How Hard Can it Be

Heard a story of a person who decided to install a ceiling fan all by himself because “how hard can it be?” He confidently told everyone he watched a YouTube video, so naturally, he was now a certified electrician.

Step one went well—he managed to remove the old light fixture. Step two? Well, that’s where things got interesting. While wiring the new fan, he “forgot” to turn off the power. Cue the inevitable zap, a yelp that sounded like a startled cat, and a spectacular drop of every tool in his hand.

But he pressed on! Fan finally installed, he flipped the switch, and—success! The fan started spinning! Too bad he didn’t check the clearance. The very first rotation of the fan blades shredded the top of his prized “lucky hat,” sending bits of fabric flying around the room like confetti.

The kicker? He said, “It’s okay, the hat took one for the team,” while the fan wobbled so violently it looked like it was trying to escape the ceiling.

A professional eventually came in and fixed the disaster—for double the original cost. But hey, the man learned a valuable lesson: DIY doesn’t always mean “Do It Yourself.” Sometimes, it’s “Don’t Injure Yourself.”

Let’s Talk Shrubs

Last time, we covered the latest tree varieties for 2025—now let’s talk shrubs!

If you’re looking for cold-hardy options, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Snow Blaze’ is a showstopper. This beauty thrives in Zone 3, producing massive, cone-shaped white blooms that slowly blush pink as the season progresses. It’s a perfect addition to mixed borders and grows happily in full sun to part shade.

For something compact yet striking, check out Aronia melanocarpa ‘Ruby Splendor’, or as we like to call it, chokecherry. Its deep burgundy foliage and bright red berries make it a standout in wildlife gardens, plus it thrives in wet soil—great for those tricky spots.

Want some extra color? Spiraea japonica ‘Frostfire’ brings a dynamic mix of frosty white and pink blooms with golden foliage, making it an eye-catching choice for foundation plantings.

Another can’t-miss addition is Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Ice Flame’, a stunning ninebark with white variegated leaves and soft pink-white blooms in spring. It’s not just pretty—it’s also tough, handling drought and cold like a champ.

And if fall color is what you’re after, Diervilla ‘Arctic Sunrise’ (Bush Honeysuckle) delivers. Its bright orange-red foliage in autumn, combined with small yellow summer flowers, makes it a fantastic option for slopes or erosion control.

No matter your garden style, these fresh 2025 shrub varieties bring bold colors, hardy growth, and season-long interest. Which one’s catching your eye?

Cold Hardy Shrubs

Last time, we covered the latest tree varieties for 2025—now let’s talk shrubs! If you’re looking for a cold-hardy shrubs option, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Snow Blaze’ is a showstopper. This beauty thrives in Zone 3, producing massive, cone-shaped white blooms that slowly blush pink as the season progresses. It’s a perfect addition to mixed borders and grows happily in full sun to part shade.

For something compact yet striking, check out Aronia melanocarpa ‘Ruby Splendor’, or as we like to call it, chokecherry. Its deep burgundy foliage and bright red berries make it a standout in wildlife gardens, plus it thrives in wet soil—great for those tricky spots.

Want some extra color? Spiraea japonica ‘Frostfire’ brings a dynamic mix of frosty white and pink blooms with golden foliage, making it an eye-catching choice for foundation plantings.

Another can’t-miss addition is Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Ice Flame’, a stunning ninebark with white variegated leaves and soft pink-white blooms in spring. It’s not just pretty—it’s also tough, handling drought and cold like a champ.

And if fall color is what you’re after, Diervilla ‘Arctic Sunrise’ (Bush Honeysuckle) delivers. Its bright orange-red foliage in autumn, combined with small yellow summer flowers, makes it a fantastic option for slopes or erosion control.

No matter your garden style, these fresh 2025 shrub varieties bring bold colors, hardy growth, and season-long interest. Which one’s catching your eye?