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There’s a whole world of little-known types of Solomon’s seal. Some variegated selections are truly unique, and many plant sizes are available. You can find dwarf forms less than 6 inches tall and varieties up to 12 feet tall. These can be pricey and aren’t usually found at commercial garden centers, so check online or at local specialty nurseries. Although birds and other wildlife relish the berries, all parts of the plant—particularly the berries—are toxic to humans....

Depending on the style of your home, the fireplace surround may range from a few discreet rows of bricks to a commanding structure. And beyond the fireplace, if you have a contemporary-style house or have added a room, tackled a loft conversion, or remodeled, you may have an expanse of interior brick to confront. Whether the brick broods darkly over your room or adds comfortable rustic character depends largely on its color, and how well it integrates into your room’s color scheme....

Cleaning a washing machine filter involves first locating the filter (this might be the trickiest part!), soaking and/or scrubbing it clean, replacing it, and running a short, empty wash cycle. This article provides all the information you need to clean the filter successfully, including how often to do so. Locating the Filter To locate the filter on your washing machine, consult the owner’s manual. Typically, the filter will be located in one of these places:...

And its capabilities go way beyond frying: You can use your air fryer to cook, bake, roast, and broil a wide variety of dinners, snacks, and even desserts. But once you’re done air-frying your lightened-up treat, it’s important to clean the appliance to wipe away any leftover oil, crumbs, and stuck-on food. We’ll show you how to clean an air fryer and keep it in top shape so it’s ready to use for your next recipe....

The best ways to clean burnt pots and pans involve additional household ingredients or cleaners that can cut through the grease and lift away stuck-on grime. Most methods also require a bit of scrubbing, so be prepared to do some work to make your pot or pan sparkle again. It’s also important to note that your approach should differ depending on the material of your cookware. Stainless-steel pans can stand up to a certain amount of scouring, but abrasive cleaning methods could damage your nonstick pans....

Dishwashers use extra-hot water and powerful detergents to cut through grease and stuck-on food on your dishes, but these harsh cleaning methods can cause discoloration, mar the finish, or leave unsightly spots on your silverware. Especially for pieces made from real sterling silver or plated with a special finish, a gentler cleaning technique is essential to ward off damage and stains. We’ll show you how to clean silverware in a variety of finishes using natural household ingredients, including how to properly dry and store the pieces when you’re done....

Breaded pork chops taste incredibly hearty and satisfying in the fall and winter. So book a ticket to comfort-food heaven, and serve them with one of our favorite hearty mashed potato recipes. In summer, learn what temperature to fry pork chops without flour or other coatings for a light, fuss-free entrée and serve with a great side salad for a full dinner. Whichever style you choose, you’ll learn the No....

“Transitional-style kitchens display an airy and casual elegance that draws you in,” says Atlanta-based interior designer Loretta Willis. “Its clean architectural lines and often neutral finishes speak to an ageless and classic style that borrows the best of traditional and contemporary design.” Another reason for its popularity? The versatile style draws from and feeds into surrounding rooms, making it especially effective for homes with open layouts. The keys to transitional kitchen design are a simple color palette and a cohesive design that eliminates visual distractions like patterns and clutter....

A liner made of flexible synthetic rubber or PVC sheeting or of rigid plastic or fiberglass. This liner contains the water and prevents leaks. A bed of sand. This provides the resting spot for the liner; less common materials include clay or concrete. Edging materials, typically stones or concrete pavers. Edging also prevents surface water from draining into the pond, which can cause contamination. Landscape Pond Maintenance Routines It seems counterintuitive, but there can be fewer steps to maintaining a large landscape pond than a small one....

Pull the sheet and foam pad to the back of one of the long side’s stretcher boards; staple in place at the center. Do the same for the other long side, then repeat the process for the short sides. Working from the center of each board toward the corners, add a few staples at a time to each side until you reach the corners. At the corners, fold and tuck the sheet as you would if making a bed; staple in place....

Buy It: Lodge 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Griddle ($25, Target) Buy It: Personal NutriBullet ($80, NutriBullet) Buy It: 23 Lightened-Up Versions of Your Favorite Comfort Foods

1. Moderate Weather Warm, not hot, days coupled with cool nights are the perfect forecast for establishing new plants. Spring can suddenly turn hot and dry, which often spells doom for fragile new plants. Fall weather, on the other hand, is generally more settled and more likely to stay on the cool, rainy side. 2. Fewer Pests From hungry insects to plant diseases, fall is usually quiet on the pest-patrol front....

Countless food trends have swept the nation since BHG launched in 1922. There are a lot of dishes and ingredients that have stood the test of time and are still popular today. For example, cooking inexpensive meals with readily available or canned foods is as essential to today’s home kitchens as it was 100 years ago. Other trends, such as the aspic days where every course was encased in gelatin, might be better left in the ’50s....

Size: Up to 12 inches tall Light: Bright to low, indirect light Watering: Water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid getting water droplets on the leaves (which will damage them); place the pot in a shallow dish filled with about an inch of water for 30 minutes so the roots can soak up water from the bottom. Size: Up to 20 inches tall Light: Bright, indirect light Watering: Water when the soil is dry to the touch (Anthurium doesn’t like consistently moist soil) Size: Up to 18 inches Light: Bright, indirect light Watering: Water when the soil feels dry to the touch....

Test Kitchen Tip: Not a fan of pineapple? Prepare the recipe with canned peaches or apricots instead. Test Kitchen Tip: Want to spice up your Easter ham recipe? Try adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish to the glaze. Test Kitchen Tip: For a non-alcoholic version, substitute an equal amount of apple juice for the whiskey. Test Kitchen Tip: Try using the sweet and savory plum glaze on grilled chicken or roast pork....

Test Garden Tip: Leave a partial view from the front to the back to create an illusion that makes your yard feel larger. Front-Yard Landscaping Ideas Keep your yard as green as it can be with eco-friendly gardening tips. Test Garden Tip: If you plant bamboo, select the type carefully. Clumping types, such as black bamboo, spread more slowly than aggressive “running” types. Test Garden Tip: Know exactly how much sun your area gets before setting out containers....

Sometimes living large means thinking small. If your outdoor space lacks square footage, it might seem like your outdoor entertaining dreams are far-fetched—but with a bit of creative thinking, solid design advice, and clever additions, you can make the most of your yard. 1. Add a Multifunctional Outdoor Bar Cart Fear not if your yard or patio is too small for an outdoor bar. Create your own portable drink station with a weather-resistant cart....

Grab a box and set your little leprechauns loose with paper, glue, and markers. We love this creative setup by Kellie from The Suburban Soapbox if you need inspiration. Make Chocolate Sprinkle Doughnuts: Dip the tops of O-shaped cereal into melted dark or white chocolate (the tines of a fork work well for this) and cover with sprinkles. Make Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts: Over medium-high heat, dissolve 1/2 cup sugar in 1/2 cup water....