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Gardening

How to Prune Your Salvias in the Summer for More Blooms and Stronger Plants

Salvias are a favorite of gardeners thanks to their long bloom time and easygoing nature. These perennials are often seen in their classic blue-purple hues (a preferred color of pollinators!), but you'll also find them in shades of red, pink, and white. And, while these spiky blooms will come back year after year, there are a few pruning tricks of the trade to keep the flowers looking abundant and healthy all summer long. Want to get the most color out of the salvias in your garden? Here's how to prune salvias in the summer for bigger blooms and healthier plants. Meet the Expert Tammy Holloway is a Virginia Master Gardener and the owner of the Bay Haven Inn. How to Prune Salvias During Summer "Your pruning approach depends on the type of salvia, and whether it's an annual, herbaceous perennial, tender perennial, or more woody shrub-like plant," explains Master Gardener Tammy Holloway. "However, all salvia can be deadheaded in the summer to get continuous blooms." She recommends keeping warm-weather pruning as light as possible, simply clipping off dead blooms. However, you can also give salvia a light prune if the plant begins to grow excessively or turn leggy. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Determine the Type of Salvia You Have Before you take the pruning shears to salvia, make sure you know what type you have in your garden. Some types of salvia, like evergreen salvia or Salvia nemerosa, prefer a hard pruning in summer after their first bloom. Other shrub-forming salvias do best with light pruning to maintain their shape throughout the summer. Deadhead Any Spent Blooms Regardless of the type of salvia you have in your garden, they can all benefit from deadheading. Removing any spent blooms will allow the plant to send more energy towards new growth. Since salvia are typically continuous bloomers throughout the spring, summer, and sometimes fall, this allows them to produce as many flowers as possible. Prune Areas That Negatively Impact Shape If salvia is becoming leggy and looking less than vibrant, a summer pruning can help it regain its shape and focus energy on the healthiest parts of the plant. Cut away leggy branches or anything that extends beyond the desired shape. This is especially helpful with shrub-like salvia, like Salvia leucantha. Cut Back Salvia When It's Overgrown Salvia are wonderful border or backdrop plants but, especially along pathways, they can easily overtake any areas where they have room to grow. Trim back salvia that is growing into other plants or parts of your garden where you would rather it didn't spread. Try to avoid a hard pruning, but don't feel bad cutting overgrown stems and branches. Additionally, cut back eager growers after their first bloom to encourage a second flush of flowers. Why Prune Salvias? Pruning salvias isn't necessary, but it will keep your plants both pretty and healthy. By pruning salvias throughout the summer, you'll encourage them to continue to bloom while also keeping the plant bushy rather than leggy. 5 Salvia Care Tips to Keep Them Blooming All Summer Salvias are easy-going plants that add color and interesting foliage to the garden, and it doesn't take much to keep them flowering. But, to encourage continuous and abundant blooms from late spring through late summer, here are a few tips to make sure they're at their happiest. Choose a Spot With Lots of Sun Salvias are sun-loving flowers that will thrive even during the hottest, sunniest days of summer. Plant them in a spot where they're guaranteed to get at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Prepare for a Big Pruning After Summer While summer pruning will keep your plants blooming and healthy, the big prune doesn't come until later in the year. This is when you'll cut back the plant, sometimes completely, to prepare for new spring growth. "Perennial salvia may be cut back in the fall," Holloway says. "Depending on your zone, it can be pruned late winter and early spring as well." Avoid Over-Watering Salvia are drought-tolerant once established, so make sure they're planted in well-draining soil and resist the temptation to water them during the dog days of summer. The soil should be allowed to dry out completely between watering (or, more likely, summer rain!). Fertilize Once at the Start of Spring You don't need to worry about watering salvia biweekly or even bimonthly. Salvia can thrive without nutrients added into the soil though, if you do want to apply fertilizer, do it once at the start of spring. Thin Out Plants When Necessary Because some salvia will grow and spread throughout the season, it might be necessary to thin out the plants to keep them healthy. The upside? It's easy to propagate them, and you'll have additional salvia plants to spread throughout your yard or pass off on a neighbor with a green thumb.

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Travel

A Mid-Flight Beauty Routine Can Save Your Skin—Here's What to Pack

Here’s the thing about zooming in a metal tube 35,000 feet off the ground—it’s seriously dry in there. You can thank high-altitude low-humidity levels and cabin pressure for that (along with a twist of UV radiation pouring through the windows). While a quick flight may not create much of a noticeable difference in your skin health, a longer flight certainly can. The solution? A mid-flight skin care routine, which can range from a simple hydrating spritz now and again to a full-blown wash and moisturize regimen. We asked skin care pros for their best tips on nailing a mid-flight routine to ensure you’re glowy on arrival. Mona Mislankar, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, Ohio Margarita Lolis, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey What Is a Mid-Flight Skin Care Routine? A mid-flight beauty care routine is an optional regimen you can perform at any point throughout a long-haul flight where your skin is being exposed to super dry air for hours on end. Some people like to do it at the halfway point as a refresh right before they get off the plane so they’re glowing when they land, or just before they go to sleep while flying to keep up with their usual nightly routine. “The air inside the cabin typically has a humidity of around 10% to 20%, which is much lower than the 30% to 65% humidity we experience on the ground,” explains Mona Mislankar, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, Ohio. “This can lead to dry, tight, or flaky skin, especially on long flights.” The dryness can also make sure more vulnerable to irritation, which can end up snowballing once you land at your final destination, notes Margarita Lolis, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey. “This is why a mid-flight routine is a good way to keep your skin fresh and prepped for your travel plans,” Dr. Lolis says. “Keeping your skin hydrated and staying on track with your nighttime regimen if you’re flying overnight is definitely recommended.” Benefits of Doing a Mid-Flight Skin Care Routine Mid-flight skin care routines aren’t considered necessary, but those who do them swear by the difference they can make. Here’s why. Maintains moisture levels: “Giving your skin some TLC mid-flight maintains your epidermal moisture levels and maintains your skin barrier,” Dr. Lolis notes. “This is especially true for those who are prone to dryness.” Minimizes irritation and breakouts: Traveling, in general, can disrupt your skin’s health thanks to stress, new climates, and disrupted sleep. Dr. Lolis says a mid-flight routine can help with irritation and breakouts—especially if you already have finicky skin. Keeps your routine consistent: You already wash and moisturize before bed, so why skip this step simply because you’re 35,000 feet in the sky? Keeping a consistent routine keeps your mind and body feeling good. Makes flying more enjoyable: Let’s be real—those flights can drag on. Doing a little mid-flight skin care routine helps pass the time. Plus, it washes off grime from the day and keeps skin hydrated and healthy which makes the whole flight more enjoyable. The Perfect Mid-Flight Beauty Routine If you do decide to adopt a mid-flight skin care routine, the key is to keep things simple with just the essentials. “I am absolutely a fan of less is more—and simple skin care is best,” Dr. Minslaker says. Here’s what we recommend packing in your plane kit. The Essentials No need to pack your entire arsenal of beauty loot. All you need for a mid-flight skin care routine is a cleanser (like face wash, makeup remover wipes, or micellar water), a moisturizer (serum and/or cream), and sunscreen. “Cleansing your skin maximizes how well the products absorb,” Dr. Lolis says. “Next, use a hyaluronic acid serum. Serums penetrate deeper and hyaluronic acid binds and attracts water to your skin very efficiently. Last, layer on a thicker moisturizer with ceramides to lock in the moisture.” Dr. Minslaker says that if you’re flying for longer than two hours, it’s best to pack sunscreen and reapply every two hours throughout the flight. This is true good advice you’re sitting next to the window or not. Optional Extras You’ll be set with the skin care essential above, but consider packing these extras depending on your needs. Lip balm: “Due to the low humidity in cabin air, your lips can become dry and chapped more easily,” Dr. Lolis says. Lip balm to the rescue. Pimple patches: If you deal with breakouts, a pimple patch is a true mid-flight hero, notes Dr. Minslaker. Facial mist: Spritzing on a hydrating facial mist a few times throughout your flight can help keep skin bouncy, soft, and hydrated. Sheet mask: If you want to go the extra mile, pack a sheet mask in your vanity kit. Apply it after cleansing but before your serum and/or moisturizer. If you don’t want to go that bold, eye masks are more subtle.

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Travel

How to Be Such an Amazing House Guest You Get Invited Back Every Time

Whether you're crashing with a friend for convenience, invited for a leisurely stay at a cousin's summer home, or headed to your future in-laws' place for the first overnight visit, house guest etiquette matters. And if you've ever hosted family or friends for an extended stay, you know just how refreshing a well-behaved, respectful, game, and grateful house guest is—and how exhausting a not-so-awesome one can be. Here are 14 house guest etiquette rules to follow, no matter who you're staying with or how long you plan to be there. (Trust us, this is how you get invited back.) 01 of 14 Be Clear About How Long You're Staying Make sure you clear the duration of you stay with your hosts as far in advance as possible—at their invitation, of course. Don't be vague or hope to extend your stay once you arrive. Of course, there is a chance they might extend an offer, but don't make assumptions. If your BFF says they'll be busy after Labor Day, book your return ticket to leave a full day before so they have some time to themselves. The last thing you want to do is take advantage of your host. There's an old saying that houseguests are like fish, and start to stink after three days—so you may want to keep your visit brief to ensure you're exciting, not exhausting. 02 of 14 Don't Show Up Unannounced It's never a good idea to show up without notice—or, even worse, to show up with a pet, child, significant other, or friend (even if it's a mutual friend) in tow, unless you've cleared it with your host beforehand. You may call it spontaneous and fun, but your cousin and their spouse may call it inconvenient. 03 of 14 Travel as Light as Possible Try to avoid overpacking for your visit, to help minimize the amount of stuff your hosts need to store. (This is especially important if they don't have a dedicated guest room and you're using their bedroom or a sofa bed in the main space.) If you need to bring some larger items (like a portable crib for your baby or sports equipment), be sure to give them a heads up so they're ready to accommodate it. 04 of 14 Bring a Thoughtful Gift A grateful guest always brings their host a gift—a little something to show their gratitude. However, there's no need to haul something huge or extravagant all the way there. A local treat from your hometown bakery, a beautiful coffee table book, flowers, a nice candle, or bottle of wine all work perfectly. Headed to someone's vacation house? Get them something on theme: beach towels or a cocktail-themed gift would be perfect. 05 of 14 Follow House Rules When you arrive, gently inquire about how things are done to avoid any misunderstandings. What time does everyone usually wake up and go to bed? Anything you should know about the kids or pets? Should you leave the thermostat alone? Pick up on other house rules by being in tune with your hosts. This could mean observing whether or not you should take your shoes off indoors or if you should keep your phone away from the dinner table. Also, refrain from finishing the coffee or milk (but if you do, replace it). 06 of 14 Limit Your Phone Use Spending too much time with your face in a screen will make your hosts feel like they're boring you (and, honestly, you might be boring them). It makes your company feel like there's somewhere else you'd rather be, or someone else you'd rather be spending time with. Try to limit screen time and only check emails, texts, and social media in the privacy of your own room. 07 of 14 Act More Appropriate Than Usual Before you walk down the hall in only a towel, curse, tell inappropriate jokes, or come downstairs for breakfast in your PJs, take cues from your host. When in doubt, err on the side of modesty. If you're planning a dinner out with your hosts, ask what attire is appropriate for the restaurant (e.g. no jeans) so you can pack accordingly. 08 of 14 Be Extremely Helpful Unhelpful guests are rarely invited back. Things you should offer to do: Help prep or cook meals; set the table and do the dishes; offer to drive; occupy the kids while their parents take a well-deserved nap; fix a little something around the house if you have the skills; or take the dog for a walk. Even if you're turned down, the hosts will appreciate the gesture. Things you should do without asking for a thumbs up: Clear your dishes when you're done eating; buy some groceries and maybe the fixings for cocktails; get your own kids out of the house for an hour or two; fill up the tank if you borrow the car; strip your sheets at the end of your stay (unless you're told otherwise). 09 of 14 Be (at Least Somewhat) Self-Sufficient Your hosts might be happy to see a Broadway show or the Lincoln Memorial for the third time, but they may also choose to get some things done while you are out and about. Your friend might actually be working during the day, so being able to entertain yourself will be a godsend for both of you. If you're staying for more than three days, call up other friends who live in the city, bring some work of your own to do, or be okay exploring on your own. Let your host know your plans and when you think you will get back. 10 of 14 Bring Your Own Toiletries Don't expect to use any of your hosts' toiletries or other items. If you realize you've forgotten to pack toothpaste, inquire about where you can buy a new tube. They'll likely be happy to offer theirs, but first demonstrate that you're not a mooch. 11 of 14 Bring Your Own Ideas Hosting can be a lot of work—from getting the house ready to making sure everyone is comfortable throughout the stay. Often, visitors also expect hosts to plan activities for everyone. So, one great way you could lessen the burden on your gracious host is to arrive ready with a list of ideas of things you might want to do or see—or even where you might want to eat. That way, they won't feel solely responsible for keeping you entertained during your trip. 12 of 14 Restock the Groceries You Used A good host will likely make sure you've always got something to eat and drink while you're staying with them. Before you leave, it'd be a great idea to replace some of the items you consumed during your stay and help restock your host's pantry. For example, maybe you used their honey or milk every morning for you tea or coffee. Even if they told you to help yourself, replacing the honey, milk, tea, coffee, and other items like that would be a super nice—and definitely appreciated—gesture. 13 of 14 Leave Things Cleaner Than You Found Them If there's one thing to take away from these etiquette tips, it should be this: Leave the place as clean as possible. The last thing you want is for your host to have to hire a cleaner after your stay. On your last day, triple-check the bedroom and bathroom for your belongings. Strip the sheets and put them in a pillowcase at the foot of the bed. Do a quick wipe-down of the counters in the bathroom for toothpaste, extra cups, or loose hair. And, of course, return any items to their place, like a book you borrowed from the bookshelf. 14 of 14 Say Thank You Thank your host three times: when you arrive, when you're about to leave, and once more after you've gone with a handwritten thank-you note. Here, an email won't cut it. Throw in a specific detail about how much fun you had doing a certain activity, how hard you laughed at a particular story, or how delicious a specific meal was. Finish with an offer to open up your own home next time. For an optional but memorable thank you, pick up a fresh bouquet of flowers and leave them in a vase on the kitchen counter with your note before you leave. Otherwise, mail your card within two or three days of your visit.

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Gardening

Waiting for Your Magnolia Tree to Flower? When You Can Catch the Best Blooms

Magnolia trees are versatile landscape plants with hundreds of species and cultivars ranging from dwarf types at 6 to 12 feet up to the towering 80-foot Southern Magnolia, M. grandiflora. With a wide range of bloom times and flower size and color, one can be found to fit every yard and garden. When Do Magnolia Trees Bloom? Flowering occurs according to species and climate with blooms in late winter, spring, summer or autumn. Some varieties bloom more than once for two to three weeks. Others produce flowers before they leaf out. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! What to Know About Magnolia Trees Growing Season Magnolias may be deciduous or evergreen with most evergreen types hardy to zone 7. Evergreen varieties are cultivars of the Southern magnolia, blooming from spring to early summer with large, white flowers continuing sporadically throughout summer. Deciduous and semi-evergreen species and their cultivars grow in zones 3 and higher with a wider range of bloom periods and flower color and size. M. grandiflora 'Little Gem': A dwarf evergreen cultivar, Little Gem blooms in May with a primary flush that continues sparser into July. It's a slow grower maturing at 20 to 25 feet tall and 12 to 15 feet wide. Flowers are creamy white up to 12 inches in diameter. M. grandiflora 'Samuel Sommer': This evergreen variety produces some of the largest flowers up to 14 inches across. A spring flush of creamy, white flowers slows in summer with a second autumn flush in ideal climates. Samuel Sommer matures at 35 to 40 feet with a 20- to 30-foot spread. M. grandiflora 'Edith Bogue': An evergreen cold hardy to -15°F, 'Edith Bogue' thrives in zones 6 to 9. Lemon scented, white blooms appear late spring through early August depending on climate. Trees mature at 40 feet tall with a 30 foot spread. M. virginiana 'Sweet Bay': At heights and spreads of 10 to 35 feet, Sweet Bay magnolia and it's cultivars grow as large shrubs or small trees. Native to the eastern U.S., varieties feature smaller 3-inch, white flowers in May and June. This is a semi-evergreen species with some cultivars evergreen as low as zone 4. M. soulangeana 'Saucer Magnolia': This deciduous magnolia and its cultivars are the most commonly grown varieties. They bloom early from March to mid-April with sporadic flowering through summer. 6-inch flowers open before foliage in white, pink, rose, purple, magenta or burgundy. Mature sizes range from 20 to 25 feet tall and wide. M. stellata 'Star Magnolia': Noted for its compact size and star-shaped, white flowers, this magnolia blooms late winter to early spring. It matures at 10 to 20 feet with an 8- to 15-foot spread. Flowers measure 4 inches across in shades of white, pink and purple. Ideal Growing Conditions for Magnolia Trees to Bloom Review care requirements for specific varieties to ensure they'll flourish and bloom in your climate. Certain cultivars adapt well to wetlands, coastal or urban areas. Here are general growing conditions. Moist, well-draining loam with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal. Allow soil to dry out slightly in between watering. Sweetbay magnolias can thrive in boggy soil. The majority of magnolias do not like standing water and become drought tolerant when mature. Water newly planted trees two to three times a week. Plants may require additional watering during bloom periods. For finest flowering, provide six hours of direct sun exposure daily. Some cultivars prefer afternoon shade in hot climates, however the better light you give them, the better they'll bloom. Overall health of your tree depends on its hardiness zones. However, late cold snaps can damage buds and reduce flowering. Ideal temperatures for blooming fall between 60°F and and 75°F. Heat stress at 90°F can reduce flowers and shorten the bloom period. 5 Great Magnolia Trees Care Tips Magnolias make up the largest group of plants in the magnoliaceae family with as many as 340 species and numerous cultivars. These flowering trees and shrubs thrive in diverse environments with a wide range of bloom times, sizes, growth habits and flower color. Do your research and choose a magnolia variety suited to your climate and growing zone. Support flowering by adding compost or well-rotted manure in early spring. Or spread a balanced, slow release formula such as an NPK 10-10-10 out to the dripline. Protect early blooming varieties from late frost which may cause bud and flower loss. Lightly prune after flowering to remove dead or crossing branches. Hard pruning reduces flowering. Spent flowers usually drop making deadheading unnecessary. Mulch to protect shallow roots, retain soil moisture and discourage weeds.

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