Accidents can happen anywhere in the home and, in fact, the house is the most common location for an accident to happen. With more people spending time in the home in the past couple of years, this could have led to an increased risk of having an accident.

We’ll take a look at the most dangerous room in the house, the people who are more likely to suffer an injury as a result of an accident in the home, as well as some of the most common accidents.

The kitchen

According to a survey by National Accident Helpline, the kitchen is the room where you’re most likely to injure yourself, with 60% saying they’ve suffered after having an accident there. This is perhaps no surprise, especially as knives are cited as the biggest cause of injury in the home. Causing injuries ranging from minor cuts to deeper wounds needing hospital attention, these kitchen utensils could be the most dangerous equipment in the house.

The garden

Not strictly a room, but still part of a household, the garden was revealed as the second most common site of an accident. 33% had suffered an injury in their outside space, with trips and falls dominating. Whilst it might be difficult to prevent all accidents in the garden, particularly as it’s a place where children commonly enjoy playing, it’s worth making sure your outdoor area is as free as possible of potential hazards.

Exercise equipment

33% of those surveyed said exercise equipment was the cause of their home accident. With many of us working from home and lockdown having created the demand for home gyms, this could be behind the findings.

When using exercise equipment in the home, it’s important to make sure you know how to operate it correctly and to not exert yourself to help prevent accidents.

The safest rooms

According to the survey, the place in the home where you’re considered the safest is the attic, closely followed by the garage. However, this could be because residents spend the least amount of time in these areas.

Injuries by age

One of the most surprising findings is that older age groups are less likely to injure themselves more than once. It’s the 35-44-year-olds who have the most injuries with 83% having multiple accidents.

It’s important to be aware of potential hazards and risks in the home, as much as you would elsewhere. It’s often easy to be carefree in the comfort of your own surroundings but, as we’ve highlighted, accidents even more likely to happen there, compared to anywhere else.

The frustration of watching a beautiful plant turn yellow, wilted, and droop wearily is unmatched. Unless you have a track record of failing those green babies, seeing your plants deteriorate despite all the love, affection, and care you’ve given them can be downright mystifying. If we’re being honest, the dying phase of plants turns most of us desperate as we attempt to frantically revive them with loads of nutrients, hydro love, and immense fertilizing. Half of the time, these attempts barely ever hold; if anything, they further overwhelm your plant. So, what now? Should you sit back and watch your plant turn lifeless? Or perhaps give up altogether and dye your thumbs black? Quite frankly, there’s no top-secret code to crack when it comes to keeping your plants and garden lush and healthy, just a few tips and tricks to learn as you go along the way.

Six tips to keeping plants healthy

Whether you’re a plant lover, a garden owner, or simply a décor enthusiast in the throes of sprucing up your indoor spaces with a touch of greenery, healthy plants will always bring the A-game. Luscious leaves, succulent stems, thriving roots, and budding new growth are enough to have anyone green with envy, literally. Here’s the hitch, giving your plants what they need when they need it isn’t the most straightforward concept to grasp. Considering each plant species differs in demand, general determination of how much is too much and how little is too safe is nearly impossible. However, specific practices will have any plant flourishing; ahead, we break down six of them.

Know your plant

When we buy plants from the nursery, they come with tags pointing out the requirements and conditions to help your new addition thrive; take them with a grain of salt. These model recommendations often work with optimum states, which aren’t practical and synonymous with most homes and gardens. That said, ignore these nursery-drawn guidelines in lieu and take responsibility for learning your plant and understanding its needs. Dig through your favorite gardening journals and websites to finetune your provisions to your plants and environment.

Understand the fertilizer game

Of course, we all know the moisture, air, and sunlight drill, although sometimes, that is never enough; this brings us to the debate- why should you use fertilizers? Like the rest of us, plants struggle with deficiencies that are often ascribed to the soil’s health or nutrient supply. Much as they may be, autotroph plants still need an occasional boost in their dietary plan, and that’s where fertilizers step in. When the dual soil and nutrient factors are shorthanded, fertilizers offer a

supplementary crutch to ensure that your plants get the adequate nutrient supply necessary for healthy growth.

Pay attention

Plants speak without speaking. Ideally, 90% of plant complications are detectable by close observation; small details like streaks’ appearance, color change, and texture might be a cry for help. As such, you’d want to pay keen attention to the physical appearance of your plant and make a frequent examination of its anatomy. Ensure you check the soil for dehydration now and then and inspect the leaves for mildew, yellowing, or browning. Also, assess the stem’s suppleness and pry for holes to bust pests before they flare up into diseases.

Prune and clean up the fall

Wounded and damaged tree limbs are susceptible to infection, so you’d want to stay on top of your pruning game. Cut back any problemed parts of your plant as soon as you spot them to prevent further spread into the plant’s new growth. Essentially, clean and sharp cuts are the best way to go, especially when striving for healthy, living tissue. In addition to pruning, we recommend consistent clean-up of your garden or pot in the fall and beyond. Build up of dead leaves and debris tends to create a breeding ground for disease and pests, threatening new growth and foliage.

Wrapping up

Coinciding with the requisite growth triangle of plants is only half the job done; there’s still a lot of complimentary work to do to grow out a wholesome garden. The key takeaway from all the known gardening experts and sources is this- keeping and growing healthy plants is a full-time responsibility, therefore, not a decision to rush into blindly. Educate yourself, do your research and settle on a plant species that aligns with your time and effort. If you’re not one to be consumed by plant parenting, go for the low-management species; something less demanding would be a better suit than having to calm the crippling guilt of getting a new potted Monstera every month. All in all, don’t sweat it; ease your way into the “healthy plants” bandwagon one step at a time.

When people talk about “rustic farmhouse tables,” they think of long planked desks with bench seats. Others envision a shabby chic table with baluster legs. While these could be examples of farmhouse tables, they’re not all-encompassing. There is more to these rustic worktops than these examples and definitions.

Rustic coffee tables could be as simple as cute cubes. They could also be as complex and intricate as industrial wooden spools. If you love chunky and whitewashed furniture, then you’ll fall in love with a rustic wood coffee table.

You need to consider certain factors when you’re on the fence about buying a new farmhouse coffee table. In this post, we’ll answer a few questions about this piece. We’ll also offer alternatives if you decide this furniture is dispensable.

Why Do People Love a Good Coffee Table?

A coffee table is a home essential because it completes the look and feel of the room. It‘s like a hub that links all design elements together, effectively filling up empty spaces. In addition, it’s functional since you can use it to eat your food or rest your tired feet.

But, the appropriateness of a coffee table depends on many factors. A few of them include having enough space, usefulness, and the ability to add value to your room.

Questions to Ask to Determine If a Coffee Table Is Necessary

Before you decide to buy that charming rustic coffee table, go over these questions. These will help ensure that you’re making the right choice.

Is It Reasonable and Practical?

The very first thing you should ask yourself is whether you will be actually using the table. If you buy it, what purpose will it serve in your home? Will you be regularly drinking coffee on it? Or do you intend to use it to eat your meals? Your answers to these questions will determine if you genuinely need them.

Do You Have Extra Space?

Aside from practicality, you also need to find out if you have extra space in your home for the coffee table. If your room is too cramped, adding a table could only make the space smaller. But, if your room

looks incomplete or too bare, a coffee table might be the best piece of furniture to turn it around. It will help you achieve a cohesive look for your decor.

Do You Have Kids at Home?

Kids love to play around the house. As such, there’s a very high chance that they might also play with your coffee table. If you plan to invest in an expensive piece, you might want to reconsider. You can wait until they grow older or opt for a cheaper alternative. With this, your feelings won’t be hurt if they draw or mess with your furniture.

Will It Add to the Room’s Aesthetic Value?

One of the best questions to ask before you decide to add anything to your living space is if it will add value to the room. If you feel that a new rustic table will upgrade the room or enhance your decor, then you know you should get one.

Do You Have a Budget for a Good Quality Piece? It’s always better to invest in an expensive yet sturdy piece of furniture than a cheap one. With high-quality furnishing, you get your money’s worth. Plus, you can use it for a long time. If you’re planning to get a new coffee table, go for good quality. If you don’t have the money to get a sturdy piece, you better save up and buy it later.

What Are Good Alternatives to a Rustic Coffee Table?

If you finally realized that you’re leaning against coffee tables, consider the following options as your alternative:

● Wooden logs

● Pouf

● Shelf

● Bench

● Stools

● Ottomans

They may serve different purposes, but they could be what you and your living space need.

Bottom Line

Rustic coffee tables are endearing furniture pieces that you can’t resist. However, it doesn’t always follow that you also need them at home if you like them. Yes, they may be a lovely sight to behold. But, if they can’t serve their purpose, they’ll be another wasted furniture piece that will take up space.

If you don’t have a place for them, it’s better not to have one at all. Consider the questions and alternatives shared in this post. These will help you reach an informed decision.

Pests are more than nuisances that disrupt the peace in your home sweet home. They’re destructive. Mice love paper products, which means an infestation could chew away at those cardboard boxes filled with precious family photos and important documents in your basement. Carpet beetles will nibble holes in your rugs, and moths will eat at your clothes hanging in the closet. Termites can do thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home’s wooden frame, leaving piles of little wood pellets on the ground.

They can be hazardous, too. Many pests will try to access your food supplies and defile the contents. Their excrement can contaminate your foods and the surfaces that you touch, which can make you seriously sick.

You don’t want to have pests in your house. So, see what homeowners can do to eliminate pests from their homes and keep them out for good:

Signs of Pest Infestation

Do you have a pest problem? If you’re not sure, look for these clear signs that your home is being invaded by critters or creepy crawlies: ·

Property destruction: carpet beetles leave holes in carpets; rats gnaw on electrical wires; termites leave holes in walls and cause sagging floors.

· Foul smells: mice and rats smell like urine; cockroaches have an oily odor; bed bugs may smell sickly sweet.

· Noises: squeaking, skittering and scratching can all be signs of rodent infestation.

· Excrement: termites leave wood pellets behind; rodents leave solid droppings; many insects leave small droppings that you might not notice at first glance.

· Nests: critters like squirrels, mice and rats make nests out of items like shredded paper, insulation and garbage.

· Mess: pests will often make your home messier, dragging garbage behind your furniture and leaving trails of grease and grime on your floors and walls.

Finally, a clear sign that you have an infestation is that you’ve spotted live pests in your home. Even if you’ve spotted one or two pests, you can assume that the real numbers are much higher — and those numbers will keep growing if you do nothing about it.

What Should You Do?

If it looks like an infestation, then you should call pest control. The faster that you call them, the faster that you can keep your home intact.

What if you can’t afford pest control services? Unfortunately, pests won’t pause their destruction until you can scrape up enough savings to get rid of them. You should still hire pest control. If you don’t have the savings, there are different kinds of options available for people in this type of situation, like applying for a personal loan by phone. As long as you meet all of the qualifications for the loan, you can apply for it. You’ll get a quick response regarding your approval. If you’re approved, you can use the borrowed funds to cover the emergency expense and move forward.

How Do You Keep Them Out?

Here are some steps that homeowners can take to avoid pest infestations from taking place:

· Seal cracks and vulnerabilities in the foundation.

· Repair torn screens in windows and screen doors. · Repair leaky faucets and dripping pipes. Many pests are drawn to damp environments.

· Use a dehumidifier in the basement. · Clean out your gutters. Messy gutters make for convenient nesting grounds.

· Keep your home clean.

· Store garbage bins away from the house.

· Store food safely and securely — this includes pet food. Don’t leave it out in the open.

You don’t want to deal with a pest infestation. So, follow these simple tips to keep those pesky pests out of your home.

Lockdown has changed a lot of things in a lot of ways. For starters, the entire work culture shifted to remote working. According to the Talent Tech Outlook 2022 study, remote working is the new normal with 82% of employees preferring to work from home. With this came a shift in lifestyle and an ample amount of free time for everyone.

Gardening has been one of the most popular hobbies for people of all ages looking for meaningful and productive activities. From kid-friendly backyard gardens to gardening help for seniors, there has been a serious uptick in garden related interest across all demographics. According to a report, gardening-related spending in 2021 was much higher compared to the corresponding period during the previous year.

Several gardening trends were also more popular than others because of the level of convenience and ingenuity. Trends like balcony and container gardening became more popular than before because people had to stay indoors. And some of these trends are expected to spill over and continue to gain popularity in 2022 as well.

If you plan to take up gardening this year or looking for something unique to do in your existing garden, here are some of the best tips and tricks to follow.

Container Gardening

Container gardening is one of the most popular gardening trends to emerge during the lockdown as it allowed hobbyists to turn any indoor space into an attractive garden. All you need to do is to pick up several good-looking containers and stylish plants to go with them.

Pick the right container to suit your aesthetics, from terra cotta to repurposed, choose a color scheme, and get the plants you love. Ensure that the containers you pick have a drainage hole at the bottom and plant below the rim so that water doesn’t spill when you pour some.

Attend Local Plant Swap

With the popularity of social media on the rise during the pandemic, gardening has gone social as well. There are Instagram and Facebook pages these days, which encourage hobbyists in the same location and from anywhere to come together and share ideas.

Plant swap events like these are great to find new plants to fit into your garden. The bonus part is the added horticulture knowledge you gain and the new friends you make along the way. In such events, attendees can bring plant cuttings and garden equipment to exchange for something they don’t have.

Explore Xeriscaping, Gravel Gardening, And More

One of the best trends that are here to stay in 2022 is the planet-friendly gravel gardens. These gardens need less of everything from water and mulch to chemicals and labor. Xeriscaping is a popular gardening and landscaping method that significantly reduces the need for any sort of irrigation.

These gardening methods are not only cost-effective in the long run but also sustainable and work for a large array of plants. From succulents to ornamental grass and pollinator-friendly plants, you can try xeriscaping with an assortment of plants without requiring much maintenance.

Design an Eco-friendly Garden

An extension of the above point, did you know you can help the ecosystem with your garden? Pollen-loving insects like bees are very crucial to our ecosystem and you can help them by planting pollinator-friendly and native plant species. Add plants like coneflowers, mountain mint, Echinacea, Liatris, and gayfeather, to support these ecosystem boosters.

Another way in which you can help the environment is by turning your lawn into a pollinator or vegetable garden. According to several reports, luscious lawns —as amazing as they look— are not that great for the environment. By converting the lawn into a patch of an environment-friendly garden, you reduce the impact by a lot.

This will reduce the carbon footprint of your lawn that is caused by the fuel emission released from the regular maintenance of the lawn.

Indulge in Kitchen Garden

One of the trends that will be immensely popular in 2022 is growing your produce. Contrary to what you may think, it’s not necessary to own an orchard or farm to grow your fruits and vegetable produce. You can opt for dwarf tree variants of figs, mulberries, apples, and pears among others to make do in limited spaces. Similarly, vegetables like tomatoes, herbs, and microgreens can be grown anywhere.

Not just produce, but growing your flowers will also gain popularity in the year 2022. Popular flower variants like Dahlia and Zinnia are easy to grow and the satisfaction for growing your flowers to gift or place in the home is next level.

These are the top gardening trends that will continue to be popular in the year 2022. From balcony and container gardening to growing your produce, the year looks promising when it comes to gardening.

Trees might grow naturally and with the help of the elements and soil, there are some things that

we can do to help keep them looking healthy. So, here are five tips from tree surgeons in Danbury to help you take care of your trees.

1. Water them while they are young

A tree will need plenty of water at two points in its life and this is when there is a drought and

when the tree is young.

After planting, the two seasons that follow are vital to the health of the tree. If the weather is dry,

then you should look to give it around 5 watering cans a week. This will ensure that the water

reaches deep into the roots.

2. Use Mulch

If you opt to use a mulch that is made of leaf mould, bark, rotted manure and woodchip, it will

help to take care of your tree. This will help to kill weeds that would otherwise take water from

the tree. It will also help to retain water as it will prevent evaporation while it will also provide a

slow-release fertiliser that will help to feed the tree.

The mulch should be around 4 inches deep and placed around the tree although you should make

sure that the mulch does not touch the tree stem.

3. Reduce Growth Competition

Plants will compete for nutrients in the soil and when your soil is overcrowded, it will mean that

your trees will suffer. Therefore, you should look to ensure that there is a 3ft diameter around the

trunk of your tree, making sure there are no other plants or turf. During the Spring when

everything begins to grow, you should remove weeds by hand or by using a hoe. This will help to

protect your trees and help them to thrive.

4. Look After Young Trees

When you plant a young tree, you will need to make sure that you protect it correctly. This will

mean that you should avoid causing damage when using lawnmowers and strimmers as this can

stop the uptake of water. Avoid causing chemical damage by stopping or reducing the use of

herbicides and pesticides.

If your garden is exposed to wind, then you should also make sure that you strengthen the tree as bending and stress can kill young trees. You should use protectors and tree boards to create a physical barrier while tree stakes and ties can help to keep your tree free from damage. 5. Pruning Pruning is crucial and this is where it might be worth calling on professional tree surgeons. This will mean that any dead branches are removed which helps the tree to thrive. It will also keep the tree size more manageable and that can help to enhance its growth. So, while trees can take care of themselves, there are some things that you can do to help them grow and thrive. They are easy tips that you can carry out yourself but make sure that any pruning or cutting is carried out professionally.