Getty Images It’s not official butazaleasare definitely in the running as the favorite flower of the South. The best soil punch in for azaleas is nutrient-rich, acidic, and well-draining. They don’t like soggy, wet feet or alkaline soils with a low pH. Credit:Getty Images you’re free to help ensure the health of your azalea by considering the bestplanting locationsfor your area. After the first couple of frosts but before the ground is frozen, give azaleas a thorough soaking....

Five easy ways to give this hardworking surface some TLC. Butcher block is made by gluing several pieces of wood together. Though classic, stone countertops can sometimes make a space feel cold and standoffish. Southern Living.Credit: Laurey W. Glenn Read on for five easy ways to take care of your hardworking butcher-block countertops. How To Clean And Sanitize Cutting directly on the surface is convenient, but it will leave stains....

Discover how to keep your tulips vibrant and long-lasting with our expert tips. EyeEm Mobile GmbH/Getty Images Tulipsare flowers with minds of their own. So how can you best care for these botanical wonders? Credit:EyeEm Mobile GmbH/Getty Images This always-important step allows tulips (and all flowers!) Flowers cut at high noon are likely stressed and will not survive as long in a vase. Step 2 Remove exterior leaves. Credit:Robbie Caponetto...

Winter-proof your hydrangeas with these tips. Getty Images Hydrangeas are brimming with nostalgia, stirring memories of endless Southern summers. When winter arrives, these charming plants need a little TLC to ensure summer blooms return the following season. Credit:Getty Images Hydrangea plants also benefit from protection against fluctuating winter temperatures, which can disturb the roots and crown. Four different types ofhydrangeasare commonly grown in American gardens. Bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas are more sensitive to flower damage during the winter months and often require additional protection....

Topiaries need bright light and a moderate temperature. Add a touch of greenery to any space by cultivating topiaries. So, is it too decadent to reserve a room in your home for a unique plant collection? Credit: Helen Norman; Designer: Loi Thai Not if you’re an enthusiast like designer Loi Thai. Because topiaries look best displayed in groups, having a feature room with ideal growing conditions makes sense. In the winter, it is essential to trim topiaries to maintain proper care....

Things aren’t always cold and dreary in the winter. What do you consider the most fragrant plant in the garden? Several worthy candidates include jasmine, gardenia, lilac, and bearded iris. Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata'.Credit: Steve Bender These plants, along with many others, exude a wonderful garden fragrance. Yet there is one shrub that undoubtedly belongs on this listthe winter daphne. Deer typically won’t eat winter daphne, so its evergreen foliage is safe from these animals....

Keep your wood furniture looking rich, without feeling like you’re trapped in a museum. Luckily, the expertsantique dealers, shop owners, and appraisersbelieve that wood antiques are meant to be used. They’re designed to be sat on, styled, and incorporated into daily life. Credit:Alison Gootee; Styling: Jenny O’Connor They don’t have to stay absolutely perfect because life isn’t perfect. An occasional scratch or a gradual patina is just a testament to memories....

Slice and serve like a pro with these essential tips and techniques. With a bit of practice and the right approach, anyone can master the art of turkey carving. First, let the turkey rest for 20 to 30 minutesafter roastingto give the juices time to redistribute. Credit:ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLING: AUDREY DAVIS; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL This helps keep the meat moist, while also cooling the bird so it’s easier to handle....

From the right shape to the right size, this is your go-to guide. Lamps are among the longest-lasting household items. They are easy to repair or rewire, making them instant family heirlooms. Credit: Clare Mansell/Getty While lamps might last forever, their lampshades do not. Over time, shades might turn yellow, become damaged, or simply go out of style. No matter the reason, the real conundrum is understanding how to select a replacement....

Learn which bang out of washing machine best suits your needs and lifestyle. So, which will it be? A traditional top load washer, or modern front load washer? Credit:Laurey W. Glenn Front load washers are built with a horizontal drum that tumbles the clothes in each cycle. you could easily stand up to toss your clothes in. This is what moves your items around to get them clean during the washing process....

Were all looking for that healthy glow. But is one more effective than the other? Lauren Sisois alicensed estheticianand ALP owner of the Atlanta, Georgia-basedELLEMES Medical Spa. Credit: Getty Images Body Oil Body oil is made up of mostly oils. It is primarily used to soften skin and acts as a protective barrier to lock moisture in. It helps fill in dry, cracked skin with lipids that restore skin and prevent moisture loss....

Choosingcurtainsfor your living room requires taking a variety of factors into consideration. The most important one might come down to understanding what a curtain is in the first place. In addition, its also usually unlined which means more light is able to filter through. Credit: Laurey W. Glenn Style And Design The styles to consider for your living room curtains are many. From single panels, to panel pairs, lined or unlinedand we havent even begun to mention header types....

Every apple has a purpose, but some apples are better when baking pies and crisps. Use them in anapple crisp, one of the easiestfall dessertsto bake. The firm and crisp Granny Smith and Honeycrisp varieties are popular apples to use inapple piesand apple crisps. Credit:Jennifer Davick; Food Styling: Vanessa Rocchio; Prop Styling: Missie Crawford Here are our favorite apples that hold up well under the heat: Braeburn. A popular apple for desserts because it bakes up juicy but not mushy....