Why Starlings Can Be a Problem Common or European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are invasive in many parts of the world, and even in their native range they can quickly become an overwhelming nuisance. But what makes these birds, which are naturally energetic, adaptable, and sociable, so undesirable? Noise: Starlings have loud, raspy screeches and squawks in their vocal repertoire, with no sense of musical harmony that might otherwise make their sounds more pleasing....

Location: Sarasota, Florida. “Sarasota was the perfect location for us because it’s like a little city near the beach,” says McPherson of their location of choice. “We are not really beach people. I mean, I love to look at the ocean and take a stroll on the beach occasionally, but Sarasota has so much more to offer, such as the rich arts community, multiple live theater venues, and great shopping, dining, and nightlife....

When compared to a 120-volt outlet, a 120/240-volt or 240-volt outlet will have a noticeably different slot configuration and will vary depending on whether the circuit is 20 amps, 30 amps, or larger. A 50-amp 240-volt electric range outlet, for example, will look quite different than a 20-amp 240-volt air conditioner outlet. It’s important to note that all 120/240-volt appliances require a dedicated circuit—one that feeds only the appliance and no other fixtures along the circuit....

If you have a contemporary or midcentury modern aesthetic in your home, the West Elm Harmony Sofa would likely pique your interest. West Elm is known for its high-quality furniture, much of which is distinctly midcentury, and this particular sofa comes in a variety of styles to suit just about any space. However, West Elm furniture tends to be quite pricey, and the Harmony Sofa is no expectation. To see if this couch is truly worth the splurge, we put it to the test over the course of a month, seeing how it held up against regular use in a multi-pet household....

Birds that frequently use roost boxes include downy woodpeckers, bluebirds, titmice, nuthatches, chickadees, and wrens. Other species, typically smaller birds or other species that use birdhouses, may also take advantage of roosting boxes. Roosting Boxes vs. Birdhouses At first glance, a roosting box looks very similar to a birdhouse. In fact, many birds will use empty birdhouses for roosting, even though they aren’t ideal. To encourage birds to roost, a well-designed roosting box will have:...

“Hygiene-conscious homes are becoming more common,” say Moen design experts Danielle DeBoe Harper and Jessie Birchfield. “Health and wellness remain top of mind for consumers when making style choices. Where consumers may have made design decisions solely based on their favorite colors and textures before, now more than ever, they want their home to be a clean, relaxing escape.” There are many different ways to practice hygiene-conscious design, from the large (like replacing all the high-touch fixtures in your homes with naturally antimicrobial or easier to clean finishes) to the small (taking simple steps to improve air quality)....

History of Islamic Architecture Islamic architecture refers to a style of architecture that was created as a physical manifestation of the principles of Islam by the Mohammedan (people of Islamic faith) in the 7th century. Its traditions continue to the present day. The building that is most frequently associated with Islamic architecture is the mosque, or Muslim place of worship. But Islamic architecture encompasses both secular and religious buildings. It includes everything from large-scale mosques, fortresses, palaces, tombs, schools, and other public buildings to smaller-scale fountains, public baths, and domestic structures....

Why Use Plumber’s Putty Plumber’s putty is one of the basics tools in a plumber’s tool bag. Plumbers use it because it remains soft for a long time and maintains a watertight seal, but unlike silicone and other types of caulk, plumber’s putty is not an adhesive, so a fixture or drain part sealed with putty remains easy to remove if you ever need to replace it. Also, silicone is not as easy you work with and is not as dense as plumber’s putty, so it’s not as good at filling wide gaps, and plumbers don’t need time to dry just like caulk does....

Below are listed several plants known to grow near swampy areas. Listed first are trees, then shrubs, then perennials. This way, you will have a whole range of plant sizes from which to choose. Do note, however, that the perennial, Joe-Pye weed, is actually taller than many shrubs. Plant Choices for Swampy Areas: Trees The swamp tupelo is the best choice here if what you are looking for is something different, a plant that probably no one else in the neighborhood will have....

Each one refers to a heated pool of water, usually with space for multiple people, that may or may not contain accessories like jets and bubblers. Their differences boil down to brand name, location, and specific use. Read on to learn more about each one and how they differ from one another. What Is a Jacuzzi? People sometimes, incorrectly, refer to any type of hot tub or spa as a Jacuzzi....

A great resource recommended on this subject is Jackson & Perkins Rose Companions: Growing Annuals, Perennials, Bulbs, Shrubs, and Vines with Roses, by Stephen Scanniello. Formerly a rose curator at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Scanniello offers expert advice on how to create a stunning garden with roses and companions plants, or, as he states in the introduction, “how to get roses to play well with others." Plants That Look Good With Roses Texture, color, and form are all important in the aesthetics of companion planting....

Here are 10 important things to consider so you can avoid mistakes before planning, designing, and building a deck. The Deck’s Purpose and Function If you live in a climate that’s warm several months out of the year, a deck may be the answer to extending the enjoyment you get from outdoor living. Decide how you’d like to use the deck. Once you have a vision for its purpose and function, it’ll be easier to design....

Shopping Start with some careful comparison shopping, and consider both the faucet and the sink together. Some sinks have a single faucet hole, some have the standard two holes with 4-inch spacing, and some are “widespread” with wider spacing. In fact, if the faucet is more important than the sink style, choose the faucet first, then find a sink with right hole configuration for the faucet. When comparing pedestal sink prices, keep in mind that the sink basin and the pedestal may be priced separately....

What Is Lawn Aeration? Providing much-needed lawn aeration for your grass entails dealing with thatch—which, along with compacted soil, lies at the heart of the matter. What is Thatch? Thatch is the loose, organic layer of dead and living material in the lawn: shoots, stems, and roots that develop between the zone of green vegetation and the soil surface. Thatch build-up begins when turf produces organic debris faster than it can be broken down....

Those big fat bulbs represent all the energy and food the plants have stored up for the next year’s blooms. When you plant spring-blooming bulbs in the fall, the only thing they need to do during the winter is send down some new roots. To help the bulbs do this, you should feed newly planted bulbs with a balanced fertilizer and bonemeal that is high in phosphorous. While you can use 10-10-10 and bonemeal, there are fertilizers sold as “bulb food” that contains superphosphate or bonemeal....

The answer may depend in part on which type of wisteria vine you’re talking about. Blooming of Different Varieties of Wisteria Did you know that American wisteria vines tend to bloom more quickly than their Asian counterparts? Regarding the Asian wisteria, there are both Japanese (W. floribunda) and Chinese (W. sinensis) types. But the information that follows assumes that you’re already growing Chinese wisteria vines, which are immensely popular. How do you get them to quit dragging their feet and come into flower?...

Styles and Species of Wood Countertops One of the best aspects of wood countertops is the sheer number of options and style upgrades available. The basic style options include flat grain, end grain, and edge grain. Beyond that, wood countertops can be fabricated with inlays, checkerboard patterns, borders, and stripes (using a combination of wood species). When you begin shopping, you’ll begin to see the fine craftsmanship of myriad species that are made into wood countertops....

They boast bright yellow or yellow-orange flowers and fuzzy, toothed leaves. This easy-to-care-for perennial makes a fantastic addition to shade gardens and thrives in cooler regions. Yellow wood poppy seedlings should be planted in the spring. Though delicate looking, it’s a hardy little plant and will winter through freezing temperatures. The yellow wood poppy is often confused for celandine, Ranunculus ficaria. Both bloom in the spring and produce small yellow flowers....

The color collection forgoes bright colors in favor of hues that speak to nature’s elements. Sherwin-Williams Pura Vida takes inspiration from natural elements, such as stone, alabaster, and sand, as well as natural fibers, such as cotton and jute. These elements remind us to live well, be well, and stay well. Color Family: Neutrals in honed and sheered tones, marble hues, warm grays, khaki tones, blushed neutrals Complementary Colors: Look to the undertone of each neutral to find the complementary colors Pairs Well With: Soft tones with deep natural woods and dark metallic accents Mood: Balanced and grounded Where to Use: Walls, accent walls, cabinets...

Here are 10 varieties of flowering trees that will brighten up your yard. 10 Flowering Trees Star magnolia makes a great specimen tree in the yard, or it can be used in woodland borders. When grown as a shrub, it is sometimes used in tall informal hedges. USDA Growing Zones: 4a to 8aColor Varieties: WhiteSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained loam This is a smallish tree, growing 15 to 25 feet....