Boy it’s hot out there – June feels like August already. And my outdoor plants are feeling the heat. Check out these tips from myhomeideas.com on spending less time with a hose and more time enjoying your garden. It includes ideas such as using glazed pottery for potted plants (holds water longer) and minimizing your lawn with patio stones and gravel so you spend less time on the lawn. My favorite drought-tolerant plants? Lavender and Lantana.

For homebuyers who don’t really want to deal with a lawn, courtyards are ideal. This Trustee Model at Hampton Roads Crossing includes plenty of space to entertain with a fireplace, grill and seating, and enough room for surrounding plants. Plus a lot less maintenance!