can't be playful, though (think chartreuse and terracotta) – it's as much about how these colors are added to a room.

'Pink and green sit opposite one another on the color wheel, and opposites tend to play well together,' says designer Louise Copeland. 'Depending on the shades, it can feel sweet and youthful or stylish and sophisticated.' Here, designers explain how to decorate with these two hues for a modern take on this pairing – from calming bedrooms to energizing kitchens.

1. Pair Dark Sage Paint With Coral Upholstery

Darker green and pink tones create a moody, sophisticated take on this color combination, but choosing the right tones is key. This living room in a Victorian home pairs Farrow & Ball's Calke Green, a dark sage green paint, with a rich coral pink sofa – the depth of both colors feels balanced rather than one color taking over.

'The Victorian house that contains these rooms is painted completely white and surrounded by lush vegetation throughout most of the year,' explains Mira Eng-Goetz, lead designer at Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. 'To contrast the white exterior, we created an interior palette that’s saturated with vibrant greens and warm pinks. The green paint plays well with the daylight in this house, which inevitably leans green thanks to the exterior foliage. The pink elements play well with the green backdrop due to the fact that they’re complementary colors.'

In historic homes, rich pairings like this one are often an effective choice since they nod to their heritage, suggests Mira: 'Victorian design has historically embraced bold color combinations, but it’s quite common these days to see Victorian interiors awash in neutral colors. In this case, embracing history feels modern.'

2. Team Pistachio Green With Plaster Pink in Kitchens

Pink and green used as a kitchen color idea can feel energetic and playful, and one of the most stylish takes on this combo is a fresh and uplifting shade of pistachio with a more mellow plaster pink.

Here, the green was the starting point of the scheme, chosen to bring a sense of nature indoors. 'With panoramic views over the Windrush Valley right outside, the green joinery became a natural extension of that landscape, part of the same earthy, pigment-led palette used throughout the house,' explains designer Sophie Goldhill of Hector Interiors.

To balance the statement green kitchen cabinets, pink was introduced to the scheme with zellige tiles. 'Their handmade glaze catches light, keeping the room fresh rather than heavy,' explains Sophie.

Choosing a flattering white paint is an important step in any scheme, but especially in bright kitchens with colorful elements. Here, Farrow & Ball's Dimity provides softness and subtle continuity. 'The walls pick up that same warm pink undertone but pared right back, so the tiles and joinery can do the talking,' she adds.

3. Add Vibrancy to White Rooms With Lime Green and Terracotta

Pink and green don't need to be loud – adding these two hues through smaller decor against white walls can be all that's needed to elevate a room. 'We chose this palette for this sitting room in Palm Beach as we wanted it to feel sun-drenched and tropical,' says Louise Copeland.

'Rather than using bright colors, we selected a dusty coral linen for the sofa and a muddy chartreuse sheer for the window treatments,' she adds. 'Those softer tones helped make the room feel more subdued and relaxed.'

'To keep the palette balanced, we painted the ceiling a pinky white,' says Louise. 'Previously it was a stained orangey wood, which felt much heavier and competed with the lighter, happier tones in the room.'

4. Create a Calming Space With Pale Green and Muted Pink

Pale green paints work almost as a neutral, adding softness and subtle warmth to walls. Because these shades are so livable and soft, they feel calm in situ, making them a wonderful choice for bedrooms and home offices. Teamed with neutral-leaning pinks, as seen in the textiles of the space, this pairing is delicate and easy to live with.

'For this guest room and home office, I wanted the palette to feel soft, sophisticated, and approachable rather than overtly feminine,' says interior designer Mary Patton. 'The foundation of the room is a light, airy green – Farrow & Ball's Palm – which feels fresh and modern while complementing the mid-century architecture of the home.'

'Unlike more saturated pink-and-green combinations, which can feel traditional or highly decorative, the muted green paired with warm blush and terracotta undertones creates a quieter, more nuanced palette that feels current and effortless,' she adds.

5. Bring Rustic Charm to Bathrooms

Don't rule out pink and green for bathroom color ideas, where they can add warmth and softness. Here, earthy variations of these two hues create a rustic look that generally feels more timeless than anything too bright.

'Pale pink and pale green would have veered toward a candy-toned palette, and we also wanted to avoid a "granny" style,' explains the designer Julia Chasman. 'We chose Zia's Zellige Tile in Desert Bloom, a wonderful, rich color that has as much brown in it as pink. The handmade zellige finish always looks fresh and modern, and this helped us avoid a saccharine tone, too.'

It was important for the floor tiles not to be too pale. 'Instead of a mint green, we went for olive – a deeper, more sophisticated hue that grounds the room, and is able to stand up to the strong tones in the Desert Bloom shower,' the designer adds.

'Pink and green can so easily look twee – but the olive and Desert Bloom tiles, with their brownish undertones, and lots of variation, look strong and confident, with no hint of candy-tones, or garish birthday cake icing,' says Julia.

6. Embrace Tradition With Nostalgic Shades

While design trends are favoring earthy-based pinks and greens, that's not to say you can't decorate with brighter tones stylishly. For maximalist decorating styles, mossy green and rosy pink can feel fun and rooted in nostalgia – especially in a guest room or kids' room.

In this bedroom, the designer embraced pattern and saturated colors for a playful look. 'This room was based on the Lulie Wallace drapery fabric and the butterfly watercolors by Marquin Campbell, which created a strong color story,' explains designer Lauren Robbins. 'The wallpaper is Schumacher and serves as the perfect large-scale complement to the smaller-scale drapery pattern.'

While the main elements establish pink and green as the standout colors in this room, a pop of blue on the cushions brings an unexpected look. 'We layered in elements to bring depth, contrast, and interest to the space,' Lauren adds.

Shop Green and Pink Decor

As color trends embrace joy-bringing shades that add excitement to rooms, it's no surprise to see pink and green making a comeback. While highly saturated tones used all over a room can look dated, soft and earthy variations of each of these hues feel fresh. If you're not ready to paint the walls just yet, add smaller touches of pink and green decor to your room – perfect for summer decor ideas.

The Opening Note

This week on The Very British Edit, I'm getting into the spirit of Fourth of July hosting. My partner is American and grew up in Florida, so we always try to celebrate US holidays when we can. And with the World Cup adding to that fun, all-American summer feeling, it feels like the perfect excuse to embrace a little Americana at home.

What I love isn't really the flags or themed decorations. It's that relaxed approach to entertaining that seems to come so naturally. People wander in and out of the garden, someone is always topping up drinks, the food comes out when it's ready, and nobody worries if everything's perfectly timed. It's the kind of hosting I always aspire to because everyone just seems to relax.

I've been thinking about what actually creates that feeling, and I keep coming back to the same things. Soft lighting that makes everyone want to stay outside after sunset. A table that looks inviting without feeling too 'done'. A few clever Fourth of July decorating ideas that make hosting feel genuinely easy instead of stressful.

I'm also sharing the pieces I actually reach for whenever we have people over. Practical serveware, portable lamps, outdoor accessories, and those little finishing touches that pull everything together without making the space feel overstyled. They're the things I use again and again because they genuinely make hosting easier.

The more I host, the more I realise it's never the big, expensive purchases that make the difference. It's the little things. The lamp that gives just enough glow when it gets dark. The tray that makes carrying drinks outside so much easier. The comfortable chairs everyone ends up sitting in for hours. Those are the pieces that turn a nice evening into one people don't want to leave.

So this week's edit is all about bringing a little Americana into everyday summer entertaining, with easy outdoor entertaining ideas, relaxed indoor and garden party inspiration, and the finds I'm genuinely using to make our home feel ready for long summer evenings with friends and family.

The Edit: Americana

In the Queue

Next week on The Very British Edit, I'm diving into coastal decor, but not the cliché version. There won't be anchors, rope, or seashells on every surface. I'm much more interested in the kind of homes that feel coastal without trying too hard – light-filled, relaxed, and connected to the outdoors.

I think that's why this style has always resonated with me. I've lived in California, where 'California Casual' and 'Cali Wabi-Sabi' style homes spill effortlessly onto patios and gardens, and I've also spent time in Lymington on England's south coast. They're completely different places, but they share the same easy way of living. Doors are open whenever the weather allows, natural materials are everywhere, and nothing feels overly precious or overdecorated.

Coastal style has always been about creating a feeling rather than following a theme. Linen instead of anything too polished. Weathered wood over glossy finishes. Soft blues, sandy neutrals, and leafy greens that reflect the landscape rather than obvious beach motifs. It's a look that feels fresh in the middle of summer but is timeless enough to live with year-round.

I'll also be sharing the pieces I'd actually buy to recreate that atmosphere. Beautiful lighting, natural textures, furniture that feels collected over time, and decor that brings warmth without adding clutter. They work just as well in a city apartment as they do in a beach house.

What I love most about coastal interiors is how they force you to slow down – something many of us forget to do when caught up in the rat race. They feel welcoming, comfortable, and easy to live in – it's more about curating a lived-in home that feels calm than decorating around a seaside theme.

Next week's edit is all about coastal decorating that feels timeless rather than themed, with inspiration from both California and the Hampshire coast, plus the pieces I'm genuinely loving for bringing that relaxed, lived-in feeling home

The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.

Depending on where you live, July is often considered the height of summer. With almost everything already planted out for this year’s season, you may be wondering if there is any point in sowing any flowers in July?

Among the deadheading, fertilizing, weeding, and watering, if you can find time for some sowing, you could be looking forward to some stunning blooms next season.

Having grown ornamentals and cut flowers both commercially on a flower farm and at home in my gardens over the years, here are seven of the easiest flowers to sow in July for your beds and borders, or to cut and enjoy in a vase.

Foxgloves

A stalwart of wild and cottage gardens, foxgloves (Digitalis) are adored for their tall flowering spires. Generally flowering from late spring to early summer, foxglove varieties are available as biennials, perennials, and shrubs.

An easy-to-grow biennial, Digitalis purpurea is a prolific self-seeder and can often leave you with more plants for the following year than you need. However, if you would like to grow them for the first time, July is the perfect time to sow them so you can enjoy them the following year.

To sow, simply scatter thinly onto moist seed compost, but do not cover as they require light to germinate. You can purchase mixed-color foxglove seeds from Amazon. However, being toxic, gloves must be worn when handling all foxglove parts, including the seeds.

Coneflowers

Also known as Echinacea, coneflowers are a stunning addition to your container or borders.

A native plant, coneflowers adore full sun and are a magnet for bees and butterflies. They are available in an array of colors and sizes, and there is a wealth of coneflower varieties to choose from.

Ideal for sowing at this time of year, you can sow coneflower seeds either in a seed tray or in a small pot. Keeping the soil moist, pot on the young plants as they mature and plant out in the fall or the following spring.

With its striking pale petals, you can purchase Echinacea ‘Wild Swan’ from True Leaf Market.

Columbine

Another easy-to-grow cottage garden favorite is columbine, or Aquilegia as it is botanically known. An elegant and stunning perennial with dainty-looking flowers, it is available in calming pastels to vibrant hues.

Considered cold-hardy in zone 3 and above, Columbine is tough and a plant I have consistently grown over the years. Nevertheless, it is also a poisonous plant for which care must be taken.

A natural self-seeder, you can sow Aquilegia seeds at various times throughout the year, including July. To sow outdoors, prepare an area by weeding and raking to a fine tilth, then scatter the seed thinly and water in. Keep the soil moist and the seeds should germinate within 3 weeks.

Producing purple and white delicate flowers Aquilegia vulgaris 'Winky Purple & White' is available to purchase from Nature Hills.

Honesty

Prized for its vivid-purple or classical white flowers and stunning seed pods that stand over the winter, honesty (Lunaria) is an ideal border biennial plant. Growing to around 2-3 feet tall, it is perfect for the middle of a bed and self-seeds when given the chance.

Thriving in both full sun and partial shade, it prefers a fertile and moist, yet free-draining soil.

To sow honesty in July, prepare a seedbed and sow the seeds, covering with a light dusting of soil. Keeping the soil moist, the seeds should germinate within 1-2 weeks and form young plants that will bloom the following year.

Cold hardy in USDA zones 7 and above, you can purchase honesty seeds from True Leaf Market.

Sweet Rocket

Perfectly suited to a backyard or a cut-flower patch, Sweet Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) is a scented biennial, or short-lived perennial, that produces sweet-smelling flowers in its second year.

Available with purple or white flowers that are irresistible to pollinators, it grows to around 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. To grow from seed, sow indoors in modules or direct outdoors from late spring through to July. If started undercover, plant out early in the fall to establish before winter sets in.

Suitable for growing in zones 3-9, you can purchase Dame’s Rocket Seeds from Amazon.

Delphinium

Grown for their tall flowering spikes that add height and impact to a border, delphiniums are ideal for cottage gardens. Flowering in early summer, delphinium varieties are commonly available in blue and purple, or in paler pastel hues such as pink and white.

Commonly sown undercover in the spring, you can also sow delphinium seed outdoors this month. To sow in July, sow the seeds where they are to grow and cover them thinly with a layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until germination, which generally takes 2-3 weeks.

Preferring full sun to partial shade, delphiniums grow best in a fertile, well-drained soil. However, to protect their delicate blooms from any harsh winds, a sheltered site is recommended.

As it is a highly toxic plant, gloves must be worn when handling any part of the plant, and care must be taken if children or pets are present.

Available in an array of colors, you can purchase Delphinium ‘Magic Fountain Series’ seeds from True Leaf Market.

Wallflowers

Generally, a biennial plant, wallflowers (Erysimum) can also be perennial, though short-lived.

Considered hardy in USDA zones 4-9, wallflowers come in a range of vivid shades from red and orange to yellow and purple and are perfect for a garden border and equally at home in a container.

Sown from spring until the summer, you can sow wallflowers in July either in a greenhouse or where they are to grow outside. However, germination is most successful at temperatures below 70°F, so a cooler spot is preferable.

If sowing outside, sow sparingly in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart and water in gently to avoid dispersing the seed. With the soil kept moist but not overly wet, seedlings should appear in 10-14 days. As it is a poisonous plant, gloves should be worn when handling any plant material, and caution should be exercised if children or pets are present.

For mixed colors, English Aegean Wallflower Seeds are available to purchase from Walmart.

What to Shop

Along with flowers, there are also vegetables you can sow now to ensure a bounty of produce to pick later this summer or in the fall. From French beans to Florence fennel, discover which vegetables our expert recommends planting in July.

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In the US fire zone landscaping shows a growing emphasis on distance-based planting zones as the way to go. This means following the 0–5–30 planting rule, which is fast becoming design shorthand to help you get ahead of a wildfire before it gets to you. And while it might seem counter-intuitive you may be surprised to find out that removing as much vegetation as possible is not necessarily the best course of action.

The successful creation of a fire-resilient property largely depends on how you manage the space around your home. But how do you stay safe yet still achieve a certain landscaping aesthetic that looks elevated and considered? The trick is to create a cohesive outdoor space where planting, materials, and layout work harmoniously together with the goal of firescaping your property first and foremost, yet with the resulting design still feeling balanced, natural and connected to the landscape.

It is possible to have beautiful landscaping around your home that includes a managed planting zone that fulfils all the criteria for creating a defensive space. First we spoke to leading wildfire mitigation experts to get the latest take on fire zone landscaping and how to make it work for you, then we explain the planting rule everyone's talking about.

The 0-5-30 Planting Rule: Fire-Smart Landscaping

Fire-smart landscaping goes beyond looks. It’s about function. In wildfire-prone areas, the right plants and thoughtful design can slow fire spread, reduce radiant heat, and block embers from reaching your home.

Defensible space can be organized into three main zones where the density of vegetation is closely controlled. The planting formula is pretty straightforward. In the zones closer to your property, plant density should be low; in the zones further away the acceptable plant density increases.

Here's a little more information on how exactly the 0-5-30 planting rule works (thanks to Jim Sprouse for the guidelines below).

Zone 0
0-5 feet around your home or to property line
Choose non-wood, low-growing herbaceous vegetation such as succulents or other fire-resistant plants. Prune any touching or over-hanging branches to a distance of at least 10 feet from the roof. Rake and remove flammable vegetation, such as leaves and needles or wood mulch, from underneath your deck and away from your home.

Zone 1
5-30 feet around your home or to property line
Create vegetation groups or islands to break up continuous fuels around your home. Remove ladder fuels to create a separation between low-level vegetation and tree canopies to keep fire from climbing into trees. Remove leaf and needle debris from the yard. Keep lawns, native grasses, and wildflowers less than four inches in height.

Zone 2
30-100 feet around your home or to property line
Create and maintain a minimum of 10 feet between the tops of trees. Safely remove ladder fuels up to a height of 10 feet, while retaining at least 75 percent of the foliage, to create separation between the ground and tree branches. This keeps fire from climbing into the tree canopies. Create space between shrubs and trees to eliminate a continuous fuel bed at the ground level. Remove dead trees, shrubs, and all other dead or dry vegetation.

The Landscaper's POV: Take Your Cue From Regional Character

'In fire-prone areas, thoughtful design incorporates fuel breaks, such as pathways, gravel, and hardscape interruptions, so that beauty and fire safety work together rather than against each other,' says landscape architect and design director Kevin Lenhart.

Resilient native planting is always a good option. Ideally your landscape will include a diverse mix of native trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers that bloom over a long time period to attract pollinators.

Choose heat and fire spark resistant plants wherever possible, such as white sage available from Walmart, and snow-in-summer, also available from Walmart.

'The best plant palettes take their cues from local wild lands, including meadows, chaparral, woodland edges, and the high desert of each region, then do something new with those "ingredients",' says Kevin. "In the arid Southwest, for example, this tends to result in an open and textural look. Regional character is the starting point, not a constraint.'

Choosing a high-quality stone color drawn from the regional palette can root a design in its local landscape more effectively than almost any other material decision, says Kevin. It gives your space a sense of belonging to its place, its ecology, and its climate.

The Fire Mitigation Expert's POV: Establish A Defensible Space

'Getting ready for wildfire starts with creating a defensible space and installing a wildfire defense system (WDS),' says wildfire mitigation specialist Jim Sprouse. 'Defensible space means creating and maintaining a buffer between buildings and the plants, brush, trees and other combustible items in the vicinity.

This buffer helps to keep wildfire away from your home by reducing the fire’s intensity and slowing or halting the spread.'

Creating an area of defensible space is critical for increasing the resistance of your property to wildfire in addition to safeguarding the lives of firefighters as they protect your home.

Implementing fire zone landscaping practices where plants and hardscape are selected and maintained so that they do not transmit fire is key. Not adhering to the guidance on the zones within this defensible space is one of the firescaping mistakes to avoid at all costs.

There is a need for more intense reduction of wildfire fuels within the 100-foot perimeter of a home, advises Jim. 'Start at the house and work your way out 100 feet or to your property line, whichever is closer. Many local government agencies have ordinances for defensible space. These will often be more stringent than the state of California’s minimum requirement.'

Check with your local fire department or fire protection district for additional information.

The Plant Ecologist's POV: Plant Placement Is Everything

'How you manage the space around your home can have a tremendous influence on the behavior of embers, as well as potential sources of radiant heat or direct flame exposure,' according to plant ecologists Adrienne Edwards and Rachel Schleiger, authors of Firescaping Your Home: A Manual for Readiness in Wildfire Country, available on Amazon.

'A major misconception about defensible space is that all vegetation (dead or alive) surrounding your home increases fire risk, so you must remove as much vegetation as possible. Unfortunately, fire risk is not that simple.'

Structures can burn because of too much surrounding vegetation, too little surrounding vegetation, or completely independently of vegetation, according to the plant ecologists. 'Embers cause the majority of exterior-ignited structure fires and require no contribution from adjacent vegetation at all. Radiant heat and direct flame contact are of greater concern when too much vegetation is immediately adjacent to structures.'

Keep Goldilocks in mind when planning defensible space for your property: aim for a “just right” number and placement of plants, not too many or too few. 'Live, healthy green vegetation can capture, block, and/or slow windborne embers from reaching structures. Considered placement of plants can decrease and change wind speeds around structures, and potentially shield structures from embers for some time.'

What to Shop For a More Fire-Safe Yard

These fire zone landscaping suggestions will go a long way towards helping you protect your home. It's also a good idea to find out how to design a drought-tolerant yard as well as familiarizing yourself with drought-tolerant landscaping ideas and landscaping with gravel ideas to enable you to take a 360 approach.

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For glorious, show-stopping displays of summer flowers, savvy gardeners always change up their fertilizing game once plants start forming buds or displaying those first blooms. To follow suit and get the best show, a perfect summer flower fertilizer will be rich in phosphorus and potassium.

Those two essential plant nutrients encourage strong flowering or fruiting, making them perfect for early summer for any perennial or annual flowers, or fruiting crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. On the contrary, it would be a mistake to feed these plants too much nitrogen.

Gardeners need to pick their summer flower fertilizer wisely. A product such as a bloom booster or tomato feed will be perfect, while a nitrogen-rich product will give more foliage and fewer flowers. That is not what you want in your summer flower beds, so don’t make this fertilizing mistake.

To help you find the right summer flower fertilizer for a dazzling display of flowers or a bountiful harvest of fruit, I drew on what I used while working as a professional horticulturist in public and private gardens and spoke with plant experts.

The Ideal Summer Flower Fertilizer for Flowers and Fruits

A key part of picking the right summer flower fertilizer is understanding what the different nutrients in a typical fertilizer do for plants.

After plants have worked hard to establish strong foliage earlier in the season, the focus needs to shift to developing strong roots (to cope with summer heat) and producing flowers or fruit. These two ambitions become more important in early summer than producing lots of leaves for plants grown predominantly for flowers and fruits, and targeted nutrients help fulfill these.

Tyler Potts from Tractor Supply Company claims that annual flowers, flowering perennials, flowering shrubs (including roses and hydrangeas), and fruiting crops (like tomatoes and peppers) are all plants whose nutrient needs change. He adds: ‘They need less nitrogen in summer and more phosphorus and potassium once flowering or fruiting begins’.

What is it about these two nutrients that makes them so vital in the summer to such a large number of plants? Lotte Berendsen, an expert from the plant care app PlantIn, explains why feeds with phosphorus and potassium are recommended at this time.

‘Both nutrients are crucial parts in the production of flowers,’ says Lotte. ‘Phosphorus aids in the transfer of energy throughout the plant, while potassium regulates water transport.

‘When shopping for fertilizers, look for the NPK ratio, which stands for the amount of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus in the feed. For flowering and fruiting plants, a fertilizer with an NPK ratio where the first letter (N) is the lowest is ideal.’

The best types of summer flower fertilizer, with the nutrient levels and plant fertilizer numbers outlined above, are ‘bloom booster’ products or feeds tailored for growing tomatoes. Products formulated for blooming and tomato feeds have higher amounts of P and K to stimulate flowering and fruiting.

Shop For Summer Flower Fertilizer

When To Switch To Summer Feeds

There are telltale signs that the time is right to change to summer flower fertilizers in your summer gardening checklist. Primarily, look for when the plants are starting to flower or set fruit – this is a key indicator that their nutrient needs have changed and the perfect time to switch feeds.

However, there are some less desirable signs you may see in summer that suggest your plants need a pick-me-up. As James Swartzentruber, CFO for HyR BRIX Fertilizer, suggests: ‘If you have large, healthy-looking plants but few flowers or fruit, it may be lacking in the nutrients required to develop them.’

A plant that looks leafy and green, but is not flowering or fruiting well, may be getting too much nitrogen and not enough phosphorus or potassium to develop lots of healthy buds and blooms. A dose of summer flower fertilizer can help provide these essential nutrients that it may be lacking.

To ensure your soil doesn’t lack any particular nutrients, it is often recommended to do a soil test every few years to check the levels. You can get a simple soil test kit to discover the soil’s nutrient levels and identify any amendments that may be needed before planting.

‘When you notice signs of deficiencies, such as pale green or purple discoloration, it’s time to apply fertilizers to your flowering and fruiting plants,’ says Lotte. ‘If you find any foliar symptoms on your plants, consider performing a soil test to see if your plant is lacking any vital nutrients.’

This soil test kit at Amazon offers a mail-in laboratory analysis and shows 13 different nutrient levels in your soil.

The Mistake To Avoid

It is important not to feed flowering or fruiting plants with too much nitrogen during the summer.

If you are growing ornamental grasses, foliage plants (like coleus or hostas), or leafy greens (such as lettuce or chard), they do require lots of nitrogen, but the types of plants listed earlier won’t thrive with it.

Tyler Potts advises: ‘Too much nitrogen promotes leaves and stems instead of flowers and fruit. It can also cause weaker growth, delayed blooming, and increased pest and disease issues.’

Be careful when browsing the shelves or websites for products, as you can all too easily fall foul of giving flowering plants too much nitrogen. As Lotte warns, even balanced, all-purpose fertilizer often has more nitrogen than potassium or phosphorus.

‘This can lead to a reduction of flowers on your plants, as excess nitrogen encourages vegetative growth and inhibits the production of blooms,’ she says.

To stay safe, read any packaging carefully to see the nutrient make-up, and only ever use the products at the recommended rates.

Perennial and annual flowers will always perform at their best when gardeners regularly fertilize flower beds. An ideal routine involves feeding when plants start actively growing in the spring with a balanced feed, and then giving plants regular liquid feeds as above until early fall. Mulching around plants with organic matter also helps to boost the soil nutrients and retain moisture in the ground.

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Wicker outdoor furniture is having a revival this summer, and if your set is authentically vintage, you are even more on trend. Like with so many things, the best styles are steeped in history and patina. But there's a difference between weatherworn and gracefully aged when it comes to embracing the wicker outdoor furniture trend, and the secret lies in one easily overlooked thing – how you clean it.

'Vintage wicker is often made from natural rattan, rush, or willow rather than the synthetic resin wicker used in modern outdoor furniture nowadays, so cleaning methods should be different as natural wicker is vulnerable to excess moisture,' advises Samantha-Jane Agbontaen, Interior Designer and Founder of House Designer. 'It can warp, crack, loosen joints, and grow mould if it gets too wet.'

Whether you're thrifting rattan furniture or you've been holding on to an old set that needs some love, cleaning vintage patio wicker is all about care and careful consideration.

1. Remove Dirt and Dust

'Both natural and painted wicker can be cleaned in a similar manner. You start by removing any dirt or dust with either a vacuum fitted with a brush attachment (like these Soft Bristle Round Brushes from Amazon) or a dry microfiber cloth,' explains KC Collins of Chair King Backyard Store.

2. Gently Wipe Down with Warm Water

It's all about taking things slowly when caring for your patio wicker, so once the dust has gone, it's time to bring in the soapy water. Dab your cloth (use a finely woven cloth to ensure you don't scratch the surface of your wicker) and wipe.

'Once all the dust has been removed, add a small amount of dish soap to warm water and apply to the furniture with a damp microfiber rag,' continues KC. 'It’s important not to use too much water. The rag should be damp, not soaked.'

3. Steer Clear of the Hose

While it might be tempting to use a hose, it's best to clean your wicker by hand to prevent any cracking, warping, or snapping. 'Using anything with pressure, such as a hose or pressure washer, could be damaging,' says Samantha-Jane. 'It's perhaps the worst thing you could do as it could damage the weave.'

4. Clean Away Soap With a Soft Rag

'If you want to gently clean your wicker furniture, you'll have to do it by hand,' agrees Rafi Friedman, President of Coastal Luxury Outdoors. 'Water with a bit of dish soap is strong enough to get most dirt off, but gentle enough not to damage the rattan or strip the paint. For especially tough dirt, try putting some of this solution in a spray bottle (these Amazon Leakproof Spray Bottles are a great example) and spraying down the furniture. Let it sit for several minutes, then wipe it with a soft rag. For especially tough spots, a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush can work well.'

5. Allow to Airdry

Once you've washed away your soap residue with water, pat your furniture with a cloth to soak up excess moisture and proceed to let your furniture air-dry in the fresh air. 'Natural wicker becomes flexible when wet, so be sure to let it completely dry before sitting,' says KC. The beauty of this vintage furniture trend is its age and story, so to ensure your set stands the test of time, it's best to approach cleaning with caution rather than haste.

Shop Chic Patio Wicker

The key to keeping your vintage patio wicker in good condition lies in how you care for it. Ensuring you clean your pieces by hand and with care will prevent damage and keep your outdoor set looking good for years to come.

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Growing your own fruit has to be one of the most rewarding things to do as a gardener. One way to get more out of your crops is by propagating them, i.e. multiplying them and growing double as much fruit.

If you grow blueberries, you can propagate them through cuttings. It might seem daunting compared to propagating ornamentals, but the truth is blueberry plants are straightforward to multiply, especially through softwood summer cuttings. It is also possible to propagate via hardwood cuttings in fall, though this takes much longer.

There are only a handful of steps to successfully propagate blueberries from cuttings, and you don't need loads of tools either (though, picking up this rooting hormone powder from Amazon will boost your chances of success). Here, with insights from a professional gardener, I talk through each step so you can harvest even more juicy berries from your backyard.

1. Take Healthy Cuttings

'Blueberries can be propagated from hardwood (old growth) or softwood (new growth),' says market gardener, Cody Deluisio.

'Softwood cuttings can be taken from early spring into mid-summer. Hardwood cuttings are taken after the leaves have fallen off in the fall,' he explains.

Softwood cuttings tend to provide faster results, as they take root much more easily. But, hardwood cuttings are thought to be more low-maintenance to manage, so there are benefits to both.

Whichever you choose, the first step is to identify and take healthy cuttings.

'Start by cleaning sharp gardening snips with rubbing alcohol. You want them to be very clean,' Cody says.

This will prevent the spread of pests and diseases, and ensure plant health is maintained. These Fiskars bypass pruning shears from Amazon will easily cut through both old and new growth.

For softwood, look for new growth that is flexible and green, and has several sets of leaves. 'Cut 4-6 inches of healthy stem right where it goes to hardwood at a 45° angle,' Cody describes. Take care to cut just below a leaf node, as this is where roots will emerge.

To take hardwood cuttings later in the year, rather focus on last year's growth. This will be the woodier stems, around a pencil's thickness, and 6-10 inches in length. You should cut half-an-inch above a bud, also at a 45° angle.

2. Prepare the Stems

The next step to propagate blueberries from cuttings is cleaning the stems, i.e. removing unnecessary foliage.

'Strip all leaves of but the top two,' Cody advises.

Leaving lower leaves can risk rotting when the cutting is in soil, and also drain's the plant's energy. You can use your fingers to pinch them off or these gardening micro snips from Lowe's to cut them off cleanly, redirecting the cutting's energy into rooting.

For hardwood cuttings, there won't be foliage to remove as the plant is dormant.

For both types of cutting, it's recommended to dip the end in rooting hormone. This is a powder (it also comes in gel form, like this rooting hormone gel from Amazon) that contains plant auxins responsible for rooting.

'Rooting hormone is optional but greatly improves success,' Cody notes.

3. Plant the Stems

With your cuttings prepped, the next step is to plant them in a well-draining, acidic soil to help them root.

'Put the cutting into an acidic mix, either a store-bought acidic potting mix (like this from Walmart) or 50/50 peat moss and perlite (which you can purchase from Amazon),' says Cody. 'Place the end of the cutting approximately two inches deep and firm the soil around it,' he describes.

Blueberries are acidic-loving plants, so if needed you can make your soil more acidic for both your existing shrubs and new plants.

'Soak the soil and let it drain for 15-30 minutes,' Cody says.

4. Find a Home For Your Cuttings

Where you keep your blueberry cuttings depends on whether they're hardwood or softwood.

'For softwood cuttings, place the container in a greenhouse or a bag to keep humidity up. Make sure it gets indirect sunlight,' Cody describes.

You should maintain consistent moisture and a temperature between 68-77°F. These humidity domes from Amazon can be useful to use if you aren't able to provide a greenhouse. Take care to place the cuttings somewhere with bright light.

Hardwood cuttings don't need so much humidity because they are dormant and leafless. Instead, keep them somewhere bright and cool, and maintain consistent moisture without becoming soggy in winter conditions.

A cold frame (you can find affordable portable cold frames at Walmart), unheated greenhouse, or a sheltered wall are the best options for hardwood cuttings.

5. Regularly Check Your Cuttings

One of the biggest propagation mistakes for any plant is neglecting your cuttings and expecting them to still take root. Instead, you should be regularly checking on cuttings.

Softwood blueberry cuttings usually root within six to 10 weeks, while hardwood cuttings take several months.

You should maintain high humidity and moisture for softwood cuttings, while watching out for overly wet soil and temperature fluctuations for hardwood cuttings.

This soil moisture meter from Amazon can help you get watering right by identifying the moisture level in soil for you.

Give your cutting a gentle pull to check whether it has rooted before planting up.

'Take care not to tug for at least six weeks, the roots will be very weak and can be easily broken,' Cody warns.

What to Shop

If you're struggling to get a harvest out of your blueberries, read up on our guide to getting a blueberry bush to fruit. One of the most important aspects to get blueberry bush pruning right, to keep your plant healthy and strong.

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Summer is my favorite time of year. Between slower mornings and sun that stretches late into the night, there's something about the sunshine that invites a more laid-back, relaxed pace of life.

With the warmer weather, I always switch my home fragrancing to match − throwing open my windows whenever I can, swapping springy florals for easy, breezy citrus and herbaceous scents, and filling my space with fresh blooms to add color, character, and light seasonal notes.

From the best home fragrance picks to bringing the outside in, these are the simple ways I recommend to make your home smell like summer.

'Summer has a scent and bottling that feeling holistically can support your mood, mindset, and mental health,' says Jennifer Pressimone, internationally recognized Clinical Aromatherapy Expert, and CEO at JennScents. 'Summer scenting not only makes your home smell nice, but it also helps you to slow down and breathe deeper. This helps your nervous system unwind, get refreshed, and rejuvenated, so you feel less overwhelmed and stressed.'

Here's exactly how:

1. Open Your Windows

Few things are as effective when it comes to freshening your space as opening your windows early in the morning or after sunset, which also has the added benefit of cooling your home in summer. It's a simple, quick step that allows the outside in, and, as Adriana Green Thompson, Fragrance Expert and Founder of ESTELÍ, a natural fragrance brand, explains, 'It’s one of the most effective scenting tools we have.

'It clears out stale indoor air and brings in the natural smell of the season: Grass, rain, flowers, warm earth, or salt air if you live near the coast. Even ten minutes of cross-breeze can reset the atmosphere of a home before you add any fragrance.'

Speaking of fragrance, this trick also pairs perfectly with your best reed diffusers − my favorite is Diptyque's Roses reed diffuser.

'A simple summer scent hack is to place a diffuser near an open window and let the breeze carry the scent throughout the home,' shares Jennifer. 'Fresh air activates the olfactory system, which is the part of your brain directly connected to emotions and memories.

'That's why a breeze instantly feels like summer and makes you feel relaxed. Not to mention it can cool off hot flashes. You also can sit a bowl of scented salts or scented pine cones in front of an open window, making the scent feel organic and natural.'

2. Use Linen Sprays on Fabrics

Once your windows are open, why not try making your own DIY linen spray?

'Linen sprays work well in summer because fragrance settles gently into bedding, curtains, and upholstery,' says Karen Arcilla, Founder of Set Forth NY. 'That softer layer of scent feels cleaner and more natural than trying to overwhelm the whole room.'

All you need to add a personalized scent to your upholstery is your favorite essential oil, baking soda, a spray bottle available at Walmart, Polysorbate 20 (for emulsification), and lavender essential oil.

Alternatively, the MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY Fabric Freshener, available at Amazon, is made with essential oils and without bleach, cyclodextrin, dyes, parabens, and formaldehyde.

3. Make a Summer Simmer Pot

Summer simmer pot recipes naturally fill your home with scent, with virtually no effort required.

'Add citrus slices, fresh mint, rosemary, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil,' says Jennifer. This Essential Oil Blend Scent Discovery Set from NEOM includes six scents to try, from freshly cut lavender to fully-opened jasmine blossoms.

'Let this simmer as the fragrant water releases a sense of comfort, relaxation, peace, and warmth throughout the home.'

4. Create Scent Zones

'I’d also suggest creating scent zones instead of making the whole house smell the same,' adds Adriana. 'A clean herbal note works well in the kitchen, something soft and floral in the bedroom, and a brighter scent near the entryway.

'This feels much more natural, almost like moving through a garden, rather than walking into a home that has been sprayed all at once.'

Fragrance layering is also an easy way to create your home's own signature scent. Try burning your best candle in one room (the Malin+Goetz tomato candle is perfect for summer), and add a mist of homemade room spray in the next.

5. Fill Your Home With Fresh Flowers and Herbs

Nothing says summer like flower arranging and a vase filled to bursting with fresh blooms.

'Fresh flowers and herbs are another beautiful way to scent a home seasonally,' shares Adriana. 'Gardenia, jasmine, roses, lavender, basil, mint, rosemary, and eucalyptus all bring a living quality that is hard to recreate synthetically.'

And, while it might sound a little more unusual, don't forget about using aromatic herbs, too.

'Herbs are especially useful in the kitchen because they smell clean and green without competing with food,' she continues. 'A small vase of basil or mint can make a kitchen feel summery in a very understated way.'

I like this pretty Distressed Rose + Vine Terracotta Vase, available at Anthropologie, which is intentionally distressed with a subtly sheeny, iridescent finish.

6. Scent After Cleaning, Not Before

It can be easy to think fragrancing and cleaning go hand in hand − I often light a candle while cleaning the bathroom or dusting my open shelves using my Joseph Joseph CleanTech Cleaning Set, available at Amazon. But, warns Adriana, fragrance should enhance freshness, not cover odors.

'In summer, homes can hold onto humidity, cooking smells, laundry odors, and pet smells more easily, so I like to clean first, then add a botanical mist, diffuser, or fresh herbs as the finishing layer,' she explains.

7. Make Summer Refresh Smelling Salts

Finally, suggests Jennifer, make summer smelling salts, using four ounces of Epsom salt, available at Walmart, in a jar or bowl, with six drops of eucalyptus oil, four drops of lavender oil, two drops of sage oil, and three drops of lemon oil.

'This works beautifully on a kitchen counter, bathroom shelf, or coffee table (don’t let the kids or pets eat it),' she advises. 'Eucalyptus opens deeper breathing, lavender relaxes the body, sage cleanses stress, and lemon refreshes the mind,' and helps to instantly boost focus.

What to Shop

If you feel inspired by any of these ideas for making your home smell like summer, I've curated a selection of six essentials to shop below, from reed diffusers to a beautiful copper pot, perfect for creating your own summer simmer pot.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

This hidden fragrance hack subtly scents living rooms and barely costs a dime.

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There's a huge shift in the way we see and design our outdoor spaces. Instead of being separate from our homes, they are becoming an extension of indoor living spaces, and one of the coveted features is the outdoor kitchen. And as renovation costs continue to increase, modular designs are rising as the ultimate solution.

It's a new way to create a luxurious cooking space for hosting and socialising. While people are entertaining al fresco far more than ever before, outdoor kitchens are being used more frequently as a backyard living space for everyday activities and enjoyment.

And it's clear that built-in designs are no longer the most coveted look. 2026 is the year modular outdoor kitchens get the recognition they deserve, offering flexible luxury that evolves with you at a more affordable price point. And it turns out, designers are totally on board with this emerging approach.

The Appeal of Modular Outdoor Kitchens

Installing an outdoor kitchen is no small endeavour, especially if you choose a custom, built-in design. The costs are high, with the price of an outdoor kitchen ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, while the cost of installation can vary from $15,000 to $25,000, not to mention the disruption of groundworks and the ever-growing contractor timelines.

The truth is, few people want to commit to such an expense, nor do they want to wait that long for an outdoor kitchen. We crave instant gratification, and a modular outdoor kitchen is the closest design we can get to that. Plus, modular designs have become just as luxurious and high-end.

'The market has matured enormously,' says Adam Arya, co-founder of Arya Douge. 'A few years ago, the choice was fairly limited, whereas today there are incredibly sophisticated modular systems that can be tailored to the way you actually live and entertain.'

The rise in this outdoor kitchen idea also comes with the changing attitudes to our outdoor spaces and how we use them. Once reserved for the summer months, backyards are now becoming destinations year-round, so kitchen designs need to be flexible to serve a purpose through the seasons.

Perhaps the biggest draw, choosing a modular design gives homeowners the option to change their minds later, giving a luxurious addition to their home greater flexibility. You might want to extend the kitchen later down the line, or rethink the layout. By choosing a modular outdoor kitchen, it's easier to make those changes or upgrades without having to reinvest in a whole new outdoor kitchen.

'The beauty of a modular kitchen is that you don’t have to do everything at once – you can begin with what you need and build your dream outdoor kitchen one piece at a time. A little planning can go a long way. Considering how you want to use your outdoor kitchen, whether for cooking, entertaining, or both, can help guide you to the perfect solution,' adds Karen Haas, IKEA US Home Furnishings Business Leader, Workspaces & Outdoor.

How Ensure a Modular Outdoor Kitchen Looks Elevated

Because so much time is spent here, modular outdoor kitchen designs have had to evolve from basic, function-first aesthetics to feel more in-keeping with the styles and materials we would embrace inside our homes. They feel more reminiscent of a freestanding kitchen, a style proving enduringly popular indoors. But it's also the materials and finishes that make a difference to how luxurious it feels.

Think powder-coated cabinetry that looks sleek but remains durable, paneled wood doors that add a rustic, natural feel, and even beautiful stone outdoor kitchen countertops, sometimes finished in a waterfall design. There's also more creativity when it comes to cooking appliances, with many designers opting for pizza ovens over a traditional grill.

'As with any interior, the materials make all the difference. Natural stone and beautifully detailed joinery help elevate a modular kitchen beyond something purely functional. The most successful schemes feel as though they belong to the architecture and landscape, rather than appearing as a standalone piece of garden equipment,' says Claire Sá, Co-Founder of De Rosee Sa.

Think of it as creating a hospitality-inspired backyard, the sort of landscape and luxury you find at your favorite hotels. The kitchen should feel as beautiful and considered as the plants in your borders, or the outdoor living room you've created beside it. A modular outdoor kitchen gives you added flexibility to create something that perfectly fits your space, but can be altered as your landscaping changes.

Don't stop at the practical details. Introduce beautiful hardware or a faucet with a more elegant silhouette. Think about the ambiance – charming lamps on the countertops, or even integrated lighting that adds a soft glow as the evening grows darker. It's the small details that take a modular outdoor kitchen to the next level.

How to Maximize Function With a Modular Outdoor Kitchen

Function still has to be a key consideration – something designers say won't negatively affect the elevated style of your modular kitchen. 'True functionality is achieved with practical, well-planned elements,' says Mark Latchford, Director of Landscaping at HollandGreen.

'These include durable, weather-resistant work surfaces, integrated refrigeration and storage, and a sink for convenience, all arranged in a logical workflow to make cooking outdoors effortless and enjoyable,' he explains, adding that you need to make key layout considerations, including whether you wish to face guests as you cook, have the sink hidden from view, and if you want to include bar seating as well as a more formal dining set up.

Outdoor kitchens are the hub of cooking, so really think about the materials you are choosing, both aesthetically and in terms of durability. 'For outdoor cooking, materials need to be durable and easy to clean,' says Karen.

'Stainless steel is a great choice for countertops and cooking areas as it’s hygienic and resistant to rust. Powder-coated or galvanized steel also helps create sturdy, weather-ready frames, while pre-treated acacia wood adds warmth and a natural look while protecting against weather, stains, and wear.'

If you desire the flexibility of an outdoor kitchen island that can be moved when you require more floor space, a portable design fits in beautifully with a modular scheme – it also allows you to move the island between outdoor living spaces if you need it to double as an outdoor bar or poolside snack station. It's these subtle versatilities that make modular designs so appealing.

Make sure you consider storage, too. A modular outdoor kitchen feels most successful with a mix of styles, including closed cabinetry to keep ingredients protected, as well as some open shelving for easy access to cooking essentials.

'The best modular outdoor kitchens combine practical materials with small yet smart details, including hooks for utensils, adjustable shelves, closed storage, and enough workspace to prepare, cook, and serve without having to run back inside,' Karen adds.

Don't forget to think about the bigger picture, though, like how your modular outdoor kitchen fits within the wider landscape of your backyard. Location is really important, both in terms of its location and the kitchen's architecture. Just because you are going modular with the design doesn't mean you shouldn't factor in a shade cover.

'One of the biggest mistakes people make is placing a kitchen in full afternoon sun. Whether it's a pergola, canopy, or carefully positioned planting, creating a shaded preparation area while allowing the dining space to enjoy the evening light transforms how comfortable-and how frequently-the space is used,' suggests Adam.

Shop Modular Outdoor Kitchens and Accessories

A modular outdoor kitchen is all about flexibility of design and instant gratification. Every backyard is different, so the kitchen you install should reflect that, allowing you to make changes as you need them.

'The appeal isn't simply that the kitchen is modular; it's that it allows outdoor living to be designed with the same level of thought as the interior of the home,' says Adam. 'The kitchen becomes one element within a much larger outdoor room.'

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As Coco Chanel famously coined, simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance. I believe this sentiment stretches much further than fashion, and certainly into the world of floral design.

Designing with only one variety of flower is not only simpler for you, it creates an effortlessly stylish effect that can elevate a room or patio dining table in seconds. It was a trick I used a lot when I was a wedding florist (provided the client agreed), as it was especially useful for simplifying large, statement floral arrangements.

The key to this is in your flower selection and the vase you choose. In the most recent episode of Petals & Roots, I show you how to create a high-impact summer design using alliums in one of my favorite vintage vases.

What You Need For This Allium Floral Design

• For this design I used 17 allium stems
• Floristry snips, such as these ones from Amazon are vital. Spending a bit more on a really good pair of sharp snips or shears pays off as they will last and make light work when cutting through any stem
• A tall, vintage vase. You can scroll down to see my vase edit for inspiration. I also love this blue and white vintage-style vase from Amazon, which would look beautiful on an outdoor table.

How To Create This Design Yourself

As I mentioned, this design relies on the right choice of vase, and a statement variety of flower.

Let's talk about the flowers first. I chose seasonal alliums because they are naturally a sculptural flower, with long, straight stems and also minute layers of interest within their flower heads.

Other flowers you could consider for this kind of design (depending on the season) are hydrangeas, Icelandic poppies, peonies, snapdragons and orchids.

Large alliums come in shades of purple and white, and I chose to keep mine to purple only, selecting three different varieties in the design: gladiator, pinball wizard and schubertii. The latter being the most distinctive and adding a different dimension to the textures and forms in the vase.

If your flowers are more or less the same in shape, you could vary the color options and keep them to a tonal palette or three simple, complementary shades.

Your vase selection will be a personal choice, and possibly governed by what you own already. I wanted something that reflected the curves in the alliums, and a vessel that offered a different color into the floral arrangement.

Choose something that is fairly tall and has a narrow neck, to make it easier to hold your stems in place.

If you can, look at the colors on your vase and see if you can pick any out or complement them with the flowers you choose.

To create a design like this, start by adding three to five of your tallest stems into the vase, which will give you a structure to build from.

Next, introduce another color or variety of flower and bring these lower down into the design, starting to fill out the space.

I added the largest alliums in last as they had shorter stems, and I slotted these into the grid I'd created with the taller ones, to place them higher up in the design.

Then it's simply a case of adding flowers to make the design bigger and create interest from all sides. (I told you it was easy, didn't I?) Make sure you have some shorter flowers lower down, vary the sizes, and if you have a particularly curvy stem, keep it long and let it dance above the rest of the design.

Top Tip: To reduce the onion smell that naturally comes from alliums, change the water in the vase regularly. This will also help to keep your flowers as fresh as possible.

Shop My Vase Edit

Petals & Roots is a weekly video series fronted by me, Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens. Every weekend on social, I share my seasonal gardening and flower arranging expertise and advice.

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Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is one of my favorite evergreen climbers. It looks beautiful all year thanks to its glossy green foliage, but by early summer it really comes into its own, producing masses of delicate, pinwheel-shaped white flowers with an unmistakably sweet fragrance. If you're looking to grow and care for star jasmine for year-round interest, June is when you'll really start to reap the rewards.

It's also one of the most important months for keeping the plant healthy. A few simple jobs now will encourage stronger growth, extend the flowering season, and help it cope if temperatures climb later in the summer. Whether you're training it over a pergola, up a sunny wall, or growing it in a large container to make your patio smell nice, these are the June tasks I'd never skip.

1. Water Deeply During Dry Spells

Keeping star jasmine consistently watered is one of the best ways to encourage healthy growth and a long flowering season, especially during hot, dry spells.

I like using the Flexi Hose Expandable Garden Hose from Amazon because it's lightweight, doesn't kink, and stretches as you water before shrinking back down for easy storage. It makes deep watering around climbers, borders, and containers much less of a chore, particularly if you're watering regularly throughout summer.

2. Feed to Support Flowering

If you want to fertilize jasmine for the best possible display, June is the time to do it. Feeding every couple of weeks during peak flowering gives star jasmine the extra energy it needs to keep producing buds and blooming for longer. Once flowers begin to appear, I like to use a fertilizer that's slightly higher in potash, as this encourages more blooms rather than excess leafy growth.

For an easy boost, Miracle-Gro 1-Pound Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food is a great option to maximize blooms. At the same time, Perfect Plants Liquid Jasmine Fertilizer from Amazon is specially formulated to support healthy foliage, vigorous growth, and abundant blooms throughout the growing season. Just avoid overfeeding with nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which can encourage lush leaves at the expense of flowers.

3. Tie In New Shoots

Star jasmine grows surprisingly quickly once temperatures rise, so June is the moment to stay on top of new growth. Any fresh stems should be gently guided and secured to their support while they’re still soft and flexible – left unchecked, they can easily tangle or drift away from the structure you’re trying to cover.

For this, I like using VELCRO Brand Adjustable Plant Ties because they’re soft, reusable, and won’t damage delicate stems as they thicken. For trickier sections or longer runs, Green Garden Wire from Amazon is also a handy option, offering more flexibility when shaping and training growth. Keeping stems evenly spaced not only prevents congestion, but also encourages fuller coverage over walls, fences, and pergolas for a more balanced, established look over time.

4. Remove Finished Flowers

As the earliest blooms begin to fade, it’s worth lightly pruning star jasmine to keep things looking neat and encourage continued flowering. Deadheading isn’t essential for star jasmine, but removing spent blooms where you can helps tidy the plant and can support a longer, more consistent display of fresh flowers through the season.

For quick, precise snips, Fiskars 6" Pruning Scissors for Flower Stems are ideal, especially for reaching into dense growth without damaging nearby stems. A little regular attention goes a long way in keeping the plant looking its best.

5. Watch for Pests

Although star jasmine is generally low-maintenance, it’s worth keeping an eye out for summer pests as temperatures rise. Aphids and scale insects can occasionally appear during warm weather, especially on soft new growth.

Check young shoots and the undersides of leaves every week or so, particularly on plants growing against warm, sheltered walls where infestations tend to build up more quickly. Catching problems early makes them much easier to manage and helps prevent them from spreading further into the plant.

For a simple, effective treatment option, Natria Neem Oil Spray from Amazon can be used to help control common pests while supporting healthier, more resilient growth.

Star jasmine has a reputation for being wonderfully easy to grow, and that’s certainly been my experience. It’s one of my favorite plants to grow, partly for how little it asks for, but mostly for how much it gives back in return. It also grows beautifully in containers, so if you want to grow star jasmine in pots, it’s just as happy in a large planter as it is in the ground.

There’s something deeply nostalgic about it for me – the first time I grew it, I remember stepping outside in the evening and being completely taken by its scent. Now, every time it blooms, it instantly brings that feeling back. It also does something no other plant quite manages in the same way: it makes my patio smell incredible, especially on warm nights when the fragrance really carries.

Keep it well watered, especially during dry spells, and feed it regularly to support steady growth and flowering. Take a little time to guide those fast-growing stems where you want them to go, and you’ll quickly see a fuller, better-structured plant taking shape.

Handled this way, star jasmine rewards you with glossy evergreen foliage and weeks of beautifully scented flowers that turn even a simple patio into a space you want to linger in a little longer.

Thinning fruit trees is an important summer task that helps you get the best harvests. It may sound counterintuitive, but removing small fruitlets means higher-quality fruits come picking time.

If you are growing apples, pears, plums, peaches, or apricots, thinning fruit trees between mid-June and mid-July rewards you with larger harvests and reduces the risk of branches snapping due to the stress of excess fruit. Up to 50%-75% of small fruitlets can be removed by hand or with small pruning tools.

Thinning fruit trees may sound daunting, but it needn’t be. To remove any potential confusion, I spoke with fruit tree experts about why, when, and how to thin. This guide also reveals the ideal spacing for the most popular types of fruit trees.

An Expert Guide to Thinning Fruit Trees

Many fruit trees, including apples, pears, plums, and peaches, do a ‘June drop’, whereby they naturally shed small fruits in early summer. They do this to focus on a select number of fruits, and gardeners shouldn’t panic if it happens to their trees.

However, even after a ‘June drop,’ you may still need to go out thinning fruit trees to guarantee you get the best yield.

A good pair of pruning shears, like these Felco F2 pruners at Amazon, can make a sound investment and be used for thinning and pruning fruit trees for many years.

Benefits of Thinning Fruit Trees

Even though it may sound counterintuitive, intentionally thinning the number of young fruits developing offers several benefits for any fruit tree. Whether you have an orchard or a few fruit trees in pots on a patio, thinning fruit trees helps them produce the best crop possible year after year.

Primarily, the main reason for thinning fruit trees is to maximise the harvest. It is required because, as Susan Poizner, fruit tree expert and founder of Orchard People, notes, the trees have a habit of producing ‘more fruitlets than they can realistically support’.

‘If you leave them all on the tree, you’ll usually end up with lots of fruit, but the quality won’t be great. The fruit tends to be smaller, and the branches can become overloaded,’ explains Susan.

‘Thinning helps the tree focus its energy on fewer fruits, which means larger, better-quality, and sweeter harvests.’

Thinning fruit trees not only boosts this year’s crop, but can help next year’s, too. It is especially the case with apple or pear trees, which can start to crop biennially – this is when a heavy crop one year is followed by a small or no crop the next. Thinning fruit trees helps prevent the trees from falling into this cropping habit.

Also, thinning fruit trees reduces the risk of branches snapping under the weight of lots of developing fruits. If lots of fruit are left, the branches (which naturally bend but can only take so much strain) can break under the stress. Not only does this mean you lose a productive arm, but the resulting wound is susceptible to pests and diseases.

You can help protect fruit-laden branches with supports, such as these tree crutches at Amazon.

What Fruit Trees Need Thinning

Most fruit trees benefit from thinning, but not all. The likes of apples, peaches, pears, plums, nectarines, apricots, and persimmons all respond well to thinning. If you have any of these, add thinning fruit trees to your early summer gardening checklist.

Some fruit trees don’t need thinning, though. For example, Susan advises: ‘Cherries generally don’t need it because they don’t tend to overproduce in the same way.’

When to Thin Fruit Trees

Young trees can suffer from being cropped too heavily in their tender years. Susan recommends gardeners to remove all baby fruit from apple, peach, apricot, pear, and plum trees for the first two years after planting the fruit tree in your yard.

‘It can feel heart-breaking, but it allows the tree to put its energy into establishing strong roots and healthy branches rather than producing fruit too soon,’ she adds.

Going forward, timing is key when thinning fruit trees. The ideal moment for thinning fruit trees comes after they have done their natural ‘June drop’. Allowing the trees to first naturally shed fruits and then thinning as required prevents you from ending up with little to no fruit.

It is best to go soon after you spot evidence of the ‘June drop’ around your trees. Susan advises: ‘A good rule of thumb is to thin when the fruit is about the size of a nickel.’

If you wait too long, and the fruit gets larger, the benefits of thinning aren’t felt as much. As Loren Taylor, a seasoned landscaper and gardener, says: ‘Doing it early means the tree has not wasted energy on fruit you are going to remove anyway.’

The take-home advice is to wait until after the ‘June drop’ and aim to finish thinning fruit trees in early July.

How to Thin Fruit Trees

The goal with thinning fruit trees is to leave as much fruit as the tree can ripen and the branch can support. It will depend on each particular tree, but don’t be afraid of thinning fruit trees – you have got to be cruel to be kind.

‘It sounds a lot, but aim to remove between 50% and 75% of the fruit so those that are left are better quality,’ Chris Bonnett, plant expert and founder of Gardening Express.

While this may seem a lot, if the fruits are crowded when young, it’ll only get worse as they develop, and they will never reach full size.

Look to keep the largest fruit and first remove any that are small, damaged, or misshapen. This can be done with your hands, by pinching or twisting the fruit off the stem. But do so carefully, as pulling too hard on small fruits can damage the branches.

Or, you can use small pruning tools, such as shears or pruning snips – this is advisable with apples and pears, which both have woodier stems than other young fruits. A perfect tool for the task would be these Fiskars pruning snips, available at Amazon.

The Ideal Spacings When Thinning Fruit Trees by Type:

• Apples: When growing apple trees, the fruits should be thinned to one fruit per cluster. Good apple fruit thinning should leave one fruit every six to eight inches along the branch. It is advisable to remove the ‘king’ fruit at the center of the cluster, as this habitually ends up deformed.
• Pears: Pear trees are best thinned to leave one or two fruits per cluster, with around six inches between developing fruits.
• Peaches: For peaches and nectarines, thin the fruits to one every four to six inches apart. This level of peach tree thinning gives the remaining fruits adequate space to reach a good size.
• Apricots: Thin apricot trees so there are two to four inches between each developing fruit
• Plums: Thinning plum trees should be done so there is one fruit every three or four inches along the branch

What to Shop

To keep them healthy, understanding when to prune fruit trees ensures you trim them at the right time of year. There are differences between trees, and it is not always a winter task. While the likes of apples, pears, and figs want pruning in late winter or early spring, stone fruits, such as cherries, peaches, nectarines, and plums, are best pruned in late spring or summer to prevent silver leaf disease.

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Whether you're on the hunt for a specific object or you want to spend your weekend doing a little thrift hunting, nothing beats a good old perusal of vintage stalls in the summer months. Luckily, whether you enjoy decorating with antiques or you prefer more retro finds, there are plenty of flea markets and vintage sales taking place across the United States this July.

The iconic Brimfield market is moving upstate to the Adirondacks, and the Canton Flea Market (named the world's largest, no less) is happening this month, too. No matter your location, our concise list of the best vintage sales in July 2026 will ensure you're up to date on the best events popping up in every corner of the country.

The Best July Antique Sales to Add to Your Calendar

If you are looking for shows, markets, and sales in your local area, select your region below for a tailored list:

Antiques and vintage sales in the Northeast

Antiques and vintage sales in the Southeast

Antiques and vintage sales in the South

Antiques and vintage sales in the Midwest

Antiques and vintage sales in the Southwest

Antiques and vintage sales in the West

Antique and Vintage Sales in the Northeast

1. Oh-Boy! Market (Andes, NY)

When: July 3rd-4th
Time: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Where: 55 Redden Ln, Andes, NY 13731, United States
Entry Fee: $10 General Admission, $25 Early Bird

The third annual Oh-Boy! Market isn't one to miss. Nestled in the Catskills Mountains, OH BOY is the perfect outdoor market to source preloved gems and take in the beautiful scenery. Expect up to one hundred sellers and plenty of cider to enjoy! Remember to buy your tickets online in advance to beat the queues!

2. WNY Largest Garage Sale & Flea Market (Clarence, NY)

When: July 5th
Time: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: Antique World & Flea Market, 11111 Main Street, Clarence, NY 14031
Entry Fee: $2

Hundreds of vendors line up on the first Sunday of every month at The Great American Garage Sale. From vintage clothing to antique outdoor decor, expect to find all sorts of gems hidden in Clarence, New York, this July.

3. Adirondacks Traveling Brimfield Antique Show (North Hudson, NY)

When: July 24th-26th
Time: Fri: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Sat: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Sun: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: 2918 US-9, North Hudson, NY 12855 (Frontier Town Gateway & Hay Fields)
Entry Fee: General Admission $10, Early Bird $20

America's oldest outdoor antique flea market will be in North Hudson this July. The iconic Brimfield Antique Market is traveling. Expect hundreds of vendors from across the country selling every antique imaginable. The event is expected to be busy, so get in early!

4. The Big Thrift & Vintage Market (Scranton, PA)

When: July 18th
Time: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Scranton Public Market, 300 Lackawanna Avenue, The Marketplace at Steamtown, Scranton, PA 18503
Entry Fee: $0

Located on the 2nd floor of The Marketplace at Steamtown, the Big Thrift and Vintage Market is perfect for vintage lovers. Filled with clothing, jewelry, and home decor, there's something for every shopper in this big, open space. Expect food vendors and plenty of stalls to peruse.

Antique and Vintage Sales in the Midwest

1. Tri-State Antique Market (Lawrenceburg, IN)

When: July 5th
Time: 6:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: 351 E. Eads Pkwy., Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
Entry Fee: $5 cash only

With over 125 dealers indoors or undercover, the Tri-State Market is always worth a visit, particularly if you're nearby. With plenty of free parking, rest areas, and food trucks, it's more than a vintage market. Established for over forty years, it attracts vendors from all over.

2. Vintage Revival at Bella Patina (Kansas City, MO)

When: July 3rd-5th
Time: Friday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday 11:00am - 4:00pm
Where: 1320 W 12th St Kansas City, MO 64101
Entry Fee: $10 on Friday, $5 Saturday and Sunday

'Three days a month, on First Friday Weekends, three floors of a hundred-year-old warehouse are transformed into a vintage market,' says the Bella Patina website. '60+ vendors procure and curate their finds across 25,000 square feet. Nestled on the third floor is a family-run restaurant, Painted Rooster, and each month, local businesses pop up inside the store. It’s not just antiquing, it’s Vintage Revival.'

3. Antiques on the Bluff (St Joseph, MI)

When: July 5th
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Where: Lake Bluff Park, 400 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph, MI 49085
Entry Fee: Free

With over fifty vendors to peruse, there's something for everyone at Antiques on the Bluff. From vintage furniture to ornate glassware to adorn your drinks cabinet, this family-friendly event takes place in a grassy park in St Joseph, perfect for getting some sunshine and shopping on your day off.

Antique and Vintage Sales in the South

1. First Monday Trade Days (Canton, TX)

When: July 2nd-5th
Time: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Where: 800 Flea Market Rd. Canton, TX 75103
Entry Fee: Free, but $10 for parking

Dubbed 'The World's Largest Flea Market', the Canton Flea is worth the trip, whether you're local or afar. With 450 acres of vintage gems, it's a hard one to miss. Expect contests, plenty of food and drinks, and a fireworks show!

2. Lakewood 400 Antiques Market (Cumming, GA)

When: July 3rd-5th
Time: Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00pm
Where: 1321 Atlanta Highway, Cumming, GA, 30040
Entry Fee: $3 cash

Lakewood Antiques Market boasts over 75,00 sq ft of antique stalls. From outdoor furniture to collectible fine china, it's unlikely you'll leave empty-handed. There's an outdoor area to enjoy on warmer days, and an on-site restaurant when a day of shopping calls for a bite to eat.

3. July Pickers Hullabaloo Flea Market (Charleston, SC)

When: July 18th-19th
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: 81 Mary St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States
Entry Fee: Early Bird Tickets Saturday: 10 am-12 pm Entry [$20]​, General Admission Saturday: 12 pm-4 pm Entry [$5], General Admission Sunday: 10 am-4 pm Entry [$5]

Pickers Hullabaloo is a seasonal flea market that takes place on fluctuating Sundays during the Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter months. With over 100 vendors of antique and vintage goods, you're bound to find something you're looking for.

Antique and Vintage Sales in the Southeast

1. Summer Parking Lot Sale (Greeneville, TN)

When: July 26th
Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: 554 Tusculum Blvd, Greeneville, TN
Entry Fee: Free

From antique glassware to vintage clothing, the Summer Parking Lot Sale in Greeneville is perfect for local antique lovers looking to spend their weekend shopping for their favorite pieces. An annual market, locals flock to the parking lot sale each year, loved for its 'yard sale prices'.

2. Pink Flamingo Vintage Market (Gulfport, MI)

When: July 2nd-5th
Time: Thursday - Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Where: 1800 25th Ave, Gulfport, MS
Entry Fee: Free

From midcentury furniture to collectible books, the Pink Flamingo Market is perfect for lovers of the last century. Expect to find all sorts of eclectic styles that will inject your home with character and personality. Taking place across four days, you've got plenty of time to enjoy Gulfport's collection of treasures.

3. Atlanta Summer Weekend Antique Market (Atlanta, GA)

When: July 24th-26th
Time: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Where: Piedmont Park, 1320, Atlanta, GA 30306
Entry Fee: Free

The Atlanta Summer Market site says, 'Browse an impressive variety of antiques, vintage furniture, retro décor, rare collectibles, jewelry, artwork, vinyl records, memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind treasures from experienced vendors and collectors. There are also plenty of food trucks and vendors to ensure you're refreshed and fuelled for a day of shopping!

Antique and Vintage Sales in the Southwest

1. Palm Springs Vintage Market (Palm Springs, CA)

When: July 5th
Time: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: 403 S Pavilion Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
Entry Fee: $10 early bird, $5 general admission

The Palm Springs Market features more than seventy vendors, both local and from across the country. From vintage clothing to antique vases, there's something for every type of shopper.

2. Thriftapalooza (Pomona, CA)

When: July 18th-19th
Time: Sat 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sun 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: 1101 W McKinley Ave, La Verne CA, United States
Entry Fee: Tickets range from $10-$30 depending on entry

Thriftapalooza takes place in a 100,000 sq ft warehouse. The event is highly anticipated, so it's worth getting your tickets in advance. Best known for vintage clothes and antique treasures, it's filled with all kinds of pieces from across the world.

3. Great Southwestern Antique Show (Albuquerque, NM)

When: July 31st-2nd Aug
Time: Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sun 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: EXPO New Mexico - Home of the State Fair, 300 San Pedro Drive, N.E., Lujan Center, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Entry Fee: $12-$20 via website

The Great Southwestern Antique Show is known for its twenty-seven years of providing quality art and antiques from around the world and charitable funding to local non-profits. With over ninety trusted antique dealers from across the U.S., expect everything from fine art to textiles and rare books.

Antique and Vintage Sales in the West

1. GNW Flea Market (Spokane Valley, WA)

When: July 18th
Time: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Where: 6206 E Trent, Spokane Valley, WA, United States, Washington
Entry Fee: Free

Located in a 10,000 sq ft shop, there are finds from over 125 vendors at the Great North Western Market. From vintage signs for your backyard to handmade toys and gifts to pass on to a loved one, all kinds of artisan crafts and unique gems make this market worth the visit.

2. MC Presents Art & Antique Shows (Teton Village, WY)

When: July 10th-12th & 17th-19th
Time: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Where: 3295 Village Drive, Teton Village, WY 83025
Entry Fee: Free

The MC Presents Show is always filled with award-winning artists and nationally acclaimed antique dealers. Whether you are hunting for a specific vintage gem or just looking to be inspired, there is something for everyone.

3. Urban Flea Market (SLC, UT)

When: July 12th
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: The Gateway, 12 S Rio Grande, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Entry Fee: $3

Taking place on the second Sunday of every month, the Urban Flea Market attracts plenty of locals and visitors each time it opens. With collectible vintage toys, retro clothing, and antique decor you've likely never laid eyes on, it's worth a visit if you're nearby.

Antique Shopping Tips

A vintage-lover's paradise, whether you're attending a flea market known for its impressive selection of archive clothing or you're spending the day, wagon in hand (like Amazon's collapsible wagon cart), hunting for antique home decor exclusively, there are a few things worth knowing, no matter what you're shopping for.

Firstly, vendors at vintage markets often only accept cash, and the same goes for the entrance fee. While you might bump into a few sellers who take credit cards, it's always worth being prepared and carrying an ample amount of cash just in case you stumble across something you truly love (and simply can't pass up). If you can, purchase your ticket before you arrive online to beat the lines and get to the goods straight away.

Next, while it may seem obvious, come prepared. By that, we mean, make sure you've packed all the essentials. From a bottle of water to keep you hydrated in the April sun (Californians, we're looking at you) to a tape measure (Amazon Basics Self-Locking Tape Measure is a good place to start) to ensure the armchair you've fallen in love with fits in your living room nook, bringing these staples will make your visit all the more successful. Comfortable shoes, a notebook and pen to jot down vendors' names or pieces you're on the hunt for, and snacks (if you're planning to spend all day there) are worth considering, too.

As well as coming prepared physically, ensure you're clued up on exactly what to look for (and what to avoid buying at an estate sale) so you don't regret your purchase, or worse, end up paying more for an item than it's worth. When shopping for vintage furniture, pay attention to the surface of the piece (scratching, stains, or amateur handiwork) before making a purchase. If you're still considering the piece, ask the seller if they'd take a lower price. If it has potential, reupholstering or reinventing a piece with a lick of paint is more than possible, remember.

And, of course, look for all the markings of authenticity when browsing reputable goods like fine china, artwork, or ceramics to ensure you're not buying a knock-off version of an antique. Things like makers' marks, certain shapes, patterns, and glazes (when shopping for pottery and tableware), and signatures will help you identify the real deal from the unauthentic. Always buy from a trusted seller that's established, and if you can, look for provenance.

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My tomato plants have been off to a slow start this year, so I've been looking for organic solutions to encourage faster growth. That's when I stumbled across a hack: making nettle tea fertilizer for tomatoes.

It's an old-school gardening trick to fertilize tomatoes with nettle-infused water, which is packed with nutrients, including nitrogen for vegetative growth. Giving your tomatoes nettle tea fertilizer from spring to early summer encourages strong leaves and stems, setting the plant up for healthy flowering and fruit production later on.

It's really best used before flowers appear, at which point you can switch to a specific tomato fertilizer to support fruiting (like this tomato fertilizer on Amazon). The best part is it's really easy to make your own tomato fertilizer with nettle tea, though it does need to be used correctly to be effective. Here's how it works.

Why Use Nettle Tea for Tomatoes?

It's surprisingly effective to make plant fertilizer using weeds, as they're packed with essential plant nutrients. Nettles in particular are a popular choice for giving plants like tomatoes a boost of nitrogen.

What nitrogen does for plants is aid vegetative, leafy growth. For tomatoes, this means encouraging strong stems and foliage ahead of flowering.

'When tomatoes start to flower, you want the focus to be on fruit production rather than vegetative growth,' explains Drew Swainston, Gardens Content Editor at Homes & Gardens. 'At this point, the best tomato fertilizer is high in potassium, like this tomato feed on Amazon.

'So, you should only use nettle tea fertilizer for tomatoes during early growth, up until flowers appear; otherwise, it could encourage excessive foliage and reduce your yield,' he adds.

Of course, the benefits of nettle tea fertilizer also extend to the fact it's free to make and eco-friendly, with no chemicals required.

But you do have to make it carefully and use it correctly to get the desired results – here's what you need to know.

How to Make Nettle Tea Fertilizer

There are just a handful of steps to make nettle tea fertilizer for tomatoes:

1. Put on thorn-proof gardening gloves (like these floral ones from Walmart) to protect your skin. You can then collect fresh nettles from your garden, picking tender tops. You can use pruning shears as an extra precaution to prevent stinging (like these Fiskars bypass pruning shears from Amazon). You should collect enough to fill a bucket halfway (this can be any size bucket, but a 5-gallon bucket is a good choice – like this one from Lowe's).
2. Rinse the nettles to clean off dirt and insects, and then begin chopping them. You can use a kitchen knife or pruning shears to cut them up into smaller pieces. This helps release the nutrients for the fertilizer.
3. Then, fill your bucket. The leaves should come up halfway and you can fill the rest of it with water, making sure the leaves are submerged.
4. You should then leave it to steep for 2-3 weeks, stirring occasionally. It's best to put a breathable cover on the bucket to stop debris and insects getting in, and to contain the strong smell from fermentation. This mesh garden cover from Amazon works well.
5. The tea is ready to use when it is dark and doesn't bubble after being stirred. You should dilute it one cup nettle tea to 10 parts water before applying to your tomato plants every couple of weeks until they flower. Any stronger or more frequent risks root burn from an overload of nutrients.

What to Shop

This is just one way to increase your tomato yields. You can also use tomato tapping to ensure every flower is pollinated and turns into fruit, and prune tomato plants to remove side shoots draining energy.

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As the resident Sleep Editor here at Homes & Gardens, I pride myself on my collection of white, bright, and beautiful bedding. The other thing I also pride myself on is my storage method − it's likely nothing you haven't heard of before, but it is easy, effective, and completely free.

Instead of folding my sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases for separate storage, I slide the matching set into one of the corresponding pillowcases to keep everything all together in one place and simple to find whenever I need it.

It's a clever bedding storage trick to make organizing a linen closet more straightforward than ever.

When it comes to organizing my best bed sheets, I take the job seriously. Making a bed is tiresome enough without having to hunt through piles of linens for a matching pillowcase or stray sheet, which is why I store them together in sets.

This simple idea also comes approved by Professional Organizer and Founder of Diisorganized, Di Ter Avest.

'Storing a complete bedding set inside one of the matching pillowcases keeps all the pieces together, so nothing gets lost or separated,' she says. 'It also creates a cleaner, more organized look in the linen closet and makes it quick and easy to find exactly what you need when it's time to change the sheets,' which is exactly why I do it.

She's not the only pro to approve of my method, either. Meghan Cocchiaro, Certified Professional Organizer and Founder of Organized by Meg, adds, 'Storing bed sheets folded within the matching pillowcase is an easy way to keep your bed linens organized and keep each set together without the need for a separate "bed sheet organizer case" that is sold for this same purpose.'

For added organization, if you choose to store your collection this way, Meghan advises placing each set of the same size together in the same storage basket, or on the same shelf.

'If they're in a storage basket, label the basket with a clip [available at Amazon] by the size of sheets: Twin, Full/Queen, or King, or by whatever other categories you may have, such as Kids, Adults, Flannel, Summer, et cetera. If it's a shelf, label the shelf itself, and stack them neatly no more than three high, as they will fall over.'

Alternative, Free Ways to Store Your Bed Linen

Of course, this isn't the only tip for small linen closet storage.

'One of my favorite free organizing tips is to store items where you use them most often,' says Di. 'Keeping things close to their point of use saves time and makes it easier to maintain organization.

'So you could save them in a nearby linen closet if you have one, or keep them in the wardrobe or closet in the room. I also recommend creating clear "homes" for belongings and using simple labels to help everyone in the household know where things belong.'

Additionally, says Meghan, it pays to keep collections as minimal as possible. 'I suggest no more than two sheets per bed in your house, including the set that is on the bed,' she adds. 'Exceptions may be made if you have different weighted sheets for seasons or holiday-themed sheets, and for young kids.'

What to Shop

Below, you can shop from a selection of my favorite bedding and alternative bedding storage options, like baskets and boxes. I've found that the key is making your storage work for your space, rather than making your space work for your storage.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Stuck for inspiration? Martha Stewart's linen closet organization method uses cardboard rolls and lavender sachets to keep linens organized and smelling fresh and clean.

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The air in enclosed courtyards and urban walled gardens can feel humid and stagnant in summer. High walls, fences and dense planting can restrict air movement and create the perfect conditions for fungal disease, pest infestations and struggling plants.

Knowing how to increase airflow in a courtyard can make a significant difference to plant health, even if you just use these Fiskars bypass pruning shears on Amazon to thin out overcrowded stems. According to landscape designer Caroline Ervin, there are several visible signs that indicate that plants are not getting enough air circulation. 'The appearance of powdery mildew or mold is a very obvious sign that the air is stagnant. Additionally, the leaves of plants will curl or turn yellow if they are not getting enough air and oxygen around them,' she explains.

The good news is you don't need to completely redesign your garden to improve the airflow in an urban courtyard. A few simple changes to how you plant, water and arrange your space can create a healthier growing environment. These easy, expert-approved solutions will help protect your plants from summer heat issues and can be incorporated into your favorite summer courtyard garden ideas.

1. Prune Plants To Create A More Open Structure

When leaves and stems become tightly packed together, moisture lingers for longer after rain or watering, which creates ideal conditions for fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, to take hold.

'Proper pruning and thinning of plants can reduce the risk of moisture buildup and increase airflow around the plants,' says Caroline Ervin. 'This does not mean shearing the plants to a smaller size or shape, but rather hand pruning to allow for air circulation into the interior portions of the plants.'

Landscape designer Brooke Addison recommends taking a similar approach. 'Strategic pruning will help open plant structure and keep air from becoming trapped,' she says. 'Open space encourages better airflow. I would also clear lower branches and leaves to provide separation from the soil. This will help with airflow and decrease soil-spread diseases.'

The same thinking applies when introducing new plants to a courtyard. Plants that appear neatly spaced when first planted can quickly grow together and restrict airflow as they mature.

'Be sure to space plants based upon their mature size, not the size that they are when planted,' adds Caroline. 'If a shrub is 4 feet wide at maturity, there should be at least 4 feet of space between the center of that plant and the center of the plant next to it.'

Allowing enough room for plants to reach their full spread will help maintain healthy airflow and reduce the need for corrective pruning at a later stage.

Where to buy: These Felco Secateurs from Amazon have an ergonomic hand fitting design and are suitable for every type of pruning.

2. Rethink Where You Place Furniture And Containers

It's easy to focus solely on plants when you're trying to increase airflow in a courtyard, but simple design tweaks, such as where you place furniture and containers, can have an impact too.

'Do not crowd furniture, especially dense furniture with cushions, next to plants that prevents or impedes airflow around the plants,' says Caroline. In small courtyards, bulky seating, outdoor sofas and large patio umbrellas can unintentionally block natural air from moving and trap humidity around nearby foliage.

If your courtyard has windows or decorative openings in the walls, Brooke recommends keeping those areas clear. 'Keep these areas clear of potted trees or umbrellas to maximize airflow into the garden,' she says. These areas act as natural ventilation points, helping fresh air move through the space.

When arranging a courtyard, think about how air will move through the space in the same way you'd think about sunlight. Leaving clear routes between furniture, containers and planting can make a noticeable difference to plant health during the summer months.

Where to buy: Shop outdoor planters, such as this Bloem Terracotta design from The Home Depot, which is available in various sizes.

3. Water Plants Earlier In The Day

One simple but effective way to look after your plants in a stagnant courtyard is to make sure you are watering plants at the best time of day.

As Brooke explains, watering technique can unintentionally make fungal disease situations worse. 'The best method is to water plants early in the morning. This allows your plant to absorb the moisture it needs before the sun evaporates the water and dries the soil.'

Brooke also points out that mid-day watering increases the chance of the sun burning wet leaves and decreases water efficiency. Watering in the evening isn't always harmful, but repeatedly leaving leaves damp overnight can create conditions that diseases and pests thrive in. This is particularly important if you're growing plants that need more water in a heatwave, where high temperatures can put them under more pressure.

How you water plants matters too. 'Overhead watering where we splash soil up onto the leaves spreads fungal spores,' adds Brooke. Directing water at the base of plants rather than spraying foliage can also help reduce moisture build-up.

Where to buy: A long-spouting watering can make it easier to direct water at the base of the roots. This 1 gallon metal watering can is available from Amazon, and comes in a variety of colours.

4. Keep Shrubs Away From Walls

Where you position shrubs can have a noticeable impact on airflow in a courtyard garden. While it might be tempting to use them to soften walls and boundaries, planting them too close to buildings can create areas of stagnant, humid air where fungal diseases can then spread.

'Avoid placing shrubs directly against an exterior wall,' advises Brooke. 'It can be difficult to prune if your house is blocking access to half the plant. The lack of light to the whole shrub will also cause dieback in those areas that aren’t getting sunlight - and the lack of airflow means an increased risk for plant diseases.'

For those with a planting area outside the courtyard wall, Brooke suggests layering plants at increasing heights outside the boundary; a technique she calls a wind ladder. 'If we can plant in a succession of plant heights, groundcover, perennial, shrub, tree, this disrupts the flow of the wind and produces more turbulent wind patterns that encourage mixing swirls over the edge of the courtyard wall,' she explains. Rather than being deflected around the sides, air tumbles down into the garden instead.

Giving shrubs enough space also makes routine maintenance easier, allowing you to prune and thin growth as needed to keep air moving through the plant.

Where to buy: For heavier pruning of established shrubs, a good pair of loppers gives you the reach and leverage secateurs can't. These Fiskars Bypass Loppers from Amazon are lightweight, sharp and suited to thinning out dense courtyard shrubs.

5. Improve Drainage And Switch To Drip Irrigation

Excess moisture is one of the biggest contributors to humidity build-up in enclosed courtyard gardens, so it's important to ensure water can drain away freely.

'Make sure that any plants in containers have plenty of room for the roots to grow and allow for extra water to escape through proper drainage holes,' says Caroline. 'Preventing waterlogged soil is important as it can inhibit plant growth and promote fungal diseases.'

If you regularly find puddles forming after heavy rain, consider whether compacted soil, blocked drainage channels or overcrowded containers could be slowing water movement through the space.

Drip irrigation systems are worth considering for courtyard gardens with multiple containers. 'Drip irrigation or soaker hoses prevent the splashing of spores onto our plants.' says Brooke. By delivering water to the root zone rather than over foliage, they reduce the amount of moisture released into the surrounding air, making it easier to water consistently.

Where to buy: You can buy this Raindrip Drip Watering System from Amazon. It includes a timer and is specifically designed for hanging baskets and containers.

6. Remove Diseased Debris And Add Mulch

Good airflow can prevent fungal problems from developing, but if disease is already present, it's important to remove the source as quickly as possible.

'If you're dealing with plant diseases, you need to remove any fallen leaves or pruned materials from your property, or you'll be dealing with the issue year after year,' says Brooke.

Once the area is clear, a layer of mulch can prevent any remaining spores in the soil from splashing back onto the foliage during watering or rainfall.

Brooke suggests applying mulch around three inches deep around the base of plants, while keeping it pulled back from stems and trunks to avoid trapping moisture against the bark. 'Wet mulch holding moisture against your plant bark will just continue the fungi-loved growing conditions we're trying to avoid,' she says.

Bark mulch is a practical option for courtyard gardens, helping to suppress weeds, regulate soil moisture and reduce soil splash. Just make sure you leave a small gap around the base of the plant.

Where to buy: This Natural Pine Bark Mulch from Amazon can be used as a soil additive for drainage or as mulch to lock in soil moisture.

What To Shop

Paying a little extra attention to the airflow in your courtyard can go a long way to keeping plants healthy and the space looking its best, particularly through the hottest months of the year.

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The vacation you’ve been looking forward to is finally just around the corner, and the last thing you want while you’re away is to be worrying about your home appliances. We’ve all had that moment – pulling out of the driveway only to wonder if the oven is definitely off, or if something has been left running in the bathroom.

Leaving appliances switched on is a common source of anxiety, but what many people don’t realise is that there are several household items you don’t need to leave plugged in at all while you’re on holiday. In fact, there are key items you should always unplug before leaving the house, whether they’re on or off, to reduce risk and unnecessary energy use.

Beyond peace of mind, taking a few minutes to switch things off properly can also help improve your home's EPC rating by reducing standby energy consumption over time.

To help bring some reassurance before you travel, we spoke to electricians and appliance experts about what should always be switched off and unplugged before a trip away. Here’s what they recommend.

1. Wi-Fi-Connected Devices And Hubs

Devices like Wi-Fi routers, game consoles, and smart home systems don’t need to stay plugged in while you’re away. While the risk of hazard is low, they can still quietly add to your energy bill over time.

‘I would consider unplugging Wi-Fi-enabled devices if I’m going on holiday, or at the very least switching off or disabling their connectivity features,’ says Bill Gilbert, Technical Writer and Resident Appliance Expert at iFixit.

Most appliances draw less than a watt in standby mode, but over the course of a longer vacation, even these small amounts of phantom energy use can add up. If you'd rather not unplug everything individually, the Amazon Smart Plug is an easy alternative. Compatible with Alexa, it lets you remotely switch devices off or create schedules so they automatically power down while you're away, helping reduce standby energy use with minimal effort.

If you're managing multiple devices, the Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip makes it easy to control and schedule several appliances at once, helping reduce standby energy use while you're away.

2. Battery Chargers

It may be tempting to leave chargers plugged in, but experts caution against it – particularly when lithium-ion batteries are involved.

‘I would avoid leaving lithium-ion devices charging unattended for extended periods or while away from home, as thermal runaway – although rare – can occur if a fault develops during charging,’ says Thomas Opsomer, iFixit’s Repair Policy Lead.

Instead, fully charge devices before you leave and unplug chargers at the socket, or arrange for someone to periodically check anything that requires charging while you’re away.

3. Countertop Appliances And Non-Essentials

Coffee machines, toasters, hair tools, and other countertop appliances don’t need to remain plugged in while you’re away. Even when the risk is low, unplugging them removes any residual uncertainty. If you prefer a more seamless setup, a smart option like the Cync Smart Indoor Plug from Amazon can also help you switch devices off remotely before you leave.

‘Voltage spikes or power surges can still damage connected appliances, even if they’re switched off at the unit, before a breaker has time to respond,’ says Paul Karandos, Luxury Appliance Specialist at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. ‘While many modern appliances include internal safeguards and automatic shut-off features, best practice is still to disconnect them at the socket when not in use for extended periods.’

It’s also a simple way to remove that lingering 'did I switch everything off?' feeling before you leave the house.

4. Heat-Producing Appliances And Electronics

Anything that generates heat – or remains warm on standby – should be unplugged before you go. Devices that feel even slightly warm when left connected are still drawing power, which can add unnecessary load and, over long periods, increase wear on internal components.

Fans, purifiers, lamps, consoles, large computers, and tumble dryers all fall into this category, and switching them off at the socket is a simple way to reduce risk and eliminate standby energy use while you’re away.

5. Older Or Well-Used Appliances

Older appliances naturally come with more wear and tear, which can increase risk over time. In homes that haven’t been recently rewired or updated to current electrical standards, there can also be a higher likelihood of electrical issues developing, particularly when systems are under load or left unattended for long periods. The same applies to older appliances, which may not have the same safety features as newer models.

For extended trips, a more comprehensive approach – such as switching off breakers to non-essential areas of the home where appropriate – can further reduce risk while also cutting down unnecessary energy use.

Shop Smart Plugs and Timers

Before you head off, take a final walk through your home to ensure everything is properly switched off and unplugged. Even small steps – like removing standby devices from sockets – can make a big difference to peace of mind. And remember: half-inserted plugs are a risk not worth taking.

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Cosmos are one of the hardest-working annual flowers in the summer garden. Easy to grow, drought tolerant once established, and loved by pollinators, they can flower continuously from early summer right through to the first fall frost. Whether you're growing classic Cosmos bipinnatus, sulphur cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus), or one of the many newer compact varieties, a little attention in June can make a huge difference to just how spectacular that display becomes.

If you're learning how to grow cosmos successfully, June is an important month. Across much of the US, plants are now growing quickly, with many beginning to produce their first flowers. This is the ideal time to move beyond simply establishing your plants and start encouraging stronger growth, more blooms, and a longer flowering season.

With so many beautiful types of cosmos available, from tall cottage-garden favorites to container-friendly cultivars, a few simple maintenance tasks now will help ensure a show-stopping display throughout summer and into fall.

1. Deadhead Regularly to Encourage More Flowers

One of the most important jobs for cosmos in June is deadheading. If you're wondering how to deadhead cosmos, simply snip faded blooms off just above a healthy set of leaves or a side shoot. I like using the Felco F322 Pruning Snips from Amazon for this task – their slim, precise blades make it easy to remove spent flowers without disturbing nearby buds or foliage.

The more consistently you deadhead cosmos, the more flowers you're likely to get. It's a simple but highly effective task that can significantly extend the flowering season, keeping plants blooming freely and looking fresh well into late summer and even early fall.

2. Stake Tall Varieties Before Summer Storms Arrive

Many cosmos varieties can easily reach 4 to 6 feet tall by midsummer, especially in fertile soil. While their airy, cottage-garden habit is part of their charm, those tall stems can be vulnerable to heavy rain, strong winds, and summer thunderstorms.

Adding supports now – before plants become top-heavy – is much easier than trying to rescue fallen stems later. Bamboo stakes, grow-through supports, or discreet plant rings all work well while preserving the plant's natural, meadow-like appearance. I often use simple Bamboo Plant Stakes from Amazon, which blend seamlessly into borders and provide just enough support to keep stems upright without detracting from the plant's soft, billowing look.

3. Pinch Back Leggy Growth

If some of your cosmos are looking tall and sparse, June is still a good time to pinch out cosmos. Simply remove a few inches from the growing tips of young stems to encourage branching, creating a bushier plant with more flowering stems.

It can feel counterproductive to cut back a plant that's growing well, but the result is often a fuller, stronger plant with significantly more blooms later in the season. If you're wondering when to pinch out cosmos, early summer is ideal, giving plants plenty of time to produce fresh growth before they hit their peak flowering period.

4. Avoid Overfeeding

One of the most common mistakes gardeners make when they fertilize cosmos is treating them like heavy-feeding annuals. In reality, cosmos often perform best in relatively modest soil conditions.

Too much fertilizer – particularly high-nitrogen products – can encourage lush green foliage at the expense of flowers. If your soil is poor, a light application of a balanced fertilizer is usually plenty. I like using Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food or Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed Rose & Bloom Plant Food, both available on Amazon, as they provide a gentle, steady supply of nutrients without overwhelming plants. Otherwise, many cosmos will happily bloom all summer with little additional feeding. When it comes to fertilizing cosmos, a lighter touch almost always delivers the best results.

5. Keep Plants Well Watered During Heatwaves

Although cosmos are relatively drought-tolerant once established, newly planted specimens and younger plants can struggle during prolonged periods of extreme heat. If you're wondering how often to water cosmos, deep, occasional watering is generally better than frequent shallow watering, as it encourages stronger root growth.

As temperatures climb across many parts of the US in June and July, knowing how to water plants in a heatwave becomes increasingly important. Deep watering during dry spells can help maintain healthy growth and support continuous flowering.

For larger beds, I like using the Husky Oscillating Sprinkler from The Home Depot, which provides even coverage and makes it easier to give plants a thorough soak during hot weather. Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead where possible, particularly during humid conditions, to reduce the risk of disease and ensure moisture reaches the roots where it's needed most.

6. Thin Crowded Plants for Better Airflow

By now, your cosmos can begin filling out rapidly. If plants are growing too close together, consider thinning them slightly to improve airflow. Good spacing helps reduce the risk of powdery mildew and allows each plant to develop stronger stems and a more attractive shape. It also makes deadheading and harvesting cut flowers much easier throughout the season.

Shop Cosmos Essentials for June

With just a few minutes of attention in June, cosmos will reward you with months of colorful blooms, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while bringing a relaxed, cottage-garden feel to borders, cutting gardens, and containers alike. Their pollinator-friendly qualities are one reason why Kate Moss planted cosmos in her garden to attract bees, proving that these easy-going annuals are as beneficial to wildlife as they are beautiful.

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As is the case with every small space, there are tried and tested ways to highlight its potential, and easy-to-make mistakes that do the complete opposite.

Choosing the right colors, layouts, materials, and what you actually put in the space all give you the opportunity to 'expand' or 'shrink' your outdoor areas – and knowing what could be making your small patio feel smaller can be just as important as tips on making it look bigger.

From bulky outdoor furniture to overcrowding the space with too many small pieces, here's what designers warn could be making your tiny patio look even smaller, and what you should be doing instead.

1. Large Heavy Furniture – Choose More Compact Styles Instead

Before buying outdoor furniture, consider the size of your space and what suits it. A bulky dining set, for example, might sound like a good idea to seat all of your guests, but if they can't actually move around the space, it's not going to function properly.

'Stop using heavy, dark wood furniture with bulky arms when you have a small patio,' explains interior design Kira Young, founder of High Tide Design. 'Wide arms outdoor furniture is great for comfort and makes the space feel grand, substantial, and cozy. Dark furniture also visually appears bigger and heavier, and will make your patio look crowded and small.'

Whether you're creating an outdoor living room or a dining area for alfresco eating, embrace lighter, summery materials instead of heavier woods and more mobile shapes. 'My go-to is natural rattan or woven rope-design furniture that has an open back or spacing detail between them,' explains Kira. 'They make the space feel airy and appear larger. Add patterns or print outdoor pillows for a pop of color.'

2. Too Many Pieces – Keep Things Simple

'The most common faux pas I see people make when styling their small patio falls into one of two categories, and both are related to proper spatial planning,' explains Sophia deDomenico, founder of Et Sal Interiors. 'Either choosing furniture pieces that are way too large for the patio or trying to scale down and cluttering the patio with a myriad of smaller items that make the patio feel cramped.'

Whether it's a front patio or a private, small garden, filling your patio with too much furniture or decor will only make it feel more cramped. 'In both scenarios, that patio doesn't allow for any breathing room, which makes a small patio feel like a claustrophobic nightmare,' adds Sophia. 'A perfect balance of use, visuals, and feel is struck when items are present but not overwhelming, balanced to the size of the space, and set with enough intention that allows a room to feel open, airy, curated, and calm.'

'One of the biggest mistakes I see on small patios is simply trying to fit too much into the space,' agrees Burcu Ercetin of Design & Curations. 'Oversized sofas, multiple furniture pieces, and too many accessories can quickly make a patio feel crowded. In smaller outdoor spaces, I would encourage focusing on fewer, better pieces. Instead of a large sofa, a pair of bistro chairs with a small table can feel much more inviting while allowing for better circulation and flexibility.'

3. Tiny Furniture – Get the Scale Right

While bulky furniture can overwhelm a small outdoor dining room or lounge area, tiny chairs, tables, or sofas can also highlight how small your patio is.

'Tiny furniture can actually often highlight the confines of a small space,' explains interior designer Caroline Kopp. 'Don't make your small patio feel more tiny than it is by only using small pieces of furniture. Figure out the largest outdoor sofa or chair you can fit, and put that in, together with appropriately sized tables. Using larger pieces of furniture creates the impression of a larger space.'

There's a fine line between being overly generous and underdoing it when it comes to investing in the right furniture for your small patio. Before shopping for an outdoor dining table or a new set of deck chairs, consider how they'll look in the space and how much room they'll take up. For example, an outdoor sofa might not work in a small corner of your patio, whereas a narrow bench and low outdoor coffee table may feel more natural.

4. Lacking Cohesion – Connect Your Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

While your garden and interior might be literally divided, that's not to say they need to feel entirely different. 'Nothing makes a small space seem smaller than visual clutter from furnishings, tones, and textures that are inconsistent with the adjacent interior,' says Gina Elkins of Studio Casa Vita. 'While we certainly don't recommend matchy-matchy design, a total lack of cohesion between indoor and outdoor aesthetics creates a busy atmosphere that undermines the space and kills the patio vibe.'

Whether you're creating a coastal garden and layering nautical decorations to match your beachy home or are investing in permanent details like an angular outdoor coffee table to go with your midcentury modern interior, pulling inspiration from your home will ensure your garden feels connected to the overall design.

'And don't feel pressured to fit all of your seating and accessories under a covered area. It's okay to let pieces spread out and push past the shaded boundary to add dimension and visual interest,' adds Gina. 'We like to use design elements like stools, plants, and lanterns beyond the perimeter of the space to help it breathe. If you're set on shaded seating, try a free-standing umbrella or define height with potted plants and citrus trees.'

Shop Chic Small Patio Picks

Overcrowding your small patio with bulky furniture, too many accessories, or dramatic greenery will only draw attention to its size. Consider scale before investing in pieces, and look to create a sense of harmony with your indoor and outdoor settings.

'Using lighter colors, incorporating vertical greenery, and selecting furniture with exposed legs can help create a more open feeling,' explains Burcu. 'You can consider a player over the rails instead of a floor planter. I also love adding climbing plants, or a pergola element, to draw the eye upward and make the space feel larger than it is.'

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One of the most effective ways to make a patio and garden feel cooler is to surround it with the right plants. It's not a substitute for an air con unit, but leafy trees, vigorous climbers and moisture-loving foliage plants can help create a cooler microclimate by providing shade, reducing reflected heat and releasing moisture into the air.

For this reason, some of the best plants for cooling a patio combine height, dense foliage and large leaves. They create dappled shade, absorb heat and some even have beautifully scented flowers.

Together, the five plants suggestions below can transform a sun-baked patio into a greener, fresher and more comfortable outdoor retreat. Plus, you could grow them in a large self-watering planter, such as this set from Amazon. They are a gamechanger in hot weather and take the effort out of constant watering.

Bay Tree

I have a bay tree (Laurus nobilis) growing in the ground next to my backyard patio, and it is one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to look after.

Granted, it isn't big enough to take the place of a shade sail, but it has dense, evergreen foliage, that creates natural shade and helps create cooler microclimates on the patio.

It is easy to clip into the shape I want, and it grows vigorously every year after it's annual prune.

This bay laurel at Plant Addicts is where I would start if I didn't already have one, and you can use the leaves in cooking, too.

Bays are also ideal trees for pots, so you could even start small and move it around to help create shade at different parts of the day.

Star Jasmine

The thick vines of star jasmine (trachelospermum jasminoides) provides evergreen cover for hot walls, absorbing heat in the process. It can be trained over pergolas, fences and walls, helping to shade surfaces that would otherwise absorb and radiate heat throughout the day.

This incredible star jasmine vine from Plant Addicts comes in a wide variety of pot sizes, so it's fantastic option if you want to get a more established plant right from the get-go.

This headily fragrant climber thrives in hot conditions, and is often found growing in abundant swathes, adorning pergolas, walls, patio trellises and gazebos in Mediterranean climates.

Once established, star jasmine is also relatively drought tolerant, making it a practical choice for sunny patios in warmer regions.

Crape Mrytle

Crape myrtle (lagerstroemia indica) is an wonderful shrub to cool a patio as it has naturally airy canopy, creating dappled shade without making a space feel dark or blocking out the light.

In summer, it produces masses of flowers that can last for weeks, and the long leaves of crape myrtle help to soften hard landscaping.

Like all leafy plants, crape myrtle releases water vapour through its leaves. This transpiration can slightly cool the surrounding air, particularly when the tree is in full leaf during the summer.

This stunning crape myrtle from Nature Hills has vibrant hot pink flowers and dark burgundy foliage, and would also help to create privacy screen on a patio.

Hardy Banana

Nothing quite shouts tropical like a banana tree. With its huge leaves, whether grown in the ground or a pot, it creates instant shade, and a cooling visual effect.

You can find cold hardy banana trees at Plant Addicts, which will grow down to USDA hardiness zone 5.

In warmer weather, cold hardy bananas can grow fast, so if planting in the ground make sure you give it enough room to expand. A specific banana tree fertilizer, such as this one from Amazon, will also give it a boost and encourage fruits.

If you want an option that is perfect for a pot, this dwarf 'Cavendish' banana tree from Fast Growing Trees might be the perfect option for you.

Ostrich Fern

Thinking not just about height and shade, but also plants lower to the ground that can help to cool a patio, ostrich ferns are well worth a mention.

Ferns help to cool the areas around seating by increasing humidity from their large, feathery fronds. Their lush foliage can also lightly cover hard landscaping, reducing the amount of reflected heat from a patio and making seating areas feel fresher.

I have a lot of these ferns in my yard, and they are very easy to establish around a patio, preferring shade to a full sun position. They are also simple to grow in containers. My ostrich ferns can produce fronds that are between two and three feet in height, and with their beautiful texture the leaves are always a welcome addition when they begin to appear in spring.

You can find ostrich fern plants at Amazon.

What to Shop

Creating a cooler patio doesn't have to rely on pricey outdoor upgrades. By choosing plants wisely, you can transform even the most sun-exposed space into a greener, more comfortable retreat for summer. And once you have your plants sorted, it's time to add those outdoor string lights, no?

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We're finally leaving the era of the clean aesthetic, where everything in the kitchen was white, light, and pristine. And as a result, 'dirty' colors are becoming all the more coveted as the antidote to clinical palettes.

It seems a strange way to describe kitchen colors, but these richer, deeper, muddier tones give the term 'dirty' a new, more appealing definition. It's about embracing a kitchen scheme that has depth and personality, rather than the stark, slightly lifeless designs made popular in years past.

And designers say it's one of the most exciting 2026 kitchen color trends they've seen in a while. Here's why these earth-adjacent, muted tones are an enduring choice, and how to get them right in cooking spaces of every style and size.

The Appeal of 'Dirty' Kitchen Colors

Mossy greens, muddy browns, and deep terracotta hues: dirty kitchen colors are taking over from the bright whites and chalky grays that once dominated trends. Clean aesthetics and extreme minimalist kitchens are no longer the desired look, with more lived-in, colorful kitchens taking their place.

In many ways, the rise of dirty kitchen colors acts as an anti-trend, with people choosing to decorate their cooking spaces (and the rest of their homes) in a way that sparks joy and feels unique, rather than following the status quo.

'The appeal comes from a desire for warmth and depth that stark white or overly saturated colors sometimes lack. These muted, earthy tones feel grounded, cozy, and incredibly sophisticated. They move away from fleeting trends and lean into a timeless, collected aesthetic. They feel authentic and less sterile than some modern finishes,' says Nicole Forina of Forina Design & Co.

It's a palette that works beautifully in almost any room of the home, but they feel most at home in a kitchen, where these rich colors add softness and subtle character without overwhelming the room.

'There's a warmth and ease to these muddied, earthy tones that feels particularly well-suited to a kitchen. Unlike brighter or purer colors, 'dirty' shades tend to be far more forgiving and less precious in a hardworking family space,' says Carina Raymond, Founder of Studio Raymond.

'They bring depth and character without demanding attention, creating an atmosphere that feels inviting, relaxed, and lived-in. As kitchens increasingly become the heart of the home, these richer colors feel grounded and timeless, which is why they continue to resonate beyond passing trends.'

As well as being a striking aesthetic choice, this color palette is favored in kitchens because of its more functional qualities. 'From a practical standpoint, they also tend to disguise minor wear, fingerprints, crumbs, and everyday imperfections better than brighter or starker finishes,' Nicole adds.

5 Spaces That Prove Just How Sophisticated 'Dirty' Kitchen Colors Can Be

While the term 'dirty' might not conjure images of such a style, this palette has proven to be a truly sophisticated choice. But its success relies on how you introduce these colors, and the finishes you pair them with. Here are three spaces that showcase just howe elevated these kitchen colors can be.

1. Embrace the Rich Tones of Muddy Brown Cabinets

In this Spanish Revival home, the small kitchen has been transformed, not only by a striking marble but by deep brown kitchen cabinets. It not only adds a timeless feel, but it also adds depth to the design that feels far more characterful than neutrals.

'The kitchen cabinets in my home were replaced right before I moved in. They were in perfect condition, so although they aren't exactly what I would have chosen, I decided to paint them instead of replacing them. I chose Van Buren Brown by Benjamin Moore,' says Drew Michael Scott, founder of Lone Fox Home.

But the undertone is an important detail to get right. 'The brown in my kitchen leans a bit purple, which pulls in the purples from my marble. A brown that leaned a bit green probably would have looked fine, but it wouldn't have felt quite as cohesive. Lay out all your samples (wood, paint, tile, etc.) and see if any of them stand out. If they aren't jiving, it might be their undertones,' he explains.

'I find that focusing on texture also really helps. If everything is the same texture, it will feel flat and unexciting. A satin sheen on the cabinets mixed with honed marble and polished hardware will feel much more curated and expensive.'

2. Add Warmth to Earth Green With a Wooden Island

Certain shades of green fit into the emerging kitchen color palette perfectly. In this design, a mid-tone green that reads slightly muddy becomes the perfect shade to accompany the natural wood tones of the kitchen island.

'This client wanted to honor the warmth of their existing golden oak wood tones rather than fight them, and a muddy green was the perfect answer. A true, saturated green would have clashed with the orange undertones in the wood, but this earthy, greyed-out olive finds a middle ground,' says Anna Franklin, Principal of Stone House Collective.

'It pulls from both the warm and cool ends of the spectrum at once. The result is a kitchen that feels cohesive rather than overly curated, as if everything arrived at this color story naturally. The brass hardware and white stone countertops give it just enough polish to keep it from feeling heavy.'

3. Soften Deep Reds With Soft Pink Hues

Perhaps unexpected, but deep reds also fall into the dirty kitchen color category, especially those with green undertones that give a more earthy feel. It's a color that can feel quite moody, so for a more sophisticated look, the right color pairings are key.

In this kitchen, deep red cabinetry has been softened by a very soft pink hue on the walls, applied in a texture finish to prevent the space from feeling flat. Paired with the wooden accents, the scheme feels utterly timeless, yet still rich in tonality.

4. Elevate Dirty Colors With Classic Cabinet Profiles

In this kitchen, the cabinets have been drenched in a gray-toned blue shade, which feels a little murkier and a bit softer than a brighter hue. To ensure the scheme still feels warm, a rich, dark wood island has been introduced, while classic shaker doors create a more sophisticated finish.

'Dirty colors are appealing because kitchens naturally need to work hard, and they create a beautiful backdrop and give you a lot of freedom for gorgeous natural stone countertops in all sorts of colors,' says Sadie Beachy, Principal and Creative Designer of S.Flynn Design + Build.

'Be intentional with the cabinet fronts, drawers, and door fronts. Inset cabinet fronts and intentional details would be our suggestion, like a shaker with a bead. We love to start with the countertop and pull one of those earthy colors out of it.'

5. Embrace Dirty Neutrals For a Brighter Scheme

There's a misconception that dirty kitchen colors have to be dark, but that isn't always the case. Lighter tones, such as clay, mushroom, and putty, all have a slightly muddier undertone that instantly feels softer and more nuanced than stark neutrals.

'Kitchen design is often as much about materiality as it is colour, and these earthy, softened shades work beautifully because they pair so effortlessly with natural materials. Whether it's handmade zellige tiles, terracotta surfaces, warm timber cabinetry or beautifully veined marble, 'dirty' colors provide a sophisticated backdrop that allows those materials to shine,' says Carina.

In this design, marble with clay tones through the veining became the starting point for the color palette, with cabinets painted a soft clay hue that emphasises the natural stone while adding a softer, muddier finish.

'They also have an inherent connection to nature, which helps bring a sense of calm and authenticity into the space,' she adds. 'Rather than creating stark contrast, they encourage a more layered and harmonious scheme, which is particularly effective in kitchens where you want the room to feel welcoming and cohesive.'

This color palette points back to the shift we are seeing across the board in kitchen design – spaces that feel warm, timeless, and more unique than ever before. The 'dirty' colors do just that, all various tones of earthy shades that simply never date, making it easier than ever to choose the right kitchen color scheme.

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Summer has officially arrived and high temperatures are scorching our gardens. But it isn't just our plants that need some extra care during such extreme weather, hummingbirds also need some support to stay cool and hydrated.

If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard during the summer, it's important to set up some precautions to keep them cool. This includes a shady retreat out of the sun, a fresh water source, and clean feeders full of nectar.

It's actually super easy to incorporate all of these things in your yard (picking up a red glass hummingbird feeder from Walmart is a good place to start). Here are three simple ways you can help these charming little birds during the hottest months of the year.

1. Provide a Cooling Mist

A big part of feeding birds in your garden is providing a water source, most commonly with a bird bath. But, hummingbirds actually prefer mist to a pool of water.

During the heat especially, morning dew and water vaopr from natural water sources is crucial to keeping them cool and clean. In your garden, you can offer mist by placing a solar fountain in your bird bath (this one from Amazon is highly rated).

This hanging solar fountain bird bath from Amazon is also a good option, as you can hang it in the shade to keep the water cool.

This will provide movement in your bird bath and a soft spray for the hummingbirds to fly through.

It's important to clean your bird bath regularly to ensure the water is topped up and hygienic for all the garden birds using it.

2. Refresh Feeders Regularly

Hummingbirds primarily get their hydration from the nectar they consume. That's why a hummingbird feeder (like this red one from Amazon) is an essential to have when trying to support these birds in your yard.

It's important to keep your hummingbird feeder topped up with nectar (you can purchase hummingbird nectar from Walmart) and to clean your hummingbird feeder more often in hot weather. The nectar will spoil more quickly, so refresh it everyday or at least every other day.

It can also be wise to place your hummingbird feeder in a shaded spot to stop it spoiling so quickly and to stop the nectar overheating.

This glass hummingbird feeder wind chime from Amazon is a perfect option for hanging from a tree branch in shade. It has multiple feeders which create a calming sound as the breeze hits. It's also currently just $28.79 in the Amazon Prime Day sale, so now is the time scoop it up.

This hummingbird feeder cleaning brush from Amazon is useful to pick up, too, so you can make sure the feeding ports are safe for birds to use.

3. Create a Shady Resting Spot

Another way to help hummingbirds beat the heat is by providing resting spots in shade.

Hummingbirds often look for perches in shaded areas to escape the sun, conserve energy, hide from predators, and preen their feathers.

You can add these hummingbird swings from Walmart to a low tree branch under shade. Likewise, take care not to prune tree branches back so much that all shade is eradicated.

By planting nectar-rich hummingbird plants for shade under these canopies, you can create the ultimate cool spot for them to rest and feed in.

Denser shrubs are also used by these birds, including these viburnums from Plant Addicts. It can be effective to position feeders near these shrubs.

Garden shade from structures can also help, so consider placing hummingbird resources under pergolas or in the shade cast by buildings.

What to Shop

Whether you already have a hummingbird feeder or you're planning to add one to your yard this summer, it's important to read up on hummingbird feeder mistakes to avoid. This includes leaving feeders out during cold nights where the nectar can freeze.

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If you are watering your lawn at night to protect it from the summer heat, lawn care experts have a clear message for you: stop. While setting your smart sprinklers or hose timers to run after dark feels like a convenient, water-saving hack, drenching your grass overnight is actually a lawn care mistake that invites fungal diseases and pests.

The temptation makes sense. Watering away from the sun’s harsh glare and soaring daytime temperatures prevents evaporation. However, what is easy for your schedule is damaging to your grass, leaving moisture to sit on the blades for hours without sun to dry it.

To help with your summer lawn care, we asked leading turf specialists to break down the exact risks of nighttime watering. Plus, if a busy schedule means you must water after dark (and this tripod sprinkler in the Amazon Prime sale is ideal for the job), our experts share the essential damage-control tips to keep your grass healthy, lush, and disease-free.

Why You Shouldn't Water Grass At Night

Knowing when to water grass is often key to it growing well in periods of intense heat and when there's a lack of rainfall.

When it comes to caring for your lawn in June, whilst a timer on a hose or sprinkler system, such as this highly recommended Orbit model from Amazon, is a great idea for busy homeowners, running it overnight is not what the experts advise.

‘While watering your lawn at night might seem convenient, it's typically not the most recommended practice due to one major drawback: the potential for fungal diseases,’ says Ryan Farley, CEO of Lawn Starter.

‘Watering your lawn at night means the water doesn't have a chance to evaporate quickly due to lower temperatures and the absence of sunlight.

'This can leave your lawn damp for long periods, creating a perfect environment for fungi and other lawn diseases to thrive.’

The pores on the leaves of grass open during daylight to expel moisture. If the lawn is watered at night, this process will not happen and can lead to fungal and bacterial growth, plant rot, and even pest problems.

Besides the threat of encouraging diseases and fungi there are other important health and practical issues to consider too.

Gene Caballero, co founder of GreenPal says: ‘Watering at night can create a breeding ground for mosquitos and other pests.’

How to Prevent Lawn Damage When Watering

Sometimes, with our hectic lifestyles, we simply have no choice as and when to do essential chores and watering the lawn certainly falls into this category.

If you do find yourself in this situation, try to give at least a couple hours of sunlight after watering so the blades of grass can dry before nightfall.

Gene Caballero also warns against getting into the habit of watering late in the day. ‘Watering the lawn at night can be harmful if it is done too often or if the lawn is not properly maintained. If you do choose to water your lawn at night, it is important to follow these precautions.

• Water deeply and less often: This will help to encourage the roots of the grass to grow deeper, which will make the lawn more drought-tolerant.
• Water early in the evening: This ensures that the grass has time to dry before nightfall.
• Avoid watering if the temperature is below 50˚F: Low temperatures and cold water can shock the grass.
• Keep an eye out for signs of pests and disease: Treat the problems promptly if they occur.

Gene also advises, ‘If you are using a sprinkler, make sure to adjust the sprinkler head so that the water is not hitting the leaves of the grass.’

This great value sprinkler from Walmart allows you to customise the flow of water and control coverage, so you can use it in large or small yards.

Keeping the grass in your lawn slightly longer can also help to retain moisture so there is less need to water it as regularly. Longer grass traps dew and provides useful moisture for the roots.

Shop Lawn Watering Essentials

The Best Time to Water

‘For most lawns, watering between 6am and 10am is best,’ says Teri Valenzuela, Senior Content Strategist at lawn care specialists Sunday.

‘Watering at this time allows for the watering to be absorbed properly, and it’s particularly beneficial to deter disease and prevent heat stress during high temperatures.’

This four-hour window works like magic for two reasons: The morning air is still cool, and winds are usually calm. This means the water actually sinks deep into the soil and reaches the roots rather than evaporating instantly into thin air.

In addition, any water left clinging to the grass blades will dry off naturally as the sun rises. This keeps the lawn dry during the humid evening hours when fungi thrive, but well-hydrated before the afternoon scorching begins.

If you try to water during the blazing heat of midday, you can lose up to 30% of your water to evaporation before it ever hits the soil. Worse yet, water droplets sitting on the grass in intense midday sun can act like tiny magnifying glasses, scorching the blades.

Ultimately, if you are unsure whether or not it is a good idea to water your lawn at night, it is always best to consult with a professional to avoid making any serious lawn care mistakes.

Shop Lawn Care Kit

Of course, even if you want to make your lawn green and thick, there’s no need to water it if the grass simply doesn’t need it, especially in these times of limited water resources.

Michael Deaton, turf agronomist at Pennington Seed Inc adds, ‘Whatever watering regimen you choose, look to your lawn for the final word. Well-hydrated grass springs back up when stepped on. If grass stays depressed, it may need water. Curled grass blades or dull, blue-gray color are signs grasses are water stressed.’

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While the best outdoor gatherings look and feel effortless, the best hosts know that the key is in the preparation. Putting in the legwork early means that your summer get-togethers will involve far less stress ahead of the event, making for a happier and more relaxed host on the day.

We've asked the experts for their top outdoor entertaining tips, from setup to cleanup – think seating layouts, shade and lighting, tableware, decor and drinks stations – for the most seamless and stylish patio hosting setup.

We have you covered with summer garden party decor and an essential outdoor entertaining checklist, as well as editor-approved buys to help you shop the best outdoor dining ideas for creating a memorable and magical event.

1. Start With a Layout That Allows Space and Flow

Ensuring that the layout of your outdoor space works for the number of guests and style of event is a crucial factor for backyard hosting. Creating 'micro-zones' that encourage guests to mingle and gather, allowing for flow between spaces to prevent overcrowding, and providing plenty of seating, lighting, and shade will all contribute to a smoothly run event.

Ensure There's Ample and Flexible Seating

While your outdoor living room ideas might work perfectly for your household day-to-day, when it comes to hosting, you'll need to consider more flexible seating arrangements that can be moved or adapted to suit the guest list.

'Flexibility is key in designing for entertaining, both indoors and out,' agrees Aly Morford, co-founder & principal designer at Pure Salt Interiors. 'Modular seating, like ottomans and stools, are a great way to flex with your party’s size while still keeping a curated and low-profile look when not in use.'

Make sure there are plenty of outdoor side tables for guests to put their glasses on and that furniture is lightweight and easy to move, or that you provide some elegant occasional pieces, like these Folding French rattan-style chairs from Wayfair.

Create Clearly-Defined Zones

'The biggest mistake people make with outdoor entertaining spaces is treating the yard as one undifferentiated room,' says Rebekah Zaveloff, founder of Imparfait Design Studio. 'Zoning is about giving each activity its own sense of place.'

Creating a three-zone outdoor hosting setup for dining, lounging, and late nights is the perfect way to do this. Rebekah adds, 'At our home in Michigan (pictured above), we have a pizza oven positioned close to the dining area – when you're pulling a pizza out and bringing it straight to the table, you want that energy, that heat, that theater all happening in the same breath. But the fire pit is somewhere else entirely. That's a slower, more contemplative space for lingering after dinner. Those zones need to feel different because they invite different kinds of connection.'

It's also important to pay attention to the 'flow' between those zones. 'People often overlook the in-between – the planting pockets, the moments of greenery that you move from one zone to the next,' says Rebekah. 'Those transitions matter enormously. They signal to your body: this is a new space now, shift your pace. Good outdoor design choreographs how people move through it.'

Provide Shade and Lighting

A purpose-built structure, like a pergola, not only provides shade to keep guests cool and protected from the midday sun but can make for a really atmospheric feel by night, too.

Outdoor lighting, such as the statement pendant light shown above, can be fitted to the crossbeams and combined with string lights and lanterns for a cozy glow. A semi-permanent structure can also be useful for attaching outdoor fans, heaters or speakers (for ambient background music) to, while the wiring can be hidden in the frame. And, if positioned close to the house, there's no need for an external power source.

2. Build a Hosting-Ready Outdoor Dining Setup

When it comes to styling an elegant summer table there are a few additional things worth considering for outdoor entertaining. First of all, it's worth investing in some outdoor-specific tableware to keep your best plates and glasses for indoor use. Colorful and washable linens will help to create a styled tablescape, while practical elements, such as substantial serveware, table weights and outdoor-safe candles, can be balanced with personal touches, for a functional yet elegant setup.

Switch to Stylish, Durable Tableware to Prevent Breakage

Outdoor-safe tableware is far more sophisticated today than the plastic and paper picnicware of old. Think vintage china-inspired melamine, scalloped edges, acrylic glasses that emulate cut crystal. Birch Lane's Cabana stripe dinner plates (pictured above) are the perfect example and come in four colors, so you can mix it up if you wish.

Melamine is a good choice for plates and bowls as it's lightweight, practically unbreakable, and comes in an array of colors and designs to suit your event. Bamboo is another great option, which is a sustainable tableware choice.

When it comes to outdoor glassware, opting for shatter-proof acrylic will take away any stress about breakages – nobody wants to be sweeping up broken glass when hosting – but don't scrimp on style either. Colored glassware is everywhere right now, and the best acrylic drinkware is just as effective, from tumblers and flutes to jugs.

Layer Linens for a Curated Look

Tablecloths aren't just for indoors; outdoor table linens can add a really chic look to your alfresco entertaining setup. And one way to make them look purposefully styled is by layering. This means starting with a tablecloth base and building on the look with linen napkins, a table runner and other details in a complementary colorway or pattern. For example, a yellow and white striped linen tablecloth (Summerill & Bishop) would pair beautifully with these Marigold block print napkins (Wayfair).

Mary-Kathryn McConaghy from Curated Events explains: 'Layering linens allows us to create visual depth and dimension without adding complexity to the experience. By introducing a secondary textile, pattern, or color through a runner or overlay, the table begins to feel more alive, more intentional, and more reflective of the overall event story.' She adds: 'Those subtle, complementary elements help guide the eye and transform a tabletop from a functional surface into part of the sensory memory of your gathering.'

Style an Outdoor Centerpiece That Feels Informal and Effortless

You can get really creative when it comes to outdoor table centerpieces. Think candles or lanterns, fruit and floral displays that incorporate edible decor and vintage decor pieces that bring a touch of whimsical garden style to the table.

Curated Events' Mary-Kathryn shares: 'The most compelling outdoor tablescapes engage more than one sense. Centerpieces with a combination of florals, fruit, candlelight, and layered textures create a feeling of natural abundance without overwhelming the table.'

'In this setting (pictured above), the grapes soften the formality of the floral design while introducing movement, color, and an element of seasonality. The goal is never decoration for decoration's sake – it's creating an environment that feels inviting, effortless, and thoughtfully considered from every seat at the table.'

Mix Up Your Serveware For Alfresco Ease

The lovely thing about entertaining outdoors is that you don't need to be as formal or rigid with your choice of serveware. Switch up traditional platters for vintage trays, rustic boards, or repurpose unexpected collected pieces.

Founder of Creative Event Catering Company, Lauren Lombardi says: When entertaining outdoors, I love selecting serveware that feels both beautiful and functional. One of my favorite approaches is to present food on trays and platters that are ready to move seamlessly from kitchen to table. Rustic wooden boards, vintage platters, woven baskets for bread, and collected ceramic pieces add warmth and character while encouraging a relaxed style of entertaining.'

'I am always drawn to pieces that feel collected rather than perfectly matched. Antique platters, weathered bowls, and heirloom-inspired serving pieces bring a sense of charm and authenticity to the table. They help create an atmosphere that feels inviting, effortless, and personal.'

Work in Some Personal Touches

A couple of thoughtful personal touches go a long way and can make your gathering (and your guests) feel extra special. They needn't take a great deal of time, effort, or expense either. A simple handwritten placecard popped in a holder, like these gold strawberry placecard holders from Tuckernuck (pictured above), creates a really elegant look.

You could also place hand-written menu cards on the tables, propped up on some tabletop easels (Amazon), pop some fresh herbs into napkin rings, or try making your own floral napkin posy using seasonal florals straight from the garden.

Personalizing glasses with name labels like these wine glass charms from Amazon, which you can write straight on to, will both help guests to keep hold of their own drinks and reduce glass usage throughout your event, so that you don't run out.

3. Don't Forget Lighting to Add Evening Ambiance

If you're hosting a late afternoon or evening event, lighting is absolutely crucial and can instantly transform a bright and breezy daytime setting into a warm and atmospheric one. Opting for multiple light sources, from string lights to table lights and pathway lighting, is one way to plan outdoor lighting like a designer – it helps to reinforce entertaining zones to create a layered and intimate scheme that works on all levels. Outdoor solar lights are ideal for entertaining as they don't have unsightly or hazardous wires. Dimmable bulbs and warm temperatures all add to ambiance.

Create an Atmosphere With Candles and Lanterns

Candlelight is unbeatable when it comes to creating an inviting and magical atmosphere, thanks to its natural warmth and hypnotic glow. However, there are safety implications of using open flames in an outdoor arrangement. A gust of wind could cause loose florals or linens to catch light and quickly become problematic.

Instead, opt for tealights in glass votives, or solar-powered flameless candles, like these real wax LED pillar candles from Amazon, which can be equally effective and are often easily managed with a remote control. Mix them up for different heights. Lanterns can also be used on tables or hung on nearby trees or hooks for added interest.

Make it Magical With Festoon and String Lights

Overhead lighting, whether string lights or festoon lighting, can bring a wonderful aura to an outdoor dining area, particularly if the lights are nestled among branches and greenery. Courtney Allison, stylist, founder of French Country Cottage, says, 'I love to layer lighting when entertaining. From candles and moody lights on the table to zig-zagged strands of lights above, it is all about creating a magic-filled ambiance for a gathering.'

Festoon lighting makes a great choice for relaxed outdoor gatherings as it brings a rustic, homespun touch that feels casually thrown together rather than styled to perfection. Claire Bassett agrees: 'Festoon lighting is my go-to – it’s super versatile, can be draped or wrapped around sheds, greenhouses, fences or trees to add comfort and warmth in the evening.' She adds a practical tip: 'The color of the cabling is important to consider – black can provide a strong contrast, while white cabling gives a lighter, softer feel when combined with the glow of the bulbs.'

'String lights are equally as impactful – they tend to be smaller than festoon lighting and are therefore better for smaller spaces, or for lighting nooks and crannies. I like to wrap string LEDs around objects or plants, such as trees or foliage, as this can act as a nicely lit backdrop.'

Lead the Way With Pathway Lighting

If your outdoor entertaining area is sprawling with different zones and lacking in built-in lighting, you can easily add definition and ambiance with LED or solar pathway lighting. From clusters dotted among floral borders (like the Anthropologie Solar Dandelion Stake Lighting, pictured above), to hanging lanterns on stakes, there's such a variety to choose from.

Claire Bassett suggests, 'LED candle lanterns can be situated on the pathway leading into the garden, at the entrance to greenhouses or sheds, with various sizes creating more of a theatrical entrance or scattered throughout steps and paved spaces at different levels on the floor for a more interesting look.'

While pathway lighting is beautiful, it's also a practical choice to guide your guests around your entertaining space safely. You can make it really easy for yourself by opting for solar powered lights which come on automatically when it gets dark.

Opt For Rechargeable Table Lighting

You can easily capture that romantic and intimate European courtyard aesthetic with some thoughtfully positioned table lights. While overhead lighting brings a warm glow, portable table lights will provide directional lighting for guests to see what they're eating and aid easy conversation.

Opt for chic rechargeable touch lights (like this Cading Cordless Outdoor Table Lamp from Lulu & Georgia – pictured above) which will mean that you won't have to contend with wires in among the plates, and that they can be seamlessly worked into your tablescape, bringing height and interest. Warm color temperature bulbs will ensure the light isn't overly harsh or unnatural, and dimmable settings will allow you and your guests to tailor the brightness to suit them.

4. Set Up a Self-Serve Drinks Station

Setting up an outdoor drinks station is a wonderful way to take the pressure off the host and to encourage guests to interact in a natural way. Rose Duong, of The Wickwood Inn, in Michigan, says, 'I love outdoor self-serve bars for so many reasons. They give guests autonomy to choose whatever they like, whether that’s lots of ice or an extra olive. They free the host to mingle and actually enjoy themselves at their own party. And, maybe most important, they offer a reason for guests to prompt conversation with people they may not know, and acclimate to their surroundings at their own pace.'

Find Stylish Ways to Keep Drinks Cool

While regular ice buckets will do the job, you can create a stylish talking point by being more creative with your choice of vessel when entertaining outdoors. Lauren Lombardi says, 'Some of the most charming entertaining details come from reimagining everyday objects. Rather than traditional beverage tubs, I often use antique bowls, terracotta pots, vintage enamel sinks, stoneware crocks, or galvanized vessels filled with ice to chill wine and beverages.'

These might be items found around your garden – a stone trough, for example – or picked up at local antique stores or estate sales. 'These unexpected pieces add personality and visual interest while serving a practical purpose,' adds Lauren. 'I especially love using terracotta pots as wine coolers. They feel natural and relaxed, complement outdoor settings beautifully, and create a collected, garden-inspired look.'

Elevate Soft Drinks With Thoughtful Details

As the host, you'll likely have your wine, beer, and cocktails covered, but don't forget the soft drinks for non-drinkers and drivers, as well as for keeping your guests hydrated in the heat. Think colorful thirst quenchers, like fresh lemonade and fragrant mocktails with pots of pick-your-own herbs to garnish with.

Courtney Murray, co-owner of luxury party rentals and event design company, Spoon + Salt, recommends: 'Prepare garnishes ahead of time. Slice citrus fruit, herbs, and other garnishes before guests arrive. Display them in small footed bowls for elevated presentation.' It's well worth investing in something like this glass footed drinks dispenser (Williams Sonoma) for showing off your beautiful beverages.

Rose Duong adds, 'An event’s color palette, setting, and theme can all provide inspiration for a signature mocktail. If it’s in a garden, for example, you can incorporate elderflower and fresh herbs. The idea is to heighten the guest experience by providing a beverage that looks and tastes delicious, and tells a story.'

Add Accessories for a Thoughtful Flourish

You can really hone in on a theme with bar accessories, from elegant garnish picks and colorful coasters and napkins, to chic bar tools, like bejeweled bottle openers.

Founder of eponymous home style store Joanna Buchanan says, 'An outdoor bar should create a sensory overload with color, pattern and whimsy. Start with a colorful tray (like the large ombre capiz trays from Joanna Buchanan), then create interest with cocktail napkins, coasters, cocktail picks and a dazzling bottle opener. I really like using natural or coastal themes as they mimic what's going on around you and really amp up the vibe of the party.'

Offer DIY Garnishes to Encourage Interaction

'A garnish station is one of the easiest ways to elevate cocktails while encouraging guests to interact and personalize their drinks,' says Lauren Lombardi. 'I love arranging seasonal garnishes on a tray with delicate and curated bowls of fresh strawberries, edible flowers, citrus wheels, and herbs, such as mint and basil. Not only does it add beautiful color to the table, but it also transforms a simple cocktail into a memorable experience.'

A set of these mini berry serving bowls from Target is ideal for small soft fruits, while you can add potted herbs, or vintage jars and bottles for flavored sugars and syrups, as well as mini vases for edible flowers.

'One of my favorite garnishes is chamomile. It brings a soft, romantic element to entertaining, with its gentle flavor and daisy-like blooms. Guests enjoy creating their own combinations, and the presentation becomes part of the decor,' adds Lauren.

5. Put Guest Comfort First

The best gatherings are those that bring a natural ease, where guests don't have to ask for anything, but this concept of 'invisible hosting' does take a little forethought and planning ahead. Check the weather forecast to ensure you have cover for all eventualities (shade, cooling and warmth), consider ways to prevent outdoor pests from ruining your event, and create a comfortable setting that brings a quiet luxury to your outdoor space, encouraging relaxed conversation and a reason to linger.

Add Coziness With Cushions and Blankets

Comfort is key if you want to create an environment where guests want to settle in. Extra outdoor throw pillows will ensure hard outdoor furniture is easier on the back, while leaving blankets out for wrapping up in as the sun goes down will be welcome additions to your backyard hosting setup.

Leigh Lincoln, co-founder and principal designer at Pure Salt Interiors, explains, 'High-quality, outdoor-grade furniture mixed with soft accents like throws and accent pillows make for a functional space that allows you and your guests to relax and stay awhile.'

Cushioned outdoor furniture that you can sink into, like these wicker swivel outdoor lounge chairs from Pottery Barn, invites your guests to get cozy and embrace the comforting environment.

Keep Bugs at Bay

There's nothing worse at an outdoor gathering than an invasion of unwanted bugs. But there are plenty of ways that you can keep them at bay without compromising on style.

These screened food domes from West Elm are chic, yet practical, while these fly fans from Amazon are battery-powered and will keep bugs away without having to cover food, so that your guests can easily reach for dishes.

As dusk arrives, biting insects can spoil the party spirit, so consider providing some natural bug spray (like Murphy's Lemon and Eucalyptus Bug Spray from Target) in discreet baskets, away from the food areas, for guests to help themselves to. Hanging some elegant citronella-scented candles like these ombre lanterns from Anthropologie brings ambiance and fragrance as well as protection.

Be Prepared For Changes in Weather

You can manage every element of your party from the food to the decor, but one thing you can't control is the weather. You can prepare for it, though. Providing a covered space that offers a cooling oasis during the hottest part of the day, and protection against wind and rain should you have an unexpected downpour, will pay dividends if the elements are against you.

'Designing a shaded space for outdoor entertaining adds longevity to your hosting throughout the season,' says Aly Morford. 'We love an integrated shade, like a draped pergola, for both its function and form. It adds a layer of texture and softness while providing a cool atmosphere – bonus points if it’s retractable.' This freestanding pergola with retractable canopy from Lowe's is under $300, making it an affordable addition to your backyard.

'And never underestimate the effect of greenery in your outdoor spaces – trees and other large foliage help keep things cool, and offer natural shade as they mature,' Aly adds.

6. Do the Prep for Food Service and Cleanup

It's easy to feel overwhelmed if you're hosting a lot of people, but the key is in the prep – if you've put in the work before the guests arrive, you'll be able to actually enjoy the party when it comes. That includes ensuring food is all but ready (bar the final touches, or a quick warm-up in the oven), drinks are chilled and mixed, the grill is clean and tools accessible, and plates and glassware are ready-to-go.

'The secret to enjoying your own party is doing the work before anyone arrives,' says Joseph Marini, event designer and author of Mastering the Art of Entertaining (SparkPress/Simon & Schuster). 'A host who’s still mixing drinks and plating food when the doorbell rings spends the gathering in the kitchen instead of with their guests. A little preparation buys you the thing you actually want, which is to be present.'

Finally, having a plan for dirty dishes, glassware, and trash as you go along (putting out accessible and stylish trash cans for guests to use, for example), will cut your cleanup time dramatically so you won't feel burnt out at the end of the night.

Set the Stage Before Guests Arrive

'Entertaining well comes down to a pre-preparation plan, from staging your hosting space to organizing your kitchen. Every staged area, whether the kitchen or a buffet table, needs room to work,' says Joseph.

Consider extra surface space, whether that means temporarily clearing a kitchen sideboard or investing in a couple of portable tables that can be used indoors or out, like this slim rectangular folding table from Lowe's.

'Even a small kitchen can be zoned ahead of time: one area for cold prep, one for staging hot food, and one for clearing dirties. If counter space is tight, keep restaurant-style bus tubs or deep bins on the floor so you can clear dirty dishes straight into them, and deal with them after the party,' adds Joseph.

Keep Drinks Well Stocked and Food Fresh

After all the hard work prepping delicious food for your guests, the last thing you'll want is for it to go cold before serving or spoil in the heat. 'Oven space is usually the bottleneck, so a restaurant-style chafing dish is always in my arsenal for keeping food warm behind the scenes,' shares Joseph.

'For cold food, keep an oversized cooler on hand and line the bottom with 6 to 8 inches of ice. I use round deli containers in quart and pint sizes for salads, dips, and the like, and tuck them right into the ice. Here’s the trick: number each lid, then number the platter or dish it will go into at serving time, so you’re never pulling containers out to guess what’s inside.' You might also want to keep a separate large coolbox outside, ready to top up the drinks station when needed, so you don't have to keep running to the fridge indoors for refills.

'Building a menu that can be served entirely at room temperature is another good way to take the pressure off,' adds Joseph. 'I also set out food on larger platters, so I’m not constantly refreshing them.'

Get the Grill Zone Ready

If you're planning on cooking on one of the best grills, the last thing you want is to open the lid and find it's not been cleaned properly from the last use, so allow plenty of time to clean your grill before you need to get the food sizzling.

Making sure that all of your grilling tools and accessories, such as aprons, charcoal (if using), spare gas cans, and dishes to serve into once the food is cooked (plus aluminum foil for keeping it warm), are close at hand will help things go smoothly. And, placing a folding table will provide extra space for tools and dishes so that you won't be fumbling around for space when the food is ready to come off the grill.

It's also worth investing in a steam grill cleaning brush for a quick and easy post-cook clean, and a small, but stylish trash can like this mint green galvanized steel lidded bucket will be so useful for disposing of meat wrappers, used foil, and kitchen towels, and save on cleanup time afterwards.

7. Consider The Final Details For an Effortless Atmosphere

Often, the more you force it, the less relaxed your event will feel, so don't fixate on trying to make things perfect. Atmosphere is everything when it comes to hosting. 'Perfection is the fastest way to ruin a party. Guests can feel a host who is performing rather than present,' warns Bryan Graybill, interior designer and seasoned host. 'I’d rather have a slightly crumpled linen cloth and a host who’s actually sitting down than a flawless table and someone hovering in the kitchen. Atmosphere is generosity; perfection is anxiety with good lighting.'

But the good news is that you can help to create an atmosphere by taking the pressure off, keeping a flexible and relaxed schedule, and adding memorable touches that engage the senses from lighting to scent and music to fresh flowers. You can also bring natural ease with elements such as fire pits to gather around, self-serve drinks, and informal sharing platters rather than plated food.

Consider All of the Senses

Good atmosphere engages all of the senses, from scent to sound. Choosing the right playlist can really set the tone for your gathering – and make sure it's not so loud that it hinders conversation. Remote-controlled speakers give you flexibility to adjust the volume from afar and ensure they're placed at a slight distance from key gathering zones.

Easy floral displays can bring a natural feel to your event – place them on the main table as well as on drinks stations and side tables – and can mirror the garden and bring color and scent. Build on the olfactory element with scented candles in garden-inspired fragrances like Jo Malone's Green Tomato Vine Candle, and opt for natural textiles and textures in table linens, cushions and blankets for tactility.

'I layer a table the way I layer a room – scent, texture, light, sound, all working quietly together,' says Bryan. 'Flowers cut from the garden that morning, never anything that looks flown in. Candles low and plentiful rather than one grand gesture. Real linen, because the hand remembers what the eye forgets. And music is the architecture of the evening – set it at the volume of a good rumor: present enough that no one fears a silence, quiet enough that no one raises their voice.'

Linger Longer With a Fire Pit

Providing a comfortable and inviting area where your guests can make themselves at home and keep warm as the evening chill starts to bite will make sure they linger, and can often end up being the best part of the party.

There's nothing like the natural glow of fire to entice guests and while a gas option might be easy, you can't beat a wood-burning fire like this Lidded Rectangle Fire Pit from Anthropologie (pictured above) with its wonderfully rust-hued patina. 'A fire pit does half my work for me,' says Bryan. 'People arrange themselves around flame the way they have for ten thousand years; no seating plan required.'

Add low-slung seating, blankets for comfort and you might even want to offer self-serve s'mores to cook over the open flame for a sweet treat. This DIY S'mores Kit from Williams Sonoma will save you the effort at the end of the night.

Keep the Schedule Relaxed

Be guided by your guests rather than sticking to a rigid timetable – it will take the pressure off and make for a far more relaxed atmosphere. Daytime events should gently move into evening without ceremony, allowing guests to come and go.

'Keep the schedule loose,' suggests Bryan. 'The best evenings have one fixed point – dinner – and everything else is allowed to drift.' And if the majority of the work is done in advance, you should be able to attend your own party stress-free. 'The host’s job is to design the gathering, then disappear into it,' adds Bryan.

Providing self-serve food that guests can keep going back to throughout the evening, rather than sitting down to a formal dinner, will keep things flexible and manage expectations. 'Sharing plates over plated courses, always,' advises Bryan. 'Passing a dish is the oldest form of conversation. The goal is for guests to feel they’ve discovered the evening rather than attended it.'

The Often-Forgotten Outdoor Essentials That Hosts Swear By

You've sorted the food, drinks, and styling touches, but there are a few not-so-glamorous but equally essential items that hosts wouldn't be without for any gathering. Make this your last-minute checklist to ensure your event goes without a hitch.

• Extension cords, power strips, and chargers: essential for any electric lighting or music that needs to be connected to an indoor power outlet. This green power strip from Target will blend in with the garden planting. If you have rechargeable lights or speakers, ensure they are fully charged in advance.
• Matches or lighters: Keep a packet on standby near your candles, grill (if it's a charcoal one), and the wood-burning fire pit. The last thing you'll want is to be hunting down a single pack of matches all evening.
• Extra candles: tealights look beautiful, but they don't last long, so stock up on a 100-pack of tealights from Amazon, and stash them away for top-ups.
• Hand towels: Have plenty on standby for spills, barbecue grease and sticky fingers.
• Bathroom essentials: even though you're hosting outdoors, your guests will be using the bathroom, so make sure it's clean and well stocked with hand soap, toilet paper, and clean towels
• Spare serving utensils: This 9-piece serving set from Walmart will have you covered if serving spoons or tongs get mixed up or misplaced.
• Tablecloth weights: Ensure that your linens stay put if there's a gust of wind. Natural shells or smooth pebbles work wonderfully as weights, or choose something that clips onto your tablecloth, like these white bird tablecloth weights from Amazon.

Successful outdoor entertaining isn’t about perfection – it’s about thoughtful preparation, comfort, and atmosphere, designed to create a memorable experience for your guests and to allow for a relaxed hosting experience for you. For more inspiration, these garden party themes will have you covered, from rustic and natural to cool coastal.

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As heatwaves become more frequent across much of the US, it's easy to assume every plant in the yard needs extra water. In reality, many established perennials, native plants, and drought-tolerant shrubs are surprisingly resilient. Others, however, can quickly become stressed during periods of extreme heat, showing signs of wilting, scorched leaves, and reduced flowering, making it important to know exactly when and where to water plants.

The key is knowing which plants are most vulnerable and stepping in before they begin to struggle. From thirsty hydrangeas in the South to sun-baked containers on patios and decks, these are the plants worth checking first during a heatwave, and how to keep them looking their best. If you're wondering which plants to water in June as temperatures climb, these are the varieties to prioritize.

Before reaching for the hose, timing matters, too. The best time to water a garden during a heatwave is early in the morning, when cooler temperatures allow moisture to soak into the soil rather than evaporating quickly. In fact, the best time to water a garden is almost always before the day heats up, giving roots time to absorb moisture and helping plants cope better with soaring temperatures. Evening watering is the next best option during prolonged periods of extreme heat, but avoid watering in the middle of the day when much of that moisture is lost before roots can absorb it.

1. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are often the first plants to show signs of heat stress, and it’s not unusual to see hydrangeas wilting during the hottest part of summer. Their large, soft leaves lose moisture quickly, and blooms can start to droop dramatically in peak afternoon heat, making it especially important to water hydrangeas properly during a heatwave.

I like to water deeply at the base rather than relying on quick surface sprays, as a thorough soak every few days does far more for long-term plant health than frequent, shallow watering.

In my own backyard, I also use the Eden Weighted Essential Oscillating Sprinkler from Amazon, which delivers even, consistent coverage when I need to water larger areas without constantly moving the hose.

A layer of mulch around the base is another simple step that really helps lock in moisture and keep roots cooler, especially when temperatures stay high for several days in a row.

My favorite hydrangeas are the Limelight Hydrangea and Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea from Plant Addicts. Both have a romantic, billowy quality that makes a garden feel like a cottage fairytale. Limelight's blooms soften from lime green to blush tones, while Vanilla Strawberry's oversized flower heads gradually deepen from white to raspberry pink.

2. Container Plants

Patio pots and planters can dry out remarkably quickly in high temperatures, particularly when positioned on decks, balconies, driveways, or in south- or west-facing areas. If you have a container garden, it's worth paying particularly close attention during a heatwave, as pots tend to lose moisture far faster than plants growing in the ground.

Watering container plants may mean reaching for the hose once or even twice a day during periods of extreme heat. Check the soil regularly by inserting your finger a couple of inches into the potting mix. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Moving containers into afternoon shade can also make a noticeable difference, helping pots stay cooler and retain moisture for longer.

I've also become a big fan of self-watering solutions for summer containers. The Back to the Roots Self-Watering Terracotta Olla Pots from Amazon slowly release moisture directly to the roots, which can be a game-changer during prolonged hot spells.

I also love the look of the Square Self-Watering Planter Pot from Target, which combines a clean, modern design with a built-in reservoir that helps keep plants consistently hydrated with much less day-to-day fuss.

3. Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs

Even plant-and-forget shrubs that thrive on neglect and will eventually become drought-tolerant need extra care during their first year. Newly planted trees and shrubs haven't yet developed extensive root systems and can quickly become stressed during prolonged periods of heat.

Rather than watering little and often, give them a slow, deep soak once or twice a week. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil in search of moisture, helping plants establish more quickly and become far more resilient to hot, dry weather in the long term.

4. Vegetable Crops

A vegetable garden can quickly begin to struggle during extreme heat. Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, and leafy greens all need consistent moisture to keep producing well, and allowing them to dry out can lead to poor harvests, stressed plants, and even blossom drop.

The best way to water a vegetable garden during a heatwave is early in the morning before temperatures climb. This gives roots time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day and minimizes water loss through evaporation. Mulching around crops will also help keep soil temperatures lower and moisture levels more consistent, allowing plants to cope much better with prolonged periods of hot weather.

If you're heading away for a summer trip, Plant Watering Stakes from Amazon are also worth considering. They slowly release water into the soil and can help keep thirsty crops hydrated while you're on vacation, giving you one less thing to worry about while you're away.

5. Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets are among the thirstiest parts of any summer garden. Exposed to sun and moving air on all sides, they can dry out in a matter of hours during a heatwave.

To properly water hanging baskets, check them both morning and evening, watering thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes. One of the most common hanging basket mistakes is giving plants a quick splash of water and assuming it's enough. Instead, a deep soak is essential, particularly during periods of prolonged heat.

If you're worried about keeping up with watering, the Self-Watering Hanging Planters from Amazon are a best-seller for good reason. Their built-in reservoir helps regulate moisture levels and reduces how quickly baskets dry out, making them particularly useful during heatwaves or if you're spending time away from home.

6. Roses in Full Bloom

Established roses are fairly resilient, but plants covered in flowers use significant amounts of water. During prolonged hot spells, blooms may fade more quickly and plants can begin to struggle if the soil remains dry.

To water roses correctly, give them a deep soak around the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage where possible. One or two thorough waterings each week is usually enough to support healthy flowering during periods of extreme heat. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow further into the soil, helping roses become more resilient during long, hot summers.

I love the Pink Double Knock Out® Roses from Plant Addicts for how reliable and floriferous they are. However, even these resilient roses appreciate a deep drink during prolonged hot spells to keep those vibrant pink blooms coming all summer long.

7. Hostas

Hostas naturally thrive in cool, moisture-retentive conditions and can quickly suffer when temperatures rise. Their broad leaves are prone to scorching and can become limp if the soil dries out, which is why hosta care becomes especially important during a heatwave.

Water deeply whenever the top few inches of soil begin to feel dry and consider providing temporary shade during the hottest afternoons. A generous layer of mulch will also help retain moisture and keep roots cooler.

One of the most popular types in the US is the Liberty Hosta from Plant Addicts, known for its bold variegated foliage and reliable performance in shaded garden spaces. It’s a great example of a variety that looks its best when given the right moisture and protection from harsh sun.

It's also worth remembering that some of the places to never plant hostas include hot, exposed spots that receive intense afternoon sun or areas with fast-draining soil. In these locations, hostas are far more likely to scorch, wilt, and struggle during prolonged periods of extreme heat.

Shop Garden Watering Essentials

One of the biggest garden watering mistakes during a heatwave is watering little and often. Frequent, shallow watering encourages roots to stay near the surface, where soil dries out fastest, leaving plants more vulnerable when temperatures spike.

Instead, water deeply and less frequently, ideally early in the morning. By prioritizing the plants that genuinely need extra moisture and encouraging deeper root growth, you’ll help your yard stay healthier, more resilient, and looking its best, even during the hottest stretches of summer.

Finally, as temperatures soar, it’s more important than ever to support local wildlife by providing fresh water and food for garden birds. One of my favorite ways to keep an eye on visiting birds is with the Birdfy 2 Smart Bird Feeder with Camera, available on Amazon and currently discounted for Prime Day. It lets you watch, record, and identify the birds that visit your garden, giving you a fascinating insight into when and how they feed during the heatwave.

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By June, your statement wisteria climber is done flowering and focusing on foliage growth. While it's easy to assume it can be left alone for the rest of the year, neglecting wisteria summer care can set up next year's display for disaster.

The truth is wisteria care is year-round, even if its blooms only stick around for a few weeks at a time in May. After blooming, deadheading, light pruning, and tying in new growth is essential to keep this climber in top condition and support the vigorous growth it's putting out. Plus, a little TLC now will help your plant conserve energy for next spring's blooms.

So while there isn't anything major to do this month, there are still some key tasks to tick off. Here, with insights from a professional gardener, I talk through what to do with a wisteria in June – you'll want to have a reliable pair of pruning shears to hand, like these Fiskars bypass pruning shears on Amazon.

1. Deadhead Spent Blooms

Wisteria has iconic purple (this 'Blue Moon' wisteria from Plant Addicts is a beautiful native choice), pink, and white raceme clusters that typically come out for around two to three weeks in spring. Once they start to fade, they lose their color and shrivel up.

You can tidy up its appearance by deadheading your wisteria to remove the spent blooms.

Not only does this give it a cleaner look, it also helps redirect the plant's energy from seed production to new growth, conserving energy for another showy display next spring.

You should do this by taking sharp pruning tools and cutting back to the first leaf node below the spent flower. If your wisteria is towering, you might find these long-handled Fiskars pruning shears on Amazon make it easier to reach.

2. Trim Whippy Shoots

Summer marks an important time for pruning your wisteria, as it has long, straggly green shoots from spring which need taming.

'In June, the focus should be on managing new herbaceous growth (known as whips) and keeping it neatly contained within the canopy you’re aiming to maintain,' says Dave Smith, Director of Estate Gardens and Grounds at The Inn at Little Washington.

You should trim this unwanted vegetative growth with clean and sharp shears (because it will be soft, you can use these Felco F2 bypass pruners from Lowe's), cutting back to about five or six leaves.

As well as redirecting the plant's energy, this helps improve airflow and sunlight exposure to the base of the stems. This allows the wood ripen in preparation for prolific flowering next year.

3. Tie In New Growth

With wisteria being a climber, many of us choose to grow it up a trellis (you can even use this Wayfair planter box trellis for a smaller wisteria variety) or on wire up the side of a wall. As new growth emerges in the spring and summer, it's important to train and tie in wisteria shoots.

This new growth is different to the long, whippy, tangled growth that needs pruning back. Instead, this is flexible new growth you want to form the plant's structure.

Generally speaking, this is the growth appearing in the right spot and growing in the right direction along your plant support.

'Summer care for wisteria is largely about control and structure, ensuring the plant doesn’t become overly vigorous or unruly,' Dave describes.

You want to use jute twine (like this from Lowe's) or soft ties (like this on Amazon) to create a figure-of-eight loop that provides space between the shoots and the support so it can thicken without becoming damaged.

It's popular to train wisterias in a fan shape, keeping foliage growth neat and providing more coverage of blooms by distributing the plant's energy more evenly.

What to Shop

As summer temperatures arrive, don't forget to also water your wisteria deeply to prevent heat stress and keep it hydrated. This is especially important if you're growing your wisteria in a pot, which will dry out much more quickly than ground-planted wisteria.

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National Pollinator Week (June 22 - 28) is here, shining the spotlight on the often unsung heroes of our backyards who help keep our plants and flowers blooming all summer long.

All too often it's the bees and the butterflies who get all the attention. And while they do a lot of the heavy lifting, our yards are alive with lots of other unsung heroes who are, albeit less celebrated, just as vital when it comes to pollination, quietly underpinning our food production and ensuring our yards are rich and biodiverse.

From night‑flying mammals to insects more often portrayed as pests, I've uncovered seven unexpected pollinators, which can be found in our yards. I'll explore how our yards can help play a crucial role in their survival and I'll share what you can do to help make sure your yard keeps on attracting them all year round. One idea to get you started is to add these beautiful ceramic bee cups from Amazon, to provide pollinators with water in the heat of summer.

Hoverflies

While they might often get mistaken for wasps or small bees, hoverflies are amongst some of the most efficient pollinators found in our yards.

They are drawn to open, flat flowers such as daisies, yarrow, fennel and alyssum, where nectar and pollen are easy to access. Their larvae feed on aphids, making them an extra valuable pollinator to have in your yard.

To encourage them, plant simple, nectar‑rich flowers in clusters. These sweet alyssum seeds available from Amazon are easily sown and not only provide great ground cover but are also a magnate for pollinators, including hoverflies.

The key is also to avoid using pesticides, and in fall through into winter leave some areas of your yard undisturbed where larvae can overwinter.

Hoverflies would also benefit from a bee watering station like this glass one from Amazon, providing vital water in the summer heat.

Beetles

This may come as a surprise to you but the beetle is in fact an ancient and vital pollinator, who unlike the bee is more interested in pollen than nectar.

The unassuming beetle will transfer pollen between fragrant plants with the pollen grains sticking to their coarse hairs and legs as then moves from plant to plant, more often than not fragrant plants, rich in pollen.

Beetles love plants which boast strong fruity, spicy or fermented scents and that are also open, flat or bowl shaped.

A good idea is to look at planting magnolias, or water lilies like these bold and beautiful plants available to buy from Amazon which will also add a splash of color to your pond.

Yards that that are also home to native shrubs and trees, along with leaf litter and decaying wood will help provide much needed shelter so beetles can thrive.

Moths

When the sun goes down and the butterflies retire for the day, its the turn of the moth to take over and carry out their pollinating duties on the night shift.

Many species of moths are attracted to pale, strongly scented, night‑blooming flowers such as evening primrose or honeysuckle.

Moths are instrumental to both of these plants which open or release scent after dusk. Star jasmine is also a great addition to your yard to consider, like this highly scented star jasmine from Nature Hills.

To help moths thrive it is also important to reduce outdoor lighting and again plant scented native species. This will ensure your yard is a welcoming destination for moths in the evening.

Wasps

Misunderstood but essential, wasps are commonly viewed as an aggressive pest. However the truth is there are many wasps species which regularly visit flowers and transfer pollen as they feed, making them another unexpected pollinator that we need to consider as a vital cog in the wheel when it comes to creating a rich ecosystem in our yards.

Wasps are part drawn to small, late‑season flowers such as ivy, which will provide nectar when other food sources are scarce.

By allowing plants to flower later in the year and avoiding unnecessary nest removal, you can really help to boost wasp populations and help the wider ecosystem too.

Ants

Although ants might not be the most efficient pollinators, they do play a role, particularly for low‑growing plants. and shouldn't be completely written off. As ants move between ground‑level flowers in search of nectar or honeydew, pollen is transferred in the process.

Chemical ant controls disrupt this contribution, so it is really important to avoid using chemical deterrents in your yard. Yards with ground‑covering flowers and a more natural structure are more supportive of ants and the their role in pollinating. Think chamomile and thyme planted in between the cracks of pavers and paths.

Thyme is a great ground cover and thrives in poorer soils too, plus there are so many different varieties to choose from like this variety called Wooly Thyme available to buy from Nature Hills, which puts on a beautiful showy pink flower in late spring into the summer.

Bats

In warmer regions of the southern United States, bats are among one of the most important nocturnal pollinators, pollinating after dark.

Bats rely on large, pale, night‑blooming flowers such as agave, yucca and certain cacti, many of which have actually evolved over time specifically for bat pollination. They are also a great way to add structure and character to your garden and thrive in dry warm conditions.

This yucca which you can buy from Nature Hills would be ideal to plant. AS well as providing a water station, consider adding a bat house to provide a safe shelter for bats that visit you yard like this one from Amazon. These steps will really help to support bat conservation and maintain these vital populations.

Birds

While hummingbirds are the most famous of the avian pollinators, other bird species including White - Winged Doves, Orioles and Finches also move pollen as they feed.

They are attracted to robust, nectar‑rich flowers such as salvias , a magnet for a wide range of pollinators, and also trumpet vine. While birds commonly feast on insects they often supplement insects with nectar, making them an unassuming but nevertheless important pollinator in our yards,

If you are looking to create a paradise for your feathered friends, keep pesticides out of your yard. A really useful addition would be a bird bath like this stylish metal one, available to buy from Amazon.

Ensuring there is a clean water supply in your garden will attract birds and help them to play their part in the pollination process.

Often misunderstood or overlooked, together these pollinators form an essential hidden workforce that supports ecosystems and food systems alike.

By planting a diverse mix of flowers, providing water sources and crucially reducing chemicals while also allowing our yards to become a little less tidy, these moves can make a huge impact.

This National Pollinator Week, it's clear that bees are not the only pollinator. We need to embrace and support the wide range of pollinators to ensure our yards are kept alive with life and vibrancy.

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As summers across the US become increasingly hot, keeping your home comfortable can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, with air conditioning and fans often seen as the only answer. But creating a cooler home doesn't always require a major renovation or running the AC around the clock.

There are some surprisingly clever appliances and small upgrades that can make a real difference, helping rooms feel fresher, improving airflow, and reducing heat build-up indoors. Many of these ideas can help you keep a home cool without AC, while others are smart ways to cool a room with fans and use air movement more effectively throughout the day.

According to data from Climate Central, temperatures are rising across every season in the United States, with many cities experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves. That makes finding ways to keep a home cool in a heat wave increasingly important, not just for comfort but also for protecting your health, reducing energy use, and minimizing the strain extreme temperatures can place on your home.

From smart gadgets to simple investments that quietly do the hard work for you, these five solutions can help create a cooler, more comfortable home this summer and well beyond.

1. Use Fans to Encourage Air Circulation

When temperatures soar, it’s easy to assume the air conditioner is the only real solution. But one of the simplest and most effective ways to make a room feel cooler is simply getting the air moving more intentionally.

I’ve been doing this a lot recently, especially on warmer evenings, and it’s made a noticeable difference. Rather than immediately reaching for the AC, I’ve been using fans more strategically to encourage airflow through the house, and rooms genuinely feel fresher and less stuffy as a result.

If you have a ceiling fan, make sure it’s spinning counterclockwise during summer. This pushes air downward and creates a gentle wind-chill effect that helps you feel cooler, even though the room temperature hasn’t actually changed. Keeping air circulating like this can also help reduce how long you need to run the air conditioning.

Portable fans can be just as effective when used with a bit more intention. Instead of pointing one directly at yourself, think about how air moves through your home and use fans to create a natural cross-breeze. This helps push trapped heat out while drawing cooler air back in – one of the simplest ways to keep a home comfortable without over-relying on AC.

I genuinely love the Shark TurboBlade Fan and the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 from Amazon – both feel like some of the best fans I’ve used for creating steady, consistent airflow without the room ever feeling stagnant.

Try this: place one fan about three feet in front of a sun-drenched window facing outward to push hot air outside, then position a second fan near a shaded window angled into the room to draw cooler air in. I’ve found this works especially well first thing in the morning and later in the evening when temperatures drop, and it’s one of those small tweaks that can make a home feel noticeably more comfortable without much effort.

2. Use Lightweight Fabrics to Filter Heat and Light

When it’s hot outside, it’s tempting to throw open every window in the house. But during the hottest part of the day, that’s often the quickest way to let more heat indoors. I’ve been much more conscious of this recently, keeping blinds and curtains partially drawn in sunny rooms and waiting until the evening to open windows once temperatures have started to drop.

The exception, of course, is during particularly humid weather. If it’s still warmer or stickier outside than it is indoors, it’s usually best to keep windows closed and focus on shading rooms from direct sunlight instead.

I’ve also been paying much more attention to the fabrics in my home. Soft furnishings play a bigger role in summer comfort than I think many of us realise. Natural materials like linen and cotton feel noticeably cooler and allow air to move more freely, whereas synthetic fabrics often seem to hold onto heat and make rooms feel heavier and stuffier.

Good window treatment ideas make a particularly big difference. I’ve been looking at pieces like the Pieced Stripe Cotton Blend Woven Blackout Curtain from Anthropologie and the Blackout Aruba Curtain Panels Natural from Threshold™ at Target – both of which strike that balance between blocking harsh sun and still feeling considered in a space.

While blackout curtains can be helpful, I do find heavier styles can sometimes make a room feel a bit closed off in summer. Instead, I lean toward lighter layers or breathable fabrics that soften sunlight while still letting natural light filter through.

A mix of airy cotton or linen-style curtains can be surprisingly effective. They help diffuse strong sun, reduce heat gain, and keep rooms feeling bright, fresh, and usable throughout the day, which is exactly the kind of atmosphere I want at home in summer.

3. Create a Cooling 'Buffer' Around Your Home

Some homes seem to hold onto heat no matter what you do. If yours tends to stay warm long after the sun has gone down, it can help to think beyond the four walls of your home and focus on the spaces just outside it.

Even something as simple as sitting on a shaded patio or balcony for an hour can feel noticeably cooler than being indoors. These outdoor spaces can act as a kind of cooling buffer, creating a gentler transition between the heat outside and the rooms inside.

This idea has long been used in warmer climates, where verandas, porches, and planted courtyards help temper heat before it reaches the home itself. You can borrow the same principle in your own home and garden. A shaded seating area with plenty of greenery, an outdoor fan to encourage airflow, or even a few well-placed planters positioned near doors and windows can all make a surprising difference.

I’ve always loved how much impact a simple window box or planter can have here. The Tuscan Ceramic Rectangle Planter for windows from Nordstrom is a personal favorite of mine for this, and the Bloem Dura Cotta Window Box Planter in Green from Nordstrom has been sitting on my wish list for a while now.

If you have a balcony, don’t underestimate its potential. One of the best things you can do is fill it with plants. Lush containers, climbing vines, and window boxes help create pockets of shade and prevent the sun from striking walls and glass directly. This is especially useful for south- and west-facing rooms, where surfaces can quickly absorb heat and then radiate it back indoors well into the evening.

If you want to cool a room naturally, start by shading the outside of your windows. External shade is far more effective at reducing heat gain than relying solely on curtains or blinds indoors. And if you’re planning to leave windows open after sunset to catch cooler air, adding bug screens can make the whole setup much more practical during the height of summer.

4. 'Burp' Your Home After Sunset

Most of us instinctively open the windows during the day and close them at night. But when it comes to keeping a home cool in summer, doing the opposite can often work much better.

Rather than shutting everything up in the evening, wait until the sun has gone down and then open windows and internal doors for an hour or two. It's a small habit, but it can leave rooms feeling noticeably fresher by bedtime and help prevent heat from building up indoors day after day.

The idea is often referred to as 'house burping', and it's based on a principle that's been used in warm climates for centuries. Traditional homes were designed to work with the rhythms of the day, absorbing heat and slowly releasing it after sunset. Modern brick and concrete homes behave in much the same way.

By opening windows at night and creating a cross-breeze through the house, you're allowing trapped heat to escape while drawing in cooler air from outside. It works particularly well in places where evenings are significantly cooler than daytime temperatures, but it can also help prevent homes from becoming increasingly stuffy during humid weather. Then, before the late morning sun begins to warm the house again, close windows, blinds, and curtains to keep that cooler air indoors.

It's one of those surprisingly simple habits that can make a home feel far more comfortable during a heatwave, and it doesn't cost a thing.

5. Consider an Air Conditioning Upgrade

When temperatures become consistently high, a fan can only do so much. Air conditioning takes things a step further by actively cooling the air, rather than simply moving it around the room. In very hot climates, it can be one of the most effective ways to keep a home safe and comfortable during prolonged heatwaves.

While passive cooling methods like airflow strategies and shading can make a noticeable difference, sometimes they simply aren't enough when the heat becomes too extreme or prolonged. In those moments, mechanical cooling becomes less of a luxury and more of a practical necessity.

That said, a full central system isn't always practical or necessary. If a permanent installation isn't an option, or you're looking to avoid the cost of replacing an older unit, a portable air conditioner can be a smart alternative.

When weighing up portable air conditioners vs built-in systems, portable or window units tend to be far more affordable upfront and offer a flexible solution. They can be moved between rooms, allowing you to focus cooling where you need it most, rather than running a whole-house system all day.

One top-rated option to consider is the Coolblus Portable Air Conditioner from Amazon, which is consistently rated for its strong cooling performance and ease of use in small to medium-sized rooms. It combines cooling, dehumidifying, and fan functions in one unit, making it a practical all-in-one choice for managing summer heat in a more targeted way.

This more focused approach can also help manage energy use more efficiently, especially when you're only cooling occupied spaces rather than the entire home.

Shop Home Cooling Essentials

Trees are among the most valuable plants we can grow, adding beauty, privacy, shade and wildlife interest to our yards. But some species can cause far more problems than they're worth.

Having worked as a professional gardener for many years, I've seen firsthand the damage that unsuitable trees can inflict. From invasive roots and relentless suckering to excessive self-seeding and toxic plant parts, certain trees can quickly become a headache in a home garden, and I now have a concise list of plants I’ll never grow again.

Guided by Beth Chatto's famous mantra, 'right plant, right place', these experiences have led me to a shortlist of five trees I'd never plant in a yard again, and the better alternatives I'd grow instead (one of which is the beautiful Arbequina Olive Tree, from Fast Growing Trees, which is my top recommendation for any yard).

Cherry Laurel

Grown for its rapid growth and dense evergreen foliage, the cherry laurel, Prunus laurocerasus, is often valued for its ability to provide effective garden screening and privacy. Producing up to 3 feet of new growth each year, this large, fast-growing shrub or small tree can reach 30 feet tall and wide.

Considered an invasive in parts of the Pacific Northwest, and a hedge to avoid due to its potential to shade over and displace other plants.

With memories of arduously hand-pruning great lengths of laurel hedging so as not to leave an untidy finish at a previous garden I managed, it is certainly a tree I would never plant again.

A much more manageable tree is the American holly, or Ilex opaca. This is the best deal I've ever seen on American holly, at Fast Growing Trees.

Suitable for growing down to USDA zone 5, this slow-growing evergreen tree generally reaches a final height of 30 feet and forms an attractive pyramidal shape.

Another option is the Densa Inkberry, from Plant Addicts, which is a slow-growing, dense evergreen and is very well suited as a hedge plant.

Black Walnut

Reaching a maximum height of around 100 feet, the black walnut tree, Juglans nigra, is a prized tree, not only for its stature and fruits, but also for its hardwood. Another North American native, a mature Juglans nigra can produce an impressive black walnut harvest in late September or October.

Undoubtedly beautiful, this vigorous and large tree is not without its problems. Firstly, to keep it productive and maintain its shape, regular walnut tree pruning is required. Bleeding sap when cut, the black walnut tree is best pruned in late winter, when the tree is dormant.

Secondly, and more unusually, the black walnut tree produces a chemical called juglone, which is toxic to many plants. Existing in the tree's foliage, fruits and roots, juglone can extend beyond the tree’s canopy and inhibit growth in other plants that are sensitive to it.

Having inherited a black walnut tree growing next to a kitchen garden, I admired it greatly for being a beautiful specimen, but found planting around it very limiting due to the toxic juglone it emitted.

With members of the nightshade family and fruits, especially apple trees, being some of the most susceptible to juglone, what could be grown in the vegetable garden was hugely restricted.

A flowering cherry tree with its spring blossom and fall foliage color could be a great alternative. This Kwanzan flowering cherry available at Nature Hills is currently 20% off and a beautiful specimen.

Suited to USDA zones 5-8 and reaching a maximum of 8 to 50 feet tall, there is a space to grow one in even the smallest of gardens.

You can also find the more compact Snow Fountains® Weeping Cherry Tree at Fast Growing Trees, which would be perfect for a front yard or any small backyard.

What to Shop

Staghorn sumac

A large shrub or small tree, staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is valued for its fern-like foliage and spectacular fall color. Growing up to 25 feet tall, this North American native thrives in open woodlands and along roadsides, where it spreads readily to form colonies.

Its crimson autumn display, wildlife value and ability to stabilize slopes have made it a popular choice for naturalistic and wildlife-friendly gardens.

However, its vigorous suckering habit can quickly become problematic. New shoots often emerge several feet from the parent plant, creating dense thickets that are difficult to control.

Considered invasive in some states, unmanaged staghorn sumac can outcompete and shade out native plants as it expands. Having managed a large private garden with an established specimen, I can attest to just how freely it suckers and how quickly new growth can appear well beyond its original planting site.

Instead, an often understated tree is the Serviceberry or Amelanchier. The Autumn Brilliance serviceberry is available at Plant Addicts.

Grown for its spring blossom and vibrant fall display, depending on the species, they can grow up to 30 feet tall and are generally suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

Another beautiful option for winter interest is the Berry Heavy® Gold Winterberry from Nature Hills. It is a native American deciduous holly and produces the largest golden-yellow berries of any winterberry holly for spectacular color.

Weeping Willow

A fast-growing tree and a full and dense canopy make the weeping willow a great shade tree for sitting under and a great choice for screening an unwanted view.

A deciduous tree, with a maximum height and spread of around 50 feet, means that the weeping willow is generally unsuitable for a domestic backyard. That, combined with its rapid growth and extensive moisture-seeking root system, which can damage underground drain and sewer pipes, makes it a tree to avoid planting close to a house.

A weeping willow growing alongside a riverbank in one of the gardens I used to work at was one of our favorite spots for a break or rest out of the midday sun. However, considering the size it matured into and the maintenance it needed to clear its fallen leaves, branches and twigs, I would not be in a hurry to plant one.

As an alternative, the native Eastern redbud, Cercis canadensis, is illuminated by its pink blooms in early spring and before its green heart-shaped foliage emerges. You can find spectacular Eastern redbud tree at Fast Growing Trees.

Suitable for growing in zones 4-9, it grows to a maximum height of 30 feet, but can be easily managed.

More Beautiful Tree Alternatives

English Oak

Growing up to 130 feet tall and 80 feet wide, English oak (Quercus robur) is a magnificent tree. Supporting hundreds of wildlife species, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and casting generous shade, it is one of the most valuable native trees you can grow.

However, grown from a mere acorn, English oaks eventually require far more space than most residential yards can provide. For this reason alone, they are trees that should never be planted in a small yard..

Their extensive root systems can also create problems over time, with the potential to disrupt sidewalks, driveways and even building foundations if planted too close. In addition, mature oaks require ongoing maintenance, including periodic pruning to remove damaged branches and promote tree health, while fallen leaves, acorns and twigs can create a considerable cleanup job each fall.

There is no doubt that English oaks are exceptional trees when given the space they need to thrive. In the right setting, they can be a spectacular long-term investment, but they are often too large and demanding for the average yard.

For a front or backyard, a kousa dogwood, Cornus kousa, with its spring flowers, fall color and height up to 30 feet tall, makes for a wiser choice.

Suitable for growing in zones 5 to 9, this Kousa Dogwood Tree is available from Plant Addicts.

Choosing and planting a tree is a big decision that can benefit generations to come. But choosing the wrong tree might, as you have just read, have unfortunate consequences down the line. For some other more suitable small tree choices, here are the best trees to plant close to a house.

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The Opening Note

This week on The Very British Edit, I'm focusing on Amazon Prime Day (23–26 June) and, more specifically, what I'll actually be shopping for. Prime Day can feel like a lot. There are thousands of deals flying around, and it's very easy to end up buying things simply because they're discounted. I've definitely done that before. These days, I approach it a bit differently and try to look for pieces that genuinely feel useful or bring a bit of joy to everyday life.

With summer well and truly here, it also feels like a good time to take stock at home. I always end up noticing the little things this time of year – the corners that could do with refreshing, the outdoor spaces that need a bit more atmosphere, or the kitchen appliance that's been annoying me for months and probably needs replacing.

I'll definitely be looking at small decor updates and clever storage ideas, because I think those often make the biggest difference. I also have my eye on nostalgic buys – pieces that feel playful or remind me of summers growing up. I'm a big believer that not everything at home has to be purely practical. Sometimes it's the slightly unexpected, joyful things that give a space personality – and make you feel happier at home.

I'm also looking for outdoor pieces that make spending time outside feel easier and more inviting. Solar lighting is always high on my list because it can completely change the mood of a garden or terrace in the evening with minimal effort. I'm also keeping an eye out for portable lamps, outdoor accessories, and simple pieces that make hosting feel a little more special. The top-rated 2 Pack Cordless Table Lamp is already making its way to me.

And then there's the kitchen. I'm forever looking for appliances that genuinely simplify daily routines rather than creating more clutter. This year, I'm particularly interested in finding a new non-toxic coffee maker and picking up the Ninja Perfect Temperature Kettle. It's one of those purchases I've been meaning to make for ages, and Prime Day often turns up surprisingly good deals on the bigger-ticket items you've been putting off.

If you're struggling through the current heatwave, I can't recommend the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 Purifying Fan enough. I've used mine for the past two summers, and it's been a game-changer for sleeping on hot, stuffy nights.

Throughout the week, I’ll be sharing the pieces I’ve genuinely been eyeing, along with the hidden gems that are easy to miss in all the noise. The Tuscan Ceramic Pitcher Vase is a perfect example. I don’t always shop on Amazon, but there are some genuinely beautiful finds if you know where to look, and those are exactly the pieces I’ll be focusing on.

The Edit: Amazon Prime Day Sales

In the Queue

Next week on The Very British Edit, I’m diving into Fourth of July hosting, but not in a stars-and-stripes-everywhere kind of way. I’m more drawn to that relaxed, American style of entertaining where people linger outside, drinks are always flowing, and everything feels easy and welcoming. My partner grew up in Florida, so we’re trying to channel a bit of that laid-back, sunshine-filled way of hosting at home.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what actually creates that kind of atmosphere at home. The sort of gatherings where people wander in and out of the garden, drinks get refilled without much fuss, food just appears when it’s ready, and nothing feels overplanned. It’s less about decorating for an occasion and more about setting a really easy, welcoming garden party mood.

It always comes back to a few simple things: lighting that softens everything as the evening goes on, table setups that feel relaxed rather than styled within an inch of their life, and entertaining garden ideas that mean your outdoor space just works when people arrive.

I’m also focusing on the pieces that actually make hosting easier in real life, not just in theory. Practical serveware you’ll reach for again and again, portable lighting you can move around as the night unfolds, and small decor details that quietly pull everything together without trying too hard.

The more I host, the more I realise it’s never really about big gestures. It’s the small, almost invisible things that do all the work – the glass everyone naturally reaches for, the table that somehow looks right without you overthinking it, the soft glow outside when it gets dark, and nobody wants to head in yet.

So next week’s edit is really just that: my take on Fourth of July hosting, easy entertaining ideas, and creating a summer setup that feels laid-back, welcoming, and a little bit special, without ever tipping into overdone.

The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.

Sunflowers are one of my favorite summer blooms. My plants start to fill the garden towards the end of June and the sunny splashes of yellow are always a welcome sight. While sunflowers are easy to grow there are a few jobs to keep on top of so the blooms continue for as long as possible.

As I love to pick sunflowers for the house I tend to lean more towards the many cultivars with shorter stems and a branching habit so I get multiple flowers from one plant. These make great cut flowers. The giant varieties with just one huge flower are always fun to grow too. I leave a few in situ for the birds to snack on the seeds, and they are always well received.

If you want to find out how to grow sunflowers the good news is these gorgeous blooms need very little attention in June to thrive, even in the relentless heat of summer. Here are six things to do to keep those flowers coming. (And you can still sow sunflower seeds, from this gorgeous Amazon mix, to flower by August!)

1. Keep Watering Your Sunflowers Especially In A Heatwave

My sunflower patch grows super fast in June and puts on inches at an amazing rate. This means any newly sunflower plants need plenty of water and they will suffer if allowed to dry out.

Once my plants are established their water needs ease up a little and they even tolerate some drought. As soon as the flowers open this is my cue to give them deep, regular watering if I want them to look their best.

Keep up a watering routine in hot weather, particularly if you're growing sunflowers in pots. Aim the water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to get moisture down to the root system. I love this 1 gallon green metal watering can from Amazon, which when not in use looks great on the patio.

Overhead watering can spread diseases and wets foliage without properly soaking the root system.

If you're away for the night, plant watering globes, like these beautiful glass ones from Amazon, are really useful. They maintain a constant, slow release of water over time, so it takes the worry out of not watering for a day or two in hot weather.

2. Feed Your Sunflowers To Get The Best Results

Before planting my sunflowers this year I remembered to add plenty of well-rotted manure to the bottom of the hole – I usually forget. Alternatively you can also use garden compost. Although sunflowers don't generally need fertilizer it's a good idea to do this to get them off to the best start.

If your soil is very poor you can use a slow-release granular fertilizer such as Organic Plant Magic available from Amazon to encourage flowering. Sunflower plants will also benefit from mulching around the roots with extra compost. Treat the leaves to a seaweed spray to give them a boost too.

While young sunflower plants are attractive to slugs and snails the good news is as they grow bigger they generally become less troubled by pests and disease. You may spot aphids on your sunflowers but as the plants grow it becomes less of an issue as they prefer young foliage.

3. Stake Sunflower Plants With Sturdy Supports

As your sunflowers grow bigger they will need some kind of support. Both giant single stem and multi-branching varieties of sunflower will benefit from staking, as they won’t stay upright for long unless you give them some help. I sometimes use a wire trellis for the multi-branching sunflower varieties as it's an easy way to keep them in check.

Tie in plants against sturdy stakes as they grow, remembering to check regularly to see if they need extra ties as they grow taller, as all it takes is one high wind to bring them down if they don't have the necessary support in place.

Start off with something like these heavy-duty single stem support stakes from Wayfair, which are ideal for tall or top-heavy plants like sunflowers. As plants grow taller switch to a longer stake such as these stylish metal plant supports, also from Wayfair, which add a design element to your planting too.

4. Carry Out Routine Deadheading To Keep Things Looking Fresh

Once sunflower blooms start to fade and the foliage dries up and shrivels around the base it can spoil the look of your flower display. But the good news is it's easy to tidy things up. The trick is to keep on top of deadheading with some handy shears like these Fiskars Plant Snips available from Target, which allow you to make precise cuts.

Regular deadheading encourages the growth of new flowers and this is one of the most important routine jobs to carry out on sunflowers in June. It's a surefire way to keep sunflowers blooming.

The goal is to cut off any part of the flower that is dead. You can also tidy up any faded foliage while you're doing it. Follow the stem back until you hit a place where it branches.

There is a good chance you will get more flowers if you do this to cut-and-come again varieties of sunflowers.

5. Keep Picking Flowers To Keep Blooms Coming

As well as deadheading it's important to start harvesting sunflowers in June. The formula is simple: the more you pick the flowers the more flowers you will get. The prolific flowering types that I like produce lots of smaller flowers that will fill vases for months, as cutting the central bloom sends a signal to the plant to send out new stems from the side.

Some of my favorite varieties for arranging indoors include 'Summer Nights' available here from Nature Hills,, which has deep burgundy stems and brilliant golden yellow blooms all summer long, and 'Strawberry Blonde', an unusual variety available here from Burpee, a combination of subtle lemon and rose-pink flowers surrounding a dark disc.

Pick the flowers just as they're beginning to open. It's a good idea to do this first thing in the morning when it's still cool. Alternatively cut stems in the evening once the heat has gone out of the day.

Condition the flower stems in a bucket of cool water for a couple of hours before transferring them to a vase. When arranging the sunflowers first remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline to avoid a build up of plant debris in the water. Trim stems and change the water every couple of days to keep things fresh.

6. Save Some Seeds For The Birds (And Next Year)

If you like the idea of saving some of your own seeds to grow next year leave one or two flowers in place to fade and allow the seeds to mature instead of deadheading them. Collecting seeds in this way means they will germinate and grow much better the following year.

Once the seeds have developed and are ready simply cut off the heads on a dry day then store them away in a brown bag where the seeds will be shed naturally so they are ready for sowing next year.

It's also a great way to provide a treat for the birds as part of your wildlife garden ideas. If you don’t want to collect any seeds to store you can always leave the seed head in place as a natural bird feeder in your garden.

That's my easy formula to keep sunflowers in June looking their best. Now find out what your rambling rose needs in June, as well as what to do with clematis in June to keep these other prolific garden flowerers looking good too.

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With temperatures soaring across the US, knowing how to cool a room with fans has gone from a nice-to-know tip to an essential summer skill. Parts of the country, including Florida and Texas, are already experiencing triple-digit heat, and forecasters warn that even hotter conditions could still be on the way.

The good news is that you don't necessarily need to keep the air conditioning blasting all day to stay comfortable. When used strategically, even the best fans can make a room feel noticeably cooler, helping circulate air more effectively and easing the strain on both your AC system and your energy bills.

From creating a cross-breeze to positioning fans in the right spots, a few simple tweaks can make a surprisingly big difference when it comes to keeping a home cool in a heatwave. Here, HVAC experts share their favorite tricks for getting the most cooling power from your fans during periods of extreme heat.

1. Create a Cross-Breeze

If you're wondering how to keep a home cool in a heatwave, creating a cross-breeze is one of the simplest and most effective tricks to try. It doesn't require air conditioning or expensive gadgets – just a bit of strategic fan placement.

'The only thing better than one fan is using two fans to cool down a living room rapidly,' says Beatrice Flores, Home Care Expert at Living Pristine. To create a cross-breeze, place one fan facing out of a window on one side of the room and a second fan facing in through a window on the opposite side. This helps push hot, stale air outside while drawing cooler air in, creating a steady flow of air through the space.

'This will direct the airflow from both fans across the room, cooling the air quickly,' explains Beatrice. 'Additionally, the fans will help to circulate the cool air throughout the room, ensuring that all areas are evenly cooled.'

A compact air circulator, such as the Amazon Basics Air Circulator Fan, is ideal for this setup. And if you don't have two fans, you can still create a similar effect by opening windows at opposite ends of your home to encourage a natural cross-draft. It's a trick Punteha van Terheyden, Head of The Hardworking Home at Homes & Gardens, swears by after living through the blistering summer heat of the Middle East.

2. Use Strategic Fan Placement

If you’ve ever wondered whether pointing a fan out of a window actually helps cool a room, the short answer is yes – placement really does make a difference. According to Josh Mitchell, HVAC Technician and Owner of Air Conditioner Lab, where you position your fan can significantly change how effectively it cools your space.

Thoughtful placement helps improve airflow and makes use of natural temperature differences, which can also help reduce that heavy, humid feeling indoors. It’s less about running the fan harder and more about working with the air you already have.

‘Placing a fan in a window with the front facing into the room can draw in cooler outside air during the evening and night,’ he says. ‘This method works especially well in areas where temperatures drop significantly after sunset. Just make sure the window is shaded during the day so you’re not pulling in warm air.’

It’s also worth keeping an eye on energy use during a heatwave. Fans are relatively inexpensive to run, but costs can still add up if they’re left on around the clock – especially when multiple units are in use.

3. Work With Your Furniture to Guide Airflow

Fan placement doesn’t just affect how much air you feel – it also shapes where that air goes. One simple trick is to use your larger furniture pieces to help direct airflow around the room more effectively.

‘When a fan is placed next to large furniture, it helps send airflow in the right direction, ensuring a more even distribution of cool air throughout the room,’ explains Joe Haycock, vice president at Fresh Air Concepts.

The key is not to block the airflow, but to guide it. Think of sofas, beds, or bookshelves as tools that can help 'channel' the breeze rather than stop it. You may even want to temporarily shift things around during a heatwave to open up clearer pathways for air to move through the space.

It’s a simple, low-effort way to create a more comfortable, DIY-style cool room – a clever and cost-effective approach to eco-cooling your home naturally while keeping energy use down.

4. Hang Wet Towels Near Your Fan

If you’re only working with one fan, you can still boost its cooling effect with a simple evaporative trick. Hanging a lightly damp towel or sheet nearby helps cool the air as it circulates, making it especially useful when you’re trying to keep an apartment comfortable in summer without AC.

The key is moisture level – the fabric should be damp, not soaking wet, so it cools the air without dripping or creating excess moisture in the room. As the fan blows air across the fabric, evaporation speeds up, drawing heat from the surrounding air and creating a noticeably cooler effect.

This works best when the towel is positioned directly in the airflow and secured so it won’t shift or fall. Simple wire clips, such as the Wire Clothes Pins available on Amazon, are a practical option for keeping everything in place.

For an extra boost, lightly misting the room with a spray bottle while the fan is running can help provide a quick hit of relief. The Plastic Spray Bottles available on Amazon make it easy to distribute a fine mist without over-wetting the space. It’s a low-cost, low-tech method that can make a surprising difference during a heatwave, especially when you’re relying on fans alone to stay comfortable.

5. Use Ice to Cool the Air Faster

If you want an instant upgrade to your fan’s cooling power, ice is one of the simplest tricks you can try. Similar to the wet towel method, it uses evaporation and cold surfaces to lower the temperature of the air being circulated around the room.

One of the easiest approaches is to place a shallow bowl or tray filled with ice in front of your fan. As the air passes over it, it picks up the cooler temperature and helps distribute a fresher, more refreshing breeze throughout the space. This can offer quick relief on especially hot days – just remember to top up the ice as it melts.

For a more practical, reusable option, frozen water bottles work just as well and avoid the mess of melting ice. Simply freeze a few plastic bottles and place them in front of or behind the fan so the airflow passes over them as they thaw.

It’s a straightforward DIY method, but surprisingly effective when you’re trying to push your fans further during a heatwave without relying on air conditioning.

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FAQs

Should You Open Windows in Warm Weather?

It depends entirely on the temperature outside – and getting this right can make a real difference to how comfortable your home feels during hot spells.

During the day, it’s usually best to keep windows closed and covered. This helps block direct sunlight and prevents hot air from building up indoors, especially in bedrooms where temperatures can quickly rise. Curtains or blinds add an extra layer of protection, stopping heat from penetrating the space and spreading through the home.

At night, though, the advice flips. If the outdoor temperature drops below indoor levels, opening windows can help flush out trapped heat and bring in cooler air. This natural ventilation can be one of the simplest ways to reset a hot room after a long day.

However, it’s important to check conditions before you do. If it’s still warm – or particularly humid – outside, opening windows can actually make things worse. High humidity makes it harder for the body to cool itself through sweat, meaning the air can feel even more uncomfortable rather than refreshing.

If you’re battling extreme heat at home, it’s essential to stay hydrated, keep air flowing through your space, take cool showers when needed, and switch to breathable, cooling bedding to help regulate your temperature at night.

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A beautifully designed kitchen isn't defined solely by its finishes or fixtures. Color choices play an equally important role, influencing everything from the mood of a space to how luxurious it appears.

As kitchen color trends continue to move away from one-size-fits-all neutrals, designers are embracing shades with greater depth and personality. The result is a new generation of kitchen color ideas that feel more bespoke, more characterful, and ultimately more expensive.

Whether it's a buttery yellow inspired by historic homes, a deep blue rooted in the landscape, or a rich red that adds instant gravitas, these are the colors designers are using to help kitchens look more expensive in 2026.

1. Rich Burgundy Red

Decorating with burgundy has long been used in traditional country kitchens, bringing warmth, depth, and a sense of permanence to hardworking spaces – such as in this Leicestershire kitchen in a converted mill in the UK.

Burgundy kitchen ideas are making a confident return – a perfect example shade is deVOL's Refectory Red, a heritage-inspired paint that instantly gives cabinetry a grander presence. Rich and enveloping without feeling overwhelming, it has the ability to make even simple furniture feel more refined and substantial. The color works particularly well alongside authentic materials such as black granite, slate, aged brass, and dark timber, creating the layered, luxurious look often associated with historic English interiors.

For a more subtle nod to the burgundy trend, we've just spotted Staub's Beautiful Burgundy 7-Qt Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven, on a limited-time deal at Williams-Sonoma. The classic Dutch Oven design is perfect for keeping on display on the hob or shelf, helping to bring color and character to the space.

2. Butter Yellow

Yellow may not be the first color that comes to mind when designing an expensive-looking kitchen, but the latest iterations prove otherwise. Designers are embracing soft, butter-yellow kitchens that bring warmth, personality, and an effortless sense of optimism to a space.

In a coastal kitchen in Edinburgh, Scotland, designer Ailsa MacConnell of Studio Mac used Farrow & Ball's Hay to bring warmth to the space without sacrificing its relaxed, understated feel. With its dusty character and subtle green undertones, the color responds beautifully to the cooler quality of northern light, creating a scheme that feels sunlit even on overcast days. ‘We wanted the kitchen to feel as though it was filled with sunshine, even on a gray Edinburgh day,’ Ailsa explains. ‘Hay has a beautiful buttery quality to it, and its subtle yellow undertones brought exactly the warmth and sense of joy we were looking for without feeling too sweet or overpowering.’

Unlike stronger yellows, which often demand attention, Hay has a quieter presence. It softens the room, complements natural materials, and gives the kitchen a warmth that white kitchen cabinet ideas often struggle to achieve.

Whether you're inspired to repaint your kitchen in a joyful yellow shade or start small with a stand-out yellow appliance like the iconic Butter KitchenAid Stand Mixer (now discounted at QVC), there is no denying the truly uplifting and unique feel of a butter yellow color scheme.

3. Nuanced Navy Blue

Navy has long been a kitchen staple, but in 2026, designers are gravitating toward more complex interpretations of the classic shade. Rather than crisp, traditional navies, today's most sophisticated blue kitchen ideas have a chalkier, weathered quality that feels more relaxed and connected to the landscape.

For this kitchen, designer Sarah Lederman chose Farrow & Ball's Stiffkey Blue, a shade inspired by the salt marshes of the Norfolk coast in the UK. ‘I tend to gravitate toward colors that feel as though they've existed for centuries rather than colors that feel tied to trends,’ says Sarah. Against warm wood floors and painted beams, the color feels rooted in its surroundings. Sometimes reading as navy and at other times appearing almost charcoal, it offers a softer, more contemporary alternative to traditional dark blue cabinetry.

The upholstered barstools beautifully complement the blue paint finish in this kitchen design, with the wood frame adding a perfect dose of warmth and contrast to the scheme (you can achieve a similar look with these upholstered stools from George Oliver at Wayfair)

4. Midnight Blue

In this countryside project, dark blue cabinetry was chosen to bring depth and comfort to a naturally darker room with low ceilings. Rather than fighting the lack of natural light, the design embraces it, creating a cocooning atmosphere that feels calm and welcoming throughout the day.

‘We went bold with darker colors to create a confident statement in a dark room,’ says Nicky Mudie, founder and director of Violet & George. ‘The dark blue worked well against warm oak and patinated copper worktops, aged brass and rich brown glazed tiles.’

Copper pots are definitely having a moment in current kitchen trends. Not only are they excellent for cooking, but they work wonderfully as a decorative element (as seen in the kitchen above), helping to achieve a luxurious contrast in color and material – and we've just spotted a saving on the Gotham Steel Hammered 15 Pc Ceramic Cookware Set Nonstick at Walmart.

Far from making a space feel smaller, deep blue can have the opposite effect when paired with the right materials. It blurs hard edges, softens the room’s architecture, and creates the kind of enveloping atmosphere that makes people want to linger.

5. Clotted Creams

While richer colors may be dominating kitchen trends, designers agree that a beautifully judged cream remains one of the most refined choices of all. The key to this neutral kitchen idea is to choose a shade with warmth and depth rather than the cooler, flatter neutrals that have defined kitchens in recent years.

Today's heritage creams feel inspired by natural materials and traditional interiors, allowing craftsmanship, texture, and architectural details to come to the fore – such as this Edwardian home in London clad in cream subway tiles. Helen notes these warmer neutrals are becoming increasingly popular. ‘At deVOL, we are installing cupboards in rich but pale creams; we think of it as a clotted cream,’ she says. ‘These gentler, more earthy natural colours sit perfectly with wooden or honed Carrara marble worktops to give a warm, light and airy feel to a room.’

The chic ruffle shade (you can buy a similar ruffle shade on Etsy) in this space also helps to bring elegant depth and movement to the neutral scheme, and highlights just how important your chosen finishes and accessories can be in helping to bring a neutral room to life.

As kitchen ideas continue to evolve, color is becoming one of the most effective ways to create a space that feels elevated and enduring. The shades designers are gravitating toward for 2026 interior design trends aren't necessarily louder or bolder; they're simply more nuanced, drawing inspiration from heritage interiors, natural landscapes, and time-honored materials.

Whether you opt for something cocooning or more classic, the key is choosing a color that feels connected to the architecture and atmosphere of your home. When used thoughtfully, the right shade can make a kitchen feel instantly more expensive.

If there's one thing that can seriously disturb your sleep, it's bed sheets slipping and sliding throughout the night, becoming wrinkled, bunched up, and creased.

Previously, I'd resigned myself to this inevitability − until I came across the ZlumberLock Sheet Holders, available at Amazon, which keep sheets firmly in place, night after night, without bunching, shifting, or re-installation.

As even the very best bed sheets aren't immune to moving as you toss and turn while you sleep, I'm adding them straight to my cart: Shoppers say they're 'Worth every penny.'

Once you've gone through the effort of making your bed, your sheets coming loose and moving throughout the night is an annoyance that many of us are all too familiar with. Even if you've taken extra steps to avoid any bedding mistakes.

With the ZlumberLock Sheet Holders, available at Amazon, though, you can wave goodbye to the familiar sight of wrinkled sheets come morning, helping you to sleep better long-term. So, how does it work?

The patented, discreet sheet holder system is installed at each corner of your mattress . The sheet is slipped over the top and uses locking strips that clip into place to fasten over the top of the sheets to prevent movement. The weight of the mattress holds the ZlumberLock system down without damaging the upholstery.

What Shoppers Say

If you're not wholly convinced that sheet holders are a bedroom essential − whether you're layering your bed this summer or making your bed look cozy come fall − rest assured that shoppers insist they're 'worth every cent.'

'100% works,' reads one recent review. 'Worth every penny! This product is amazing; I would give 10 stars if I could. Highly recommend. Instantly, 100% solved a problem I’ve dealt with for years. After a week, our bottom fitted sheet corners haven’t moved at all!

'We have a Queen adjustable bed, raised head and foot, and my husband is also a restless sleeper. I’ve tried lots of straps, etc and nothing worked. I was constantly remaking the bed multiple times each day; the corners just popped off the mattress.'

As the review continues, the Zlumberlock Sheet Holders feature a heavy-duty construction, and installation took less than 10 minutes in total.

'Wish I’d spent my $$ on this product that really works to begin with; would’ve saved a lot of stress on my 73-year-old back!'

Another five-star review, from Bris, dubs the holders an 'awesome product': 'These things really work! We were tired of our sheets and mattress cover constantly sliding off the corners of our mattress. We took a chance with this product, and it works fantastically.

'The sheets and mattress cover didn’t move a bit all week. The sheets stayed so much smoother throughout the night. The sheet holders were super easy to install, and the little sliders came out easily when I was changing the sheets. We’d recommend this product to anyone needing their sheets kept more securely on their bed.'

Shop Bedding Essentials

Below, shop from a Sleep Editor-approved selection of the best cooling sheets, bed sheets, and alternative sheet holders.

All prices were correct at the time of publication and refer to Queen-sizes.

As unusual as it may sound, this spatula bedding tuck trick makes use of your kitchen utensil for luxury hotel-level bedmaking.

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Salvias are among the hardest-working perennials in a summer garden, producing spikes of vivid blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds for months on end. While these pollinator-friendly favorites are remarkably low maintenance, a little attention in June can make the difference between a brief flowering display and continuous color that lasts right through summer and into fall.

By mid-June, many salvia types are finishing their first major flush of blooms. Whether you grow salvia in sunny borders, pollinator gardens, or patio containers, now is the time to give plants a little care. A few simple tasks, including deadheading and light pruning, will encourage fresh growth and help keep salvias flowering repeatedly for the rest of the season.

In my own garden, I grow Pink Profusion Salvia, which I love for its subtle fragrance and rich, deep pink blooms. I also have my eye on the ‘Back to the Fuchsia’ Salvia – it’s a fantastic option if you’re after a real burst of vibrant color and long-lasting flowers. Both are available from Plant Addicts.

1. Deadhead Spent Flower Spikes

The most important job for salvias in June is deadheading. As the earliest flowers begin to fade, cut the spent flower stems back to the first set of healthy leaves or to a pair of developing side shoots. Deadheading salvia is one of the simplest ways to extend the flowering season, as removing old blooms prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and instead encourages it to produce fresh flower spikes.

Many popular salvias, particularly ornamental varieties, will reward you with a second and even third flush of flowers if you keep up with deadheading throughout the season. Check your plants every week or so and promptly remove any fading stems to keep plants looking tidy and blooming freely.

A pair of sharp, clean pruners will make the job much easier. The PrunePro Pruning Shears Gardening Scissors Set from Amazon features precision micro-tip blades that are ideal for snipping spent salvia flower spikes without damaging surrounding buds, making it a handy tool for deadheading salvia throughout the summer.

2. Give Plants a Light Trim

While the previous step is all about deadheading individual spent blooms, a light trim can also help refresh salvias that are starting to look a little untidy after their first flush of flowers. Cutting back up to one-third of the flowering stems encourages fresh growth from the base and helps plants maintain a compact, bushy shape.

To prune salvia, I use the Fiskars 6-Inch Pruning Scissors for Flower Stems to tackle this job, as the narrow blades make it easy to tidy up plants without causing too much of a stir.

This approach is especially useful for herbaceous salvias, which can become leggy by midsummer if left entirely to their own devices. Just avoid cutting into old, woody growth, particularly on shrubby salvias, as these stems can be slow to regenerate.

3. Water Deeply During Dry Spells

Although established salvias are generally drought-tolerant, June can bring periods of heat that place newly planted specimens under stress. If rainfall has been scarce, water deeply once or twice a week rather than giving plants frequent shallow drinks. This approach is especially important when watering plants in a heatwave, as deep soaking encourages roots to grow further into the soil, creating stronger, more resilient plants that are better able to cope with prolonged hot weather later in the season.

Try to water early in the morning so moisture has time to reach the roots before temperatures rise and the foliage can dry during the day. If you're watering by hand, the best-selling AUTOMAN Garden Hose Nozzle from Amazon is a handy option, with multiple spray settings that make it easy to give newly planted salvias a slow, deep soak during hot spells.

4. Feed Lightly to Encourage Repeat Blooms

Salvias are not particularly hungry plants, but a light application of balanced liquid fertilizer in June can support continuous flowering. If you're wondering how to fertilize salvias, the key is to feed lightly and avoid overdoing it. High-nitrogen fertilizers tend to encourage lush, leafy growth at the expense of flowers, so opt for a balanced feed or one formulated for flowering plants and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

For most salvias, one light feeding after deadheading the first flush of blooms is often enough to keep plants performing strongly through the rest of the summer. Salvias also benefit from a potassium-rich tomato feed, which encourages more flowers rather than excess foliage. Products such as Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed All Purpose Plant Food from Amazon and Burpee 8 lbs. Organic Dry Fertilizer Tomato from The Home Depot are both good options for supporting repeat blooms and keeping plants flowering freely through the season.

5. Keep an Eye on Overcrowding

June is also a good time to take stock of the plants growing around your salvias. These sun-loving perennials thrive in open, airy positions, but neighboring plants can quickly begin to crowd them out as garden borders fill in.

If foliage is becoming congested, gently cut back nearby plants or remove any weeds competing for light, moisture, and nutrients. Giving salvias a little extra breathing room not only helps them flower more freely but also improves air circulation around the plants, reducing the risk of fungal issues during periods of heat and humidity.

The June Salvia Mistake to Avoid

The biggest mistake gardeners make with salvias in June is leaving spent flowers in place. It’s easy to let them go while the plant still looks good, but once flower spikes start setting seed, blooming often begins to slow down.

A few minutes spent deadheading salvia each week can make a real difference, encouraging wave after wave of fresh flowers and keeping these pollinator-friendly plants performing at their best through summer. With regular deadheading, a light trim, and the occasional watering during dry spells, salvias will keep producing colourful blooms well into late summer and, in many gardens, right up until the first frosts.

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Once a desired luxury, outdoor kitchens have quickly evolved into a must-have design feature to elevate both your backyard and summer soirees. But the success of an outdoor cooking space depends on a well-planned design.

Designing an outdoor kitchen often revolves around materials, layout, and the type of cooking apparatus you will include – all important details. But so often, an outdoor kitchen sink is overlooked, despite its long-standing importance in any cooking space.

You're then left without a crucial station, used for cleaning, cooking, and hygiene. And, let's be honest, there's nothing fun about constantly running in and out of your house all evening. If you need any more convincing, here's why experts say it's an outdoor kitchen feature you should never overlook.

Why You Should Add an Outdoor Kitchen Sink

It's not something you have to think about when cooking indoors. You probably don't even realise how often you use your sink – it's just instinctual. But as soon as you start using an outdoor kitchen without a water supply, it suddenly becomes clear just how important this feature is.

'People tend to underestimate how often they need water when cooking outside. It is only once the outdoor kitchen is being used properly, with food being prepared and drinks being served, that the absence of a sink becomes frustrating,' says Michael Sammon, Design Director at Wodar.

And while your indoor sink probably isn't that far away, it's the inconvenience of having to keep flitting between zones, rather than one organized outdoor cooking space that caters to all of your needs. If you're going to invest in an outdoor kitchen, you might as well ensure it's as functional as possible.

'An outdoor sink transforms a simple cooking area into a truly functional kitchen,' agrees Mark Latchford, Director of Landscape Design at HollandGreen. 'It closes the loop between preparation, cooking, and clearing up, making the experience of entertaining outdoors entirely effortless. It’s less about a single feature and more about creating a space that works intuitively with the way you want to live.'

He continues: 'Often, the focus is on the grill or pizza oven, while the practicalities of preparation and clearing are overlooked. The regret comes when people realise that without a sink, they’re constantly breaking the flow of the experience, heading back indoors for every little task. A well-designed outdoor kitchen should feel like a room in its own right, not a satellite of the main house.'

An outdoor kitchen sink isn't an easy (or particularly cost-effective) feature to add in later down the line, so ensuring to include it in your initial plans is key for a well-functioning and seamlessly finished design.

'Water supply, waste, drainage, and the countertop cut-out all need to be thought through before the kitchen is installed, especially if you want the sink to sit neatly within the surface and feel part of the overall design. Retrofitting those details can be disruptive and expensive, which is why it is one of the features people often wish they had included from the outset,' Michael explains.

How To Choose the Right Outdoor Kitchen Sink

When designing an outdoor kitchen with a sink, it should fit beautifully within the rest of the space, rather than sit awkwardly at the end of the countertops. Try to deploy a similar layout as you would indoors, thinking about how you use the space and what makes the most functional sense.

Aside from your outdoor kitchen layout, the style of sink you introduce is also something to think about. 'The key is to integrate it, not just install it. The choice of materials is key to creating a considered, holistic design that will last for many years. At our Longridge House project, for instance, we integrated a countertop sink which complemented the stone work surfaces to create a sophisticated, contemporary entertaining space,' Mark explains.

'[In another project] we set a stainless steel sink into the countertop, with a cover to extend the worktop surface when not in use. In both cases, by treating the sink and its surrounding materials as an integral part of the composition, it becomes a thoughtful detail rather than a purely functional afterthought,' he adds.

You also need to choose the right materials, both for it to function well as a sink and to withstand the outside conditions. 'From a design point of view, an undermount sink can give a cleaner finish, while practical, weather-ready materials and finishes such as stainless steel or brushed brass help it sit comfortably within the wider scheme,' Michael says.

'A deeper bowl is particularly useful outdoors, where you are often dealing with larger trays, barbecue tools, and fresh produce from the garden. A workstation-style approach is especially useful, as accessories such as a chopping board, colander, or draining mat allow the sink area to become part of the preparation zone.'

And just like indoors, your hardware matters, too. 'The faucet should also be considered, specified for outdoor use, but with an elegance that complements the overall design. Much like an internal kitchen, the sink location is often placed away from islands or seating areas, so dirty plates aren’t directly in view,' Mark advises.

Practical Considerations

There are a few extra things to think about when designing an outdoor kitchen with a sink, most importantly, water and waste management. 'The key considerations are where the water will come from, where the waste will go, whether hot water is needed, and how the pipework will be protected in colder weather,' says Michael.

'Adding services like water and waste can increase the complexity and cost of the preexisting garden as pipe work will need to be installed discreetly, so it’s vital to factor this into the budget from day one,' Mark adds.

There are a few options here, depending on budget. If you just require a water supply for rinsing utensils and cookware, there are some designs you can simply link to your hosepipe, like IKEA's modular kitchen designs. However, if you want something more multi-functional, proper plumbing is your best option.

This will inevitably affect the best place to locate your outdoor kitchen. Nearer to the main house is preferable, as that is where the existing water supply and waste will be, and therefore makes connecting new lines easier and less disruptive.

And finally, really think about the materials you use and how they will wear over time. For Michael, function always comes first in the case of an outdoor kitchen sink. 'Material choice is just as important, as an outdoor sink needs to be hardwearing, easy to clean and resistant to staining and corrosion,' he explains.

'When properly thought through from the outset, it makes the whole kitchen feel easier to use, more self-sufficient and better suited to how we are now using our outside space to entertain.'

An outdoor kitchen sink adds function to your cooking space, allowing you to utilize one zone rather than constantly running between your backyard and the house. An outdoor kitchen is an investment, so you want to get it right the first time, and a sink should be at the top of your design list.

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If you're a keen veg grower or new to the joys of home-grown produce, June can be a surprising month in the kitchen garden. The temperate months of spring – and with them all that lush, green growth full of hope – can suddenly disappear and you can be left with a plot that looks lacklustre and distinctly lacking in vigor.

This abrupt change in pace is so common it has a name: the 'early summer stall'. There are a number of reasons this happens, and the good news is there are solutions to them all. The five principal reasons vegetables stop thriving in June are changing temperatures, lack of water, nutrient imbalances, heat stress and the natural decline in cool-season crops. Any one of these (although it's often a combination) can cause growth to stall and veg plants to struggle.

To breathe new life back into your vegetable patch, I've dug deep into the five issues affecting your crops in midsummer to find the simplest, most reliable remedies. Your kitchen garden will soon be back to its burgeoning best, healthy and productive until fall or even beyond. And then you can turn your thoughts to what to plant in June.

Changing Temperatures

With June temperatures ranging from lows of around 60°F (16°C) in the Northeast of the US to 100°F (38°C) in the Southwest, and 54°F (12°C) to 86°F (30°C) in the UK, with even the occasional frost not unheard of, the extremes are a whole lot greater than 'gentle June' may suggest. It's no surprise then that your carefully tended vegetable plants could struggle to adjust.

When plants experience dramatic changes in temperature, it causes severe stress. Sudden periods of cold can damage plant tissues, cause yellowing of the leaves and result in stunted growth. Meanwhile, heat spikes lead to rapid water loss, which risks your plants going to seed, or 'bolting'. These sudden changes in temperature are more common in US zones where two different climates meet, and in hilly areas or deep valleys.

To avoid damage from cold temperatures, always keep some horticultural fleece handy (try these fleece jackets from Lowes). Check nighttime temperatures daily and throw fleece over vulnerable crops before nightfall. Cloches (whether DIY cloche ideas or store bought), veg row covers and coldframes are also super handy moveable options to minimise stress caused by extreme, sudden cold snaps.

Shop plant protection domes at Amazon.

Buy a portable mini greenhouse coldframe at Home Depot.

Lack of Water

June rainfall across the USA can vary drastically, but generally averages 3-6in (80-144mm) overall, with parts of the Midwest and Central Plains often dealing with dry spells and flash droughts. In the UK, summers are increasingly unpredictable, with a volatile mixture of showers, often very hot sunshine and an average monthly rainfall of just 2-3in (50-80mm). It's one of the driest months of the summer.

How best to water plants in June? An irrigation system, like this soaker hose from Amazon, set on a timer is a huge help if rainfall is unpredictable, failing that make watering part of your early morning routine. The best time to water the garden in summer is before 9am, when the sun is often hot enough to significantly affect water lost through evaporation.

Remember always to direct water to the base of your plants, using the spout rather than the sprinkler attachment of your watering can. Any crops growing in pots will need careful attention if they're not to dry out.

A generous 2-3 in mulch of organic matter (ideally applied after a good soak) will help to lock in moisture and prevent water loss through evaporation. It will also help to lock in nutrients, in fact adding goodness to the soil as it breaks down and decomposes.

Straw, compost, manure and grass clippings are some of the most effective and nutritious organic mulches to use in a veg garden. Avoid bark chippings as they can remove nitrogen from the soil as they decay: annuals such as veg plants need plenty of nitrogen to grow strongly.

Shop garden straw at Lowes.

Nutrient Imbalance

When you first plant veg in spring, with decent rainfall and seasonal sunshine, chances are they'll start to grow quickly. After a couple of months, if your soil is poor or presenting challenges, that will start to show in the health of your plants.

They're bigger, putting on more vegetative and root growth, and likely starting to develop fruit, so their needs are more complex. Overfeeding your plants is also a possible pitfall. Here's how to choose the best fertilizers for your veg garden.

Lack of nitrogen
If older plant leaves are yellowing or turning pale, chances are they're in need of a nitrogen boost. Use a nitrogen-rich feed such as nettle tea or other high-nitrogen fertilizer, or work in some well-rotted manure to boost levels and restore nitrogen to your soil.

Lack of phosphorus
Spotted a purple or reddish tint to young growth? Is it perhaps in addition to poor flowering and slow root growth? Then you may need to add phosphous to your soil. This is simply done with a sprinkling of bone meal or rock phosphate.

Lack of potassium
If the edges of leaves are browning or yellowing, or your harvest is poor quality, potassium could be the issue. You can fix this with a dose of wood ash, seaweed feed, or comfrey tea.

Lack of calcium
Blossom-end rot on your tomatoes and zucchini or tip burn on your lettuce? Then your soil's probably in need of a calcium boost. Fork in some crushed eggshells, garden lime or gypsum to rectify this deficiency.

Too many nutrients!
If you've gone a little OTT with synthetic fertilizers, it can have a detrimental effect on your young veg plants, burning their roots and creating an overly salty soil environment that actually draws moisture out of your plants. It's one of the most common fertilizing mistakes and signs include crisp, brown leaf margins, lush growth without any sign of fruit and yellowing leaves that can wither and drop.

Fix this by removing the top inch of soil and replacing with fresh compost (if it's slow-release granules or top-dressing that's the cause), or soaking your veg beds thoroughly and deeply to wash away excess fertilizer from the roots.

Shop plant food and fertilizer at Target.

Heat Stress

Across the US and in the UK too June isn't too early for vegetables to start showing heat stress, which tends to happen when the mercury hits around 85°F (30°C). When vegetable plants are stressed from too much heat, it can affect not only their growth but also pollination.

Signs your plants are suffering from heat stress include curling tomato and pepper leaves (usually upwards) in a bid to reduce water loss, tall 'bolting' stems emerging from lettuces, blossom drop and poor fruit set.

Deep, targeted watering will help (in the early morning), as will setting up shade sources. These can include shade cloths, which will lower temperatures around plants, reduce leaf scorch and stop plants like peppers and tomatoes stalling). 30-50% shade cloth is best for sun-lovers like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, as well as young seedlings; 70%, like this one from Ace Hardware is best for other veg. But an old sheet is better than nothing at all!

Less costly is moving tougher, more heat-resistant containers in place to provide portable shade. Think large pots of geraniums, rosemary, lavender and salvias. Or try pots of sunflowers to shield seedlings from sunlight. Shift these to the south/southwest side of your veg beds (raise them up on bricks if you can) and you'll add an element of shade when the sun's at its hottest – to help with this try wheel plant caddies like these from Lowes.

For taller crops, it can be useful to place a large upturned pot on a stake to act as a parasol over individual plant. Remember too that moving container-grown veg into more shaded spots in the backyard. will help to reduce the effects of heat stress.

You can improve airflow around plants with some strategic June pruning. Removing the lower leaves from tomato plants will let in air and thinning out overcrowded foliage and crossing branches provides natural ventilation to help plants breeze through a heatwave.

Meanwhile, to help pollination, add in a few pollinator-friendly flowers to your veg plot. French marigolds (Tagetes), cosmos, zinnias and lavender are some of the best plants for pollinators.

One last tip: avoid fertilizing when the weather is very hot, as it will trigger a sudden onset of tender growth, which is difficult for the plant to sustain when temperatures are especially high.

Shop pollinator favorites at Burpee.

Decline in Cool-Season Crops

There are certain crops that just won't thrive in warm weather, whatever you do to combat it. And that's because they're simply not built to grow and fruit in high temperatures. So if your radishes have turned woody and won't germinate, fret not: their time has passed, but there's always next spring.

This is also partly true of other root veg including carrots, turnips and beetroot, which are often best sown early and harvested in early summer. They're what's known as cool-season crops, which need to be sown/planted early in the year for early harvests, before the weather turns scorching.

These crops, as well as salad leaves and alliums will naturally begin to decline from now until late summer, but to keep roots from turning woody continue with your deep watering, keep those salads shaded and mulch away to lock in moisture.

June is often a time when gardeners easily relax and think the garden will take care of itself. But it pays to be vigilant and aware of the challenges of vegetable growing in June, and bear watering and heat spikes in mind.

As you can see, there are plenty of low-effort ways to protect your veg crops and keep them thriving through early summer. Better still, your efforts now will pay dividends for the rest of the summer and into autumn as crops mature and harvests begin in earnest.

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When a heatwave hits, most of us focus on staying cool and looking after ourselves – wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated, and keeping our homes comfortable. But soaring temperatures can also take a toll on the appliances we rely on every day.

From working harder than usual to generating excess heat and consuming more energy, some household appliances can become less efficient during periods of extreme heat. In some cases, leaving them plugged in unnecessarily can contribute to overheating, extra wear and tear, and increased energy use.

The good news is that a few simple adjustments can help. In fact, some of the same appliances experts recommend unplugging during a heatwave also feature on the list of items you should always unplug before leaving the house, and before going on vacation, helping to reduce energy waste, minimize potential safety risks, and even support efforts to improve your home's EPC rating by cutting unnecessary electricity consumption.

We asked electricians and appliance experts which appliances are worth unplugging during a heatwave, and why doing so could help keep your home cooler, lower energy bills, and protect your appliances for the long term.

1. Small Non-Essential Appliances

It’s easy to overlook just how many small appliances are plugged in around the home at any given time. From phone chargers and gaming consoles to electric toothbrush chargers and beauty tools, many of these devices continue drawing power even when they’re not actively being used.

'During a heatwave, unplugging anything non-essential can be a surprisingly effective way to reduce unnecessary energy consumption,' says Amanda Nelson, Co-Owner of Young Cardinal Electric. 'Not only does this help limit excess heat generated indoors, but it also reduces demand on local power grids, which are often under increased pressure as households ramp up air conditioning and cooling systems.'

Experts recommend unplugging items such as chargers, personal electronics, gaming consoles, essential oil diffusers, and small beauty appliances when they’re not in use. As a bonus, cutting so-called 'phantom' energy use can also trim your electricity bill and support efforts to improve your home's EPC rating over time.

The advice mirrors guidance around the items you should always unplug before leaving the house: if you don't need it, don't leave it plugged in. During a heatwave, this simple habit can help keep energy use in check while taking a little pressure off both your home and the wider grid.

2. Countertop Appliances

While it’s not practical – or even possible – to unplug larger appliances such as refrigerators or ovens during a heatwave, smaller countertop appliances are a different story. Kettles, toasters, coffee makers, blenders, and air fryers are all easy to unplug when they’re not in use and can be left disconnected until you need them again.

As well as drawing small amounts of standby power, these appliances can be more vulnerable to power fluctuations during periods of high electricity demand. Unplugging them helps reduce unnecessary energy use and removes the risk of appliances being damaged by unexpected power surges.

By contrast, larger appliances are often protected by dedicated circuits and built-in safety measures, meaning they generally don't need to be unplugged during hot weather. Instead, focus on the small appliances you use intermittently. It’s a quick, low-effort habit that can reduce energy waste, help improve your home's EPC rating over time, and is another smart addition to the list of items you should always unplug before leaving the house.

3. Air Conditioning Units And Fans

It may seem counterintuitive to include air conditioners and fans on this list during a heatwave, but there's no need to switch them off if you're actively using them. Instead, pay attention to how hard they're working. Cooling appliances often run almost continuously during extreme heat, which can put extra strain on older models or units with worn components.

‘In the extreme conditions experienced during heatwaves, appliances can be more susceptible to overheating, especially if they are older or have worn components. Unplugging them reduces the risk of overheating, which can lead to malfunctions, damage to the appliance, or even fire hazards,’ says Bill Gilbert, Technical Writer and Resident Appliance Expert at iFixit.

There can also be wider energy implications during periods of prolonged heat. ‘I could imagine unplugging a window-mount air conditioner if there was potential to stress the local power grid,’ says Bill Gilbert, Technical Writer and Resident Appliance Expert at iFixit. ‘California has a "Flex Alert" system where residents are asked to voluntarily reduce electricity use during times of exceptionally high demand, such as heatwaves, to help prevent strain on the grid and reduce the risk of blackouts.’

The key is to use cooling appliances intentionally. If a fan or portable air conditioner isn't needed, switch it off and unplug it rather than letting it run continuously. After all, the goal is to keep a home cool in a heatwave as efficiently as possible, and running appliances unnecessarily only creates extra heat and energy demand.

Setting cooling appliances on a timer can help prevent wasted electricity while ensuring your home stays comfortable when temperatures soar. For a simple, budget-friendly option, the top-rated BN-LINK 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer lets you schedule exactly when fans and portable air conditioners switch on and off. If you prefer smart home controls, the GHome Smart Plug works with Alexa and Google Home from Amazon, allowing you to manage appliances remotely and set customised schedules from your phone.

4. Computers And Home Office Equipment

With so many people now working from home, home office equipment can be an overlooked source of extra heat during a heatwave. Desktop computers, monitors, printers, and docking stations all generate warmth while they're running, and that heat can quickly build up in smaller rooms, making an already warm space feel even more uncomfortable.

Unlike many household appliances that are used only briefly, office equipment often runs continuously for hours at a time. Desktop computers, in particular, rely on internal fans to cool their components, meaning they're constantly pushing warm air back into the room. Add multiple monitors and charging devices into the mix, and your workspace can start to feel noticeably warmer.

When you've finished for the day, it's worth shutting down and unplugging equipment that doesn't need to stay on. Printers, speakers, extra monitors, and chargers are especially easy to disconnect, helping to reduce standby power and prevent unnecessary heat from lingering in your workspace.

If you're trying to keep a home cool in a heatwave, every small source of excess heat matters. Turning off and unplugging home office equipment overnight won't replace air conditioning, but it can help create a more comfortable environment while lowering energy use and giving your devices a break after a long day of use.

5. Appliances That Generate Extra Heat

During a heatwave, it's worth paying attention to the appliances that create unnecessary heat indoors. Table lamps, decorative lighting, and other small electrical items may not seem like obvious culprits, but many bulbs give off heat while they're switched on, subtly warming up a room throughout the day.

If possible, make the most of natural daylight and keep lamps switched off until the evening. It's a small change, but one that can help reduce heat build-up and lower electricity use at the same time.

A heatwave is also a good reminder to check the light bulbs you're using around your home. Older incandescent bulbs generate significantly more heat than modern LED alternatives, which run cooler and consume far less energy.

In my bedroom, I use the Philips Hue Smart 75W A19 LED Bulb, which I purchased on Amazon. I can control the lights directly from my smartphone, and they ended up being one of my favorite purchases from last year's Amazon Prime Day.

Shop Timers and Smart Plugs

Ultimately, keeping your home comfortable during extreme heat often comes down to reducing unnecessary electrical demand wherever you can. Limiting the use of heat-generating appliances and lighting is a simple step that can help keep rooms cooler, cut energy consumption, and ease the strain on both your appliances and the wider power grid.

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I’m always fascinated by the tension between a creator’s vision and the collaborative process. In looking at interiors, we’ll often talk about that authentic voice, that singular point of view. Let’s step back and look at those expressions...

To my eye, I’d say that the most compelling design projects are shaped by the conversation and critiques that challenge the initial idea. What makes a space intriguing is the result of many hands and many minds.

The solitary genius is a myth. Yes, Leonardo was an extraordinary visionary, but his ideas and projects were shaped by a dynamic studio of apprentices and artists, fueled by inventive patrons and mentors. Leadership in creative ventures is, of course, essential. Beyond the initial spark, the most interesting work is done around the table, debating, reiterating, sketching, reiterating, starting again… until resolution is found.

I remember arriving at architecture school and being stunned, absolutely floored, by the process. Prior to this, I’d studied the history of architecture and art in college.

Success was found by coming up with a thesis, doing the research, writing a paper, submitting it for review, reading the comments. It was a largely solitary effort.

The education of an architect or a designer is very different. I’ll never forget my first project in studio. It was unlike anything I'd ever known. The shock was that anyone walking by your studio desk could see what you were making, how you were thinking, whether you were flailing or sailing along.

There was a tremendous sense of exposure and vulnerability.

Unlike my time in college writing alone at my computer, which was a very private experience, in the studio, any passerby could witness – and comment on – a drawing, a model, a struggle, an idea, a victory.

And so they did, and this is where the fundamental learning occurs. A classmate would come by, 'Hey, I see where you’re going with this. Have you ever thought about removing that carbuncle and letting that form read as a pure bar?'

Often, a few others would come over and join in the critique, usually offering conflicting ideas and directions, turning concepts and spaces inside out, regularly leaving me upside down.

And the language… the vocabulary of design school was a language unto itself, one that used familiar words but was foreign and often impenetrable – talk about the envelop, genius loci, truncated, gesture, nodes, pods, palimpsest, morphology, transparency/opacity, simultaneity, parallax…

I remember sitting in on my first jury, as I was visiting Princeton before deciding to attend.

Setting the scene: the young architect was pinning up her drawings and setting down her models. Clearly sleep-deprived with hair uncombed, she stood before four or five critics, a few of whom she knew from the studio and the others brought in from other schools and practices, to present her work.

Clearly a veteran of the process, now in her third year of school, she began: her big idea, questions from jurors, her rationale and response, their debate of her work, a discussion which quickly veered from the specifics of her project to a larger academic discourse.

At the end of the day, the many hours she spent designing a nursery school on the Lower East Side inspired a conversation covering everything from challenges and solutions, incorporating outdoor play into early childhood settings, to sensory play and color theory.

And this is how we learn as designers. We learn through dialogue.

These conversations fuel my work, lift my spirits, and make my heart beat faster. From my years in architecture school decades ago to the present, these design discussions continue and never get old... whether with colleagues, mentors, collaborators, clients, students, interns, friends, my architect husband, my architect daughter, my consultant daughter, my Hollywood son.

Through collaboration, drawing, re-drawing, and beginning again, our projects evolve, becoming richer and more compelling.

In the coming months, I’m going to be writing more about collaboration, a topic that I find endlessly intriguing, in this column. How has partnering with an artist shaped the design of a room? With the explosion of AI, how do we take it on as a powerful collaborator... supporting craft and the hand? What are the key ingredients to success in the dialogue between the design and the maker?

And this September, I’ll be launching a book with Rizzoli called On Artistry, looking into our work with artists, artisans, and craftspeople.

Interior designer Joan Craig is one of Homes & Gardens' Editors-At-Large for By Design, sharing her thoughts on decor.

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Color has the power to completely shape how a space feels – and crucially, how expensive your home looks. The difference often comes down to nuance: undertones, saturation, and how a shade interacts with natural light.

While no color is inherently ‘wrong,’ designers agree that certain tones can unintentionally make a space feel flat, harsh, or overly mass-produced. Highly saturated hues, stark contrasts, and overly clean pigments tend to lack the depth that gives interiors a layered, lived-in quality.

Instead, designers consistently favor complex, slightly muted shades to make a house look expensive – colors with earthy undertones or softness that evolve throughout the day. Below, color experts share the tones they tend to avoid and the elevated alternatives they turn to instead.

1. Non-Earthy Greens

Green is often seen as a safe, nature-inspired choice – but not all greens bring the same sense of ease. Interior designer Harriet Sale notes that many people gravitate towards cleaner, brighter greens, but without any earthiness, these shades can feel slightly artificial. ‘One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing very clean or bright paint colors,’ she says, which can leave a room feeling ‘flat, harsh or slightly mass market’.

Harriet instead favors what she describes as ‘dirtier’ or muddier greens – tones with subtle olive, moss, or brown undertones that shift gently with the light. Hattie used Light Olive Green by Edward Bulmer in a recent barn conversion project to soften the feeling of a newly built space and create interiors that felt ‘grounded, settled and as though they had evolved naturally over time’. With its soft, chalky quality, the shade moves between olive, moss, and something almost stony depending on the light, creating a relaxed, timeless backdrop. As Harriet notes, ‘the best colors are the ones that feel as though they’ve always existed in the room’.

2. Fluorescent and Overly Saturated Hues

Bright, fluorescent tones can feel energetic, but they often overwhelm a space rather than enhance it. Interior designer Chizitera Pennington explains that ‘fluorescent colors demand a lot of attention and don’t easily give space for personal treasures and craftsmanship to shine,’ which can make a room feel less considered and ultimately less elevated.

Softened versions of bold colors – think ochres, clay tones, or sun-washed yellows – create a much more refined foundation. Chizitera points to shades like India Yellow and Marmelo by Farrow & Ball as perfect examples – earthier interpretations of brighter hues that feel confident rather than overwhelming. ‘Any color in a muted, earthy tone provides a solid foundation for a room,’ she says, allowing art, furniture, and personal details to shine.

3. Flat, Primary Blues

Blue can be one of the hardest colors to get right in a space – it can either feel calming and elevated or cold and slightly clinical, according to interior designer Ailsa MacConnell of Studio Mac. ‘Colors like this often have a flat, primary undertone, meaning they don’t interact particularly well with light.’ Without that complexity, the shade can feel one-dimensional with none of the tonal variation that creates visual interest.

Instead, Ailsa suggests turning to earthier, more nuanced blues, such as Cerullian Blue by Edward Bulmer. Unlike flatter tones, this shade has a soft, chalky undertone and is rich in natural pigment, allowing it to absorb and respond to light beautifully. The result is a color that shifts subtly throughout the day, adding depth and movement to a room.

4. Ultra-Bright, Cool Whites

Some of the most popular modern white paints are also the most deceptively difficult to use well. New York-based designer Lauren Carlucci points to Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore – ‘a crisp, pure white with slightly cool blue undertones’ – as a key example. While undeniably beautiful, she notes that ‘beautiful does not always mean right.’ The challenge lies in its clarity. ‘Chantilly Lace tends to expose what a room is missing rather than enhance what it already has,’ Lauren explains. In spaces with warm woods, brass, or natural stone, it can feel cool and slightly detached, even competing with the materials it’s meant to support.

Lauren recommends Dimity by Farrow & Ball, ‘a warm white with the palest blush undertone that shifts beautifully throughout the day’. Its subtle warmth creates a more cohesive, composed feel, allowing surrounding materials to sit in harmony.

5. Stark, Brilliant Whites

While similar in theory, stark whites pose a different issue – particularly in homes with softer natural light. ‘A very stark, brilliant white can often make a room feel flat and slightly cold,’ says designer Hattie Hansard of Joanna Wood Interiors. She adds that it can make interiors feel ‘developer-led or temporary,’ while running the risk of stripping away warmth and making architectural details appear harsher.

Hattie’s alternatives include Slipper Satin and Joa’s White by Farrow & Ball, both of which offer a gentler, more enveloping quality. These tones respond beautifully to shifting light, creating a calmer, more timeless feel that works effortlessly with natural materials and traditional details.

6. Cool-Toned Grays

Once a go-to neutral, cool-toned gray has quickly fallen out of favor among designers. Los Angeles-based designer Kim Lapin says she ‘especially avoids icy grays,’ explaining that they can make a space feel ‘flat, cold, and lifeless’. Often associated with more generic, overly sterile interiors, these shades can feel uninviting even when styled well.

In their place, Kim favors more grounded neutrals – shades that feel connected to natural materials rather than synthetic or overly polished finishes. Colors like Shoji White by Sherwin-Williams, Revere Pewter and Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore have a slightly weightier, more tactile quality – rather than sitting flat on the walls, these tones work in tandem with wood, stone, and textile.

7. In-Between Pinks

Not all soft colors feel calming – some can read as uncertain or indecisive. Designer and author Libby Cameron points to shades like Hummingbird by Benjamin Moore, a muted pink paint that sits somewhere between blush and mauve. The issue, she suggests, is not softness itself but a lack of clarity: tones like this can feel ‘neither one thing nor the other,’ which can leave a space looking unresolved.

If you’re drawn to pink, Libby recommends opting for something more defined, such as Ballet Slippers by Benjamin Moore – a true, pale pink that feels calm and flattering without ambiguity.

Ultimately, creating a home that feels considered comes down to nuance. The most successful schemes rely on subtle shifts in tone – colors with the right undertones, a sense of balance, and an awareness of how light moves through a space. Rather than relying on stark contrasts or overly perfect finishes, designers tend to favor palettes that feel cohesive and gently varied. It’s this interplay, between materials, color, and light, that gives a room its sense of ease and longevity. Even the smallest adjustment, whether warming up a white or choosing a more grounded green, can transform how a space is perceived.

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Keeping a garage cool is rarely top of mind for many homeowners, yet in hot, humid summers and during extended heatwaves, these spaces can become significantly hotter than the rest of the home. Poor insulation, limited airflow, and minimal ventilation often mean heat builds up quickly, especially in sun-exposed or attached garages, which can also put stored belongings at risk.

Garages also tend to become the most cluttered areas of the home, gradually filling with tools, seasonal items, and boxes that don’t have a permanent place indoors. When this happens, they can turn into catch-all storage spaces that are difficult to manage. Good garage organization helps restore order and can also improve airflow, reducing trapped heat and making the space more usable.

More broadly, many of the same principles apply across the home when temperatures rise. Understanding how to keep a home cool without AC and cool in the summer often comes down to improving ventilation, limiting heat gain, and managing sunlight during peak hours – strategies that are just as relevant in a garage as they are in living spaces.

Seasonal adaptability matters too. While summer heat can make garages uncomfortable and potentially damaging for stored items, winter brings the opposite challenge, particularly in colder US states. Planning ahead for both extremes ensures the space remains practical year-round, including how to heat a garage in winter when temperatures drop.

1. Make Sure Your Garage Has Proper Ventilation And Insulation

Proper insulation and ventilation are two of the most effective ways to keep a garage cool during the summer months. Insulation in the walls and ceiling helps slow heat transfer, preventing warm outdoor air from turning the space into an oven.

Many garages in the US are either poorly insulated or not insulated at all, which allows heat to penetrate easily through thin walls and garage doors. ‘If you insulate the walls, ceiling, and garage door effectively using rigid foam insulation, you can significantly reduce the amount of heat that enters,’ says Josh Mitchell, HVAC Expert and Owner of Air Conditioner Lab. ‘I’ve seen this technique work wonders in many garages – once the insulation is installed, the temperature difference can be astonishing,’ he adds.

Ventilation is just as important as insulation. Using ceiling fans to keep air moving, along with opening windows when possible, helps prevent hot, stagnant air from building up. This allows fresh air to circulate without needing to leave the garage door open, which would otherwise let in even more heat.

2. Use A Dehumidifier

In many garages, especially in humid regions or during summer heatwaves, the air can feel much warmer than it actually is due to excess moisture. Controlling humidity is, therefore, a simple but effective way to make the space more comfortable, and a dehumidifier can help achieve that quickly.

‘The way a dehumidifier works is by drawing in the moisture in the air across cooling coils. As the air hits the coils, it condenses and loses its moisture and heat,’ explains Josh Mitchell.

By removing excess humidity, a dehumidifier reduces that heavy, sticky feeling that often makes garages unbearable in warmer months. The result is a noticeably drier, more comfortable environment that feels cooler even without significantly lowering the actual temperature.

For US homes, a practical option is the hOmeLabs 50 Pint Dehumidifier, available on Amazon. It’s well-suited to larger garage spaces, with continuous drain capability and a built-in pump option that makes it easier to run for long periods without constant emptying.