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 (ARA) - A colorful fall garden is as simple as knowing what to plant. Although gardening sources may suggest seasonal projects, these might not be ideal for your region. To prepare for autumn, follow these simple guidelines based on your local climate. It's easy to have a beautiful fall garden - no matter where you live.
Settlers of the Southeast: Revive your garden by adding color with plants that thrive in cool weather, like pansies, foxgloves, snapdragons, sweet alyssum and edibles such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, greens and radishes. Container roses love autumn and are an easy addition to any outdoor space. Planting beauties like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses now will bring a splash of color to spring. Start a compost heap for conditioning your soil or feeding your garden.
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 (ARA) - Fencing around the home is vulnerable to weather-related, accidental or intentional damage. Rain hastens rust, and ground freezing and thawing or high winds can affect gate alignment. Children swinging on gates and animals trying to get through the fence also take a toll.
Now's the time to inspect fencing, gates and gate hardware around your property to ensure all are in good working condition. Rusty metal hinges and latches or gate misalignment can lead to gates that no longer close securely. These conditions can be dangerous or even deadly if ignored.
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 (ARA) - Tractor rollovers are all too common among both professional operators and rural lifestyle families alike. In fact, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that overturned tractors are the leading cause of occupational agricultural deaths in the United States.
So what can you do to help keep yourself and your family safe? Follow good safety practices and make sure that your tractor is equipped with a Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) and a seatbelt. As the weather gets warmer, people often head outdoors to finish last year's project or to start a new one. But before firing up the tractor, operators should ensure that it is equipped with a ROPS and seatbelt.
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 (ARA) - Summer is a great time for outdoor home improvement projects, but it's also supposed to be a time to relax and have fun with family and friends. That makes quick-to-do projects that add to the "family fun factor" appealing to homeowners, who also need to spend their limited home improvement dollars wisely.
"If you are looking for an easy project that will make an immediate difference in your summertime quality of life, add outdoor lights to your deck or patio. Lighting turns your outdoor space into an entertaining place and a favorite new spot for hanging out at night," says Chelsea Gardner, an outdoor living expert from Dallas.
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 (ARA) - Ready to get the lawn in shape, but your mower isn't?
If it's time for a new companion on your lawn maintenance missions, there are a few things to think about before buying. If you choose a new lawn mower wisely, you won't have to worry about hearing a sputter when you pull the cord or turn the key for years to come.
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 (ARA) - Warm sun-drenched days and cool starry evenings can inspire the host or hostess in us all. It's the perfect time of year for easy outdoor entertaining - to reconnect with family and friends at a backyard barbecue, neighborhood block party or rooftop soiree. It's also a time to show off your unique style and personality without the pressure of planning an elaborate sit-down dinner.
"While outdoor entertaining is definitely more casual, it doesn't have to be boring," says Ann Gearty, senior brand manager at Rust-Oleum. "With a little imagination and a few simple touches, it's easy to transform an ordinary barbecue or casual evening with friends into an event your guests will remember."
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 (ARA) - You might think the end of summer means bidding farewell to fresh, homegrown veggies. Not so - many cool-season crops hit their heyday as autumn temperatures drop, and some even taste better when nipped by a light frost.
As long as their basic growing conditions are met, vegetable plants don't care what season it is. If you live in a warmer climate, you may be able to grow your fall garden all winter long. If, however, you live in a colder area, your growing season will be shorter.
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 (ARA) - In a tough housing market, homeowners want to improve their home's beauty and functionality, while adding resale value. This may include choosing products that reduce maintenance, save energy, improve appearance and offer protection from the damaging forces of nature. Here are some tips for problem areas that could benefit from the latest home solutions:
Timeless decks with natural looks
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 (ARA) - Nothing is more relaxing than a breath of fresh air, which is likely the reason why the lines between indoors and out have blurred immensely. More homeowners are moving their living rooms outside to well-appointed patios and decks, furnishing these spaces with all the comforts of their favorite indoor gathering spaces.
Research shows homebuilders are now incorporating two- and three-sided outdoor rooms into home plans. Manufacturers too are addressing the trend by providing a wide array of products designed for outdoor living, giving homeowners nearly as many choices to decorate their outdoor living rooms as those inside their homes - including furniture, textiles, lighting, grills and even WiFi-enabled outdoor entertainment systems.
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