Tag Archives: Lifestyle

Foldable heater and camping stove concept attaches to your bike for outdoor adventures

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Those who enjoy spending time outdoors regularly or occasionally need to have a lot of tools with them especially if they will be spending the night camping. There are a lot of different products that they can bring along but if you’re just biking, you need some things that are more portable since you can only carry so much. There are also designers that are more into creating concepts and sometimes actual products to cater to this market.

Designer: Andrea Casagrande

The Leikki is a concept for wood-burning camping stove that is all about portability. The design is inspired by the Risuketin, a traditional Finnish stove found in homes that serve as heaters and as cooking stoves. The designer was also inspired by hexagon shapes since it is “the most efficient way to organize a space symmetrically”. What he came up with is a lightweight stove that is easy to assemble and bring around even if your transportation is only a bike.

The assembly process only takes three basic steps if you’re able to follow instructions easily. Open the gusset face, insert the different grills, and then close the whole thing with a pin. On paper it should be pretty easy and I assume that most hikers and campers are good at following instructions. There’s an upper hole where you can inser twigs and then to insert wood, lift the pan and then put it inside.

The stove can fit different types and sizes of pots and pans and you need to place different support pieces depending on the size. If you don’t have wood to cook, you can take the ash pan, turn it upside down and then place on the top of the grate then use solid fuel or alcohol. It comes with a case which you can strap to your bike and also place other stuff inside that you may need to bring on your trip.

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HILU Bluvet blanket/duvet hybrid feels like you have a personal AC in bed

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There are many techniques and strategies going around the Web on how to get a good night’s sleep, but many neglect the most basic requirement of all: comfort. If you’re sweating buckets all through the night, it shouldn’t take a genius to know why you feel even more tired when waking up, presuming you even got any shut-eye at all. Keeping the body cool is critical in getting that good night’s sleep, but that’s easier said than done, especially given how different people respond to environmental factors differently. Some find air conditioning units too cold, while others feel they aren’t enough, and that’s not even considering you might not be the only one in the room sharing the bed. It would be nice if you could envelope yourself with cool air tailored specifically to your body, which is what this simple yet innovative blanket brings to your bed and to your life.

Designer: HILU

Click Here to Buy Now: $159 $269 ($110 off). Hurry, 57/150 left! Raised over $50,000.

Blankets and comforters are designed to keep you toasty on cold nights but also tend to trap warm or hot air on warm nights. Four times cooler than linen but just as comfortable on your skin, the HILU Bluvet, a portmanteau of “blanket” and “duvet,” actually works in reverse to keep your body temperature down and experience a refreshing and comfortable sleep. This works wonders for your body during warmer seasons or weather, making it feel like you have your own personal air conditioning unit under the sheets.

HILU Bluvet is made of a special cooling yarn blend, revolutionary Adaptex CoolWeev fabric, that wicks away excess body heat, keeping you cool, dry, and fresh all night.

The secret is HILU’s proprietary Adaptex CoolWeev fabric designed to wick heat away from your body. Made from gel-spun fibers, the Eco-cool Polyfibers are woven into yarn to produce a material that is incredibly strong yet also feather-light. While other cooling mattresses need to make you sweat to cool you down, the Bluvet stops you from sweating in the first place by absorbing excess heat from the air around your body. Whether you’re using it as a blanket, a duvet, or even a mattress topper, the HILU Bluvet guarantees a soothing slumber every time.

Of course, a cool body won’t be much help if you’re scratching all night, which is why the Adaptex CoolWeev fabric is designed to be antimicrobial and hypoallergenic to protect your skin from irritation. It also prevents the build-up of bacteria and odors, so you wake up not only feeling fresh but smelling as fresh as when you went to bed. And when the blanket does get dirty, you can safely put it in the washing machine in the morning and have it dry and ready for bedtime on the same day. Built to last and with a 10-year limited warranty, this blanket/duvet hybrid will keep you company and cool for thousands of nights to come.

With the HILU Bluvet, you’re not just investing in comfort; you’re also choosing a cleaner, healthier sleep environment.

HILU Bluvet also lets you sleep with peace of mind thanks to its environment-conscious design. Made with OEKO-TEX-certified materials, the blanket utilizes eco-friendly and recycled materials that help not only reduce waste but also minimize any harmful impact on the environment. The HILU Bluvet comes in cream, blue, and green colors as well as Queen (90in x 90in) and King (102in x 90in) sizes to match your style, but why stop at having a cool body when you can have a cool head as well? Grab a set with two HILU Dual-Tech Pillowcases, with one side utilizing graphene technology to keep a consistent perfect temperature regardless of the season, while the other side features the same Adaptex CoolWeev fabric for that refreshing cool feeling every time.

After introducing the world’s first thermoregulating graphene blanket, HILU is once again revolutionizing the market to offer a cool new blanket that will also keep you cool no matter the season. So stop wasting your nights tossing and turning, drenched in sweat, and wrap yourself in the cool embrace of the HILU Bluvet and get the most comfortable sleep every night.

Click Here to Buy Now: $159 $269 ($110 off). Hurry, 57/150 left! Raised over $50,000.

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20 Best Succulents for Beginners: Easy-to-Grow Varieties You’ll Love

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Introducing a touch of nature into your home not only enhances its beauty but also elevates the atmosphere with positivity. If you’re in search of attractive and low-maintenance plants, then nothing beats the beauty of indoor succulents. These delightful additions not only bring visual appeal but also contribute to a serene and inviting ambiance.

Image courtesy of: BlackBoxGuild

What are Succulents?

Succulents, known for storing water in their leaves, often have thick foliage, though the thickness varies among species. They thrive in dry climates and dislike high humidity. Proper watering is key for growth and flowering, as they can withstand drought by using stored water and nutrients but may rot if overwatered. Most prefer warmth and can’t survive freezing temperatures, which can lead to damage or decay. While some tolerate freezing to an extent, they still prefer warmth. Changes in temperature, water, or sunlight can alter their color, with some “blushing” or changing hues in response to increased sunlight.

1. Jade Plant (crassula ovata)

Image courtesy of: klenova

Like a bonsai, the jade plant features a thick trunk and branch structure resembling a miniature tree. Its glossy, dark green leaves grow oval, with some varieties displaying a reddish tint at the leaf tips. Under suitable conditions, mature jade plants may bloom beautiful white or pink star-shaped flowers.

2. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller)

Image courtesy of: Olivier_Le_Moal

Aloe vera is a must-have for anyone wanting a succulent in their garden, thanks to its rich history in traditional medicine, beauty, and nutrition. Even if you’re not into medicinal herbs, you can still benefit from aloe vera’s widespread availability. Plus, it’s low-maintenance—just avoid overwatering for a healthy plant.

3. Snake Plant (Dracaena Trifasciata)

Image courtesy of: tsableaux

Snake Plants, classified as succulents, are adept at water retention despite their upright leaves. To prevent yellowing or wilting, refrain from overwatering and only hydrate them when the soil is dry.

4. Burro’s Tail (Sedum Morganianum)

Image courtesy of: uladzimirz

The donkey tail plant, also known as Sedum morganianum, is easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice for beginners. Being a cactus, it is easy to care for—just place it in a well-draining pot and water occasionally.

5. Zebra Plant (Fasciated Haworthia)

Image courtesy of: Farknot

The zebra plant looks beautiful with its striking white or silvery bands on lush green leaves. Its thick, fleshy foliage makes it highly adaptable to different conditions, making it an excellent choice for any environment. Just ensure it gets plenty of bright light, whether from a bulb or the sun, making it perfect for indoor gardens.

6. Whale’s Tongue Agave (Agave ovatifolia)

Image courtesy of: ClaireLuci

The striking appearance of the Whale’s Tongue Agave makes it an interesting addition to any garden. Make a note that it can grow to be up to five feet tall and six feet wide.

7. Zebra haworthia’s (Haworthia fasciata)

Image courtesy of: wirestock

Zebra haworthia, with its striking stripes and spiky foliage, may appear rare, but it’s readily available at garden centers and easy to care for. Just place it near a window for a few hours of bright, indirect light daily, and let the soil dry completely between waterings. It’s also perfect for terrariums or growing alongside other succulents because of its small size.

8. Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)

By Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova

Panda plants, native to Madagascar, have fuzzy gray-green leaves with soft, silvery hairs and brown or rust-colored spots at the tips. They grow slowly, reaching about 2 feet tall indoors. It is recommended to provide bright light near a window and allow the soil to dry between waterings, being careful not to wet the leaves to prevent rot.

9. African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona)

Image courtesy of: Prickle

This eye-catching succulent, requiring minimal attention, includes unique varieties like the Rubra with green and magenta hues. Care entails ample direct sunlight, light watering, and adaptability to various soils, but it’s toxic to pets.

10. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)

Image courtesy of: Multipedia

This houseplant, aptly named for its winter blooming, especially around Christmas, thrives with regular watering and enjoys occasional misting during its growing season in the spring. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining cacti mix soil.

11. String of Pearls Green (Senecio Rowleyanus)

Image courtesy of: varyapigu

The String of Pearls is a unique succulent with long, trailing stems adorned with small, pearl-like leaves. Its cascading growth makes it perfect for hanging baskets or as a trailing accent indoors or outdoors. Easy to care for, it requires bright, indirect light and infrequent watering.

12. Hens-and-Chicks (empervivum tectorum)

Image courtesy of: 30thte

Hens-and-chicks is well-known for its low maintenance and drought tolerance. The “hen” rosette is connected to its “chicks” via delicate roots, thriving in containers or rock gardens. Typically reaching 3 to 6 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide, it prefers bright light and well-draining soil, such as cacti or succulent mixes.

13. Echeveria

Image courtesy of: lma_stock

Echeveria, with its striking rosettes resembling giant roses, thrives in containers or mixed with other succulents in the ground. It also does well indoors with sufficient bright light and prefers part to full sun exposure.

14. Angelina Stonecrop (Sedum Angelina)

Image courtesy of: Sugar Creek Gardens

The Angelina Stonecrop is an evergreen perennial featuring succulent foliage that creates a dense, low-growing mat. Thriving in rocky or gravelly terrain, it produces small yellow flowers during the summer months. As autumn approaches, its foliage transforms into a warm orange or rust hue.

15. String of Bananas (Senecio radicans)

Image courtesy of: ellinnur

The trailing indoor succulent plant features long tendrils of small banana-like leaves, ideal for standalone or mixed plantings. Regular pruning encourages thick, lush growth. It thrives in filtered sunlight and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.

16. Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

Image courtesy of: trimarchi_photo

The Ponytail palm, often mistaken for a palm tree but a succulent, is highly prized as one of the most appealing large houseplants. Its distinctive swollen stem base, resembling an elephant’s foot, has earned it the nickname “Elephant Foot Palm.” Thriving in sunny spots or bright indirect sunlight, it’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives on neglect, requiring infrequent watering.

17. Bear Paws (Cotyledon tomentosa)

Image courtesy of: Abu Shawka

The bear paw succulent, perfect for indoor gardens, features thick, fuzzy leaves with dark red margins resembling bear claws, and can grow up to 1 foot tall. To care for it, water when the topsoil is 1-2 inches dry and place it in an area with full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.

18. Pinwheel Desert Rose (Aeonium arboreum)

Image courtesy of: nanihta

Also called Black Rose Tree Houseleek, this perennial succulent displays fleshy rosettes in solid colors or variegated hues of green, yellow, white, or red. It thrives in most light conditions, including partial shade, and should be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out.

19. Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)

Image courtesy of: kostiuchenko

This striking cactus features bright red, yellow, and orange round tops on a green rootstock. It thrives with a dry period before heavy watering. To ensure optimal growth, place the green rootstock near a bright, indirect, sunny window for plenty of sunlight. While some indirect light is beneficial, limit direct sunlight exposure to no more than 2 hours daily to prevent color fading.

20. Happy Bean (Peperomia ferreyrae)

Image courtesy of: takemewu31

Also known as Pincushion Peperomia, this succulent features bushy, curved leaves and can reach up to 8 inches in height and spread. For best growth, place it in full sun to partial shade and water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.

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Eight-pointed start censer adds a regal and mystical presence to your space

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There is no shortage of censers and incense holders these days, and considering how many of them are either designed for the home or for travel, it’s no surprise that the majority of them embrace more minimalist aesthetics. These can fit in almost any kind of interior design theme and they tend to avoid being distracting. Some people, however, prefer to have a different kind of imagery when trying to settle their minds, one that may remind them of worlds beyond what we can see or physically feel. This wood and metal censer may look simple at first glance, but it can easily evoke feelings of awe and wonder thanks to its use of one of the most mystical symbols known to man: a star.

Designer: Rafael Maia

Given their distant and almost ethereal appearance, stars have always symbolized not just the heavens but also the majesty associated with it. Human history is filled with symbolism, art, and jewelry that use these heavenly bodies for inspiration, so what’s to stop modern designers from applying the same tradition to products intended to relax or elevate people’s consciousness to new heights? The eight-pointed star design, in particular, has associations with some religions and is an interesting geometric figure in its own right.

Star of the Orient is a censer inspired by religious themes, though the emotional and psychological effects of the design often apply universally, regardless of people’s inclinations. The censer’s star-like shape can be fully appreciated when looking at it from the top, usually when preparing the incense or cleaning the censer. The repeating pattern of lines radiating from the center and following the shape of the star creates a mesmerizing effect as if the golden star is pulsating and flickering like a real star in the sky.

In addition to this stellar theme, the censer’s tall form is also a bit contrary to the often diminutive sizes of most home censers. It has an almost imposing character, standing majestically on any surface while also blending with its surroundings. The combination of wood and bronze creates a sense of duality, not unlike the separation of the Earth and the sky where the star resides. At the same time, the sustainable materials also give off a guiltless feeling as you focus on the gentle puff of smoke rising from the top.

The censer’s design is simple without falling into the minimalist box. At the same time, the details and non-trivial shape create a point of visual interest that won’t distract you from lofty thoughts. And when you’re not using the censer, the Star of the Orient stands as a majestic piece of home decoration that adds a bit of a mystical accent to your space.

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Concrete iPhone MagSafe Stand adds a touch of Brutalism to your Desk Setup

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I think it’s wonderful that we managed to create an entire art movement out of trauma and recovery. The Brutalist design period was mainly seen as a post-war period when buildings were being rebuilt to help cities restore themselves. With very little money to spend on opulence, architects often opted for more utilitarian styles, relying purely on concrete (sometimes without even so much as a coat of paint) to reconstruct societies and neighborhoods. This is a period that people associate with pure functionality to the point of emotional coldness, and somehow, it managed to turn into an architectural style even though the severe limitations on aesthetics. Today, brutalism is seen as a design style that reflects a clutter-free mind, or an almost industrial approach to life – brutalism is getting revived in homes, and even in home decor, with people making their own concrete side tables, using exposed concrete facades indoors, and opting for concrete stationery/decor too. To that end, the Monument brings a wonderful touch of brutalism to homes. Inspired by the cold architecture of brutalist Germany/UK and Soviet-era Russia (with a touch of Arrakis from Dune), the Monument is a monolithic stand that docks your iPhone’s MagSafe charger.

Designer: The Artifox

The stand comes cast in a single block, with no extra parts, glue, or fasteners. It’s as monolithic and brutalist as it gets. The relatively clean design emphasizes the brutalist approach further. Place the Monument anywhere on table and you can pass the Apple MagSafe Wireless Charger right through it, effectively concealing the wire within the Monument’s hollow body. A micro-suction pad holds the charger in place, and the MagSafe magnets allow your iPhone to securely attach to the Monument, allowing it to charge.

The Monument is position-agnostic. You can mount your iPhone either in portrait mode, allowing you to make video calls or watch TikTok videos. Flip it into horizontal mode and you can either watch YouTube/Netflix on it, or activate the iPhone’s Standby Mode which turns the screen into a functional display with clocks, calendars, widgets, and photos to choose from.

At a whopping 2lbs, the Monument is as stable as can be, so you can stop worrying about your phone ever getting knocked over. A felt base ensures that the stand doesn’t scratch your tables either. Each Monument is made in the USA, and comes in two colors – a lighter Natural color, and a darker Charcoal finish (shown here), and starts at $90.

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Aestus Signature Pen gives off luxurious vibe with stainless steel and ceramic dock

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Even though I live mostly in the digital world, I love to journal and write things down so I also collect a lot of pens. They’re mostly the gel pens and the cheaper ones because fountain pens can be pretty expensive. Besides, my handwriting is sometimes undecipherable (even to myself) so I don’t want to waste my money on something that may not be that useful.

Designer: Rahil Hasan

Some of my friends who collect fountain pens have told me though that these kinds of pen are better for my handwriting (and maybe my mental health). Aestus is a limited edition signature pen that caught my attention because of its unique form. I actually thought it was a tiny light saber at first glance, but a lot of fountain pens do look like they come from Star Wars.

This pen is made from high grade stainless steel and has two geometric shapes that turn from a hexagon profile into a circle. What makes this even more sophisticated is that it comes with a ceramic docking unit where you can place the pen when not in use. It has a layer of cork in both the upper part and the base. So the design of the pen and the docking unit gives off a luxury product vibe.

The prototype for the Aestus pen was created in India’s largets prototyping center, T-Works. They presented a prototype as a token to the CEO and Chairman of tech company FoxConn, Mr. Young Liu. They haven’t said yet if this will be available for commercial purchase but it will probably be pretty expensive so it’s an aspirational product for some fountain pen collectors.

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Gundam x Crocs All-Terrain Clog is memorable tribute to the most iconic mobile suit

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Have you been a huge fan of the RX-78-2, but had been missing out on the 45th Anniversary celebrations of the original “Mobile Suit Gundam?” The Japanese mecha anime franchise has collaborated with Crocs to give you another chance to rejoice in love. The duo has idealized a pair of adventure Clogs created in theme with the interesting designs of the old-generation mobile suits.

The collaborative Gundam x Crocs All-Terrain Clog is an instant reminder of the Japanese anime. It is tailored for the outdoor adventure and is dressed in the color and gimmicks of the famous RX-78-2 aka Gundam that’s piloted by the protagonist Amuro Ray.

Designer: Gundam X Crocs

Since adventurers and the outdoorsy are the prime targets for the partnership footwear, it is designed to be durable enough to last whatever you through at it. Walk over uneven trails, leave footprints on sand, or splash your way home through slush on the road, this pair of inspired clogs will not disappoint.

But an outdoor-first mindset is not the only distinguisher of the Gundam x Crocs All-Terrain Clogs. This is, as informed, a canvas of creative Gundam fusion. The iconic clogs dressed in a combination of red, white, yellow and blue hues is a memorable tribute to the most iconic mobile suit we have known, and you would agree!

To keep up with the adventure theme, these clogs come with some interesting upgrades. The details you’ll see throw give this pair a mechanical vibe with its rugged outsole, protruding yellow TPU addition at the forefoot, molded Croslite foam uppers, and “RX-78-2“branded turbo heel straps for a snug fit. Gundam-themed Jibbitz charms are also included for more glam and style. The distinctly styled Gundam x Crocs All-Terrain Clog is slated to ship starting 23 July through the Crocs website. The adult sizing starts at $75, while the kid’s pairs will cost $60.

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Heineken Bottles get transformed into Recycled Glassware and Lampshades

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Heineken is taking a bold step towards sustainability with its latest initiative, Waste-to-Wear, coinciding with the launch of returnable bottles in South Africa. This innovative project transforms single-use bottles into stylish homeware and wearable pieces, marking a significant move in the company’s commitment to reducing waste.

Designer: Sonic State and Heineken

The Heineken bottles are usually made of glass, a versatile and long-lasting material. Glass can be easily cleaned and reused, making it an unfortunate choice as a one-time disposable item. This inherent durability and adaptability of glass allow it to be molded and designed into a variety of household items and even wearables, showcasing its potential beyond single use.

The Waste-to-Wear collection is an extension of Heineken South Africa’s Fields Green With Grass, Not Glass initiative. This project aims to tackle two critical issues: reducing environmental impact and enhancing urban aesthetics. By repurposing broken glass “hotspots,” the initiative not only beautifies urban areas but also addresses the ecological consequences of discarded glass bottles.

In collaboration with the creative agency Sonic State, Heineken has repurposed bottles collected from these hotspots into a range of stunning items. These include 3,000 rings, 3,000 medallions, and a unique collection of homeware, such as dinner sets and a hops-inspired pendant light. Each piece reflects thoughtful design and environmental consciousness, demonstrating how waste can be transformed into something beautiful and functional.

This initiative is part of a broader focus on sustainability and community development. It includes the introduction of new returnable bottles and the Green Zones Project, which converts broken glass hotspots into green spaces. The first phase of this project has established five green zones in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban, covering over 5,000 square meters. These zones feature indigenous plants and grasses, food gardens, and creative art installations, transforming urban spaces into vibrant, eco-friendly areas.

This project has also brought recognition to Sonic State, which won Bronze at the New York Festivals Ad Awards 2024 for this innovative initiative. This accolade highlights the vision and collaboration between Heineken South Africa, Sonic State, and other industry partners such as Swain Swagger, Bhavna Mistry, and Juaan Ferreira.

The success of the ‘Fields Green With Grass, Not Glass’ campaign and the ‘Waste-to-Wear’ project underscores the impact of creative design in addressing environmental issues. Sonic State’s collaboration with Chas Prettejohn and Ngwenya Glass in Eswatini further demonstrates the power of craftsmanship in transforming waste into art and utility.

The New York Festivals Ad Awards recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the Waste-to-Wear project. It underscores the significant impact of innovative design on our environment and communities. Sonic State’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creative design and sustainability sets a high standard for future endeavors, showcasing what can be achieved through vision, collaboration, and a passion for making a difference.

The importance of large organizations like Heineken adopting sustainable practices cannot be overstated. Such initiatives not only address environmental concerns but also raise awareness among a broader audience. Global warming and environmental degradation are often taken lightly by many. However, when a beloved brand like Heineken takes visible and impactful steps towards sustainability, it ignites conversations and fosters a genuine understanding of the issue. The unexpected nature of Heineken-branded wearables and homeware pieces grabs attention and makes a lasting impression, far more than a written declaration of sustainable practices ever could.

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Top 20 Tips for Designing a Low-Maintenance Garden

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Who says that maintaining a beautifully landscaped garden demands extensive labor? Instead, contemplate these simple principles for crafting an easy-to-maintain outdoor haven that will bring you joy every time you step into it. This guide is designed to help you create a garden that needs little time for maintenance, freeing up more time for you to relish the space itself.

Designer: Austin Maynard Architects

1. Create a Plan

Image courtesy of: bialasiewicz

Plan for yard or lawn renovations, whether small or extensive. Research, sketch, and decide on plants, hardscapes, and furnishings to avoid later expenses and save time.

2. Craft an Outdoor Living Area

Image courtesy of: bialasiewicz

Establish outdoor living spaces to expand your entertaining options during warm seasons, including dining areas, lounges, and seating arrangements around fire pits. Patios, decks, and terraces reduce the need for extensive planting areas and lawn maintenance. These gathering spots will encourage you to spend more time outdoors and appreciate the garden rather than constantly maintaining it.

3. Get Rid of the Grassy Area

Image courtesy of: pro_creator

If you have a small garden, consider investing in tiled surfaces, paved areas, or decking. This will reduce the effort needed to maintain a well-kept lawn. By avoiding the use of a lawnmower, you can also explore permeable paving alternatives.

4. Invest in Large Pots

Image courtesy of: slavazolotko

When designing your garden, carefully plan the layout based on sunlight and water availability to determine the appropriate plant selections for each area. Larger pots are simpler to upkeep as they occupy space and demand less watering compared to smaller ones. Go for raised planters or cluster sizable pots if you lack soil, such as in grassy gardens.

5. Shape and Size of Plants

Image courtesy of: wirestock

Consider the sizes of the plants you choose and their placement within your garden; avoid overwhelming the space with excessively tall plants. Make sure that the smaller plants are not overshadowed by larger ones.

6. Choose the Best Area for the Kitchen Garden

Image courtesy of: solovei23

Most garden vegetables thrive in ample sunlight, while root vegetables and leafy greens benefit from some afternoon shade in hot weather. To prevent waterlogging, avoid low-lying or poorly draining areas, as well as sandy soils that drain too quickly, which can hinder plant growth.

7. Test the Soil

Image courtesy of: deyangeorgiev

Your soil’s condition is crucial for your garden’s health. Check its texture by squeezing a handful as it should crumble easily. Make a note that heavy, sticky soil suggests excess moisture. A soil test helps identify nutrient levels and pH. Low pH may require lime to raise it, while high pH may need other amendments. Address nutrient deficiencies with a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

8. Give Your Plants a Good Start

Image courtesy of: yanadjana

Ensure your plants start strong by following planting tips on seed packets and plant tags, considering factors like weather and soil temperatures. Optimal planting times vary; some plants thrive in cool weather and can be planted early in spring, while warm-weather crops require higher soil temperatures and should be planted later. Proper spacing is crucial for growth; bushy varieties need room to spread while climbing plants can be planted closer together and trained upwards.

9. Opt for Climbers

Image courtesy of: stevanovicigor

Climbers offer an ideal solution for expanding your growing area by utilizing walls, fences, or even trees. Examples of climbers include ivy and climbing hydrangea, which naturally adhere to surfaces. Before planting, consider painting or staining the surface for a low-maintenance yet visually striking appearance.

10. Use Mulch

Image courtesy of: larisikstefania

‘Mulching’ involves using materials such as bark chippings or gravel to cover soil around plants, reducing labor by inhibiting weed growth, minimizing watering needs, and preventing water evaporation. Remember, applying a dense 2-inch layer of mulch blocks soil sunlight, inhibits weed seed germination, and retains soil moisture.

11. Invest in Sturdy Plants

Image courtesy of: uladzimirz

Opt for easy planting by choosing hardy shrubs and evergreens, which are durable, long-lasting, and require less frequent replacement than deciduous plants, while also maintaining their attractive appearance year-round with minimal leaf shedding. Consider plants suited to your local climate to save time and money in the long term by placing them appropriately from the start, ensuring they thrive with minimal care. Additionally, it is highly recommended to grow ‘groundcover’ plants as they suppress weed growth.

12. Go for Raised Beds

Image courtesy of: Maria_Sbytova

Raised beds offer an ideal solution for creating a low-maintenance small garden design, as they provide a tidy appearance, enhance drainage, minimize weed proliferation, and can be constructed at a convenient height, offering ease on the back by reducing the need for excessive bending.

13. Minimalist Garden

Image courtesy of: duallogic

Choose a modern, minimalist aesthetic over intricate, labor-intensive flower beds by selecting low-maintenance shrubs complemented by sleek hardscaping. Note that hardscape elements can be as diverse and captivating as plants, requiring minimal maintenance.

14. Stay Organized

Image courtesy of: balls340

Efficiently arrange your tools to avoid spending more time searching for them than actually tending to the garden. Establish a suitable storage system, whether it be a garden shed or a dedicated cabinet for tools, ensuring easy access and tidy storage after use.

15. Consider a Zen Garden

Image courtesy of: leungchopan

Zen gardens epitomize low-maintenance design, focusing on minimalism and tranquillity for meditation and relaxation with little upkeep. They feature raked gravel or sand instead of grass, offering serene patterns, while large rocks and stones serve as focal points, providing stability without maintenance. Sparse planting, with carefully selected plants like bamboo or Japanese maples, cultivates simplicity and calmness within the space.

16. Swap Hedge with Fence

Image courtesy of: safakc1

Replace hedges with fences for less maintenance. Well-kept hedges look good but need regular trimming, which can be time-consuming or costly. Installing a fence initially costs more but saves on upkeep in the long run, especially at the front of your property where it improves security and curb appeal.

17. A Simple Water Feature

Image courtesy of: edemarco5

Maintaining sizable water features can be cumbersome and messy. If you desire a water element, opt for something easy to clean, such as a low-maintenance outdoor water fountain for the soothing sound of flowing water or a straightforward stone basin filled with water.

18. Look out for Pests

Image courtesy of: NadezhdaNovikova

Stay vigilant for pests as healthy plants are better equipped to withstand insects and their damage. Regularly inspect your garden for signs of infestation such as sticky residue, fruit holes, or damaged leaves. Identify the specific pests present to select the most suitable pesticide for effective control.

19. Install an Efficient Irrigation System

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Overhead watering with a hose or sprinklers encourages garden fungal diseases. To simplify and optimize watering, install a drip irrigation system. It delivers precise water amounts to the soil, minimizing waste and fungal risks. When choosing a system, prioritize timers but remain adaptable to weather changes for efficient watering.

20. Create Your Compost

Image courtesy of: RossHelen

If you’re dedicated to cultivating numerous plants, having a quality compost heap is crucial. This allows you to recycle various waste materials like grass clippings, kitchen scraps, and more. Not only does this practice promote sustainability, but it’s also environmentally friendly. Despite the effort required to maintain a compost heap by turning it regularly for proper aeration and decomposition, there’s a convenient solution for rotating compost bins.

In conclusion, even individuals leading busy lives with limited time can achieve a low-maintenance garden with minimal effort by implementing these guidelines.

The post Top 20 Tips for Designing a Low-Maintenance Garden first appeared on Yanko Design.

Houseplant, vase, and microbiome work together to purify the air at home

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If you think pollution outdoors is already bad, you might be shocked to learn how bad the air we breathe indoors actually is. Although there’s no smoke from vehicles and other contaminants, there are still Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs that pose just as much of a threat to our health. Air purifiers are en vogue these days, but these machines aren’t always the best solutions, especially if you consider sustainability and environment-friendliness. That said, nature’s own air purifying workers alone might not be enough to handle all those harmful toxins in our homes, so this creative houseplant product combines a normal but potent plant with engineered bacteria to offer a greener way to keep your air at home clean and safe.

Designer: Neoplants

Plants have always been Mother Nature’s hard-working air purifiers, but some plants are just better than others at doing that job. The Marble Queen Pothos plant, for example, is notable for being quite effective while still being suitable as a houseplant. It’s still not enough, though, considering how many VOCs there are in the air we breathe indoors, so science, specifically biotechnology, is ready to lend a helping hand. Or tiny microscopic hands in this case.

The Neo PX utilizes a bioengineered microbiome that contains the evolution of two bacteria specifically designed to break down pollutants such as Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene, collectively referred to as BTX, into substances like sugars and proteins that are beneficial to the growth of a plant. These bacteria are dried up and packaged as “Power Drops” that are dissolved in water and then poured into the soil of the house plant. Not only do these microorganisms help remove the VOCs from the air, they also transform them into nutrients for the Marble Queen Pothos plant growing from it.

Even the plant pot itself, the third part of the Neo PX system, is specially designed to facilitate this process. Unlike a typical pot, it has vents at the bottom and an internal structure that facilitates airflow, bringing the dirty air into the bacteria-enriched soil to enhance the plant’s root growth. It also incorporates a simple self-watering system so that you only need to refill the water reservoir once every three weeks during winter or once every two weeks in summer.

The best part of this system is that it doesn’t require any electricity or chemicals to function. The shell of the pot itself is made from eco-friendly PLA Flax derived from renewable and biodegradable materials. There are no fans for sucking up and blowing out air, so you don’t have to worry about charging anything or keeping it near a wall socket. Neo PX is definitely an interesting air purifying solution that also adds to the aesthetic of a room with its minimalist design and lush green foliage, keeping your air clean while also helping to keep the planet alive.

The post Houseplant, vase, and microbiome work together to purify the air at home first appeared on Yanko Design.