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August 23.2025
3 Minutes Read

Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Garden Screening Plants

Lush potted screening plants at garden center. Best garden screening plants.

Why the Right Garden Screening Matters

When it comes to enhancing your outdoor space, garden screening plants do more than just provide privacy. They become integral in creating a sanctuary where you can escape the outside world. Imagine enjoying your morning coffee without the prying eyes of neighbors or blocking out noisy streets with a flourish of green. The choices you make in screening plants can profoundly affect your garden's aesthetic and functionality.

Considerations for Your Plant Selection

Before diving into the world of garden screening, it's essential to evaluate your needs. Screening can serve multiple purposes—from blocking ugly views to creating private garden spaces and sections. Think about what you want to achieve:

  • Height Requirements: Measure your fence or wall height to determine which plants will provide adequate coverage.
  • Location: The proximity of plants to your house can impact their ideal height. Planting closer usually means shorter plants will suffice.
  • Evergreen vs. Deciduous: Choose evergreens for year-round cover, or opt for deciduous varieties which can create a seasonal display.

For example, hornbeam is a popular choice that retains its leaves until spring, giving you a stylish bronze look during winter.

Layering Your Plants for Maximum Impact

Guy Watts from Architectural Plants explains that layering plants rather than forming a singular, tall hedge creates not only a visually appealing but a more effective method of screening. Layering allows you to introduce various heights and colors, making your garden feel dynamic and inviting. Think pots and planters as your first cautious steps toward privacy; they can soften the space while adding vibrant seasonal colors.

Choosing the Right Plants

According to Guy, Elegeagnus ebbingeii is a prized screening plant that provides year-round privacy and can be beautifully pleached for added style. Whether you want to maintain a classic hedge look or experiment with a modern aesthetic, splitting your plants into different segments adds depth to your garden design.

Screening Beyond the Fence Line

One fascinating principle of garden design involves interrupting sight lines. You don’t always have to place your screening plants right at the boundary to achieve the desired effect. For example, positioning trees or shrubs at angles can obscure views effectively, allowing for a more artistic and thoughtful garden layout.

Actionable Insights for Your Garden

Here are some straightforward tips to get you started on your journey to the perfect garden screening:

  1. Evaluate your outdoor space: What are your current pain points regarding privacy or sight lines?
  2. Plan before planting: Sketch out your garden layout and consider plant heights and types.
  3. Don’t hesitate to mix: Combine different species to enrich your garden’s texture and look.

By taking the time to plan your screening strategy, you can create a garden that feels personal, inviting, and protective all at the same time.

The Bigger Picture: Garden Screening and Community

As urban areas evolve, the demand for privacy in outdoor spaces skyrockets. Garden screening not only enriches personal spaces but also speaks volumes about the collective need for sanctuaries in the hustle and bustle of daily life. In embracing the art of garden screening, you contribute to a culture that values personal well-being and environmental aesthetics.

Conclusion: Embark on Your Screening Journey

Garden screening plants are not merely a trend; they represent a shift in how we conceive our outdoor environments. By selecting and layering the right plants, you cultivate more than just privacy—you discover an opportunity to express your personal style and cultivate tranquility. Whether you're looking to create intimate spaces for entertaining or serene corners for relaxation, the right selection of screening plants can transform ordinary outdoor areas into extraordinary living experiences.

Ready to elevate your outdoor space? Dive into these insights, set your garden vision, and watch as your backyard blossoms into a true sanctuary!

Outdoor Living

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10.06.2025

Transform Your Cooking with Sumac Essence: A Pantry Must-Have

Update Unlocking the Flavorful Power of Sumac Essence If you're looking to elevate your culinary game, then sumac essence may be the secret ingredient your cooking has been missing. Known for its bright, zesty flavor, sumac has been a staple in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, making its way into American kitchens at a rapid pace. But what truly sets sumac essence apart is its incredible versatility and unique capacity to enhance a wide range of dishes. Sumac: An Underappreciated Ingredient While often overshadowed by more common spices, sumac is a tangy spice derived from the berries of sumac bushes and is often celebrated for its vibrant reddish-purple hue. Its flavor is a delightful mix of tartness reminiscent of lemon and a subtle note of earthy richness. Chefs around the globe are beginning to realize its potential: from dressing salads and seasoning roasted meats to being sprinkled on flatbreads and popcorn, the possibilities are endless. How to Make Sumac Essence Creating sumac essence is simpler than you might think. Start by soaking ripe sumac berries in water to create sumac water, which forms the foundation of this culinary treasure. One can achieve a rich flavor by allowing the infusion to sit longer before straining, resulting in a vibrant, tart syrup akin to pomegranate molasses. This process not only preserves the unique flavor but brings out the acidic notes that make it such an essential ingredient. Your New Favorite Recipes Featuring Sumac Knowing how to create sumac essence opens the door to a multitude of flavorful dishes. As chefs are discovering innovative ways to incorporate this condiment, we emphasize a few standout preparations: Marinades and Rubs: Use sumac in marinades for meats to add a depth of flavor. Its acidity tenderizes the proteins while adding a distinctive bright note. Salads: A sprinkling can elevate a simple salad; consider a traditional Lebanese fattoush or mix it into grain salads to enhance freshness. Fried Foods: Sumac is perfect for seasoning fried foods like Brussels sprouts or potato chips, infusing them with a delicious tang that surprises the palate. Beyond the Kitchen: The Cultural Impact of Sumac Understanding the cultural significance of sumac enriches its use. Traditionally, sumac has been utilized not only for its culinary benefits but also as a source of nutrition in various communities. It’s the embodiment of the deep cultural exchange from the East to the West, bridging flavors and traditions. Future Trends: Sumac in American Cuisine As American home cooks are becoming more adventurous, flavors like sumac are expected to continue gaining popularity. The food industry has shifted towards embracing unique herbs and spices that create distinctive culinary experiences while also catering to health-conscious consumers. The tangy zest of sumac not only satisfies the palate but aligns with the growing trend of incorporating fresh and vibrant flavors into diets. Practical Tips for Using Sumac Ready to dive into sumac? Here are a few practical tips: Start small: A little goes a long way. Add sparingly until you find the perfect balance in your dishes. Experiment! Use it in unexpected places: from cocktails to desserts, sumac can be a delightful surprise. Pair wisely: Sumac works beautifully with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs—consider creating spice blends with these. Conclusion: Sumac's Bright Future in Your Pantry Incorporating sumac essence into your pantry gives you a powerful tool for culinary transformation. Its unique flavor profile not only elevates your dishes but pays homage to the rich history of its use across cultures. Try making sumac water and explore creative recipes that will impress any dinner guest. Don’t let this gem of an ingredient remain in the shadows—bring it to light and watch your cooking thrive!

10.06.2025

Unlocking the Art of Brandied Fruit: Create Timeless Preserves

Update A Timeless Tradition of Brandied Fruit Making Brandied fruit is more than just a delectable treat; it's a storied tradition that reflects both culinary art and the history of preservation. Picture glossy jars filled with fruit submerged in luscious brandy, each jar a treasure waiting to be unearthed. This age-old method of fruit preservation offers versatility in flavors and uses—from gourmet desserts to festive gifts. The History Behind Brandied Fruits Brandied fruits have a rich history that dates back centuries, originating as a clever means of preservation long before the advent of refrigeration. European and Mediterranean cooks discovered that soaking fruits in spirits could lock in their flavors while extending their freshness. What began as a survival tactic evolved into a luxurious indulgence, with brandied fruits gracing tables from aristocratic kitchens in 17th-century Europe to festive Christmas meals in Victorian England. In colonial America, this practice carried over as settlers embraced fruit preservation to manage seasonal bounties. The story of brandied fruit is thus one of transformation—from humble necessity to refined culinary tradition. Today, this genre of preservation enjoys a revival as home chefs seek to marry nostalgia with modern culinary thrill, appealing to those in search of both comfort and creativity. Selecting the Best Fruits for Branding The dazzling beauty of brandied fruit lies in the selection of fruits used. Not every fruit will yield the same delicious results; some maintain their texture while others dissolve into a syrupy sweetness. When you choose fruits for brandying, consider their qualities: Cherries: Juicy and bold, cherries soak up spirits beautifully, creating a luxurious topping for desserts. Pears: With their mild elegance, pears absorb spices well, making them versatile in various culinary uses. Peaches: Soft and fragrant, peaches transform into luscious slices, perfect for evoking the warmth of summer in winter treats. Apples: Crisp and tangy, apples balance sweetness and are ideal for brandying, providing refreshing bites. A Variety of Berries: From strawberries to blueberries, small fruits bring delightful sweetness and bright color to your jars. Choosing a mix of these fruits allows you to curate a collection of flavors, each jar uniquely representing your harvest and personal taste. How to Make Brandied Fruit: A Step-By-Step Guide What if you want to dive into this delicious endeavor? The process of making brandied fruit is simple and requires minimal ingredients. Here’s a straightforward approach: Gather your choice of fresh, ripe fruits. Popular selections include cherries, peaches, pears, or berries. Layer your fruits in a large glass jar, sprinkling sugar between layers as you go. The sugar will help to draw out the natural juices. Pour in your chosen brandy until the fruit is fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly to prevent air from entering. Store your jar in a cool, dark cupboard and allow the mixture to macerate for at least a month. The flavors will develop over time, with longer infusions creating more complex flavor profiles. For best results, taste your brandied fruit and leave it for additional months; aging enhances delightfulness. Creative Ways to Enjoy Brandied Fruits Once your brandied fruits are ready, they unlock a world of culinary possibility. Here are some exciting ways to enjoy this delightful treat: Over ice cream or panna cotta, providing a decorative and flavorful topping. In cocktails, lending a unique twist to your favorite drinks. As a filling in pastries or tarts, bringing a sophisticated touch to your baking. Alongside savory dishes such as grilled meats, where the sweetness of the fruit can beautifully cut through richness. These applications illustrate the versatility and appreciation of brandied fruits in both sweet and savory contexts. Conclusion: Create Your Own Culinary Legacy The art of making brandied fruit is a beautiful amalgamation of tradition, creativity, and preservation. As you explore this unique culinary venture, you’re not just making treats; you’re creating edible heirlooms—jars filled with memories and flavors to share and enjoy. So step into the kitchen and immerse yourself in this timeless tradition; you’re bound to find pleasure in the process and results!

10.05.2025

September Design Highlights: What We Loved and What’s Next

Update Exploring September’s Design Highlights: What We Loved As September rolls in, it brings not just the crispness of autumn but a burst of creativity in the world of home design and lifestyle inspiration. Our editors from Remodelista and Gardenista are delighted to share the standout moments from September that have captured our hearts. From revered retrospectives to intimate retreats, this month has offered a glimpse into the evolving trends in our living spaces. A Journey Through the Arts – Ruth Asawa at SFMOMA One of the season's highlights was undoubtedly the Ruth Asawa retrospective at SFMOMA. This exhibition revealed the profound interplay between Asawa's artistry and her personal life. Newcomers appreciated her delicate beadwork, crafted from recycled materials, representing a seamless blend of creativity and motherhood. It’s a testament to how art can thrive in the midst of life's complexities, resonating deeply for those seeking inspiration in their own spaces. Rediscovering Nature: Collages Inspired by Home Retreats This September also took us on personal retreats, reminding us of the beauty found in everyday moments, like gathering leaves for collages. As one of our editors shared, the tranquility of Rockport, Maine, brought forth creative expressions inspired by nature. This practice reflects a growing trend of incorporating natural elements into our homes, encouraging us to engage more intimately with the environment as part of our decor. It illustrates the essence of bringing the outside in—a vital influences on contemporary home design. Design Events Lighting Up the Season The September launch calendar was awash with exciting events, notably New York's Collectible Design Fair, which celebrated innovative collaborations such as Of The Cloth’s lighting and Kawabi’s rugs. These events not only showcase aesthetic beauty but also emphasize sustainability and community—a core aspect of modern design. Trends from the Design World: What’s Buzzing Now Coupling insights from the upcoming events in the design world, like the buzz from the Kips Bay Decorator Show House and the remarkable pieces emerging from Maison&Objet and Paris Design Week, we witness a significant shift in trends. As brands like Crate & Barrel launch new collections emphasizing craftsmanship and timelessness, those observing closely are drawn to the stories behind these objects. They remind us that meaningful design is often about personal narratives that transcend mere aesthetics. Expanding the Horizon: New Collaborations to Watch This month, notable partnerships such as Tanner Fletcher’s cozy home collection with Etsy inject life into home aesthetics with their unique, handmade items. Given the rise of conscious consumerism, these collaborations illustrate a deeper trend: consumers crave items that not only fill their homes but also tell compelling stories. Decor that is personal and artisanal transcends the norm, offering warmth and authenticity to chilly autumn nights. Looking Ahead: Predictions for the Home Design Future As we anticipate the future of home design, themes of sustainability and personalization dominate the conversation. The acknowledgment of the need for sanctuary spaces in our chaotic world points to a significant shift. The market is likely to see a robust embrace of materials that resonate with nature as well as a push towards eco-friendly practices across design disciplines. Such insights are paramount for those in the home renovation and design sector, presenting opportunities to align with consumer values and emerging trends. Whether you’re prepping your home for the shifting seasons or seeking design inspiration, be aware that September has set the stage for a dynamic design landscape. From appreciating artistry woven into our lives to anticipating the next big trends, there is much to dive into and explore. This month has not only showcased the latest must-haves but also highlighted the profound connections we craft within our spaces. Take time to reflect on these insights and consider how they may inspire your home projects and renovations. Now is the perfect moment to think creatively about your surroundings and invest in items that resonate with you personally. Don’t miss out on discovering ways to elevate your home, as the excitement of September in design continues to unfold.

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