Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A sloped or hilly backyard presents a unique landscaping challenge. Retaining walls are often necessary to create usable spaces and prevent erosion on steep slopes. With the right design, retaining walls can be both functional and beautiful additions to your outdoor living area. Here are 26 terrific retaining wall ideas to inspire your project in…

Installing a new patio can significantly enhance the look and functionality of your outdoor space. However, like most home improvement projects, cost is often a primary consideration when planning a patio addition. The total cost of a patio installation depends on several factors, including the size, materials, and additional features of your design. Here is…

Heating a greenhouse can extend the growing season, protect plants from cold weather, and allow you to grow plants that wouldn’t survive your climate. With the right heating system, you can turn your greenhouse into a productive, year-round growing space. Here are 8 effective ways to heat your greenhouse: 1. Use Passive Solar Heat Passive…

Transform your outdoor space with these 15 brilliant stepping stone ideas for gardens big and small. Stepping stones add visual interest, guide foot traffic, and bring personality to your garden design. Introduce Stepping Stones as a Focal Point Strategically placed stepping stones make excellent focal points in garden beds or lawns. Their unique shapes, colors,…

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a curb appeal makeover. With the weather warming up and nature coming back to life, it’s a great opportunity to spruce up the exterior of your house. An attractive and welcoming curb appeal can increase your home’s value, impress visitors, and give you pride and satisfaction.…

Adding a fountain to your backyard can transform it into an oasis of tranquility. The soothing sound of moving water has a calming effect, masking unwanted noises and providing a relaxing atmosphere. Fountains also lend visual interest and make spaces feel more luxurious. With so many sizes, styles, and setups to choose from, there’s an…

A backyard patio with a fire pit is the perfect way to extend the enjoyment of your outdoor living space. Gathering around a cozy fire with friends and family is a time-honored tradition that brings people together. The crackling of the fire along with its warmth and mesmerizing flames create an inviting ambiance. Adding a…

Landscaping rocks can add visual interest, texture, and functionality to yards and gardens. With many types of rocks to choose from, it’s important to select the right one for your needs. Here’s a guide to the eight most popular types of landscaping rocks and tips for choosing the best option. Pea Gravel Pea gravel is…

Proper lighting can make a huge difference in how your garden looks at night. With creative garden lighting ideas, you can highlight the best features of your landscape while also providing safety and ambiance. From path lights to spotlights, here are 30 ways to make your plants shine after dark. Illuminate Pathways and Walkways Outdoor…

A gravel garden can be a beautiful and practical option for landscapes in drought-prone areas. Gravel gardens, also known as xeriscapes, utilize drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation, and permeable gravel mulch to create an attractive, low-maintenance landscape. Gravel gardens help to conserve water in several ways. The gravel mulch prevents evaporation from the soil surface, allowing…