Morgan Noll

6 days ago | realsimple.com | Morgan Noll

Credit: IRINA NAZAROVA/Getty Images You've probably heard by now that a hot, dry summer is on the horizon for most of the country. That means you'll want to make sure that both your home and garden are prepared to handle the heat. For your home, that means getting your AC in good working condition and weatherstripping your doors and windows. For your garden, that means finding ways to conserve water and utilizing plants that are drought-tolerant.

1 week ago | realsimple.com | Morgan Noll

Credit: Lisa Romerein/Getty Images The unfortunate reality about cleaning is that it's never really finished. No matter how thoroughly you deep clean something, everything is bound to get dirty and need to be cleaned again. However, there are some things that seem to get dirty again the moment you turn your back and walk away, making it seem like they can never truly get clean. Shower curtains and liners are a common pain point in this department.

1 week ago | realsimple.com | Morgan Noll

Credit: Nathan Griffith/Getty Images Key TakeawaysPlanting wildflowers like these can enhance your garden's beauty while attracting pollinators and supporting local ecosystems. Many wildflowers are low-maintenance to grow, making them ideal for gardeners seeking vibrant blooms with minimal effort. Planting wildflowers that bloom at various times throughout the year keeps your garden colorful all season long. Wildflowers are potent symbols of hope and resilience.

1 week ago | realsimple.com | Morgan Noll

Credit: Vaivirga/Getty Images If you're looking to add charm to the facade of your home, window boxes will fast track you there. Window boxes can also be a great solution if you lack traditional gardening space or if you just want to expand the gardening opportunities you already have. However, it's worth noting that just because window boxes are smaller and more contained than a traditional, in-ground garden, that doesn't necessarily mean they're less work.

2 weeks ago | realsimple.com | Morgan Noll

Credit: Design by: Prideaux Design, Photo by: Matt Vacca Beautiful gardens and landscaping around your home don't just add to its overall curb appeal, but they also provide more opportunities to connect with nature. Tending to your yard can offer mood-boosting effects, provide light exercise, and teach you a lot about plants—including what works (and doesn't) in your area.