When you visit a nursery you might be seduced by the colorful, pre-planted annuals displayed in pots and baskets. They're often thoughtfully planted by talented garden center workers. It's a great option if you’re looking for instant gratification. Or you could create your own mixed container for an easy, fun and often money-saving project. A few guidelines if you go that route. Plants that go into a container together should have the same basic watering and sun requirements. Make sure that when they grow to their full size they won't crowd each other out. Put a hole in the bottom of the container for drainage. And use potting soil rather than denser garden soil.

Backyards long have been places to unwind and enjoy some peace and quiet surrounded by nature.

Culinary herbs are among the easiest plants you can grow. They only need sunlight, water, and well-draining soil with a neutral pH. You don’t even need a garden. Herbs such as rosemary, basil, cilantro, lemon balm, oregano and mint will grow well in containers. In fact, mints should only be grown in containers, unless you don’t mind a garden takeover. Select a site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If you're planting seedlings, follow the spacing recommendations on the plant tags or seed packet. Some herbs are well-suited for direct sowing into the garden. Check the seed packs for guidance.

It’s prime planting time in many regions. Gardeners are flocking to garden centers for annuals and starter plants. And those who have grown plants from seeds indoors might be gearing up to transplant them in the garden now. But seedlings can’t typically go straight from an indoor nursery or home growing station to outdoor gardens without risk. They need to be hardened off first. Hardening off means gradually introducing plants to environmental conditions like sunlight, wind and temperature fluctuations. Without it they could get sunburned or go into shock from more sun, wind or cold than they’re used to. Stressed plants might recover, but their growth could be set back by a few weeks.

Driveways are oft-overlooked components of home exteriors. But driveways provide functionality and points of egress to a home. Industry experts estimate a new driveway costs between $5,000 and $7,000, though the price will vary based on the materials homeowners choose and the square footage of the driveway.

Electricity helps run the world, including our homes and businesses. Without electricity, we’d have no access to lighting, our interior spaces might not be heated or cooled effectively, and the computers and other devices we rely on so heavily would not run.

It can be tempting to think that bugs simply disappear in the cooler months. The truth is that many bug species have evolved to survive all year long, sometimes hiding in the warm nooks and crannies in and around homes. Others go into a hibernation-like state.

If you’re like many outdoor enthusiasts, the warm months mean fun bonfire parties with sing-a-longs, scary stories and s’mores, right in your backyard. But having a wood-burning firepit requires having a dedicated place to store firewood.

A lush, green lawn is a point of pride for many homeowners. Eye-catching landscaping anchored by a healthy lawn is one of the key ways to improve the value and curb appeal of a home. In fact, the experts at HGTV say an attractive and well-maintained landscape can add as much as 10 percent to the value of a home.

Warm weather paves the way to more opportunities to enjoy fresh air. For homeowners who have the luxury of outdoor spaces, including private patios, now is the time to start thinking about projects to enhance these gathering spots.

As any homeowner knows, renovation projects tend to cost a lot of money. The average cost of a home renovation is difficult to gauge, as such endeavors run the gamut from complex projects such as a kitchen overhaul to simpler ones like painting a room inside a home. Indeed, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry notes that scope is what drives the cost of a renovation project.

The average home is full of potentially poisonous items. From cleaning products to medications to foods and beverages, a host of items around the house can make a person sick or prove fatal.

Spring is a season of renewal. When the flowers are blooming and the trees are budding and the weather is pleasantly warm, people often feel inspired to make changes around their homes. Work may begin with culling belongings and organizing essentials.

Homeowners who decide to renovate one or more rooms in their homes might be excited about the changes that are in store. Even simple modifications to paint color or accessories can change the look of a space. Larger renovations can produce even more dramatic effects.

The following property transfers have been recorded in the Greene County Recorder of Deeds office the week of March 9.

The following property transfers have been recorded in the Greene County Recorder of Deeds office the week of March 2.

The home renovation industry is booming, and that’s reflected in the cost to upgrade a home. Home Guide says remodeling a kitchen costs $25,000 on average, and a bathroom renovation runs about $10,000. Though rates fluctuate depending on a host of variables, renovations can cost $15 to $60 per square foot depending on the project.

Home renovations provide a host of benefits. Such projects can increase resale value and improve on the safety, aesthetics and functionality of a home.

Buying furniture can be an exciting prospect. The opportunity to breathe new life into a home with the addition of different furnishings inspires many people. At the same time, searching for furniture can be a tad overwhelming, especially when homeowners do not know where to begin.