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Brothers Bike: Riding With Purpose from Alaska to Texas

. Posted by
starting line of bike adventure

The Brothers

We’re Raleigh and Bobby Jenkins—two brothers united by family, faith, and a shared drive to make a difference. Together, we created Brothers Bike to turn long-distance cycling into a vehicle for change.

This year, we’re taking on our biggest challenge yet: a 5,500-mile journey from Anchorage, Alaska to College Station, Texas. But for us, this isn’t just about pushing physical limits—it’s about giving back to causes that matter.

For me, Raleigh, this ride is deeply personal. I’ve been involved in Haiti since the earthquake in 2010, and the children there have stayed close to my heart. So much has gone wrong in Haiti over the years, and the ongoing chaos has made many people lose hope. But I haven’t. I ride to raise awareness, amplify Haitian voices, and remind the world that these children—the future leaders of Haiti—are resilient, worthy, and never forgotten.

Bobby brings that same passion for people and community. … Read Full Post »

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Landscaping with Edible Plants: A Practical Guide

. Posted by in • Houston

Edible Plants

Landscaping with Edible Plants: A Practical Guide

Landscaping with edible plants is a fantastic way to enhance your garden’s aesthetic appeal while providing fresh, nutritious food. Integrating edible plants into your landscape design can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, productive garden.

This guide covers essential tips on incorporating various edible plants, including wild edibles, and offers practical advice on choosing and maintaining them.

Consider adding wild edible plants to your garden for a unique touch. These wild plants can offer not only visual interest but also a diverse range of flavors. For instance, the prickly pear cactus is not only a striking addition with its light green pads and slightly sour taste but also provides edible fruits and pads that can be enjoyed raw or cooked.

Its vibrant colors and unique texture make it a conversation piece in any garden. Other edible wild plants include dandelions, which can be … Read Full Post »

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How Can I Use Compost for My Lawn?

. Posted by in • Austin
compost

Did you know that there are many benefits to using compost on your lawn? It can improve the quality of new and established lawns and help ensure long-term health. 

From your lawn to your garden beds, there are several ways to use compost to benefit your lawn.

How Can I Use Compost for My Lawn?

Are you looking for a simple but effective way to improve the health of your lawn? Try incorporating compost.

Compost is a nutrient-rich organic material made from decomposed kitchen and yard waste.

There are several ways to use compost to improve both new and established lawns and gardens. The benefits of compost include enhancing water retention and soil quality, adding nutrients and helping prevent soil erosion. Compost can also encourage beneficial microbiomes and earthworms. 

Compost as Topdressing on Established Lawns

One of the most common ways to use compost for your lawn is as topdressing, which is when you sprinkle a thin … Read Full Post »

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What Causes An Air Conditioner To Freeze Up?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
What causes an air conditioner to freeze up

When the temperatures rise, the last thing homeowners expect to deal with is a frozen air conditioner system. Unfortunately, air conditioner freeze-ups can happen any time of the year. They often point to a larger problem with your air conditioning system.

It’s important for homeowners to understand that running a frozen air conditioning unit can cause more damage and lead to costly repairs. If your unit is frozen, turn it off and contact an HVAC technician. An expert will get to the bottom of the freeze-up and ensure that your air conditioner works properly all year long. 

What Causes an Air Conditioner To Freeze Up?

The main reason that an air conditioner freezes up is due to insufficient airflow to the unit. However, an air conditioner can also freeze up because of low refrigerant levels. 

If your air conditioning unit doesn’t get proper airflow, specifically from warm air across the evaporator coil, the entire … Read Full Post »

Using Hardscaping Elements to Enhance Your Yard

. Posted by in • Houston

Using Hardscaping Elements to Enhance Your Yard

Many homeowners strive to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space. Hardscaping elements play a crucial role in this process, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.

Incorporating features such as patios, walkways, and fire pits can transform your yard into an inviting outdoor area.

This guide explores various hardscaping materials and provides tips on using them to enhance your landscape design.

Hardscaping refers to the non-living elements of your yard, including natural stone, brick patios, and stone walls.

These elements are essential for adding curb appeal and creating versatile areas for various activities.

They enhance the overall appeal of your property and provide practical solutions for creating focal points and improving functionality.

Patios are an excellent way to define your outdoor space. They create functional areas for dining, relaxing, or entertaining.

When designing a patio, consider using hardscaping materials like brick or natural stones.

These materials blend well with the … Read Full Post »

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What Is Fertilizer Burn?

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station
fertilizer burn on a yard

Fertilizer is designed to keep your lawn and plants healthy, but too much can cause fertilizer burn, which can cause serious damage. 

The best way to avoid fertilizer burn and maintain a thriving lawn or garden is to work with a lawn care specialist.

What Is Fertilizer Burn?

Fertilizer burn occurs when plants are exposed to excessive amounts of fertilizer. It can cause plants to wilt, turn brown, yellow or die altogether. Luckily, with the right fertilizing techniques, you can avoid damaging your plants through fertilizer burn.

Why does fertilizer burn happen? When your lawn is overloaded with fertilizer, the nutrients no longer nourish it. Instead, the fertilizer draws moisture away from your plant’s roots, causing them to stop absorbing water effectively.

When this happens, your lawn experiences symptoms that resemble drought stress. However, what’s really happening is chemical overload. 

There are several common signs of fertilizer burn. First, your lawn may begin to wilt despite … Read Full Post »

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The Role of Lighting in Landscape Design

. Posted by in • Houston

The Role of Lighting in Landscape Design

Lighting is a crucial element in landscape design, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of outdoor spaces. Whether you are designing a vegetable garden, a cozy backyard, or an inviting front yard, the right lighting can transform your property into a beautiful and functional area. This guide will explore the various ways lighting contributes to landscape designs, provide design ideas, and offer tips for integrating lighting into your own landscape.

Lighting is an integral part of the design process, affecting everything from shade patterns to plant selection. The use of basic elements in lighting can significantly influence how your yard looks and feels. From highlighting shrubs and trees to illuminating patios and walls, lighting enhances the visual weight of your garden and adds depth and dimension.

When planning your lighting, it is crucial to incorporate the right plants and landscape elements. Tracing paper or … Read Full Post »

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Pergola Versus Gazebo: What’s the Difference?

. Posted by in • Austin
a pergola

Want to enhance your outdoor space but torn between adding a pergola, pictured above, or a gazebo? These two structures can transform your outdoor space into a cozy and relaxing retreat. But each one has its specific purpose. They differ in design, function and intent. Understanding each will allow you to make a more fitting choice for your outdoor space.

Both pergolas and gazebos provide you with shade and beauty. The real difference is in their shape, roof style and overall purpose.

Pergola Versus Gazebo: What’s the Difference?

Let’s start with the basics. A pergola is an outdoor structure made of upright posts that hold up a roof made of beams or a lattice. Pergolas have an open roof, which allows sunlight to pass through. Some pergola owners grow vines or attach a curtain around their structures. You can attach a pergola to your home, or it can be freestanding.

Meanwhile, gazebos have a … Read Full Post »

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How to Plan and Build a Garden Pathway

. Posted by in • Houston

Garden Pathway

How to Plan and Build a Garden Pathway

Creating a garden pathway is a delightful way to enhance your outdoor space. A well-designed garden path not only adds beauty and structure to your garden but also provides practical benefits, like guiding foot traffic and protecting your plants. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to plan and build a garden pathway using a variety of materials and ideas to suit any style or skill level.

A garden path can transform your outdoor space into a more organized and aesthetically pleasing environment. Whether you choose a stone garden path or a more rustic gravel path, the key is to blend the pathway seamlessly with your existing garden design.

DIY garden paths are a fantastic way to personalize your garden, offering endless possibilities with materials such as stepping stones and decomposed granite.

In addition to their visual appeal, garden paths play … Read Full Post »

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Mosquito Control Tips for Summer

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth, Tyler
Mosquito sucking blood with vibrant background

Summer mosquito season isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a genuine concern for your family’s health, comfort, and ability to enjoy the outdoors. While professional mosquito control services provide a powerful layer of protection, there are some easy mosquito prevention steps you can take.

At ABC Home & Commercial Services, we help homeowners take control of mosquitoes with professional treatments and practical advice that works. Here’s what you need to know, including some surprising facts and common misconceptions. 

Why Am I Seeing So Many Mosquitoes? 

Ever wonder Why There Are So Many Mosquitoes in Dallas? Well, the short answer is that North Texas has the perfect storm of mosquito-friendly conditions: warm weather, high humidity, and frequent rain. These create ideal breeding grounds for common species like Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. 

Some quick facts: 

  • Mosquito season typically runs April through October. 
  • Mosquitoes need … Read Full Post »
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