Heather Bien

Washington, D.C., United States

Freelance writer @apttherapy @marthaliving @styleblueprint @theknot @virginialiving | Copywriter | Known to skip town on the weekend

Articles

13 Shade Plants That Handle Drought Like Pros, Even During a Scorching Summer

2 days ago | yahoo.com | Heather Bien

In a perfect world, every plant would have all the sun and moisture it needs. But if your summer garden has spots where the sun doesn't shine in the summer, thanks to mature trees or north-facing exposure, then you know the challenge of trying to grow plants in less-than-ideal conditions. Add in a summer without significant and frequent rainfall, and you're facing a double whammy of garden struggles. Luckily, some plants will actually grow—and thrive—in both shade and drought.
12 Basil Companion Plants That’ll Help Boost Flavor And Keep Pests Away

2 days ago | southernliving.com | Heather Bien

Dreaming of a summer recipe line-up that includes caprese salad, basil pesto pasta, and frosty basil limeade? You'll need a bumper crop of basil to take you through the entire season and, beyond making sure you have full sun and moist, well-draining soil, companion plants will help your basil stay lush and green through every harvest.
Don't Plant Your Vegetable Garden in These 6 Risky Spots, Gardeners Warn

3 days ago | thespruce.com | Heather Bien

Key Takeaways There's nothing better than a homegrown tomato or a ripe zucchini, ready to turn into zucchini bread. Often, these vegetables are thought of as so easy to grow that you'll have baskets full of extra veggies you'll pass off on neighbors and friends, simply because you have more than you could ever imagine consuming. But those plentiful harvests are dependent on finding just the right spot for your vegetable garden.
6 Spots You Should Never Plant Your Veggies If You Want Them to Thrive, Gardeners Say

3 days ago | yahoo.com | Heather Bien

Key TakeawaysMost vegetables require full sun to thrive, so planting a vegetable garden near trees or a structure could create a shady environment that inhibits growth. Pollution or chemicals, whether they're from runoff, other plants, or buildings, can potentially damage vegetables—and create veggies you won't want to consume. Raised beds are the best way to control the environment in which you plant your vegetable garden.
8 Entertaining Pieces Grandma Loved-And We Still Do Too

3 days ago | southernliving.com | Heather Bien

Credit: Grey Joyner Interiors / Bovara Studios If you've ever been the lucky recipient of pieces from Grandma's entertaining collection, then you may have spent some time wondering, "Did people actually use this?!" The answer is, of course, yes. And the fancier, the better.
This Brilliant Hack Is Perfect for Small Patios, Gardens, and Apartments

3 days ago | yahoo.com | Heather Bien

This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. Who doesn’t love the experience of sitting at a café — espresso in hand, croissant in front of you — and watching the world go by? I wanted to recreate that magic at home on my small balcony, with just enough room for two bistro chairs and a bistro table. The problem was, I didn’t really have room for a true bistro table.
This Brilliant Hack Is Perfect for Small Patios, Gardens, and Apartments

3 days ago | apartmenttherapy.com | Heather Bien

DecoratingSmall SpacescommentsWe independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing. See More ImagesCredit: Lauren KolynWho doesn’t love the experience of sitting at a café — espresso in hand, croissant in front of you — and watching the world go by? I wanted to recreate that magic at home on my small balcony, with just enough room for two bistro chairs and a bistro table.
Realtors Predict House Prices Will Drop in These 8 Popular Retirement Towns

4 days ago | financebuzz.com | Heather Bien |Sara Albertelli

While the real estate market has been hot over the past few years, signs indicate that it may be cooling, which is good news if you want to better prepare for retirement and are seeking more affordable living options. From the Midwest to the South, several markets have long been favorites among retirees for their charm, amenities, and access to health care. Now that prices are expected to drop in some of these areas, it may be time to consider making a move.
This Garden Pot Upgrade Adds Major Old World Style to a Small Patio

4 days ago | yahoo.com | Heather Bien

Living in a city means my gardening is primarily done in terracotta pots and planters. I don't have a large yard or any significant square footage of soil to speak of, but I do have a patio and a balcony that feel like an urban oasis when they're filled with plants. I love both the look and price point of plain terracotta pots. They're classic and typically inexpensive (unless you get seduced by ornate terracotta pots fit for a French villa, which I try not to!).
This Garden Pot Upgrade Adds Major Old World Style to a Small Patio

4 days ago | yahoo.com | Heather Bien

This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. Living in a city means my gardening is primarily done in terracotta pots and planters. I don’t have a large yard or any significant square footage of soil to speak of, but I do have a patio and a balcony that feel like an urban oasis when they’re filled with plants. I love both the look and price point of plain terracotta pots.