Simple Tips to Bring Autumn to your Front Door this Season

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Wreaths or Swag

Wreaths or swags are possibly the most common elements that are used to décor the front door during autumn. What you have to take care is if the front door wreath is complementing to the design and color of your porch and entryway. Traditional harvest, autumn foliages, artificial or natural fruits and flowers, peacock feathers, acorns, pinecones, etc. are common materials used for making such wreaths. You can either buy or custom-make such a wreath and hang on your front door.

Instead of wreaths, you can go for buckets full of fall flowers too. Attach a hook to your door and hang one or two rustic-style bucket filled with fall blooms like small sized flowers and red-colored berries. Swag wreaths offer a gorgeous way to display rustic elements like this Autumn Wreath Swag are nice additions to welcome guests. Visit our fall wreaths on How to Make a Burlap Wreath!

Use Fall Harvest & Plants

Gourds and pumpkins are common fall harvest and are essential part of fall décor. Line the front steps of your home with metallic or wooden gourds and pumpkins and pots of fall flowers like asters, mums, heuchera, verbena, oxalis, etc. Hang a door-framing garland made of black feathers. This garland and pumpkins will bring an early Halloween feel into your porch.

How to Save Money on Wedding Flowers

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Have a Holiday Wedding

Holiday weddings are great options for couples trying to save on flowers. Most venues are decorated during the festive season and after Easter. They help you to save money you would have spent on expensive flower arrangements. You might even find both the church and reception venue decorated.

Use Non-Traditional Elements

Herbs, fruits, and vegetables can make beautiful, cheap bouquets and flower arrangements. If you want an expensive flower, buy only a few blossoms and bulk up the arrangement with beautiful, inexpensive greenery. You can also use single elements instead of whole arrangements. These are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. Some options include lavender, baby’s wreath, and wheat.

Choose Flowers that Are in Season

Sticking to locally grown flowers that are in season is cheaper than having your favorite blooms flown in. For instance, if you are getting married in December, don’t choose peony bouquets. Go for flowers like tulips, sweetpeas, and waxflowers. While your florist may be able to get out-of-season flowers for you, you will have to pay a premium. Florists will not charge you high prices for flowers they have easily sourced. Keep in mind that the flowers will depend on where you live. Do your research early to find out what you like.

For Wedding Flower Centerpiece Ideas see our post here:

Wedding centerpiece ideas for your big day!

Pick Your Own Flowers

You can pick your own wedding flowers if you have a limited budget. Ask for help from your family and friends to avoid getting overwhelmed. After you’ve collected the flowers, make unique bouquets and flower arrangements. It is important to note that if you want arrangements that look like they are from a magazine cover, you have to hire an expert.

There are many ways you can save on your wedding flowers and still have the wedding of your dreams.  Use these easy tips to minimize costs.

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Weekend Gardening: Edibles to Grow This Spring

How to Grow Container Herbs

Herbs are ideal for container gardens. They are easy to plant and thrive and they are low-maintenance. Having your fresh, favorite herbs ready to be used is the ultimate key to creating delightful dishes. Some of the herbs like mint are better to be grown in containers since they can grow easily and take up a lot of space if planted in a garden. Some ideas for herbs to be planted are oregano, parsley, thyme, and cilantro, all of which can be harvested and dried if needed. Other ideas are to plant basil, lemongrass, and rosemary. Those herbs require larger containers if not planted in a garden. Here are some herbs we love to grow.

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Weekend Gardening: Learn to Grow Strawberries in a Container

Strawberries are great to be grown in containers or a garden. They can be harvested and turned into delicious marmalades, desserts, sauces or ice cream and even be frozen to be used at a later time. Containers are ideal for growing strawberries because they will grow over the edges and not get in touch with the soil, making them easy to thrive and eat. Hanging containers can also add to any balcony’s appeal. Just make sure to plant a lot of strawberry plants, since you will want to have many of those aromatic fruits to enjoy.

How about a yummy Citrus Plant for your Weekend Gardening?

Although many think citrus trees grow only in warm climates, you can succeed in growing your own lemon, lime or orange tree even in colder areas. Just plant the tree in a large pot and move it into a warmer place – even inside – in the cold months. They may not produce very big citrus fruits, but they will be for sure filled with taste, juice, and fragrance.

These are just some ideas of many edibles you could plant that are easy to grow and to maintain without much effort. The effect, though, of having your own oranges or basil to use is so much greater than the effort it takes. Just go ahead and plant your favorite edible to enjoy them throughout spring, summer and even fall!

For more gardening ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

DIY Forced Spring Blooms – Choosing the Best Flowers & Materials

Image via: Woven Home

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Materials Needed:

• Working gloves
• Pruning shears or scissors
• Plant container (bottles, vases, or jars)
• Floral preservatives

Choose your preferred shrubs or trees:

• Shrubs:

  • Forsythia
  • Wintersweet
  • Honeysuckles
  • Spiraea
  • Flowering squince

• Trees:

  • Red Maple
  • Pear
  • Apple
  • Redbud
  • Apricot Cherry

  

  Image via: The Cranes Nest

Procedure:

1. Cut the branch of the shrubs or trees. Make sure that you carefully identify the swollen or plump buds before cutting.
2. Trim the ends of the branch. Remove any twig at about 3 – 4 inches from its bottom.
3. Slit the branch in different directions. It should be around ½ inch long. Use the pruning shear or sharp scissors to perform this step. Mash the ends of the slit into a hard surface. This will allow the ends to splay and encourage water absorption.
4. Submerge the branch completely in a container of cold to lukewarm water. Have the branches soaked overnight.
5. Position the branch upright in your container and place it in a cool and dark area. A basement or hall closet will do. Leave the branch until buds are beginning to show signs of growth. This is about a week or two depending on the type of branch you choose.
6. Then, relocate the plant into your desired location.

The whole process doesn’t end in relocation. You should take care of the plant more than ever. Perform a normal maintenance procedure just like any other plant. You will be surprise that you just did it!

For more gardening tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Plants are generally dependent on their environment. The winter environment has something to do with their capability to bloom. But with proper intervention, you can make it possible.

How to Force Blooms from Tree Branches for Spring Flowers

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Consider these effective ideas to force spring flowers to bloom during the cooler months. Here’s a helpful bulb calendar to know when to plant your bulbs to force blooms. Empress of Dirt has a great article about forcing bulbs to bloom. We love their chart below:

Image via: Empress of Dirt

Proper timing to cut tree branches

The majority of spring flowers requires an ample time of cold dormancy. This will allow them to adapt to indoor locations and force them to bloom. It is best to cut the branches while it is still relatively warm. You can opt to start in mid-January until late February or early March. See to it that the branches are well taken care of during this transition period.

Spring Flowers: Know what to cut

This is a crucial step in the whole process. This will make or break everything that you plan. When cutting, make sure that you look for swollen and plump buds.  Look for larger and rounder buds for a better branch. You have to cut it long enough to display the branch at an angle. Use proper cutting tools in this process.

Avoid branches getting dry

You have to maintain proper moisture to the branches. Cover the branch with a plastic bag loosely or have them mist daily to avoid drying. Make sure that the water doesn’t stick in the container and becomes cloudy. Place the container in a cool place for quick recovery and transition.

Expect to see the buds starting to open within 1 – 6 weeks. But the care and maintenance for the spring flowers should be consistent all throughout.

For more gardening ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

How to Make a Succulent Terrarium Tutorial

Image via: West Elm

Today you will see how to make a soil terrarium and watch a video on how to build one in a glass container or a bottle.

Image via: Etsy – Doodle Birdie – Succulent Terrarium

How to Make a Glass Terrarium:

Link to –> How to Make a Glass Terrarium Video

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How to make a glass terrarium:

You don’t have to miss all the greenery of your garden this winter. Just add a terrarium it will provide the green foliage you want in the interior. This wonderful piece of art is a great indoor plant decoration. It will add color to your space and enhance the oxygen supply in the room.

The terrarium is getting popular for its exceptional beauty and functionality. It makes a certain area at home look better and greener. If you’re interested in having this masterpiece, you can do it by yourself at home. You just have to prepare all the materials and tools needed for this project.

Terrarium Supplies:

• Glass container or glass terrarium
• Charcoal
• Soil
• Succulents, cacti or garden plants
• Working gloves
• Hand trowel
• Watering can

Directions:

1. Scatter the charcoal in the base of your glass container. This should be at least 1-2 inches thick. Leave a handful of charcoal.
2. Mix the remaining charcoal with a decent amount of soil. Use hand trowel and working gloves in mixing.
3. Add another layer of pure soil. This should cover at least a quarter or half of the container. Compress the soil gently as you fill in the layer. The process will prevent large air pockets.
4. Place your plants on top of the layered soil. Provide enough space for each plant you place. This will allow you to insert additional soil in between spaces.
5. Press the pack of soil around the plants. Do this gently and ensure that the roots are fully covered and that the plants will not go too far beyond the container.
6. Water the plants and place it in a conducive area where sunlight is present.
7. Allow the plants to adapt in its new location before relocating it to your desired area indoor.

Image via: West Elm

After placing your terrarium indoors, bear in mind that you still have to take care of it regularly. You have to water the plants regularly and trim the excess foliage that go beyond the container. This is definitely a worthwhile project you can do this winter! If you don’t feel like making a terrarium you can buy one from Terrain, we love their terrariums!

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture and more succulent care ideas, click here.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Centerpiece Ideas

Potted plants

From banzai to basil, potted plants make perfect wedding centerpieces. Cut flowers from florists are usually expensive and not very ecological. They are produced using harmful chemicals, and pesticides, and not to forget the transportation involved. So go local and opt for potted plants. They are not only a great alternative to fresh cut flowers but also double up as green wedding favors.

Soy candles

When it comes to wedding décor, you can never go wrong with candle centerpieces. However, be sure to choose soy candles instead of usual paraffin wax candles. They are eco-friendly, offer clean burning and best of all, manufactured from a renewable resource.

Recycled glass

Whether it’s a mason jar craft or old wine bottles, recycled or reused glass make perfect eco-friendly wedding centerpieces. Fill them with decorative items of your choice such as wildflowers, pine cones, candles, or branches. Make sure to choose a variety of sizes and colors to create an instant impact.

Fruit wedding centerpiece

Centerpieces made from fruits and veggies are perhaps the most eco-friendly table décor options. In a glass bowl or vase put bright yellow lemons, oranges or green apples for a visually appealing centerpiece. Make sure to use fruits that can stand up without browning or wither in warmer temperatures. Tie a complementing silk or organic cotton ribbon around the neck of the vase or add some twigs to create interest.

Eco-friendly does not mean boring, all it means is that you pledge to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Use these ideas and tweak it with your creativity to set a table that’s both beautiful and sustainable.

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Image via: Pinterest

Essential Gardening Tips for Summer

Image via: BHG

Water Plants Regularly

The harsh summer heat can take its toll on your garden. If you don’t water your plants adequately, the roots will stay close to the surface and become more prone to heat. Water them deeply to make the roots dig deeper.  Keep the water level at one inch every week to make the plants flourish.

Keep Pests at Bay

Pests can turn your beautiful summer garden into a disaster. To keep them at bay, monitor the garden carefully. If you are growing roses, watch out for aphids and mildew. You can also reapply pepper wax to keep rabbits, deer, and other big pests away.

Stake Tall Plants

Image via: BC Living

If you are growing tall, herbaceous plants, put stakes in place. This prevents them from looking messy or falling lower as they grow tall and heavy. Also use supports for climbers so as to control their growth and prevent an untidy appearance.

Prune Shrubs

While many shrubs don’t need pruning, some that flower in spring and early summer will greatly benefit from it after flowering. Pruning keeps your shrubs looking beautiful season after season. A great time to prune is immediately after things bloom as this prevents you from pruning flower buds.

Choose Plants with a Wide Root System

Image via: The Garden Glove

To start your garden off on the right foot, choose perennials, biennials, or heat resistant crops as opposed to annuals. This is because most annuals have shallow roots that dry out easily in the harsh summer heat.

Fertilize Well

Fertilizer is one of the major things that help plants thrive. Fertilize the soil before you plant to make sure your plants withstand the stress of dry weather and high heat. Use organic compost and sustainable stock-free fertilizers. If you have already planted, use liquid fertilizers to give your plants a boost.

Use these summer gardening tips to create a stunning garden. Afterwards you can sit, relax, and enjoy summer in your garden.

For more gardening tips on Stagetecture, click here.

The sun is shining and we all love the outdoors more and more. So it’s about time to give the backyard patio a make-over! Here are some great tips on how to give your backyard patio all what it needs for it to become one of the most used areas of your home in the warmer months ahead.

Backyard Patio Ideas for Spring

Plants, plants, plants

The most important things to have for a beautiful backyard patio are plants. A large variety of flowers, herbs, small trees and greenery is essential to give a natural feel to any backyard, especially so in spring. They will provide the area with stunning colors, wonderful smells and a soothing vibe to make the backyard patio a perfect spot to relax.

Image via: BHG

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Use Water Accents

Water is an important aspect for any backyard patio. It is another natural element that adds to the natural look and feel of any area and should be clever integrated to maximize its effect. Try to have running water to take advantage of the soothing effect of the sound it makes.

Image via: Onekindesign

Choose Furniture and Fabric

Choosing the right furniture is essential to make the most out of the available space. Choose comfortable, cozy furniture you will love to sink in after a long day in order to wind down and relax. Keep in mind to look for practicability, too. Outdoor furniture should be easy to maintain and clean, and looking for portability and easy storage should be an aspect, too, if only limited storage space is available.

Clever fabric and color choosing can add immensely to the character of your backyard patio. Think about vibrant color pallets that will remind you of Africa, Asia or Europe to give a more exotic look to the patio and that will make you feel like being on a mini-vacation each time you relax in this area.

Image via: HGTV

It would be a shame to let the extra outdoor space go to a waste when you can get such great use out of it! What Backyard Patio Ideas for Spring will you try this season?

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Staying on budget is one of the biggest challenges facing any couple on their way down the wedding aisle. However, taking a cue from the time of year can make things easier. Not only do seasonal items cost less, but they will fit effortlessly within the theme of your wedding, leaving no one even considering the cost. Affordable spring wedding favors are easier to find than you think. Take a look at these easy ideas that your guests will love!

Image via: Moxieq

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Affordable Spring Wedding Favors

These affordable wedding favors will add fresh pop to your spring nuptials.

Image Via: The Wedding Chicks

Share Some Seeds:

Since it’s officially growing season, seeds are the perfect choice for a budget-friendly wedding favor. Individualized packs will set you back just a dollar or two, but buying in larger quantities will get you an even better deal. Our recommendation: Buy seeds for your favorite flower in bulk, package them in organza bags tied with colored ribbon, and add a sentimental message such as, “Spread the Love,” along with your wedding date. 

Image Via: Thomas Reid

Focus on Flowers:

If seeds are a bit too rustic for your taste, flowers might be just the right fit. Find an vessel that fits with your theme – pots, repurposed watering cans, even simple paper wrapping – and grow your own flowers from seeds. Match them with the floral arrangements that will be at your wedding. This is one favor that will leave your guests thinking of you and your event over and over again.

Image Via: DIY.WeddingBee.com

Think Infused Booze:

This idea may require a bit more legwork, but is well worth the extra effort. To do this, start with plain vodka. (Since you’re going to be adding flavorings, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a top shelf variety.) Then, choose an in-season flavor-packed ingredients like strawberries or herbs. To assemble, fill an airtight container one-fourth of the way full with your flavoring of choice. Then, pour vodka all the way to the top and seal completely. Best of all, the longer this sits, the stronger the flavoring will be. So feel free to do it way in advance of your special day.

Image Via: Etsy

Give Mints a Go:

Not everyone is DIY-oriented and that is absolutely fine. If the idea of putting together your own wedding favors makes you cringe, feel free to outsource the task. Think about buying prepackaged mints. Here’s the deal: Mints are a great option because not only do they offer spring freshness, but they are also extremely customizable. They can be made in a variety of colors, inscribed with a personal message, and they are sold by a plethora of venders. Make sure to price shop to find a company that meets your needs.

Remember, that picking a wedding favor shouldn’t be stressful. Just choose something simple and personal that highlights your love. Feel free to use these affordable spring wedding favors to get you thinking. Whatever you decide, your friends and family will be happy to be included in your celebrations.

Did your wedding feature an affordable favor that was to die for? If so, let us know in the comments. We always love hearing from you.

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.