Fall 101 with Outdoor Pro Carson Arthur
I can’t believe that I am about to talk about a fall checklist…but according to the calendar and according to the nip in the air at night, its time to start thinking about the end of summer >. I’m personally a little torn by this. I love the gardening season, but there is something very special about the turning of the season that I also really love. Maybe it’s the autumn leaves or the smell in the air or even the fact that the outdoor temperature is now comfortable even at noon; whatever the case, I’m not too upset that its time to think about putting the gardens to bed. There are a few things that home gardeners get wrong at this time of the year. First off is bulb planting. I love tulips and daffodils in the spring, but I never plant the bulbs in the ground until the soil temperature is below 4 degrees Celsius. Being patient when planting your bulbs is so important to ensure that they stay dormant until spring. Also, remember that the squirrels will probably dig your bulbs up if you are not smart about how you plant them. Squirrels like to steal food from other squirrels. They look for areas of disturbed soil thinking that this is where their neighbor has hidden something edible. When you are planting your bulbs, make sure to disguise the area with some leaves so that it looks like the ground is still undisturbed. Speaking of your leaves; KEEP THEM. I know that some homes have huge maples or other deciduous trees in the yard and the amount of fallen leaves far exceeds any needs that you may have. However, mulched or composted leaves are the best fertilizer you can get for your gardens. Leaves that have been running through the mower are also fantastic as an insulator. A few years ago I bought a Black and Decker 3 n1 leaf vacuum, blower, and mulcher, and it’s become my go-to tool for creating my own free fertilizer. Don’t forget to wrap your plants and trees! Once again, Mother Nature is giving us some early warning signs of another hard winter to come; specifically, all of the cone-bearing evergreens have them at the tops of the trees. This is a sign that we are in for another rough season, which is going to be hard on your plants. Go out and invest in lots of tree wraps and burlap. Having a windbreak is crucial for plants like rhododendrons, cedars and even your rose of Sharon. The key is to wrap your tree snuggly enough that the burlap will stay up in the wind, but not too tight as they break branches. You should also wait until your plants have gone dormant, which is tough for your evergreens. I like to wrap my tender shrubs and bushes at the end of October. You may not have to start thinking about these jobs now, but trust me, winter is really just around the corner! The post Fall 101 with Outdoor Pro Carson Arthur appeared first on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life.
Home Trends: Gen Z and Maximalism in 2025
In 2025, home design is all about making a statement — and no one is embracing this more boldly than Gen Z. This generation, known for challenging the norms and celebrating individuality, has fully adopted the maximalism movement. Forget minimalist, neutral spaces. Gen Z is bringing back the "more is more" mindset, and it’s making homes look more vibrant, eclectic, and unapologetically full of personality. What Is Maximalism? Maximalism is all about breaking the rules of traditional design. Instead of sticking to muted tones and minimalist furniture, maximalism celebrates abundance. Picture a room where every inch tells a story, with bold colors, flashy decor, and layers upon layers of visual interest. This style brings an explosion of creativity into living spaces, reflecting the eclectic mix of influences that make up Gen Z's world — from TikTok trends to vintage nostalgia. Maximalism is the complete opposite of the streamlined, “everything in its place” minimalism that dominated much of the 2010s. Now, it's about curating a space that’s completely your own, where chaos and cohesion can live harmoniously. For Gen Z, this design approach feels personal and liberating — it's a reflection of their wide-ranging interests and unique personalities. Key Features of Maximalism for 2025 Maximalist homes are unmistakable in their intensity. These are the standout features that define the trend: Bold, Vibrant Colors Gen Z is ditching the monochromatic palettes in favor of bold, saturated hues. Walls are often painted in jewel tones like emerald green, cobalt blue, or rich burgundy. Accent colors, from neon pinks to mustard yellows, add a daring contrast, often all in the same space. Flashy and Eye-Catching Decor When it comes to decor, Gen Z maximalists don’t shy away from a little glitz. Metallic finishes, reflective surfaces, and art deco-inspired pieces give spaces an unapologetically flashy vibe. It's not about blending in — it's about standing out. Knick-Knacks and Collectibles Maximalism encourages filling your home with things you love, and for Gen Z, that often means collectibles, vintage finds, and quirky knick-knacks. Whether it’s vinyl records, vintage cameras, or eccentric sculptures, this generation is making every surface count. Heavy, Eclectic Furniture Forget sleek, modern lines — the furniture in maximalist spaces is heavy, layered, and often has a story behind it. From antique wooden dressers to oversized velvet armchairs, the pieces are large, comfortable, and mix different design styles. Each item in a room stands alone as a statement piece, but they somehow come together to create a cohesive (and comfortable) chaos. Busy and Expressive Art Gallery walls are a huge feature in maximalist homes. Gen Z is adorning their walls with large, colorful paintings, mixed media pieces, and personal photography. The art is loud, expressive, and varied, turning every wall into a canvas of personality. Why Gen Z Loves Maximalism For Gen Z, maximalism feels like a rejection of the overly curated, "Instagram-perfect" homes that have defined interior design over the past decade. It’s an embrace of imperfection, where their personalities can shine through every cluttered corner and contrasting color palette. This generation grew up in a world filled with diverse media, global influences, and constant visual stimuli. Their homes reflect that same cultural mash-up, where there’s no pressure to conform to one aesthetic. Instead, maximalism gives them the freedom to pull from vintage pieces, thrift store finds, pop culture memorabilia, and high-end decor all at once. The result? Homes that feel deeply personal and uniquely tailored to the homeowner’s tastes. How to Incorporate Maximalism Into Your Home If you're ready to embrace the maximalist trend, start with what you love! Here’s how to begin: Start with Color: Pick a bold color for one of your walls or a major piece of furniture, then build around it by layering different tones and textures. Mix and Match Styles: Don’t feel pressured to stick to one era or style. Blend modern, vintage, and eclectic pieces to create a collected look. Fill Your Space: Don't shy away from filling shelves, walls, and corners with items that speak to you. Think of your home as a gallery of your personality. Looking for inspiration? Our experience as lifestyle experts can help you find the perfect pieces to craft a home that’s uniquely yours. Start your search for a home that fits your style or connect with one of our agents to explore your options. Maximalism’s Influence on Home Buying in 2025 As we head into 2025, Gen Z’s embrace of maximalism is influencing more than just interior design — it's impacting the way homes are bought and sold. Buyers are no longer seeking cookie-cutter homes. Instead, they’re looking for spaces that allow for customization and self-expression. If you're in the market for a home, consider how the space can serve as a canvas for your maximalist vision. Open floor plans, abundant wall space, and unique architectural features can be the perfect foundation for bold decor choices. And remember, whether you're shopping for a cozy condo or a sprawling suburban home, it's all about finding a space that lets your personality shine through. Start your home search today to find a place where your design dreams can come to life, or connect with one of our expert agents to get started. Maximalism isn’t just a trend — it’s a movement. And as lifestyle experts, we know just how to help you bring that movement into your home. Let your space tell your story.
Fall Lawn Prep with Outdoor Pro Carson Arthur
Fall is the perfect time to get your lawn prepped for spring, and now is the time to do it! Most homeowners ignore their lawns in the fall but the cooler weather is fantastic for your grass. During this time of year, your lawn is actively storing water, nutrients and generating energy so that it can make it through a long winter. If you take care of it now, you’ll have a healthier, lusher looking patch of green in the spring! Now is the time to lower the blade on your mower. I keep mine between 3 and 3.5”s during the warmer months. In the fall, it is time to drop it down to 2”s to allow more sunlight to get to the crown of the grass. There are a couple of things to remember; never cut off more than 1/3 of the blade length at a time. This is really hard on the grass. You can lower then mower once by a third, and then again by a third in the second cutting. If you have a bagging option, now is a good time to put it on. Removing some of the cuts blades will help your lawn can more oxygen down to the roots as better airflow can occur without the build-up of cuttings (called thatch). Aerating in the fall is also a great solution for getting oxygen, moisture, and nutrients the roots. The best aerators remove plugs of soil that are 3”s long. This is the perfect depth to reach the roots below the ground. Feeding the lawn in the fall is actually more important in my mind than doing it in the spring. The fall fertilizer helps the roots grow below the soil, encouraging an earlier and deeper flush of green grass once the snow melts. Look for fertilizers like a 0-6-6 combination. Make sure to avoid a fertilizer with a high first number as this encourages more leaf growth above ground. Instead, get a high middle and last number. This promotes root growth and improves the overall health of your lawn. I wait until early October for my last fertilizing of the year. I like to top-dress the bald spots on my lawn at the end of September. The occasional rainfall and the cooler temps are perfect for seed starting. When buying your grass seed mix, also get a bag of topsoil. By blending the two BEFORE you spread the mix on the lawn, you get a higher rate of germination of the seeds because you’ve ensured the “seed-to-soil” contact that they need to grow. Weeds are also getting ready to go through the winter months. This makes them extra susceptible to herbicides and natural treatments as they are in full “absorption-mode”. Just be careful and follow the instructions on whatever weed solution you decide to go with and wait until the end of Oct to apply. This is extra important in the areas that you’ve planted new seeds so that they have a chance to get better established. Finally, rake those leaves! Getting the leaves off the lawn before they become a wet mat that smothers your lawn is so important. Try these steps and you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood with the greenest and happiest lawn on the block! The post How to Fall Lawn Prep with Outdoor Pro Carson Arthur appeared first on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life.
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