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What's new in tile design? Expect intricate carvings, metallics and lots of customization.

There are few materials that can cause a stir in the hearts of design enthusiasts like tile can. Tile and all of its beautiful intricacies ranks right up there with a good fabric, lush carpeting and solid wood. And the recent introduction of new styles, sizes and details has inspired exciting new trends. Here's a rundown of what's hot in tile design.

It's All About White
"Today, everything is white," says Nancy Epstein, Founder and CEO of Artistic Tile. "We've noticed our customers asking for all types of shades and variations of white," from classic bright white to muted grey. Epstein says that this is part of a larger, overall trend of customization in the luxury market. "Customers want to customize, they want what they want and they want it their way, and if it's a particular shade of white they seek, it's up to us to make it happen."

Loecke is also seeing a large eco-presence when it comes to tiles. "I'm seeing lots of faux wood looks, especially from manufacturers in Italy," says Loecke. "Even though these tiles come from Europe, they're porcelain, so they're extremely sturdy and very affordable." What's even cooler is that many of these tiles are designed to be laid in a random plank fashion, just like real wood, making it very hard to tell that that they aren't the real thing!

All About Dimensions
Intricately carved tiles that take their cue from art are also gaining popularity. "Bold, sculptured patterns offer a dramatic, beautiful wall," says Epstein. "Now that we can offer customers dimensional tiles, they love it!"


Carved tiles from the Ambra collection, shown here in Lake Blue in a bathroom , make the perfect addition to achieving a serene feeling in any bathroom. Photo: Artistic Tile


A great example of this technique is the Artistic Tile's Ziva Lotus line (shown below), which is all carved in India. "We were in a hotel in Tunisia and the panel behind us was beautifully 3-D. That was the whole start of our quest for dimensional wall tiles and carved stones."

Do It Yourself
As budgets seem to be perpetually smaller, so many homeowners continue to embrace do-it-yourself options. Of note is the Cliks line of DIY tiles from Daltile, available at Home Depot. These porcelain tiles are manufactured here in the U.S. and don't require any additional grout for installation. Instead, the tiles click together quickly and easily using the company's patented Uniclic system.

Gorgeous Glass
"I'm really enjoying working with glass tiles right now," says Loecke. "Whether they are made from recycled glass or not, glass tiles are a great way to add a little sparkle to a space. We just finished covering the face of a client's fireplace in large 24-inch square mirrored tiles and they reflect light beautifully, adding a soft glow and shimmer."

Now that you've read up on the latest tile trends, time to explore some other trends for 2011!
Wallpaper Trends 2011: New, Fresh and Fun Designs
ShelterPop Predicts 2011 Pattern of the Year: Honeycomb
Trend Spotting: 2011's Hot Color Combos

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Not everyone is storing wine in a fancy cellar. Whether you're a wine collector or simply enjoy sipping a glass or two with friends, we have smart storage solutions for every budget.

If running out to purchase a wine cooler or an expensive rack isn't your thing, you're not alone! Many fellow wine lovers have gotten pretty creative when it comes to storing their bottles. One of the quirkiest ideas we've found is this Mailing Tube Wine Rack project from ReadyMade magazine.

The tubes were cut to fit the space and carefully layered under a shelf to ensure maximum support. While it may not be the most attractive options, we give the genius behind this idea props for making use of such a mundane material.

Over at Apartment Therapy we found another creative use of an interesting material, this time it was stainless steel rods. Lauren and Eric Wendlandt of Framework Design through-bolted the rods onto a walnut wood wall, spacing each so that the wine bottles would be properly supported.

A more practical approach could be this clever vertical wine rack, also spotted on Apartment Therapy. The DIY couple attached Vurm bottle holders from IKEA to three pieces of stained plywood, which rest on the floor and are anchored to the wall by another piece of plywood at the top and a shelf at the bottom. So clever!

If putting your bottles on display isn't important to you, try a few unexpected places to store them instead. Of course, we find this Wine Bar Treasure Trunk fascinating with its built in dividers, but really, you could use any storage piece. How about making room in the hinged ottoman in your living room, that built-in drawer underneath your bed or maybe it's time to repurpose your child's old toy box.

Of course, if DIY isn't your thing, there are tons of storage options out there. If space and your budget are limited, opt for a cool yet compact table top option. At $24.95, Crate & Barrel's Countertop 5 Bottle Wine Rack is a great option for apartment dwellers. It's sleek and compact and since it's made from aluminum, it won't ever tarnish.

Sometimes when space is tight, it's best to look up! This wall-mounted gear-style wine holder from QVC is a quirky solution for corralling bottles. Made of hardwood, handpainted and distressed, this conversation-piece holds six of your favorite vinos.

If you have a bit more space and a few extra dollars, do like they do in the French countryside and store your wine in the rustic Riddler Wine Rack from Z Gallerie. Designed like the ones used by French champagne-makers, the rack allows bottles to rest on their side, an ideal way to preserve wine -- it keeps the wine in contact with the cork, preventing air from spoiling it.

Looking for other great storage ideas? Read up on these clever solutions:
Storage Under the Stairs: 3 DIY Solutions
Making the Most of a Corner
On The Hunt: Sustainable Storage for Recyclables

Here's a video on how to design a wine cellar.

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Don't save your timeless blue and white china for the table. Here are creative ideas for elevating your pieces from dishes to decor.

Who isn't drawn to decorating with blue-and-white china? Its classic colors are soothing, representing the sky and sea and its ornate designs can make any room feel warmer and more homey. Plus, the dishes themselves have such a rich history, they have become a true classic among many countries and cultures. (And they're influencing room design as well.)

The china originated in China's Tang Dynasty in the 14th century when artisans began making white porcelain, then decorating it with intricate designs using cobalt oxide, a blue pigment.

Blue and white is one of the most popular color combos used in kitchens across America. Photo: Country Living, Of Spring and Summer

In the 16th century, Delftware, a later version of the Japanese original, was born in the Netherlands. Potters, inspired by pricey porcelain, began coating their clay wares in a tin-glaze, which gave the pieces the look of porcelain without the high price tag. And the English proudly boast ownership of Wedgwood and Jasperware, all classics we covet here too in the U.S.

Today, there are many variations, but all come back to that striking blue and white color combo.

Vintage, modern or reproduction, no matter what your blue-and-white dish collection is worth, we guarantee you are very proud of it. So much so, in fact, that you'd much rather put it on display rather than pack it away. To help inspire you, we found some fresh, fun and inspiring ways to shine a spotlight on your blue and white dishes.

Plates can also be the perfect size to dress up those small, odd-shaped areas in the home, such as above a window. We love this idea (third photo in the slideshow) from Country Living. The homeowner simply lined up her blue and white dishes above her windows.

An Excuse to Bring Out the Blue and White
The next time you're creating a centerpiece or floral display, work in your collection. How gorgeous is the contrast of this pink Hyacinth arrangement (top photo) against the blue-and-white pieces from London blogger Of Spring and Summer.

Of course actually using your plates during a dinner party is a fabulous idea too. To set her table, blogger Rose Garden Romantic layered a few mismatched ones and topped them off with a vintage birthday greeting postcard. So sweet!

Make Cool Stuff With 'Em
Sometimes a piece of our beloved collection chips, falls out of favor or you simply find a treasure that is not quite food safe. If that's the case, we say get creative like these sellers on Etsy.

How clever is blogger and stylist extraordinaire Sweet Paul? He suggests painting half of a piece of pottery all white to give it a modern spin.

ShabbyNChic transformed a blue-and-white dish into a beautiful cupcake stand by attaching a glass candle holder. To do this at home, we'd recommend using a strong glue such as a clear epoxy glue.

Lastly, Louanacreations turned a beautiful blue wine glass upside down and married it with a plate and pretty beads for a gorgeous display piece.

For more about decorating with collections, check out:
The Beauty of Mason Jars
Flea Market Finds Done Right

Here's a video with tips on how to decorate with collections.

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Serena Dugan, co-founder and designer at Serena & Lily says that she thinks of the bedskirt as an extension of the headboard. "We love the idea of coordinating the bottom of the bed with an upholstered headboard. By bringing some fabric around the perimeter of the bed, you have a low-impact, surprising way to present a design or color that complements other elements."

Dugan says that layering is a popular concept in bedding right now. She predicts we'll see more blankets and decorative pieces, even a return to more tightly made beds. "Adding a bedskirt or a duvet folded at the foot of a bed is a fun way to change this up. You can introduce new colors and test drive new patterns. Everyone's always looking for a way to freshen up and using layers is definitely a way to do it."

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Three top designers dish about the hues they're excited to mix, match and play with in the new year.

Good news everyone! When it comes to design and decorating (and yes, fashion too), this year it's all about color, color and more color! And with 2011 kicking off a brand new decade, it's finally time to bring a little happy into our homes. Here, three fresh color combinations we're noticing right now.

Honeysuckle & Peacock Blue, Honeysuckle & Taupe-Grey
It made perfect sense to us when Pantone declared Honeysuckle 2011's color of the year. This perky shade of pink represents the optimism that's finally peeking through across the country.

"I definitely think honeysuckle is an optimistic, playful color," says interior designer and color expert Eileen Kathryn Boyd. "Even the name sounds happy and fresh. It's also a color that I think a lot of people look good in."

Interior designer John Loecke agrees and points out its global influence as well. "Pink is the navy blue of India," he says. "Just like navy or denim is a classic American color, pink is a go-to shade in India because it's so flattering. Everyone wears it and you'll see it in all the homes and hotels there."

And what do they pair it with in India? "Strong shades like a deep turquoise or this peacock blue that is emerging as a hot hue," says Loecke. That seems just about right for what's happening here too.

Boyd is also using peacock blue with honeysuckle. "I'm actually working with this color right now with a client," says Boyd. "I really love this peacock blue, this green-cast turquoise we're seeing right now," she says. "Since honeysuckle has a pink cast, it stays light and fresh with that greenish-blue shade."

Boyd also recommends grounding such a vibrant hue as honeysuckle with a fresh neutral such as grey. "When you're using such a bold shade, you need a neutral and grey is sticking around," she explains. "But it's warmed up, think of a taupey grey, which grounds all that pink perfectly."

Peacock Blue & Oregano Green
Author and interior designer Elaine Griffin has also fallen for peacock blue and is having fun pairing it with a color she's calling oregano green. "It's not a celadon, not lime, but a brighter green that looks and feels fresh and is going to take the place of last year's orange as the accent color of choice."

We've noticed her prediction coming true already as bloggers such as Habitually Chic and our favorite shelter and fashion mags such as Canadian House & Home, House Beautiful and Elle are talking about and showcasing this shade of green too.

"I think these shades of blue and green just make sense -- it's a nod back to the sky and grass," she says. "No matter where that pendulum is swinging when it comes to color trends, nature is always an inspiration."

The blogger Little Green Notebook recently posted her entryway makeover featuring this exact color combination, with a few touches of warm gold, which Griffin is also predicting to be big this year.

Juicy Colors
Bright, bold colors in general are making a huge comeback. As evident by the color combos, we've already showed you, we'll see more of yellow for sure. Juicy shades of yellow and fuchsia will be making noise with the colors we've already mentioned (grey, oregano green, peacock blue) and you'll also see black make a comeback as an accent color as well.

"Yellow is being introduced again in fashion and in the home," says Boyd. "My favorite is that happy canary yellow. It's bright and warm, like a ray of sunshine and feels stimulating to look at. I am seeing yellow paired again, with that taupe-grey for a modern feel."

As for black, Boyd loves it with fuschia. "I love black. It is the absence of all color so it truly is a statement maker," she says. "I recently saw a spread in Elle Decoration UK and the room was painted in this fuchsia pink and all the trim was black. It was just so striking." Boyd also points out that using black as an accent is a great way to try a new, bold color at home without making a huge commitment.

"Shades of yellow, fuchsia, deep turquoise and even orange are all tropical, sunny colors," says Loecke. "There's this global influence that's helping to push forward these happy shades and Americans are embracing it. It's all about mixing them up in a way you're most comfortable with."

We agree. Just look at the living room Loecke recently designed. His use of big, bold colors and patterns is so inviting, we're ready to move right in!

Ready to welcome color into your home? Here are a few stories for more inspiration:
Pantone's Color Forecast for Spring Goes Home
Color Diary: Grey
Going to Paint a Kids' Room? We Found the Best Colors

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Murphy, a writer and book editor, works from home and while she is used to having papers, files and old manuscripts around, lately her piles of paper have expanded to include her mother's medical bills and documents pertaining to her father's estate. "Everything ended up in my home office, which also shares space with our guest room," says Murphy. "It was all in one spot. Plus, with the bed eating up most of the guest room, my closets were bursting." After trying to organize her home over the last year and a half, Murphy knew this contest could be the solution she was looking for.

Use the slider tool to slide up and down to compare the before and after!

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The house isn't fancy, but it's what they dreamed about as kids.

Tom Vecchione and Tom Baione, best friends since childhood, grew up near one another on Long Island. One of their favorite teachers would often share happy tales of living close to the ocean, and the two childhood friends, who still remain close many years later, began dreaming of one day owning an oceanside home together.

In 2001 when the two Toms spotted a home for sale on Jones Island, a barrier island off Long Island's south shore, they decided to go for it. While the home's remote and unusual setting attracted them -- it is elevated several feet above the sand and is about a thirty minute drive to the closest store -- it made it challenging to renovate. And it needed renovation.


A photo of the house as it stands post-renovation. Photo: Tom Baione

Originally built in the 1940s (with some renovations completed in the 1950s), the cottage was used by its previous owners only on weekends. The floors and windows were in good shape, but the rest needed help. Vecchione, a New York-based architect and former HGTV Design Star contestant, and Baione, the director of the library at the American Museum of Natural History, knew the cottage needed a facelift.

Rather than tearing it down and rebuilding from scratch, they decided to work with what was there, since it was the "green" thing to do. Both are proponents of incorporating environmentally friendly ideas into design, and they decided they would use as much salvaged, re-purposed and collected materials as they could find or already owned to make their cottage the perfect vacation getaway.

Avid collectors of just about everything kitchy and cool, the two had quite a lot to choose from, including antique carriage lanterns, discarded flooring from a neighbor and the bathroom tiles in Vecchione's childhood home. All of it found its way in to the charming cottage by the water, which has become a place to relax and connect with other friends from childhood.

Below, clockwise from upper left: An exterior shot of the home before the extensive renovation, a view of the porch before it was transformed into the new kitchen, a shot of the old kitchen, and Tom Baione (left) and Tom Vecchione (right).

The home greets visitors with a charming front porch and a grand door; they found the door discarded, on a street just off Madison Avenue in New York City. It originally belonged to a majestic brownstone, and now shows off its elaborate details (a large center brass doorknob included) to guests here at the cottage. The blue door perfectly offsets the gorgeously faded dhurrie rugs peeking up from the floors.

The house is small, only 1,100 square feet. There is one bedroom, a sleeping loft in the attic, one bathroom as well as two porches; one has been transformed into the cottage's cheery kitchen (more on that later).

In the daytime, the pair spend most of their time in kitchen, since they do a lot of entertaining, and by night its time to relax in the living room. "We love to gather here because it reminds us of our summers growing up, spent at Lido and Atlantic Beach, here on Long Island," says Baione.

The cottage is decorated in shabby chic, beach house style. Accent colors are reminiscent of blue and green sea glass, and mismatched chairs are paired throughout. Walls are painted a crisp white or left the color of natural wood. Even though the space is small, there are numerous windows, so the space is filled with natural light.

Photo: Tom Baione

The open and airy kitchen was originally an outside porch before it was closed in. Vecchione and Baione decided to keep the original flooring as they felt it "shows the life of the place." It also allows the eye to focus on the duo's extensive collection of blue and white china. The pretty collection is happily displayed against the white painted walls. The cupboard was salvaged from a neighbor's trash.

Another favorite element in the kitchen? There's a cabinet built from a neighbor's discarded floor boards. After cleaning the boards, Baione decided to leave the surface intact as he fell in love with the gorgeous patina. We are very glad he did! The distressed green coloring is perfect for the seaside location.

Finally, the front porch is home to another one of our favorite elements. If you look through the first room, off into the back, you'll see a gorgeous stained glass window peeking in. It was rescued from an old apartment building in New York City. It's a sparkling little jewel in this gem of a house.

Liked what you saw here? Check out this mansion that's gone green!

Just like in this cottage, the kitchen is one of the most popular rooms to redo in a home. Check out our tips on which trends to avoid.

Are you a collector, like the homeowners spolighted here? Then check out our guide to the Best Flea Markets in the World.

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Dress up your Thanksgiving table with a cornucopia of corn.

Indian corn is a treasured, iconic element of Thanksgiving, so what better material to use to create festive tabletop decorations for the holiday! Whether you play up its golden husks or vibrant kernels, Indian corn centerpieces are sure to bring smiles to your holiday table.

Here, we've rounded up five crafty creations from magazines and blogs that make use of this modest material in a charming way.

Photo by Lisa Hubbard, from womansday.com

Gloriously Gilded

We love how lifestyle blogger Eddie Ross gave a modern lift to Indian corn in the current issue of Woman's Day. He gives the corn a festive shine by spray painting the ears gold. Lined up around a simple hurricane, they make the perfect table lantern. A luxe velvet ribbon keeps everything in place!



Photo from EddieRoss.com

Rustic Chic

For a simplified version, take a look at this centerpiece from Ross' blog. He actually used this project as inspiration for the project above. We love the varying colors of the Indian corn husks and the rustic look of the twine that keeps the corn standing upright.




Photo from bhg.com

Maize Masterpiece

For this casual centerpiece featured in Better Homes & Gardens, an assortment of colorful Indian corn is nestled on top of a bed of wheat. Placed inside a shallow bowl filled with floral foam, this table topper is at the perfect height for guests catching up during their holiday feast.




Photo: About.com

Solo Sensation

Sometimes a simple decoration can make all the difference to a table setting such as this adorable place card idea. The gang at About.com placed single mini cobs of Indian corn on the center of a place setting, tying a guest's placecard to the center using twine. So elegant.




Photo: Better Homes & Gardens

Vintage Vignette

If crafting is not your thing, get inspired by this clever display, also featured in Better Homes & Gardens. We love the idea of mixing together treasured vintage finds, like a stunning blue glass ball jar, ribbon and a silver mold, with harvest-ready accents such as the Indian corn on the bottom left-hand corner.




Photo from Create!


Cozy Crochet

Just for fun, we had to include these adorable crocheted Indian corn we found on the blog Create!.Blogger Alicia Kachmar did a fantastic job, using colorful yarn to complete her ode to Indian corn. We'd love to see these on our Thanksgiving table, nestled in a cornucopia filled with other autumnal goodies such as dried leaves and acorns.

Check out the rest of ShelterPop's Thanksgiving coverage!

Or if you're looking for more corn crafts, our sister site Holidash has a fantastic video on corn table crafts!

And of course no Thanksgiving is complete without KitchenDaily's amazing Thanksgiving recipes.

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I took the day pretty seriously too. Growing up I was her little helper, grabbing whatever she needed (spices, butter from the fridge) as she cooked. I'd help clean up and set the table. The next day I'd sit beside her and entertain our guests. As I've grown older, I have taken on more responsibilities (when I was 12, I could finally help serve the food!), and at 33, I'm about to host my first Thanksgiving for my family -- with my mother as a guest.

Well, sort of. Call me the co-host. My mother isn't ready to retire completely. She looks forward to hosting Thanksgiving all year long, and she has done so since she was a little girl growing up in Brooklyn, New York. She would shop with her dad for ingredients, cook beside her mother and help them both set up the numerous folding tables they used to accommodate their many guests. She and her sisters would eagerly await the arrival of guests, looking forward to the chocolate turkeys they would bring along for them.

Determined to carry on the tradition, Mom worked hard to involve me in the festivities growing up. Just as she would rise to the smell of a turkey roasting and a sweet potato souffle in the oven, so did I. Just as she and her mom stopped their preparations to catch the Radio City Rockettes perform at the end of the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, so did I. And each year I learned a little more about playing host.

By the time I was in high school, I was the one making our family's treasured stuffed mushrooms (a ricotta cheese filling is our secret!), rather than just watching Mom make it. Post-college, I wasn't just setting the table, I was helping her decorate it. She asked for my opinion and input of where her handmade wreaths should go and how to arrange her treasured collection of Thanksgiving-themed Christopher Radko ornaments. When I began working on photo shoots as a magazine editor, she let me indulge my inspirations, creating festive centerpieces such as a cornucopia filled with beaded faux fruit or fresh flowers to go along with her decor. She always encouraged me to contribute my own ideas alongside hers, and I loved it.

As I've gotten older and moved into a home of my own, it's been harder to sit back and be the helper. I'm stubborn, and I like to be in charge, just like her, and I've had to bite my tongue when she was doing something I disagreed with. But in recent years, Mom and Dad have gotten older -- they're in their late 50s. Mom has suffered from scoliosis her entire life, and as she's aged, it's become harder for her to do what she used to, especially cook at the stove for long periods of time.

This year, Mom is trusting me to carry on her traditions. After all, she gave me a basket full of Thanksgiving goodies at my bridal shower -- everything from a large roasting pan and turkey lifter to leaf-painted goblets and autumn-themed hot mitts.

I feel ready to have Mom as a guest at my table. I know her recipes by heart, everything from her stuffing secrets to her stuffed mushrooms. Mom has even suggested we try some new recipes; she's been tearing some out of magazines for me. My husband is making stromboli, a tradition that began a couple of years ago -- Ok'd by Mom, of course.

Still, I won't be cooking the turkey. The masterpiece of our family feast is still all hers, and I won't be touching it until it comes out of the oven. My mom cooks her turkey in a brown paper bag, carefully sprinkling the bag with water every 15 minutes so it doesn't burn, and her bird is always moist and delicious.

Change has been coming to our Thanksgiving table each year. We're always embracing new guests, and we are 15 now. We made room when my cousin married, then when I married, and more recently when my cousin's twin daughters were born. Those little girls are now the center of our holiday with their own little spots at the table, special holiday dishes, adorable turkey chair covers, and of course, there are always two chocolate turkeys on the table for them now, all courtesy of Mom.

This year, when Mom sits down for Thanksgiving dinner -- my first Thanksgiving dinner -- she'll have a chocolate turkey waiting for her too. I can't wait to see her face.

My Mother's Top Thanksgiving Tips
A seasoned hostess shares her top tips for a well-organized and delicious Thanksgiving.

Perfect Prep

• Shop for as much of your grocery needs as you can, at least two weeks in advance. Don't forget to pick up seasonal favorites like apple cider, nuts and figs!
• One to two weeks before, refresh dinnerware, glasses, utensils, silverware and serving pieces. Wash what needs to be done by hand and the rest load in the dishwasher.
• Make sure you have enough clean oven mitts, hot pads, kitchen towels, dishwashing soap, scouring pads, paper towels and any other cleaning products you may need.
• Wash and air dry your tablecloths and napkins (if applicable). Fold neatly on a hanger until you're ready to iron and set the table.
• Prepare stuffing the day before, as well as any other baked dishes. It's best to leave yourself with the least amount to do the morning of, as you will be focused on cooking the turkey and any other last minute tasks.
• Set your Thanksgiving table the night before. To prevent dust from accumulating, turn glasses upside down and place napkins on the plate.

Turkey Talk

• If you bought a frozen turkey, make sure to thaw in refrigerator three or four days in advance. I place a kitchen towel under the turkey to soak up the water as it starts to thaw.
• While cleaning and preparing the turkey, don't forget to remove the giblet packet from inside.
• Set your alarm to wake up early on Thanksgiving morning. How early depends on the suggested cooking time for the weight of your turkey, planned in accordance with your dinner time.
• Make sure to let your turkey sit at least 20 - 30 minutes before carving.

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One color combo that has recently caught Nolte's eye is gray and yellow. "The colors together are just so fresh and trendy," she says. "I really love how they play off one another." She loves it so much that when Nolte helped her sister decorate her East Hampton, New York home, she introduced chartreuse to liven-up the gray-based living room.

While yellow dominates the happy space shown above, found in a house tour on Apartment Therapy, the gray in the upholstered table and file cabinet ground the palette in a subtle way.

In addition to using this hot hue in accessories, Nolte is using darker shades like charcoal on living room and bedroom walls. "A dark gray wall can be really dramatic," she says. If you're a little bit cautious but still want to try it at home, she suggests painting a smaller room, such as a bathroom, especially if you have marble or tiles with some gray in them already. "That way, it's less of a commitment," she says, "but it gives you the opportunity to really play around."

Keep an eye out for gray-colored flooring too. Some designers are staining floors in different shades of gray. "It gives natural wood a nice, sophisticated update," she says.

Consider pairing gray with other neutrals, like white and tan, as shown in this bedroom at the Crosby Street Hotel in Manhattan. The result is a beautiful, soothing color scheme that you'll want to replicate in every room.

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With a little prep work, your garden can and will thrive while you're away.

You may give your garden lots of TLC all season long, but what happens when you're about to leave on vacation? The thought of leaving your prized flower beds unattended for a week or more can be unsettling. But don't let your plans put you into a panic, says Steve Wagner, senior product manager at Plow & Hearth. "If you've invested the time throughout the season to mulch, water and clean-up regularly, you'll be in good shape," he says. "Plus, there's plenty that can be done before you leave."

First, weed and deadhead, or pull off, spent blooms. This will help ensure that water is reaching your plants and not being slurped down by the weeds. "That way, you'll encourage new growth upon your return," says Wagner.

Next, you'll want to make sure that your flower beds are properly mulched. "Plants and flowers that are well-mulched have a greater ability to retain water. If you've already laid down mulch earlier in the season, just top it off with a fresh layer. Reinforcing that protective barrier is the best way to help your greens hold moisture longer and keep new weeds out."

Of course, making sure your garden is watered while your away is a must. A thorough watering just before heading out the door is one way to handle it, but to keep everything well-hydrated for the duration, you might consider investing in a water timer.

"They're a must if you'll be away for a long period of time," he says. "Whether it's a simple mechanical timer that screws right onto your garden hose faucet or a more advanced programmable one, you'll ensure that your plants will get the proper water they need."

Ken Novak, nursery merchandising director at Lowe's, suggests pairing a water timer with a soaker hose. "It's designed with tiny holes lining all sides, so when it's placed on the soil's surface, the hose flows water directly to the roots of your flowers, plants or shrubs." To keep this flexible, lightweight tool in place, Novak suggests using a few U-shaped floral pins to anchor it into the ground.

Also, if your flower beds contain annuals, add some fertilizer. "In mid-to-late August, you should still fertilize every two weeks until the fall sets in -- it will help kill off frost later on in the year," explains Novak. However, if you've got perennials, skip this step. "By now, perennials have nearly completed their life cycle, so it's safe to stop fertilizing."

And don't forget about your potted plants; group them together out of direct sunlight and go for self-watering planters. No need to replant if you don't have them; you can purchase a self-watering conversion kit for under $20 that will easily work with your existing flower pots.They're ideal for vacation situations," says Wagner. "Simply fill them up before you leave and you're done."

Finally, if you plan to ask the neighbors to water for you, Wagner says make it as easy as possible for them. "Group your potted plants together and show your neighbors exactly where everything is and what you'd like to be done so you don't come home to any surprises.

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