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6 Pretty but Problematic Perennials

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  01 of 06 Lily-of-the-Valley Yeah, I know, this one is a classic garden plant beloved for its sweetly scented, white, bell-like flowers in early spring and ability to  thrive in dry shade  where not much else will grow. But I've come to really dislike  lily-of-the-valley  ( Convallaria majalis ) because, a year or two after planting, it starts to spread like wild, choking out nearby plants. Once it's established, reining in this aggressive spreader requires relentless vigilance. Plant This Instead:   Foamflower  ( Tiarella  spp.) is a native plant that also can grow in shady spots but won't take over the garden. Though not fragrant, its frothy spring flowers attract pollinators, and some varieties offer interesting foliage. 02 of 06 Perennial Bachelor's Button A catalog description focused on a parade of spring and  summer flowers and easy care  can beguile those who have never grown perennial bachelor's button ( Centauria  spp). B...
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Signs That It's Time To Replace Your Water Heater

  When a water heater breaks down, it becomes obvious how much we rely on having hot water to do laundry, wash dishes, and bathe. In some cases, the water heater may just need a minor repair to resolve the issue that is preventing it from working properly. However, these relatively small problems may be an indication that the water heater is approaching the end of its life. If you don't start planning for  the replacement of the water heater  when issues occur, you run the risk of the appliance breaking down entirely. When that happens unexpectedly, you could be without hot water for days or possibly weeks until you can have a professional replace the old unit with a new water heater. Avoid any unwanted surprises by learning how to recognize these signs it's time to replace your water heater. 1. The Water Heater Is Reaching the End of Its Lifespan The first sign to look for when deciding whether to replace or repair the water heater is the age of the appliance. On average...
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A Loan Modification Could Help

  What is a loan modification Loans can be modified in various ways. For instance, the lender may lower the  interest rate ; extend the length of the loan; or allow a homeowner to skip payments until he’s found a new job, adding those missed payments to the principal to pay later. The terms all depend on the homeowner’s specific circumstances, but the goal is ultimately the same: to provide financial relief for homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgage. To get a loan modification, you’ll need to apply through your current mortgage lender, and you can start by filling out a  Request for Mortgage Assistance form . Your lender will probably require the following documents: Your monthly mortgage statement Information about any other mortgages on your home For salaried employees or hourly wage earners, two recent pay stubs that reflect year-to-date income For self-employed homeowners, your most recent signed and dated quarterly or y...
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A Cleaning Routine You Should Do Every Night

  1. Clear the Sink (5-7 Minutes) The  kitchen sink is among the dirtiest spots  in a home because they harbor bacteria and moisture, especially throughout the day. After dinner, either load and run the dishwasher or  handwash dishes  and add them to the drying rack. If you have a garbage disposal, use it to remove any lingering debris. Next, thoroughly  clean the kitchen sink , including the drain, faucet, and handles. Wipe the entire area dry with a clean cloth. If you feel motivated, do the same with any hand-washed dishes and put them away so you don't have to do it the next day. 2. Tidy Visible Clutter (5-7 Minutes) Knocking this off your list will automatically make spaces look neater and lower your stress levels. Talk about a win-win! Take a few minutes to go through high-traffic areas like the living room, entryway, and kitchen and re-home stray items that have piled up throughout the day.  Declutter countertops , corral chargers and remote con...
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