25 Raised Garden Beds That Will Inspire You to Actually Grow Veggies This Year

If you're a sucker for all things summer, you're no-doubt embracing the season's fresh produce. Looking to take it to the next level? Make those mojitos and salads even yummier with your own homegrown herbs and veggies. The 25 raised gardens ahead will inspire you to become a backyard master. Scope out the blooming inspo, then start turning your outdoor space into a lush, edible paradise.
DIY Edible Garden: Keep deer and neighbor’s dogs from cramping your gardening dreams with this nifty tutorial. (via Brit + Co)
Garden Lights: Who says string lights are just for parties and patios? (via New York Times)
Bold and Minimal: Painting your raised boxes black is a bold move, but paired with the tiered beds, it's a surprisingly stylish look. (via Gardenista)
Vertical Garden Combo: Bring options into your oasis by combining raised beds with vertical garden screens.(via Green Thumbs)

Industrial Vibes: Skip the carpentry altogether and craft your raised beds out of galvanized water troughs. Just drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage and you're good to go. (via Houzz)

Fairytale Garden Style: If corrugated metal isn’t your jam, why not line your raised beds in stone for the ultimate fairytale look? The gardening shed and pastel pumpkins are optional, but highly recommended. (via Better Homes and Gardens)
Modern Cinder Block Garden: It's time to rethink cinder blocks. Stack them creatively to give you extra spots for succulents. (via Deceits)
Backyard Getaway: We spy a tiny stock tank pond in the middle of this greenery paradise that's uber charming. Fill your own with fish, then border your raised beds with cobblestones for a rustic touch. (via Better Homes and Gardens)
Curved Garden Row: Curved concrete blocks and a cheery lettuce spread make for a seriously sleek garden. This minimal setup is modern and totally easy to DIY. (via Laguna Dirt)
Wooden Paved Paths: Doesn’t this garden look Zen? Staggering raised beds will make your garden appear like a piece of art AND give you extra yard space. (via Gardening Solutions)
Sunny Vegetable Patch: This large garden has it all: raised beds, potted flowers, and even a wooden fence for trailing plants. The pebble paths keep weeds at bay and the taller trees offer shade while you’re picking produce. (via Period Living)
Mini Greenhouse Effect: Covered beds act as tiny greenhouse to give you perfect veggies in any weather. Plus, the height boost makes those veggies extra accessible. (via Schooner Wöhnen)
Garden Paths: Sometimes, all your mini farm needs to look polished is some low-maintenance gravel sprinkled between the beds. (via HAVEFOLKET)
DIY Garden Boxes: Wire trellises like these will give you growing options for vining plants, like green beans and peas. (via Ana White)
Steel Planters FTW: You won’t have to worry about wood falling apart with these options — no matter how much you water your kale and cabbage. (via Gardenista)
Nets, Nets, Nets: A draping of the fabric keeps bugs and pesky birds from nomming on your berries and produce. (via Gardenista)
Wine Box Garden: If wine boxes are stacking up after a long summer of rosé sipping (no judgement!), turn them into a mini garden. These reinvented beds are just the right size for a small patio or porch garden. (via LLH Designs)
DIY Garden Bar: Here's a project that'll make gardening much easier on your knees *and* add additional seating to your outdoor space. (via Bonnie Plants)
Copper Edges: The copper trend just snuck into the garden, and we’re not mad about it. Copper edging helps repel slugs and gives your raised beds a sophisticated vibe. (via Gardenista)
Branch Trellises: Don't be square! Go teepee-style with these twiggy, woven basket trellises. (via Willow Bee Inspired)
Tiny Garden for Tiny Gardeners: Cue the awwws. This cute little garden is just the right size for kiddos and green-thumb beginners. (via Frontgate)
DIY Hexagon Planter: This sectional raised bed is a unique way to keep your basil separate from your parsley and make for some major eye candy. If you need more height, pop a trellis in the center and let sweet peas or honeysuckle go wild. (via The Home Depot Blog)
Lush Balcony Planters: There's no backyard required for greenery bliss! Standing beds are ideal for a balconies since you can store pots underneath and take advantage of all that vertical space. (via Idees Decoration)
Bright + Colorful: We see you, hot pink platforms! Take inspo from this fab space and keep weeds to a minimum by surrounding your garden with white gravel rocks. (via Leroy Merlin)
DIY Lettuce Table Garden: This planter takes farm-to-table dining to a whole new level. Head to your local thrift store, snag a table, and hollow out that baby out for a small-space patch. (via Creative Green Living)


Make sure to follow us on Pinterestfor even more gardening ideas and DIYs!

My favorite part of spring is finally being able to open up my back patio and toss the cushions back on the my furniture. After a season of heavy rains (Northern California's version of winter), my patio furniture is looking a little worse for wear. I'm ready for a refresh — new rug, pillows, and twinkling lights are just the things to spruce up my outdoor decor and set the mood. If you're looking to upgrade your outdoor setup too, we've got you covered.

Here are 8 Amazon outdoor finds to elevate your patio aesthetic!

cottonbro studio

Outdoor String Lights 100FT

Outdoor string lights are pretty affordable and make such an impact on making your space feel warm and inviting. These lights from Amazon are similar to those pictured above, and are marketed as waterproof, snowproof, sunproof, and windproof!

Amazon

7ft Patio Umbrella with Fringe

Fringe is having a moment in decor. Elevate your outdoor space with this chic yet affordable umbrella — it adds a touch of personality while keeping you cool and shaded.

Amazon

7 Piece Outdoor Patio Set

Love this comfy wicker set for a classic, contemporary vibe.

Amazon

Acacia Wood Lounge Chair Recliner

Soak up the sun or escape into a good book with this cozy and well-reviewed recliner — complete with an attached table, perfect for your lemonade or limoncello.

Amazon

Outdoor Striped Porch Mat

Available in multiple sizes, this porch mat protect your bare feet in the hot sun.

Amazon

Wicker All-Weather Planter Set with Liners

Wicker is making a comeback. These all-weather planters are a great way to refresh your space with a touch of greenery.

Amazon

Outdoor Green Throw Pillow Covers, Set of 2

Turn your outdoor space into a cozy retreat for the next six months with these 18x18 pillows in a fresh, spring-green hue.

Amazon

Propane Outdoor Fire Pit Table

Warm up spring nights with this cozy fire pit you can use well into fall.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Piper Ratliff's outfits on The White Lotus are exactly what I'm looking to add to my spring and summer wardrobe for 2025. Piper's (Sarah Catherine Hook) style is the perfect mix of bohemian and classy that gives off a certain laidback elegance. And considering I'm a Carolina girl myself (not to mention I'm actually from the beach), I know exactly how to achieve that ultimate vacation vibe. Here are the best sundresses for a White Lotus look...without any of the drama.

Keep reading for the best sundresses to add some Piper Ratliff & White Lotus magic to your summer wardrobe.

How To Get Piper Ratliff's style from 'The White Lotus.'

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Like I mentioned earlier, all of Piper Ratliff's best outfits are a mix of three things: bohemian, classy, and fitted. While the aesthetic is giving girl off duty, her attention to detail means she always looks put together. Because if you ask me, that's the secret to always looking expensive! Her best outfits feature pieces that are fitted in a flattering way, her accessories are intentional, and everything in her outfit is working together. In this case, less is more.

8 Dresses For Summer 2025 Piper Ratliff Would Approve Of

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Poplin Wide Strap Midi Dress

This gorgeous dress is perfect for both spring and summer, and it's flirty while still offering plenty of coverage. Plus the blue and white color combo is so giving Carolina.

Madewell

Madewell Seamed Squareneck Midi Dress

To channel Piper's more minimalist outfits, this khaki dress is flattering, elevated, and it lets your accessories take center stage.

J. Crew

J. Crew Squareneck Midi Dress

If you prefer to keep your accessories, low-key, a printed dress will do all the heavy lifting for you. And this print is totally giving White Lotus!

Old Navy

Old Navy Fit & Flare Lightweight Smocked Gingham Midi Dress

You can never have too many fit and flair dresses if you ask me. Especially when they feature fluttery sleeves and a dreamy gingham print.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie LSPACE Calla Midi Dress

For the ultimate beachy look, opt for a lightweight, strappy dress. You can wear it over your bathing suit during the day or a colorful bodysuit at night.

J. Crew

J. Crew Fitted-Waist Shirtdress

If there's anything that makes sense for a preppy Carolina girl, it's a collar. Add some raffia sandals for a Piper Ratliff-approved boho edge.

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Strapless Drop-Waist Midi Dress

Y'all, I can't stop thinking about this dress. The silhouette! The color! The detail! It's the perfect thing to pack for any vacation...whether or not you're showing up to a White Lotus resort. ;)

Amazon

CUPSHE Beach Dress

Comfy, casual, and some eye-catching details? Sign me up.

Which Piper Ratliff-inspired look will you be rocking this summer? Don't forget to read up on Everything You Need To Know About The WhiteLotus Season Finale.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Less is more when it comes to landscaping. While there’s something charming about old-fashioned backyards — the kind of lush, picture-perfect spaces reminiscent of a bygone era — they can be really expensive to maintain. Here are some of the most high-maintenance backyard features that will keep your garden looking classic, but at a cost. If you’re still into these old-school garden elements but want to avoid the upkeep, consider modern swaps like drought-resistant plants or low-maintenance hedging options so you can relax and enjoy rather spend and constantly maintain.

10 old-fashioned landscaping ideas that are too expensive to upkeep.

Shutterstock

1. Boxwood Hedges

Perfectly sculpted boxwood hedges offer privacy and give a sense of poshness to a garden. However, maintaining them requires frequent pruning, they're prone to pests like boxwood blight, and trimming services can add up quickly. Instead, look for low-maintenance hedges like viburnum, common box, and cherry laurel.

Kenneth COSSIN

2. Koi Ponds

A serene koi pond with a water feature requires constant upkeep — regular water testing, filtration maintenance, and fish care (including specialized diets, temp control, and vet care!).

Photo by Elle Hughes

3. Rose Gardens

Traditional rose gardens are lovely when maintained properly but they require constant attention. They need proper pruning, fertilizing, pest control, and are prone to disease. Roses are highly susceptible to black spot, powdery mildew, and aphids, making them a pretty demanding plant. I gave up my roses for drought-tolerant plants and olive trees in my California garden.

Annie Gavin

4. Cobblestone or Brick Pathways

Over time, moss and weeds grow between the stones and brick, creating slippery surfaces and requiring frequent cleaning. Frost heaving and settling can create uneven surfaces here too, which can be costly to repair. Gravel and mulch are low-budget options that can still look great and don't require a lot of upkeep in the garden.

Shutterstock

5. Topiaries

Shaping plants into whimsical topiaries is not for the faint of heart — or wallet. These sculpted plants demand expert trimming, precise watering, and protection from harsh weather. Hiring a professional topiarist can be an ongoing and expensive commitment for more elaborate topiaries, like animal shapes and other artistic sculpting.

Wayfair

6. Traditional Fountains

A grand fountain can be the focal point of a traditional backyard, but keeping it in pristine condition requires frequent cleaning, water treatment, and pump maintenance. Algae buildup, clogged filters, and winter freezing can all lead to costly repairs and upkeep.

Shutterstock

7. Ornate Ironwork

Iron is prone to rust, meaning you'll need to endure frequent sanding, priming, and repainting to keep them looking polished and pristine, which can get tiresome over time.

Pankaj Shah

8. Massive Lawns

I replaced an uncomfortable, and frankly ugly, rock lawn with a small grass lawn for my kiddo and dog to enjoy and my water bill quadrupled! A sprawling, perfectly green lawn is a major water guzzler. Keeping it lush requires constant mowing, fertilizing, aeration, and irrigation. Consider more mulch and gravel than grass.

Wayfair

9. Gazebos or Pergolas

Maintaining wooden structures like gazebos means regular staining, sealing, and repairs to prevent weather-related wear and tear. If made from natural wood, they’re especially vulnerable to rot, termites, and warping. Look for more weather-resistant protection or plant more shade trees.

Wayfair

10. Plastic Edging

Plastic and gardens don't make an ideal match. Plastic edging may seem like a quick fix, but it's often frustrating to install, prone to shifting over time, and can lead to weed crossover and untidy borders. While affordable upfront, its short lifespan makes it a poor long-term investment. Opt for sustainable alternatives that not only last but also prevent microplastics from contaminating your soil.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

The World Happiness Report for 2025 is officially here, and there's a LOT to take away from it — including the happiest countries around the world that you can visit and live in this year. Whether there's better healthcare, more community, and everything in between, some places really are just happier than others. So, without further ado, these are officially the most happy countries in the world for 2025!

Scroll to see what the happiest countries in the world are for 2025!

When did the 2025 World Happiness Report come out?

Yan Krukau

The 2025 World Happiness Report was aptly released on March 20, the International Day of Happiness!

What does the World Happiness Report measure?

FbyF Studio

Published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, the report is based on data from the Gallup World Poll, which surveys individuals in over 140 countries. It ranks nations by happiness using the average life evaluations over the past three years, specifically from 2022 to 2024.

Participants in the survey rate their overall life satisfaction, and these self-assessments determine the rankings. To better understand the factors influencing happiness, the report examines six key indicators: GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, generosity, personal freedom, and perceptions of corruption.

What rank is USA in World Happiness Report?

Samson Katt

This year, the United States isn't faring so well. This year, our nation dropped to its lowest ranking ever: number 24.

According to Illana Ron-Levey, Gallup's managing director, some of the United States' decline in happiness was "at least partly attributable to Americans younger than age 30 feeling worse about their lives."

Why would some people be less happy in 2025?

Vlada Karpovich

"Today's young people report feeling less supported by friends and family, less free to make life choices, and less optimistic about their living standards," she added.

The good news is that the research shows people are generally kinder than we assume, and recognizing this could boost our happiness and transform how we perceive those around us.

Moreover, there are plenty of extremely happy countries that make desirable travel destinations. Here are some that topped the list in satisfaction.

Paul Theodor Oja

2025's Happiest Countries In The World

It may not come as a shock that Finland has taken first place for the eighth year in a row. The nation boasts many beneficial policies and initiatives, such as universal health care, as well as a strong social support and education infrastructure. It also has a very low crime rate.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, too, from soaking up the northern lights under the Arctic sky to hiking in one of Finland's 41 national parks, seeing breathtaking architecture, experiencing Midsummer, a celebration of the summer solstice, and, of course, trying Finnish food.

The runners-up to Finland include Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden in second, third, and fourth place, respectively. Just like Finland, these three countries held onto their global happiness ranking from 2024.

Damir K

Those hoping to visit Denmark can explore its capital city, Copenhagen, which is rich in museums and other cultural experiences, learn about the fascinating history of Vikings, and dine at Michelin award-winning restaurants.

Rudy Kirchner

Over in Iceland, experience unbelievable 24-hour daylight from mid-May to late July, go whale watching, take a diving tour or guided snorkeling trip at Thingvellir National Park, traverse glaciers, relax in geothermal spas, and walk along beautiful black sand beaches.

Shvets Anna

Finally, in Sweden, there are various vibrant cities to check out, like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Pop fans must visit the ABBA museum, while culinary connoisseurs need to try authentic Swedish meatballs, and nature lovers can take in all the natural beauty that Sweden is renowned for.

Aside from the Nordic countries, which are dominating the globe in terms of happiness, two Latin American countries also made it into the top 10 for the very first time. Costa Rica ranked at number six, and Mexico at number 10.

Diego Madrigal

If you travel to Costa Rica, you can embark on all kinds of adventures, from hiking and zip-lining to surfing and river rafting.

Bryan Martinez

Or, in Mexico, see the archaeological site Chichen Itza, take a delicious food tour, and sit back on the sand of some stunning beaches.

What's the full list of the happiest countries in the world for 2025?

Kristoffer Brink Jonsson

  1. Finland
  2. Denmark
  3. Iceland
  4. Sweden
  5. Netherlands
  6. Costa Rica
  7. Norway
  8. Israel
  9. Luxembourg
  10. Mexico
  11. Australia
  12. New Zealand
  13. Switzerland
  14. Belgium
  15. Ireland
  16. Lithuania
  17. Austria
  18. Canada
  19. Slovenia
  20. Czechia
  21. United Arab Emirates
  22. Germany
  23. United Kingdom
  24. United States
  25. Belize

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While I love seeing BookTok-viral novels get turned into movies (hello It Ends With Us!), it's just as fun to see them get turned into TV shows, like Fourth Wing — which is why I had such high hopes for A Court of Thorns and Roses at Hulu...before it got canceled. But believe it or not, the fantasy series cancellation could actually a good thing.

Here's the latest update on the A Court of Thorns and Roses show.

Is the ACOTAR TV show still happening?

KoolShooters/Pexels

A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show has officially be scrapped at Disney’s 20th Television, according to Variety. But ACOTAR fans, don't give up hope! Sarah J. Maas was working with Outlander creator Ronald D. Moore, but now Variety's sources say that after the rights expire at Disney, SJM will be shopping the rights to an ACOTAR show to a different studio and platform.

Honestly, I'm totally here for this because a platform like Prime or Max would provide a different kind of edge and aesthetic to the series that would serve it in a different way. And if we have to wait a little longer for a platform SJM feels most aligned with, I'm willing to stick it out!

On February 27, 2024, Sarah J. Maas reportedly went out to coffee with Margot Robbie. Margot's production company (LuckyChap) has backed projects like I, Tonya, Promising Young Woman, Saltburn. Everything Margot touches turns to gold so I really hope she eventually ends up on the creative team for A Court of Thorns and Roses!

Who plays Rhysand in ACOTAR?

Jared Subia/Unsplash

We never got an official cast announcement, but there are plenty of ACOTAR fancasts.

Hannah Dodd, who plays Francesca in Netflix's hit series Bridgerton, would be the PERFECT addition to the cast, whether she plays Elain or Feyre. And now, I honestly don't know if I'll be satisfied with anyone else ;). "She is ELAIN," one TikTok user comments. "Literally copy paste from my brain Elain."

Deuxmoi (via Marie Claire Australia) revealed some potential actors who could be in the running, like Thomas Doherty, Theo James, and Katherine Langford. Actress Brec Bassigner expressed that she'd love to be considered for a role. "I emailed my team, and I was like, ‘Listen, I don’t care if I have one line. I have to be a part of this,'" she says in an interview with TV Line.

Is ACOTAR getting a 6th book?

Amazon

Yes, ACOTAR book 6 is on the way! We don't know who the new book will focus on, but Sarah J. Maas did say she's excited to bring it to us.

"The next book in that series, I have the ideas and general, vague thoughts. But the nitty gritty of writing and the emotional journeys with the characters — I usually love to go on those journeys with them," she said during an appearance on TODAY.

What is A Court of Thorns and Roses about?

Amazon

A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Feyre, a huntress who's forced to live with the immortal faeries after killing a wolf in the woods. The longer she stays in the Fae's world, the more she begins to love it — and the passionate, alluring faerie Tamlin. But as a dark shadow grows, both their world and Tamlin are put in danger, and it's up to Feyre to save them all.

When did the Court of Thorns and Roses series come out?

Amazon

A Court of Thorns and Roses is the first novel in the series of the same name, and was published in 2015. Sarah J. Maas continued the series with A Court of Mist and Fury in 2016, A Court of Wings and Ruin in 2017, A Court of Frost and Starlight in 2018, and A Court of Silver Flames in 2021.

Are you excited for the A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show? Let us know your dream cast in the comments and on TikTok! And read up on The Only ACOTAR Character Breakdown You Need Before Book 6 Comes Out.

This post has been updated.