Professional landscapers share their secrets. Getty Images Creating and maintaining a good-looking yard is one of the most daunting aspects of homeownership. Always Take A Soil Sample Soil testsare an essential first step for long-term landscaping success. Credit:Getty Images Experts recommend testing your soil before planting anything. This is the only way to ensure yourefertilizing properly. Good roots equal good plants, explains Campbell Vaughn, a UGA Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent....

Youll also find that its also much less crowded andmore affordablethan larger cities. Celebrating its 100th birthday in 2025, Deerfield Beach has retained much of its Old Florida charm. If thats what youre seeking in a vacation, here are the eight best things to do there. Credit: Photo: Nino H. Photography/Getty Images Try Some Water Sports If youre an adventure-seeker,Ski Rixenshould be on your itinerary. Walk the trails, look for birds and tortoises, and admire native plants and trees....

you might still get great color without the disease. The widely popularKnock Out roseproves it’s possible for you to get too much of a good thing. Unfortunately, it faces a fatal disease (as do other roses) called rose rosette. Credit: Southern Living Plant Collection Eventually, the plant dies. Hydrangeas The South reveres hydrangeas for their long-lasting blooms. ‘Dear Delores’does the same. Credit: Southern Living Plant Collection We’re also excited about a red repeat bloomer called ‘Heart Throb’....

Not only is doing so a way to shop sustainably but there are always surprises in store. Not only are these pieces unique, but theyre typically better quality and designed to last. Plus, they can provide a wow factor that many of todays pieces lack. Credit:BRIE WILLIAMS These flaws add to the uniqueness as long as the mirror is still functional. Picture Frames Need encouragement to release your photos from your smartphone and finally print them?...

Because beauty can’t be everything. We all want our kitchens to look good, but what use is a pretty kitchen that doesnt work? Interior designerLisa Shaffersays that the most functional kitchen is a personalized one. Credit: Alison Gootee; Styling: Matthew Gleason We believe the most functionalkitchenis the one that works for the way you live, Shaffer says. We have designed the smallest ofgalley kitchensand the largest of kitchens with back kitchens and walk-in pantries....

If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shake it up with these vintage-style vessels. Bauer Pottery Russel Wright American Modern Salt & Pepper Set Looking to keep it simple? Credit:Photo: ROBBIE CAPONETTO The handmade pair also comes in a variety of additional hues. Use them as everyday accessories and for special occasions. If yellow isnt your color of choice, youll find a range of color options. PHOTO: Courtesy of Neiman Marcus...

It’s time for a trip to Sam’s Club. The Member’s Mark seasonal French Silk Pie is backand biggerfor the holiday season. Credit:Getty Images Credit:Sam’s Club Credit:Sam’s Club Credit:Sam’s Club Credit:Sam’s Club Credit:Sam’s Club Credit:Sam’s Club Credit:Sam’s Club Credit:Sam’s Club

Nearby,Grayton Beach State Parkis known for gorgeous dune lakes and miles of trails in the coastal forest. TheTopsail Hilldune the park is named for towers 25 feet above pristine white sands. Campout luxuriously at theFancy Camps glampsiteand spend your days swimming, snorkeling, birding, and fishing. A family walks at sunset along the pristine shore of St. Andrew State Park in Panama City Beach, Florida. St. Andrews State Park is a 1,200-acre Florida State Park with amenities including two-and-a-half miles of beaches, bicycling, birding, boat tours, boating, canoeing, two fishing piers, hiking, kayaking, picnicking areas and full camping facilities....

Hailing from a long line of vegetable gardeners, they’ve tended this plot for 17 seasons. A border of coneflowers, bee balm, andShasta daisiesgreets all who enter through the handcrafted gate. Cabbages, carrots, tomatoes, squash, and beans interplanted with flowers grow abundantly here. Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez The geometry of the raised beds shapes the kitchen garden’s design, but there’s no stuffiness. Here are their hard-earned, down-to-earth tips for growing a successful vegetable garden....

There are artful collections hiding in the South’s quieter places. The sculptures are installed throughout the property, including the recent 14,000-square-foot expansion. My favorite part about this museum is that admission is always free. Credit:Courtesy Reynolda House Museum of American Art The museums collection is an homage to the Gilded Age and the hobbies and furnishings of the time. Beyond the museums permanent collection, the building is a work of art....

There’s no denying that barbecuing is an art form. There’s no denying that barbecuing is an art form. For many, smoked types of meat are a crucial part of the craft. Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree These smoker recipes highlight how easy it is to enjoy the smokey flavors right from your own home. The orange-hued rub gets its flavoring from paprika and salt, pairing perfectly with poultry. This rub works just as well as a finishing seasoning for scrambled eggs....

These Smoky Mountain alpine coasters offer thrills in the hills. These rides involve tracks built on mountainsides, using an areas natural elevation to shape the route. The region holds some special titles, including longest in the Southeast and only single-rail in North America. Credit:Courtesy of Ripley’s Mountain Coaster A rides carts can accommodate one or two people up to a typical weight limit of 375 pounds. Once seated in your cart, youll buckle your seatbelt just as you would in a motor vehicle....

From the Outer Banks to the Florida Panhandle. The northern end of the Outer Banks is especially remote. Eligible applicants are entered into a lottery, and if they are selected, they can purchase a permit. Credit:Robbie Caponetto Popular beach activities in the area include surfing, biking, swimming, shell collecting, and fishing. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards Credit: Taarnes/Getty Credit:Getty Images/Walt Harden Credit: Getty Images / VW Pics Credit:Getty Images/Dan Reynolds Photography...