Holly Crossley

1 week ago | homesandgardens.com | Holly Crossley

Keeping weeds at bay is key for a neat and tidy garden and to help your precious plants thrive. Catching them early on, before they have time to spread, is always beneficial – but to do so, you'll need to know what to look out for. While there are hundreds of plants with a weedy reputation in the US, some are more common than others, so could be more likely to crop up in your yard.

2 weeks ago | homesandgardens.com | Holly Crossley

Whether grown in the ground or in a large, terracotta pot, olives are a beautiful and relatively easy-going backyard tree. Their silvery leaves shimmer in the sun, lending a Mediterranean vibe to any space, and they also have the benefit of being drought-tolerant once established. If you're already looking after an olive tree, you'll know how fabulous they are – and the idea of growing one or two more is likely to appeal.

2 weeks ago | homesandgardens.com | Tenielle Jordison |Holly Crossley

Bohemian garden ideas are the perfect solution for conjuring up a laid-back look that's full of vibrancy. All it takes is a bit of creativity and know-how to curate this eclectic style. This backyard idea is all about curating a space that brings comfort and fun. It involves lots of color, layered textiles, and plenty of unique seating areas. You can also use lighting to enhance the aesthetic further.

2 weeks ago | homesandgardens.com | Holly Crossley

Plucking a perfectly ripened fruit straight from the tree is a simple joy for all ages. And if your neighbor has a particularly thriving specimen that hangs over your fence, you may feel like you’re in luck come harvest time. But before you start picking with gusto, it’s worth getting the lowdown on what’s legal – otherwise, you could end up in a disagreement, or even get landed with a fine. There are many easy fruit trees to cultivate at home, from apples and pears to figs.

3 weeks ago | homesandgardens.com | Holly Crossley

Welcoming wildlife into a small, urban, outdoor space can seem tricky at first. For those with just a balcony or courtyard to work with, you can't just dig into soil to make a pollinator-friendly flowerbed or a wildlife pond, and there's no lawn to 'rewild'. You may, however, be able to make a mini meadow - all you need is a large container and some carefully chosen plants.