Grocery store flowers don’t always get the attention they deserve. But with a little creativity, you can turn them into gorgeous, high-end bouquets. Whether you’re making a gift for a special occasion or just want a beautiful floral arrangement at home, here’s how to elevate budget-friendly flowers into something truly special.

Choose a Colour Palette

The secret to making any bouquet look expensive is a well-thought-out color palette. Stick to soft pastels for a feminine vibe, bold jewel tones in complimentary colours for drama, or neutrals if you want to play it safe. Keeping your colors harmonious makes the bouquet look intentional and polished.

Mix Different Flowers for Depth and Interest

To create a balanced and eye-catching arrangement, include a variety of sizes of flowers and textures. Try this formula:

• One large focal flower – Think roses, hydrangeas, lilies or peonies to serve as the bouquet’s centerpiece.
• Two smaller supporting flowers – Alstroemeria, carnations, baby’s breath, ranunculus, snapdragons or spray roses add texture and variety.
• Extra greenery – Eucalyptus is always great choice; it smells amazing, adds movement and texture, and can even be dried for later use in home decor.

Related: 10 Secrets to Make Your Cut Flowers Last Way Longer

Arrange Like a Pro

Once you’ve picked your flowers and materials, follow these steps:

• Trim the stems at an angle to help them absorb water better.
• Remove excess leaves for a clean, refined look.
• Use a clean, dry vase and arrange your flowers, making sure that they are all a similar length, and the finished product looks balanced and full.

Upgrade the Wrapping for a Luxe Look

Most grocery store flowers come in plastic, which can make even the prettiest blooms look cheap. Swap it out for:

• Tissue paper – A white or pastel layer gives a soft, elegant touch. Double up the tissue paper for durability.
• Kraft paper – A simple brown paper wrap makes the bouquet look chic and professional.
• Jute twine or ribbon – Ditch the rubber bands and use natural twine or a stylish ribbon to tie it all together.

Wrap them neatly in tissue and kraft paper, folding the edges for a polished effect.  Secure with twine or ribbon, tying a bow for the perfect finishing touch.

Your designer-style bouquet is ready to impress! If you used eucalyptus, you can dry and repurpose it even after the flowers fade, giving your arrangement a thoughtful, lasting touch.

With just a few simple tricks, you can turn affordable grocery store flowers into a stunning, high-end bouquet without the expensive price tag. The key is in a thoughtful colour palette, mixing textures, and paying attention to the details.

Planting a vegetable garden is one of the most rewarding — and delicious — hobbies you can take on. However, haphazardly throwing seeds in the soil probably won’t produce the bountiful backyard vegetable garden of your dreams. For productive results, your best bet is to carefully plot out your vegetable garden layout.

Whether you’re a home gardener looking to boost your veggie harvest or a green-thumb newbie wondering how to start a vegetable garden for the very first time, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our tips for planning an efficient vegetable garden layout — so you can enjoy fresh veggies all season long.

Related: How to Build a Cocktail Garden (Our Favourite Late Summer Trend)

What Are the Benefits of a Vegetable Garden Layout?

Before we get to our tips for how to create a vegetable garden layout, you may be wondering why you should take the time to make one.

While it may take some extra effort and a bit of trial and error, an efficient layout at the start goes a long way towards making it easier to maintain your garden throughout the year. When plants are arranged in a logical way that makes it easier to weed, water and harvest them, you’re more likely to stay on top of your garden.

And, if you’re rotating your crops for an ongoing harvest (for example, if you plan to swap out spring veggies for a fall or winter vegetable garden), a structured layout can be a big help.

A good layout can also make it much easier to successfully implement a companion gardening plan to help make your veggie plants thrive (and help keep pests to a minimum).

Step 1: Consider the Space You’re Working With

The first step to an effective garden layout is to assess the space and conditions that you have for your garden. Think about questions like:

What type of garden space will you use? Are you planning to plant in a raised garden bed or do you have space for a big backyard vegetable garden with in-ground rows? Or, will you be getting creative with container gardening?

How big of a garden do you want to plant? As Scott McGillivray notes with his gardening tips here, “When it comes to vegetable gardens, bigger is not always better.” So, even if you have a large garden space, that doesn’t mean you have to use it all for your veggie garden. Decide what size of garden works for you and your space before you plan your layout.

What are the growing conditions? If it’s your first time planting a veggie garden in a particular spot, take some time to consider your local climate and temperatures, potential pests and how much sun or shade your garden will get.

Where will your garden be? Think about how close your garden is to your living space. Is there an easy water source nearby? How often will you see the garden in your day-to-day life? If you walk by it often, you’ll be more likely to keep up maintenance than if it’s hidden in a corner, for example.

What are the soil conditions? Consider the drainage and depth of soil for where you’ll be planting.

Related: Vegetable Garden Planners to Help You Grow All Year Round

Step 2: Do Some Pre-Planning

Once you’ve decided where your garden will be, it’s time to think about what you want to plant and when.

A good way to start is to make a list of all the veggies and herbs that you and the people around you like to eat. After all, there’s no point in growing rows of spinach if no one in your household will eat it.

If your garden area is compact, you might also want to consider including some vertical-grow or vining vegetables in your plan (think: cucumbers or tomatoes) to help maximize the space.

When you have a list of vegetables you’d like to plant, you’ll want to note when each veggie would need to be planted. This will vary depending on where you live, so it’s a good idea to find a planting calendar for your location. The Almanac, for example, has an online tool that lets you search by postal code to find the ideal times to plant veggies in the spring and fall.

Step 3: Draw it Out

Now that you’ve collected all the information you need, it’s time to design your garden so that you can create an efficient layout.

There are many strategies you can try — whether you prefer to draw your garden by hand (freehand, graph paper or on a printable vegetable garden planner template) or use a garden layout app.

Whichever tool you use, you’ll want to arrange your plants in a logical way for maximum efficiency, considering factors like:

Plant arrangement
Depending on your garden space, you can lay out your vegetable plants in a variety of ways, such as in blocks, rows or using a square-foot gardening style.

Generally, you’ll want to arrange plants by height, so that the tallest plants are furthest away. This is key to your plan’s efficiency, as it allows for the easiest access to all of your veggies when it comes time to weed, water or harvest them. Planting small plants in front of taller ones can also help ensure that each gets its share of sunlight (be sure to consider which direction the sun is coming from while planning).

For a garden bed with access from one side, plan to plant taller vegetables at the back of each garden bed, shorter vegetables in the middle and the smallest plants at the front.

Related: The Easiest Vegetables to Grow in Each Canadian Province

Similarly, for a garden bed with access from all sides, plan to plant your taller vegetables in the middle, surrounded by shorter veggies and with the smallest plants at the front or edges of the garden space.

Remember to include proper space between plants in your plan. The ideal spacing for plants will vary by veggie, but you can look for guides online (like this guide from Gardening Know How).

If you have multiple garden beds in your garden, you’ll want to plan your layout to include space for you and your tools (like a wheelbarrow) to move freely between them.

Plant pairings
In addition to considering factors like sunlight and ease of access, you’ll also want to think about which plants work best when planted in close proximity.

Companion planting, which is the practice of strategically growing certain plants close together to help them thrive, can offer benefits like pest control, improved soil quality and even better-tasting veggies. If you’re planting spinach and onions, for instance, you may want to plan to place them close together in your garden as a strategy. Why? Onion bulbs can help to repel pests and the two crops work well together, spatially, as onions grow vertically and spinach grows horizontally.

You may also want to consider planning to include some pollinator-friendly plants in your garden layout.

Related: Beautiful Native Canadian Plants to Grow by Province

In my (admittedly biased) opinion, houseplants are amazingly versatile – they make for great decor, can be fun to collect, and caring for them comes with a wide variety of mental health benefits. But the journey that is plant parenthood isn’t always a smooth one. It isn’t always as simple as bringing a plant home and watching it thrive (although I really wish it were!) unless you’re a fan of no-care artificial potted plants.

When you bring lots of live leafy friends into your life, it’s totally normal to encounter a few issues. From wilty yellowing leaves, leaf loss and crispy tips to lack of growth and pests, here’s how to figure out what’s going on with your plants and what you can do about it. And, if all else fails, I’ll share a few signs it may be time to give up on your plant.

How to Rescue Plants From Common Ailments

If you have an unhappy houseplant on your hands, the first step is triage: figuring out why your plant is dying. This is by far the most challenging part of plant care, because many of the symptoms that a struggling or dying plant may exhibit can be attributed to a variety of causes.

For example, wilting can be caused by overwatering or underwatering, which are actually opposite conditions (too much water and too little water, respectively). It can be hard to pinpoint what’s going on and what to do about it, so when in doubt, turn to your favourite search engine, type in your plant and the symptoms it’s exhibiting (for example, “monstera leaves yellowing”) and peruse the results to help figure it out.

Related: These Indoor Plants Will Boost Your Mood for the Winter Months

Ailment: Wilting Plants

If your plant’s leaves are wilting, as mentioned earlier, it could be a sign of either overwatering or underwatering. To help you figure out which, feel and look at the plant’s soil. If the soil feels damp or looks moldy, it may be overwatering. Let your plant dry out thoroughly before watering again. If the soil feels dry or appears to be pulling away from the sides of your pot, that’s a sign of underwatering. Give your plant a thorough drink and see if it perks up.

Another tip to help wilting plants is to add some support, either with a stick or rock, to help encourage their growth. This will help the plant’s upright growth as it grows stronger.

Ailment: Plants With Yellowing Leaves or Leaf Loss

If your plant’s leaves are yellowing and falling off, don’t panic! It’s totally normal for plants to lose old leaves as they put out new ones. However, if your plant’s leaves are yellowing and dropping in alarming quantities, it may be a sign that it needs nutrients. Try adding a fresh layer of soil to the top of your plant’s pot or giving your plant some diluted fertilizer the next time you water.

Related: The Most Invasive Plants in Canada to Remove From Your Garden

Ailment: Lack of Growth

Maybe you’ve had your plant home for a while and notice that it hasn’t been putting out new growth. It’s totally normal for plants to go through an adjustment period when they first get home. Most plants also tend to go dormant during the winter (though there are some plants that thrive in the winter), meaning they put out less new growth and instead focus on sustaining the leaves they already have. However, unless your potted plant is artificial, you want to encourage new growth. If necessary, it may be appropriate to add more nutrients to the plant’s soil through a fertilizer.

Related: The Easiest Ways to Care for Your Plants When On Vacation

Ailment: Edema

Edema is little brown or red spots on a leaf, usually on a new leaf. The good news is that, on its own, it won’t kill your plant. Edema usually occurs due to irregular watering. When new leaves are forming, sometimes the plant’s roots can suck up more water than the plant can use, causing cells to burst in the leaves. This in turn causes those little brownish red spots. Edema isn’t fatal, and often the spots will go away as the leaf matures. However, it can be a sign of irregular watering, so consider implementing a regular watering schedule.

Ailment: Overwatering or Underwatering

Overwatering and underwatering are some of the most common plant issues. Crispy-edged leaves are often signs of underwatering, whereas rotten-looking, dark brown patches tend to be indicate overwatering.

If you suspect underwatering, water your plant thoroughly and regularly, allowing it to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can be a bit more challenging to recover from, as it can easily lead to root rot. Soggy, overwatered soil that accompanies it can be a breeding ground for anaerobic bacteria, which in turn can cause the roots of your plant to rot. If you suspect root rot, check the roots – if they’re brown and mushy, trim the rotten roots, let the plant dry out, and repot the plant in sterile soil.

Ailment: Brown Crispy Leaves

If your plant has brown crispy leaves – sometimes brown crispy-tipped leaves – but you’re pretty confident it’s not underwatered, this could be a sign of low humidity.

There are two ways to boost humidity. The first is misting the plant with water frequently; the other is to add a humidifier to your space! Your humidity-loving tropical plants will thank you!

Ailment: Pests

Pests are a common issue for plant parents with many plants. Identifying and treating pests could be a blog post on its own! If you see signs of pests (splotchy yellow leaves, small brown spots, cobwebs, white fuzzy spots) use your preferred search engine to try to identify what the pest is and how best to treat it.

In general, when it comes to pests, neem oil is your new best friend. Mix one or two tablespoons of neem oil into a spray bottle of warm water. Shake it up and spray it onto the plants. Even if you don’t have pests, neem oil is a great preventative measure as well!

Insecticidal soap is your other best friend. It smothers and kills many pests and their eggs. Follow the instructions on the packaging, and apply regularly.

When to Call it Quits With a Dying Plant

Losing a plant is such a disappointing feeling, and deciding whether to give up can be a difficult and emotional call to make.

Some signs that there may be no recovery left for your plant: if the pest population is out of control, if your plant has no healthy leaves left, or if your plant problems are negatively impacting your mental health. Don’t let it discourage you from your journey to plant parenthood, though you can always consider a stylish artificial potted plant, too.

Your real Christmas tree really made a statement over the holiday season. The lights, the baubles and the mountain of presents underneath. But now that the presents are unwrapped and put away and the needles are dropping, it’s time to deal with that tree cluttering up your living room.

Let’s take a look at some of your disposal options. Note, though, that some of these solutions are time-sensitive.

Recycle It

Many municipalities, like Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, make recycling Christmas trees easy by offering pick-up and drop-off services. They’ll take the tree off your hands and recycle it into mulch, compost or wood chips. Pick-up and drop-off dates vary, so be sure to confirm dates before putting your tree out on garbage day or dragging it to your recycling centre.

Be sure to remove decorations, nails, stands and any plastic wrapping before recycling your tree. And be aware that some municipalities require you to cut your tree into pieces for curbside pick-up, so be sure to check first.

Related: Secrets of an Eco-Conscious Homeowner We Should All Adopt

Cut for Use as Firewood

If you don’t have a pick-up or drop-off option and you have a firepit, a simple alternative is to chop your tree up and use it as firewood. Evergreen trees burn hot and fast, so the logs you cut won’t last very long. The needles can be composed, although they take a long time to break down. If you plan to burn your tree, ensure it’s dry. Drying can take up to six months, so you’ll have wood for the summer. After burning, save your ash to use as a fertilizer for your garden and flower beds. You can also add ash to your compost.

Related: Now’s the Time to Get That Firepit

Wildlife Habitat

If you have a good location in your backyard, you can stick your tree in a corner to use as a natural habitat for woodland creatures. Make sure your tree is free of decorations, and then sit back and watch birds, squirrels and other animals hang out in their new oasis. You can hang feeders to attract more birds, although you may not want to do this if you have cats! If you do have cats, they’ll appreciate a place to sharpen their claws and laze in the sun.

Related: 10 Ways to Create a Backyard Oasis for Birds, Bees and Everything in Between

Insulate and Protect Perennials

If you’re cutting up your tree to use as firewood or to dispose of easily, save those big evergreen boughs for your garden. They make excellent covers to protect your perennials and garden beds from harsh winter weather. When spring rolls around, you can chip the branches and make your own mulch.

Related: How to Protect Outdoor Plants and Trees From Frost and Freeze

Get Crafty

If you search online for Christmas tree recycling projects, you’ll find all kinds of ideas for transforming your tree. One example is drink coasters. Simply cut the trunk or thick branches into cross-sections. For a rustic look, use the slices as is. If you want to get fancy, stain them and give them a coat of varnish. You might even write the year of the tree on each coaster.

These ideas will help ensure your live Christmas tree is disposed of in an eco-friendly way. But if you really want to reduce the environmental impact of having a live tree, there are some options to keep in mind for next year.

Consider renting a tree that can be planted after you return it. If you’re thinking about adding an evergreen on your property, buy a small tree with roots, stick it in a pot, place it outside in a planter after the holidays and then transfer it to the ground once the weather warms up. Remember that artificial trees aren’t an eco-friendly answer as they’re generally not recyclable.

Related: Are Artificial Christmas Trees More Eco-Friendly Than Real Ones?

Choosing one of these options for your tree is an excellent way to help the environment long after the holiday season has passed.

Quirks are what make a house unique. In a world of cookie-cutter developments a little weird is good, but there are limits. For brothers, Mark and Michael, they found that limit in the home their parents purchased. Between funhouse mirrors, dated sunken tubs, and an indoor greenhouse smack dab in the middle of it all, it was more than the two could manage on their own. That’s where Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni came in. Together, they were ready to take on their biggest project yet. From the backyard pool to the indoor greenhouse, no leaf would be left unturned at this organic Oasis.

Watch all new episodes of Scott’s Vacation House Rules, Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Home Network. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!

Before: A Bland Bathroom

Brothers Mark and Michael, were given the task of managing their parents’ new rental property. With the hopes of using it as supplemental income until they were ready to retire there, it had a long way to go.

Related: Scott and Debra Bring Colourful Design to a Beachside Abode

After: A Beautiful Spa

Located in stunning Niagara Falls, this organic oasis is the biggest project the team has tackled yet, with the biggest bathroom. After removing the eyesore that was the tiled sunken tub, they got to work giving the space a spa-like feel. Complete with a eucalyptus diffuser, a wood-paneled feature wall, and an oversized soaker tub, the space feels both opulent and zen. 

Related: Scott Brings his Vacation House Rules to a Breezy Beach House

Unique Indoor Greenhouse

A greenhouse right in the middle of a house is a unique attraction, but it takes more than just that. Interest is nothing without execution and the greenhouse being rusty was not going to cut it. Because of this, Scott and the team overhauled the space completely. By redoing the trim and paneling in black, the plants take center stage while giving the space a sleek and modern feel. Coupled with AstroTurf on the floor, the space seamlessly blurs the lines between nature and home. Now guests and plants alike can breathe a breath of fresh air. 

Related: Scott McGillivray Breathes Life into a Kawartha Coastal Cabin

Luxury Island

With the property being so large and opulent, it was expected that it would be used for entertaining. Because of this, it was important that the kitchen was not only capable of hosting, but also feeding large groups. The team pulled out all the stops, installing a full-sized beverage fridge, dual ovens, and a long waterfall island. By removing the unnecessary wall that separated the kitchen and dining room, the space functioned much better. It became as comfortable as it was practical. 

Related: Scott and Debra Make a Mid-Century Modern Getaway Young Again

Bright and Spacious Lounge

One of the few spaces that didn’t need much change was the living room. With a simple but spacious layout, a charming fireplace, and full view of the greenhouse it had all the potential it needed. Rather than let it rest on its laurels, Debra wanted to make the space as special as the rest of the house. By adding relaxing and elegant furniture, coupled with textured paneling on the walls, she did just that. Now guests can delight in the plant life while enjoying the comfort of home.

Tune in every Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT for new episodes of Scott’s Vacation House Rules, on Home Network. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!

Related: Scott and Debra Make a Luxe Lounge at Paradise Point

The cocktail garden is one of the hottest new trends among mixologists and gardeners alike, and it’s easy to see why! Planting a cocktail garden simply means planting veggies, fruit and herbs you’d use to make your favourite cocktails and mocktails. This practical, easy approach to gardening is a great way to make sure you have lovely, fresh ingredients on hand for all of your mixology adventures.

Related: This Beyonce-Inspired “Pure/Honey” Cocktail is the Perfect Renaissance Sip

How to Create a Cocktail Garden

When it comes to creating a cocktail garden (or any garden, for that matter), the best approach is a kind of reverse engineering. Think about what kinds of drinks you enjoy, and then plant the fruits, veggies and herbs featured in those sips. Love herbaceous, bitter bevvies? Mint, rosemary and thyme are your best friends. Big fan of sweet, refreshing drinks? Berries and melons are a must.

The bottom line is, if you’re growing a garden with the express purpose of using it to make delicious drinks, plant the things you find delicious!

That said, another important factor is space. Cocktail gardens can be any size, but whether you have a vast backyard or a cozy balcony will determine what you can plant – it would be pretty hard to grow watermelons in a pot on a windowsill.

Cocktail Garden Plant Ideas

Rosemary

Rosemary is a great addition to a variety of cocktails and mocktails. Keep it simple by adding a sprig of this fragrant herb to a classic gin and tonic, or go all in with a more complex cocktail like a rosemary gimlet.

Basil

Basil isn’t just for sauces and salads – it also makes for a refreshing addition to cocktails! For a creative twist on a classic, substitute basil for the mint in your favourite mojito recipe. When it comes to keeping your basil in good shape, prune the leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

Thyme

Thyme may not be the first herb you think of when it comes to cocktails, but a thyme Aperol spritz is a fresh twist on an old fave. There are many varieties of thyme, and your best bet is to smell them and choose the one that appeals to you most.

Related: This Is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (And 5 Tips to Bring Them Back!)

Mint

You and a cocktail garden are mint to be! Having plenty of mint on hand means you can always whip up a classic mojito, or bring the taste of summer into fall and winter with a tasty cranberry mojito. Mint is notorious for spreading like a weed, so try planting it in a container so it doesn’t take over your garden.

Jalapeños

Jalapeños are another versatile cocktail garden option. Spice up Taco Tuesdays with a jalapeño margarita, customizing the spice level by removing some or all of the seeds. If you also grow watermelons, you’ll have all the fixings for a spicy watermelon margarita.

Berries

For fresh and fruity cocktails, raspberries and strawberries are a great staple to have on hand. Raspberries are one of the many berries that grow wild across Canada, and along with strawberries, will come back year after year. Try a delicious strawberry daiquiri, or add a raspberry twist to your favourite cocktails by making a raspberry simple syrup.

Ginger

Finally, give growing ginger a try, and then use it to make your own gingerale or ginger beer – perfect for Moscow mules or ginger beer peach floats.

A lawn that stays green all year long while barely having to water it? Talk about luck! According to the National Association of Realtors, the clover lawn has been Google’s most searched home improvement trend of 2023 so far. And we believe it: clover lawns are a clever and sustainable alternative to grass lawns that have been all over our social media pages. 

What are Clover Lawns? 

Clover lawns cover your yard with clovers or shamrocks. You can either exclusively cover your lawn with all clovers or combine clovers and traditional turf grass. In fact, your yard may already be growing some clovers right now. Instead of treating them like weeds, here’s why you should consider keeping them. 

The Benefits of Clover Lawns

There are a lot of pros to opting for clovers over grass. Having a green and lush lawn all the time is just one of them! These are the benefits of having the “Luck of the Irish,” as your lawn of choice: 

It’s Low Maintenance

Clover lawns require no mowing, so you’ll have a great-looking lawn with less hassle. White clovers can grow around two to eight inches tall and require little or no mowing to keep them looking tidy. 

Clover Lawns Can Withstand Canadian Climate

Clover lawns work in any region of the country, coast to coast. They’re heat resistant and can thrive during sweltering summer months — including drought. Additionally, they can also survive Canada’s extreme winters. 

It’s More Sustainable

Having a clover lawn means less watering, which is much better for the environment. Since clovers can grow in poor soil, they can survive without as much water as typical grass. Clovers also help promote biodiversity and encourage pollinators like bees to pollinate your stunning garden. 

Additionally, clovers can also spread fast in areas that don’t receive that much sunlight, so they’re perfect in shady areas where the grass is harder to keep alive. One con: they don’t handle foot traffic as well as regular grass. However, they’re affordable compared to Bermuda or Perennial, plus they’re pet-friendly, too. 

Of course, you’ll more likely to find four-leaf clovers with this new trendy lawn. And who couldn’t use some more luck and good energy in their lives?

Photo courtesy of Getty Images. 

Unexpected bad weather can cancel out even the best-planned afternoons. Stay prepared with this indoor-friendly DIY. Painting clay pots is a low-pressure DIY that can be done alone or with family and friends (it’s all-age appropriate, too). Replicate our design or try something new — your design options are endless!

Materials Required:

• Clean cloth
• Terracotta pot
• Acrylic paints in colours of your choice
• Multiple small to medium paint brushes
• Paint mixing tools
• Paint pen

Instructions:

Step One: With a clean cloth, wipe the surface of the terracotta pot. Paint won’t adhere to a dirty pot.

Step Two: Pick your paints and create your palette. We used a combination of green, black, white and yellow.

Step Three: Paint fluid shapes onto the pot. This is easier than it looks! Use a small angled brush to help get crisper lines. Be careful not to paint outside of the lines, but if you do, no problem: The design is abstract so mistakes are just happy accidents!

Step Four: Once dry, use a thick black paint pen to draw leafy shapes. You can also use permanent marker.

Step Five: Let the painted planter sit overnight outside, by a window or in a well-ventilated room. This will allow the paint and marker vapours to dissipate. Be careful not to place it in too much sun, or the paint can fade. Once the fumes have dissipate, add a cute plant and place it wherever you like it!

Photos and video courtesy of The Craft Aisle.