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Vertical Gardening: Tips and Ideas for Beginners

. Posted by in • Houston

Vertical Gardening

Vertical Gardening: Tips and Ideas for Beginners

Vertical gardening is a revolutionary approach that transforms limited horizontal space into lush, productive green areas. By embracing vertical planting techniques, you can create a thriving green oasis even in compact spaces. This method maximizes garden space by utilizing vertical surfaces such as walls and fences, allowing you to grow more plants in less area. The result is healthier plants with improved air circulation and reduced risk of soil-borne diseases.

Starting your own vertical garden involves several key steps. Choose plants that thrive in your local climate and are suitable for vertical growth, such as herbs, succulents, and trailing plants. Select a vertical gardening structure that fits your space, whether it’s wall-mounted planters, hanging pots, or custom-built living walls. To ensure stability, secure your planters with hose clamps or other sturdy fixtures. Efficient irrigation is crucial, so consider installing a drip irrigation … Read Full Post »

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DFW Commercial Pest Control, Lawn Care & More

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
Two ABC team members are wearing hard hats and safety gear outside a commercial facility.

Running a business in North Texas comes with enough challenges. Pest control, building maintenance, and lawn care shouldn’t be among them. That’s why companies across Dallas-Fort Worth count on ABC Home & Commercial Services to help them maintain safe, attractive, and fully functional environments. 

Whether you manage a restaurant, retail store, medical facility, warehouse, office, or multi-family property, ABC offers the full range of services you need, all with one trusted partner. 

Comprehensive Commercial Services for Dallas-Fort Worth Businesses 

At ABC, we understand that no two businesses are alike. That’s why we offer a wide range of customizable services to support commercial properties of all sizes, across industries: 

Commercial Pest Control 

Our licensed entomologists and pest managers protect your business from pests that can damage property, trigger health violations, and harm your reputation. Our commercial pest control service addresses everything from crawling and flying insects to rodents and wildlife. 

Commercial Termite Control 

Subterranean termites … Read Full Post »

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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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