The Lifestyle Reader

The Lifestyle Reader

7.3.2026

Gardening

7 articles

A hand spraying a rose bush infested with aphids using a DIY washing-up liquid solution.
The Edit

DIY washing-up liquid spray for aphids: Benefits and caveats

A common kitchen staple, washing-up liquid, is being hailed by home gardeners as a surprisingly effective, yet delicate, defense against rose aphids.

David Jones·June 28, 2026
A serene indoor garden filled with lush Feng Shui plants, bathed in sunlight, with subtle zodiac symbols hinting at astrological connections.
The Edit

The Truth About Feng Shui Plants for Zodiac Signs

Demand for 'lucky bamboo' and 'money trees' has surged by 300% in the last quarter, leaving many nurseries struggling to keep up.

David Jones·June 21, 2026
A newly renovated patio with a stylish 7-piece dining set, contrasting with the previous overgrown and neglected state of the backyard.
Home & Design

Wayfair Sale Inspires DIY Patio Redo for Overgrown Yards

A 7-piece outdoor dining set, once $1,200, is now $480 during Wayfair's 'Summer Refresh' sale.

Ingrid Olson·June 14, 2026
Frustrated homeowner surveys a neglected garden bed, with a thriving xeriscaped yard visible in the background, highlighting the consequences of rushing landscaping projects.
The Edit

Homeowners Often Make Costly Landscaping Errors by Rushing

Xeriscaping, a water-wise landscaping approach, can save homeowners thousands on water costs annually, according to Men's Journal .

David Jones·June 13, 2026
A juicy, ripe heirloom tomato contrasted with bland supermarket tomatoes, highlighting the difference in quality and flavor.
Mind & Body

Heirloom vs Supermarket Tomatoes: The Taste Difference

The 'fresh' tomato you pluck from a supermarket shelf was likely picked green, then gassed with ethylene.

Javier Rodriguez·June 2, 2026
Professional gardener admiring a diverse array of advanced annual flowers with extended bloom cycles in a meticulously maintained landscape.
Mind & Body

Advanced annuals deliver lasting blooms for professional gardeners.

A newly developed petunia hybrid, engineered for extreme heat, bloomed continuously for 120 days through a record-setting summer in Phoenix, requiring 30% less water than conventional varieties.

Javier Rodriguez·June 1, 2026
A diverse assortment of colorful heirloom tomatoes in a rustic basket, showcasing their unique shapes and textures under natural light.
Mind & Body

Heirloom Tomatoes: A Guide to the Unregulated Label

The 'heirloom' label, often associated with superior flavor and natural cultivation, is entirely unregulated, allowing any producer to use it on any fruit or vegetable.

David Jones·May 20, 2026