Realistic hair is an essential feature of a natural-looking portrait. Hair and facial hair are not only a key indicator of a realistic artist's skill, but it is also one of the most expressive parts of a person's body.

Perhaps because it's both so adaptable and so important to our appearance, the way we wear our hair and facial hair can reveal a lot about our character, whether we like it or not.

So if you really want to capture the essence of a person in a portrait, try starting with this easy three-step guide to drawing facial hair with additional tips for drawing facial hair.

At first glance, facial hair may seem like one of the most difficult parts of the human figure to draw, with its textures and colors. But if you learn to see it not as an endless collection of individual hairs, but as an overall unit made up of a series of shapes, you will find it much easier.

Here you'll find a 3-step demo on drawing facial hair like a mustache or beard, plus tips for drawing a believable head of hair.

Drawing facial hair in 3 steps

Create a line drawing.

Use the grid method and a pencil to create a line drawing of a nose, mouth, and mustache.

Build and blend dark tones.

When you are confident of your accuracy, carefully remove the grid lines with an eraser. Apply the darker tones with a pencil.

The mustache is created with short pencil lines going in the direction of hair growth. Blend the entire area to a gray tone with a twist, then continue to create pencil lines on top.

Deepen the tons, mix and enhance.

Continue to deepen the tones and blend the design for a smooth look. Once the mustache is dark, use a kneading eraser to remove some light hairs. This will help it look full and dimensional.

Drawing Facial Hair – More Tips

+ When you have the opportunity to draw facial hair, keep in mind that it does not differ that much from other hair. It's generally a bit thicker and sparser, though, and you'll want to pay special attention to blending around the edges. As before, avoid hard edges except in usual cases.

+ When drawing a male mouth, you may encounter facial hair such as a mustache and/or barbecue. Although it may seem difficult, it is a lot like drawing animal fur. Just like fur, facial hair is drawn using pencil lines that reflect the length of the hair. It is constructed in several sofas.

Comment Drawing, facial hair

To Draw Hair – Here are more tips

#1 Don’t chase “the hair”

A single hair is thinner than the narrowest pencil line you can draw. To create the illusion of drawing all the hair, ignore all those thousands of separate hair shafts and instead focus on the main shapes of the body of the hair. See the hair in this simplified way and then you can draw it that way.

A good way to start is to close one eye and squint while looking at your model's head. What do you see? Is it a distinct contour containing a uniform distribution of mass? Or is it one major shape with several smaller shapes protruding from it? Or is it a roughly coherent series of waves?

Note not only the positive forms, but also the negative ones. Are there any significant gaps in the hair? Where are the major shadows? Answering these questions at the beginning allows you to bypass all the extraneous details and get straight to what is most useful to you as an artist.

#2 Capture the details

Once you have identified the shapes that define the hair you want to draw, go ahead and use them to begin your drawing. Lightly draw these shapes in the correct relationship to the head so you have a context to work within, but don't expect these edges to be permanent.

Experiment a little with the arrangement and proportion of the hair, and remember that sometimes even the most realistic results don't turn out the way we expect, so really experiment with your marking.

#3 Always pay attention to lights and darkness

As with almost all subjects, establishing effective contrasts between lights and darks is one of the most important aspects of drawing hair, and the best strategy for achieving this contrast is examining the darkest areas and Shade them first.

The lighter areas are already there, in a sense, in the white space of your paper, it's best to work around them. Once you've done the darkest parts, continue to gradually shade in the lighter spots, and this way you'll be better able to keep your range of lights and darks consistent.

When working in black and white, the lightness or darkness of the hair simply depends on the evolution and consistency of its hue. Sometimes, however, bright light may fall on the hair, and dark hair in this situation may be indicated by a greater contrast between those areas and those not in direct light.

#4 Use directional strokes

For a sense of texture to your shades, use directional strokes, which anticipate both how straight or curly the hair is and give in front of individual strands. For most hairstyles, your strokes should be largely consistent, as the hair will all generally fall in the same direction, and even the smallest variations can be enough to make the hair look natural or tousled.

When you get to the outer edges of the hair, don't be afraid to let the hair fade into the background. A person's hair rarely has a harsh visual edge, and letting the viewer see the hair become thin and wispy can be a great touch of realism.

#5 A little variety but mostly the same

Although there seem to be many different hair types in the world (almost as many as there are people types), don't be intimidated by this notion. Styles can change a lot, but in all but the most extreme and artificial cases, the fundamental properties of human hair don't change much. The most visible differences are color and curl.

To draw curly hair, try using circular shading instead of one-way or back-and-forth methods, and be sure to do this from the start. It's more laborious and often time-consuming, but worth it if you want a naturally curly look.

For extremely curly hair, you may want to forgo directional strokes altogether and stick to a variety of smooth or circular shading.

#6 Don’t forget the head

Throughout the hair drawing process, always remember that there is a skull underneath. This is what gives the hair its essential shape, so pay attention to the shape of the head and how the hair naturally falls around it.

If you remember this and stay focused on the entire body of the hair instead of getting caught in each separate strand, you will draw beautiful heads of hair no matter your subject.

 Fat-burning foods are rich in active ingredients such as antioxidants, fibre, and citric acid, which stimulate fat burning, oxidation, and elimination via intestinal transit.

It's interesting to know about these fat-burning foods because, despite a balanced diet and regular physical activity, it's not always easy to get rid of the stubborn pounds. Indeed, certain areas of the body, such as the thighs or hips are the preferred place for fat that likes to lodge there.

To remedy this, check out the top 5 effective and natural fat-burning foods.

Top 5 Fat Burner Foods

In the diet, certain active ingredients can stimulate fat burning, oxidation, or elimination via intestinal transit. Fat-burning foods have the particularity of concentrating them and having a positive effect on the body. Here are the 5 most effective fat-burning foods.

Eggplant, a powerful fat-burning food

If you're used to cooking eggplant, you've certainly noticed that this vegetable behaves like a real sponge that picks up the oil. In the body, too, its flesh captures fat and traps it, thus promoting its subsequent elimination.

This fat-burning effect of eggplant is above all linked to its high content of dietary fiber and, more specifically, pectin, which makes it a slimming ally of choice. For the best effect, steam or bake the eggplant.

Green tea, a drink that stimulates lipid oxidation

Green tea is one of the most effective fat-burning foods. In fact, in addition to its record content of antioxidants and diuretic active ingredients, green tea contains catechin. Specifically, green tea contains epigallocatechin, also known as EGCG. EGCG stimulates metabolism and significantly increases fat burning. As a result, regular green tea drinkers tend to be thinner.

Lemon, helps the body digest fats

The main active ingredient in lemon is citric acid. In the body, citric acid has many benefits. Its antioxidant power helps stimulate the immune system and fight against cellular aging.

For weight loss, citric acid also has some benefits. In fact, it stimulates the production of bile and digestive enzymes and thus awakens the digestive system and facilitates the digestion, reuse, and elimination of fats after they have been metabolized. As a result, lemon is a very interesting fat-burning food.

Oat bran is a food that traps lipids in the body

Oat bran has two main benefits when it comes to weight loss. Both of these benefits are directly related to the very high soluble dietary fibre content of oat bran. First of all, oat bran has a pretty potent satiating effect. Its integration into the diet allows you to be full for longer, avoid cravings, and eat less during main meals.

Secondly, soluble fibre has the effect of trapping bile salts and cholesterol in the body and promoting their elimination by also stimulating intestinal transit.

Apples, a food rich in pectin that helps burn fat better

Like oat bran, apples are an effective fat-burning food thanks to their soluble fibre and pectin content. In the digestive system, pectin actively participates in the elimination of excess fat via intestinal transit.

Sufficient intake of soluble fiber can even regulate blood cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels. This is very interesting in the context of a weight loss project.

Is pineapple really a fat-burning food?

Pineapple is certainly the most popular of the fat-burning foods. However, you have to be careful! Indeed, pineapple owes its reputation to its bromelain content, an enzyme that stimulates the burning of lipids. However, bromelain is mainly contained in the stem of the pineapple, which is inedible. As a result, one should not blindly rely on this fruit to lose weight as is sometimes the case in some diets.

Despite everything, pineapple remains a fruit rich in fiber and micronutrients that has its place in a healthy and balanced diet.

How to properly integrate fat-burning foods into the diet?

Fat-burning food can be a great ally to promote weight loss and give a boost to get rid of stubborn pounds. However, no food has miracle virtues.

The consumption of fat-burning foods should be done in addition to a varied and balanced diet, i.e. rich in vegetables, dietary fiber, micronutrients, lean proteins, and quality fats. The foods mentioned above are a crutch in case of a desire to lose weight, never a solution in its own right.

Vegetables to lose weight

Vegetables should be the basis of your diet if you want to lose weight because they contain few calories and fats, but a lot of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. So you can eat large amounts of vegetables without consuming a lot of calories.

Here is the list of the best vegetables for weight loss:

1. Broccoli: Vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium – these are just some of the micronutrients in broccoli. In addition, it contains only 31 kilocalories (kcal) per 100 grams (g) and provides both protein and fiber. Conclusion: the perfect vegetable for weight loss.

2. Button mushrooms: Mushrooms are 90% water. They are also high in protein and, with only 25 kcal per 100 g, they are low in calories. Mushrooms are therefore one of the best foods for weight loss.

3. Fennel: Fennel isn't to everyone's taste and yet, it should be on the table more often. In fact, with 23 kcal per 100 g, this vegetable is also ideal for losing weight or saving calories. In addition, it is rich in calcium, iron, and vitamins B, C, and E and it makes fatty dishes more digestible.

4. Collard Greens: Known in our grandmothers' days as a winter dish, collard greens are now also very popular in salads, as an alternative to potato chips, or in smoothies. The combination of 4.3 g of protein, 6 g of fiber, and only 44 kcal per 100 g makes collard greens a weight-loss food. Did you know? This raw leafy vegetable contains about twice as much vitamin C as a lemon.

5. Cucumber: Cucumber contains only 13 kcal per 100 g, as it is 96% water. It is therefore very suitable as a vegetable for weight loss.

6. Carrots: Carrots are among the oldest local vegetables and were the most consumed accompaniment until the appearance of the potato. These crunchy vitamin A-bombs contain only 38 kcal per 100 g. This low-calorie vegetable is therefore good for your diet.

7. Rhubarb: One of the lowest-calorie vegetables is rhubarb, with 12 kcal per 100 g. From a botanical point of view, rhubarb is classified as a vegetable. In cooking, however, it is treated like fruit because of its fruity taste. This spring vegetable also contains valuable nutrients such as vitamin C and calcium.

8. Brussels Sprouts: The nutritional values of Brussels sprouts make them a food to be preferred for weight loss: 4 g of protein and 4.3 g of fiber for only 3.5 g of carbohydrates and 0.5 g of fat. This gives just 43 kcal per 100 g. In addition, Brussels sprouts contain a lot of vitamin C.

9. Salad: You've probably already guessed that salad greens are perfect slimming foods for losing weight fast due to the low amount of calories and fiber they contain. On average, lettuce contains 18 kcal per 100 g. Chicory, lettuce, and arugula are perfect diet foods that allow you to eat your fill.

10. Celery: Celery consists of 90% water and therefore contains a few calories: 28 kcal per 100 g. Celery is an even better food for weight loss in terms of nutritional values: 94% water and 15 kcal per 100 g.

11. Asparagus: Asparagus (whether green or white) contains 27 kcal per 100 g, as it consists of more than 90% water. In addition, asparagus contains many vitamins and minerals. The perfect ingredient to lose weight in spring.

12. Spinach: You should regularly cook healthy meals to lose weight with spinach because spinach is low in calories 23 kcal per 100 g and provides you with a lot of protein and fiber. So you can also put these vegetables on your diet food list.

13. Tomatoes: With 21 kcal per 100 g, tomatoes are a particularly low-calorie food and also contain a large amount of fibre. In addition, they provide you with other nutrients such as vitamin C, folic acid, and the secondary plant substance lycopene.

14. Kale: This type of cabbage is an excellent food for a diet. Due to its high water content, kale is low in calories (49 kcal per 100 g) and at the same time provides many nutrients such as vitamins C and A as well as vegetable protein.

15. Zucchini: As a popular summer vegetable, zucchini goes well with many dishes. With 19 kcal per 100 g, it contains very few calories and is therefore a diet food rich in vitamins and minerals.

Appetite-suppressant and satiating foods

When it comes to satiating, low-calorie foods, many vegetables and fruits are particularly suitable. The advantage of low-calorie appetite suppressant foods is that they are low in calories due to their high amount of water and fiber. If the stomach is full and the body needs time to use the nutrients in the food, it provides a feeling of fullness.

Often, however, it is also the accompaniments, in the form of starchy foods, that contribute to satiety. This is the case because they usually contain a lot of carbohydrates. Even if side dishes are not the best foods for weight loss, you shouldn't give them up.

Here is a list of starchy foods to lose weight:

•  Beans White beans and kidney beans provide protein and fiber. They are therefore an excellent ingredient for weight loss. Green beans, on the other hand, are very low in calories: only 31 kcal per 100 g.
•  Brown Rice Rice is often criticized when it comes to weight loss. The whole grain version (brown rice) is richer in protein and fibre and is, therefore, an ideal cereal for losing weight.
• Potatoes Potatoes are the perfect ingredient for weight loss: they keep you fuller for longer, contain high-quality protein as well as vitamins and minerals, no fat, and fewer calories than you think: 100 g of boiled potatoes contain about 77 kcal.
• Konjac Weight Loss Products Konjac pasta (also known as "shirataki") contains only 9 kcal per 100 g and is therefore a great alternative to the usual pasta. The glucomannan fiber in konjac root can help you lose weight on a low-calorie diet if you consume one gram of it at least three times a day. Konjac rice is also low in calories

 When faced with an aggressive dog, it is not always easy to know how to react. When you come across an unfamiliar dog, vigilance is required and it is important to identify the signs of aggression in order to defuse the conflict or to move away from the dog without incidence. When it comes to your own pet, it is essential to anticipate risks and prevent certain situations that may cause aggression, but also to implement new, healthier habits that will help the dog regain trust and a more balanced relationship with its owner. Let's take stock of this.

Aggression in dogs: how to understand this phenomenon?

Whether it's your pooch or a dog you come across on a walk, an animal's aggression is not always easy to understand. Nevertheless, behaviorists have been able to identify several forms of canine aggression that may explain its origin.

• Competitiveness: the dog can be aggressive in the context of access to resources. It can be access to their food, but also to their bed or space, to their toys or to their owner's favours.
• Pain: An injured or ailing dog can be aggressive. It is usually a defense meant to repel those who try to approach it.
• Irritation: The dog can be aggressive when provoked or pushed to the limit, intentionally or not. It can be an insistent owner who insists on petting it when the animal does not want it, or for example children who try to play with the dog to the point of annoying it.
• Fear: A dog that is scared can be aggressive. This form of aggression is often difficult to control, as it is usually sudden and unpredictable (following a sudden noise, fireworks, thunderstorm, etc.). An abandoned dog, left to its own devices, can be aggressive towards those who cross its path, because it feels alone and vulnerable, a fear it cannot control.
• Predation: hunting dogs are the most affected, but they are not the only ones. These pooches can be aggressive when chasing animal prey or a toy or moving object.
• Maternal protection: the dog who has just given birth to her puppies is usually very protective of them, sometimes to the point of being aggressive towards those who approach them.
• Territoriality: Protective dogs, which have a strong guarding and defending instinct, can be aggressive towards any intruder who enters their territory.

Preventing your dog's aggression: how to go about it?

 While walking, you cross paths with a dog you don't know. Whether he is alone or accompanied by his owner, it is important to remain cautious and avoid any bad gestures. While many dogs are very sociable and happy to meet new people, others are more suspicious or fearful and may be aggressive. Here are some tips on how to safely approach an unfamiliar pooch.

Approaching an unfamiliar dog: you start by observing its behavior

If you cross paths with an unfamiliar dog, whether alone or accompanied by its owner, you must be vigilant in your approach. To adapt your driving, start by observing the animal.

Recognizing a Sociable Dog

A sociable dog is more confident when it meets people you don't know. It usually tends to move naturally towards them, wagging its tail, without apprehension.

Some pooches may even seek contact and stick to their legs to get pets.

Recognizing a Suspicious Dog

Conversely, a more suspicious dog will be less likely to naturally approach unfamiliar people. If he comes towards them, it will be with his body tense, his tail wagging with rapid beats. In some cases, the dog may try to make itself bigger and more impressive by bristling its coat or pointing its ears forward. They may also lower their head or ears and move away when approaching the stranger, or even try to avoid contact, especially if they are afraid.

Be careful, however, as some pooches may growl or even bark if you try to get closer. It's not necessarily a sign of aggression, but it can be a dog that lacks confidence and is suspicious at first, as some humans may be of other people they meet for the first time.

Don't underestimate these dogs who can react to their fear by fleeing, but also by aggressiveness, which is above all an act of defense. To avoid injury, it's best to be vigilant.

How do you approach an unknown dog? The rules of good behaviour.

If you approach a dog you don't know, it's important to adopt a neutral behavior that the animal won't perceive as a potential threat.

How to behave when dealing with an unfamiliar dog?

To prevent the animal from misinterpreting your gestures, here are three points to respect.

The Gaze

Don't look the dog in the eye, don't try to stare at him, as he may interpret this as a provocation. It's better to be indifferent so that the animal doesn't risk perceiving you as a potential threat.

Contact

Let the dog come to you to allow him to sniff you for a few seconds. You can talk to him gently, but let him feel you without trying to touch him.

The gesture

Be as relaxed as possible, as the animal will perceive your stress and may be aggressive in response. Don't rush things and observe the animal. If he seems to be looking for contact, you can reach out to him gently to stroke him, vertically and with your fingers folded, avoiding his head and back. Prefer a caress under the chin, which is a non-dominant gesture and an area that limits the risk of bites. Avoid cuddling, as hugging an unfamiliar animal can trigger a stress response in the pooch.

If he doesn't look for it, let him evolve around you or continue on his way without insisting.

If the animal seems calm and wants to 'get to know' you, you can crouch down to reassure it. Be careful, however, not to be too abrupt or lean too close to him, he may feel that you are trying to dominate him. Give him space, crouch down at a certain distance so that he can then come to you.

Be careful, as the animal may appear serene but this does not mean that it will not be aggressive. A simple gesture that is too brutal on your part can destabilize him.

Ask your owner for advice.

If the dog you come across is accompanied by its owner, the best thing to do is to ask the owner if you can touch his little companion. Indeed, he will be able to tell you if it is better to avoid contact, especially if the dog is aggressive, or he will be able to give you any instructions to approach him safely.

What should I avoid when approaching an unfamiliar dog?

We have seen the right gestures to favor when approaching a dog that we do not know, but it also seems essential to us to take stock of what not to do, on the contrary. Indeed, we must not forget that our doggies do not perceive things as we humans do. To avoid misinterpretation, here's what to avoid.

You don't pet a dog that's tense, nervous or stressed.

The dog you pass may approach to sniff you, but that doesn't necessarily mean they want to be petted. If he seems nervous or tense, avoid touching him.

You don't pet a dog on 'the top'.

Some dogs don't like to have their head or back touched. Petting them in this way by approaching the hand from above can put them in a position of inferiority, and therefore vulnerability.

It is better to wait until the dog seems to be in favor of contact before touching it, favoring the chin or flanks.

You don't stare a dog straight in the eye.

Staring into the animal's eyes can induce a feeling of unease. The animal may perceive it as an attempt at dominance or intimidation and react aggressively.

We don't run to the dog.

This type of behavior is stressful for the animal. Approaching too quickly is very nerve-wracking. We ourselves would feel uncomfortable if someone we don't know suddenly ran up to us to talk to us or touch us.

Similarly, do not insist if the dog does not want contact. You have to respect your need for peace and quiet.

You don't cuddle the dog.

Leaning over and hugging the dog is a sign of dominance that he can find very difficult to bear. This makes them feel particularly vulnerable, and this position of inferiority can trigger an aggressive reaction.

Fingers and faces are not extended to the dog

Avoid placing your face too close to the dog and do not reach out with your fingers unfolded. It is better to fold your fingers and present the palm or fist, always gently and carefully.

The approach of an unknown dog: beware of children!

It is essential to be very careful if you come across an unfamiliar dog when you are with your children. The little ones are often tempted to run towards these large balls of fur to touch them, but this is a gesture that can be dangerous if the animal is tense, stressed, or not open to contact.

As a parent, teach your children early on not to approach an unfamiliar dog without first asking permission from its owner. It is not a question of frightening your offspring, but of teaching respect for each other and in particular the need for tranquility of an animal. Teach your children how to behave with a dog or any other animal. The doggies you come across are not cuddly toys, take the lead to prevent your small child from becoming aware of it by being bitten or attacked.

What to do if the dog is aggressive?

It is important to know how to behave when faced with an aggressive unfamiliar dog so that you adopt the right attitude so as not to arouse the pet's nervousness.

What not to do when dealing with an aggressive dog

Do not try to threaten him, yell at him, or make loud gestures to scare him away and make him flee, as he will perceive it as a provocation and an attempt at domination. On the contrary, his first move is likely to be an attack to defend himself. Also, don't stare him in the eye.

More often than not, small dogs are the most nervous and aggressive. This behavior is explained by their smallness. To defend themselves, they have to establish themselves as more dangerous than they are, which causes them to growl, bark, or hop to frighten or even bite. And don't underestimate their bite, it can be painful, especially in a young child!

Avoid any power struggle. If you feel like you're being ridiculous in front of a little pooch barking at you vehemently, it's even more foolish to get into conflict out of sheer pride. Move on, because the outcome of the conflict might not even be to your advantage.

Of course, avoid sudden gestures and shouting. You would only put more stress on the animal, making it feel all the more threatened. Keep your hands in your pockets to protect them and don't run away, as this will trigger the dog's hunting instinct and it may then start chasing you.

What to do when dealing with an aggressive dog

Stay calm as much as possible and as neutral as possible. Try to mask your fear so that he doesn't perceive it, as this will increase his feelings of stress and aggressive response. Show respect to the animal to let them know that they have no reason to be afraid of you.

If the animal is guarding territory that you have unknowingly entered, it is best not to continue on your way. Get out without turning your back on it and without rushing. You can also talk to him calmly and gently to soothe him.

You can try to calm the dog down by giving commands firmly but without aggression. 'Lying down! ' or 'Don't move! ' can help you keep it at bay if the pet is being trained.

What to do in the event of an attack?

If the dog attacks you, protect your hands and face. Be careful, by the way! In the event of a bite, do not try to pull the bitten limb out of the bite, as the dog will only tighten its fangs. Instead, try to act slowly and talk calmly to soothe him, this will limit the damage.

 As an example of well-being, the bathroom can be seen as a living space in its own right and offers even more comfort. But it is also gearing up with energy savings, with less energy-consuming equipment, for better control of our consumption without saying goodbye to pleasure.

Raw, natural materials in the bathroom.

Soft colours inspired by nature.

Space-saving layouts.

Upholstery full of character.

A more economical bathroom.

A greener bathroom.

Connected bathroom equipment.

Fittings are more elegant than ever.

 Trees normally grow in the ground to have enough nourishing substrate to grow and stay in place for many years, sometimes several hundred years for the most vigorous. However, if you don't have a garden large enough to install one or more trees, or if your outdoor space is limited to a terrace or balcony, you can still plant them with shrubs but also by selecting certain species of trees. Here are our top 10 trees to grow in pots.

1 – Lemon tree

The lemon tree (Citrus limon) somewhat satisfies our desires for exoticism with its evergreen foliage. Although it is associated with the southern sun, the beautiful light, and the warmth, it is not grown indoors. It is used to being grown in pots, as long as it is wintered without frost, in a veranda or garage with a small light source, or otherwise in the shelter of a wall, under a terrace for example.

You can also opt for kumquat (Fortunella margarita) which is more resistant to cold (-10°C). Potted citrus trees should be planted from spring to late summer, in a pot with drainage containing a substrate heavy enough to retain water because, contrary to popular belief, lack of water is often the cause of the death of the lemon tree. In any case, potted citrus fruits then require regular pruning and repotting.

2 – Olive tree

The olive tree (Olea europaea) also takes us back to the sunny terraces of Provence, listening to the song of the cicadas. But then again, many of them have perished as they have been installed too cold in the northern half of France! This tree, with its silvery-grey evergreen foliage, and often tortured trunk, should be grown in a large pot, so as not to feel cramped, pierced for drainage, and protected from the sharp cold in winter, by covering it with its pot, with a winter veil, because below -10°C, you will lose it.

A warm and sunny location is a must before considering the maintenance of a potted olive tree. If your deck is north-facing, forget about that tree. And if your region still has harsh winters, choose more cold-hardy varieties such as 'Aglandau' or 'Cipressino' which can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C.

3 - Japanese Maple

The Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) also makes us travel further afield, to Asia (China, Korea, Japan), with a huge advantage that allows it to resist the cold much more since its hardiness reaches -20 to -23°C.  Its palmate, delicate, light foliage takes on wonderful orange, carmine red, and purple tones in autumn before falling off because it is deciduous. It will prefer less sunny situations in a humus-rich substrate with an acidic tendency.

Its advantage also lies in its compact habit, relatively slow growth, and modest size, which makes it particularly suitable for growing in pots.

4 - Dwarf Judean Tree

The dwarf Judas tree (Cercis chinensis 'Avondale') is a slow growth that will not allow it to exceed 2m in height. With its abundant dark pink flowers on all the branches that bloom before the leaves in spring, this variety with its compact habit obviously finds its place in pots on a terrace, in a light, well-drained substrate, even dry and calcareous, without fear of summer drought, nor winter cold since it resists down to -20°C.

Its heart-shaped, rounded, thick, deciduous leaves change colour as they evolve: red in the juvenile stage, then green, then turning golden yellow in autumn. It has everything to please in all seasons, after all!

5 - Shrimp Willow

The Shrimp Willow (Salix integra 'Hakuro-Nishiki') stands out in spring when it is covered with salmon pink and green leaves, evolving into a mix of cream and green to form a bushy, almost ball-shaped habit in the summer season, before losing its leaves in autumn. Particularly hardy (-30°C), this small willow could have been created precisely to sit in a pot on a terrace as it ticks all the boxes of the requirements of this crop.

Growing it in a pot filled with a cool, rich, heavy substrate, even moist, exposed to a mild sun, not too hot, or even in light shade, it will give you an impression of light, with its extraordinary foliage. And its development will hardly exceed 1.5m in height.

6 - Saw palmetto

The saw palmetto (Chamaerops humilis) is probably one of the easiest palms to grow, which explains why it also wins the palm (!) of the most sold and cultivated. Hardy to -12°C, this saw palmetto has bright green evergreen foliage, very indented, arranged in a bushy rosette, which makes it perfectly suited to growing in pots, especially as its growth is slow.

Palm trees are synonymous with exoticism and warmth, so consider offering them a sheltered location, in full sun, in a sandy substrate, very well-drained, and even dry.

7 - Dwarf Pine

The dwarf pine (Pinus mugo) or mountain pine is characterized by its slow growth and its rounded, compact, bushy habit, which will never make it exceed 3m in height, or even only 2m for the variety 'Gnom'. Its rigid dark green needles create dense foliage, but the 'Winter Gold' variety is noticeable by its golden foliage in winter. Other conifers find a suitable place on a terrace, grown in pots.

Particularly hardy (-30°C), these dwarf pines are not very demanding on the nature of the substrate, which must however be well drained but required to be able to take advantage of a sunny exposure.

8 – Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus has many species and varieties among which the horticultural variety Eucalyptus gunnii 'France Bleu' will be perfectly adapted for cultivation in pots or tanks since it is a dwarf form (3m). Its bluish, aromatic evergreen foliage is irresistible in its lightness and elegance. If necessary, you can prune it to force it into a more compact habit.

In full sun, sheltered from cold winds, in a light, rich, dry, well-drained substrate, this eucalyptus will resist both cold down to -12°C, as well as episodes of summer drought provided it is watered a little.

9 - Flowering Dogwood

The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is prized for the beauty of its bright spring blooms in clusters surrounded by 4 pink petal-like bracts, and its deciduous foliage that takes on attractive hues of red, orange, and purple in the fall, around decorative fruits.

It will thrive best in light sun and partial shade. Its rather slow growth and its spreading and rounded shape make it a tree suitable for growing in large containers, containing a humus-rich substrate, rather acidic, fresh, rich, and well-drained.

10 – Dwarf Fruit Trees

We tend to favor ornamental trees and forget about the others, whereas planting dwarf fruit trees on your balcony or terrace is very well considered. Beyond citrus, dwarf varieties of apple, cherry, and other fruits like strawberry tree, peach, or figality dwarf fig (Ficus carica Figality®) can be grown in pots.

To allow them to produce fruit, it will be necessary to install a drip irrigation system at their base, without which the fruits will not grow. Fertilizers are also necessary since the nutrients in the substrate remain limited.

You are now spoilt for choice when it comes to a potted tree, so to help you select the most suitable one, be sure to consider the specific needs of each of the species you are interested in, in terms of exposure, light, water requirements, substrate, and temperature, not to mention that the size of the pot for good growth should not be underestimated.

 December marks the beginning of winter and the return of the cold weather. Most of the actions taken in the garden consist of preventing potential frost damage. This does not mean that there will not be other actions to be taken!

Planting, sowing: what to do in December?

In the food garden, December is a rather quiet month. On the planting side, it's time to sow the hardy weights, asparagus and shallots in the ground. Under cover, you can also sow broccoli, carrots, chervil, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress, lettuce, parsley, peas, leeks and radishes.
As for the harvest, we hope you have made a few preserves, otherwise, no more sunny vegetables! Say hello to winter vegetables like winter radishes, curly chicory, escaroles, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, lamb's lettuce, salsify, Jerusalem artichokes, beets, and carrots. 'In December in the southern region, it's the olive harvest,' says Laurent Petraud, network coordinator at Botanic. A small consolation that will make you think of your holidays by the Mediterranean.
'In December, depending on the climate and the region where you are, you can continue to plant all the plants in the ornamental garden, as well as the fruit trees,' adds Laurent Petraud. As for flowers, if you have transplanted pansies, don't forget to mulch them to protect them from the cold. It's also time to bring in your dahlias if you haven't already.

Maintaining your garden in winter: pruning, cuttings, cleaning, treating

Once the leaves have fallen, it's also time to prune your currants, blackcurrants, raspberries, and young apple and pear trees. But also to take cuttings from small fruit shrubs such as vines, blackcurrants and raspberries, protect the rhubarb plants and force the endives (which means placing the roots next to each other, making sure that the buds are at the same height).
'In December, it's time to collect the leaves, they can be used in the compost or directly on the ground to then enrich the vegetable garden or orchard,' explains Laurent Petraud. Prunings can also be shredded and used as compost or mulch.
'Nourish the soil of the vegetable garden with the chimney ashes; they will enrich the soil with potash (potassium editor's note)', Gamm Vert also advises. You can also dig the unfrozen plots and fertilize them with an amendment.
Also remember to treat your trees preventively with Bordeaux mixture. This fungicide will protect your orchard from diseases like downy mildew. Wilted vegetation and rotten vegetables should also be cleaned to prevent the spread of disease.
Finally, take the scions for the spring grafts of your apple, pear, quince, peach, cherry and plum trees.

Protecting your garden from the cold: what equipment?

In December, you'll make your final preparations before winter gets too biting. It is important to have the right equipment to protect your garden and also to keep an alert eye on the weather. In the event of frost, consider installing overwintering sails or tunnels to protect your plantings in the ground such as spinach, lamb's lettuce and other lettuce.
Generally speaking, installing winter protection will punctuate your schedule in the garden. Don't panic, as you have taken the lead, normally all your chilly plants are in greenhouses. It should also be noted that the greenhouse is ideal for those who prefer to sow early, around mid-February, and harvest late, until October.
Protecting from the cold also means using individual cloches to keep salads and herbs warm. Be careful, on mild and sunny days, remember to raise the bells to avoid burning your plants. Also, don't forget to mulch your soil so it doesn't freeze. This will make harvesting much easier!
After a snowfall, shake tree branches so they don't give way under the weight, and cut off dead or diseased branches. Finally, as in October and November, take advantage of December to dig retention basins, install water collectors and stock up on supplies in order to anticipate spring and summer.

And to help garden friends weather the cold of winter, you can, if you haven't already, set up nesting boxes and other small shelters for them to find refuge in. And don't forget to regularly replenish them with seeds and fat balls to help them feed.

 Pleasant to live in and friendly, the open kitchen has it all. But for it to retain its warm side and for its airy volumes not to become uncomfortable, it is essential to arrange it well. Here are the mistakes, not to make.

It is appreciated for its convivial side, which makes it a living room in its own right. Very trendy in recent years, the open kitchen appeals to lovers of large volumes and those who want to ventilate their interior. But so that its advantages do not become disadvantages, it is important to think carefully about its layout, from the different elements that make it up to the decoration.

Evacuate cooking odours

Protect yourself from noise in the kitchen

A tidy kitchen at all times

Quality materials and meticulous finishes

A well-appointed kitchen

Adequate lighting