HOME AND GARDEN

Advice on Home Improvement and Gardening Projects

Last night I attended the annual potluck banquet of the Washtenaw County Master Gardener Association. That's always a lot of fun, and a good segue for me to talk about the master gardener volunteer program! Continue reading "Master Gardener Volunteers Bloom" »

People who blame the weather for not getting the yard ready for winter are in a jam -- at least those wanting to slap Mother Nature for their procrastination.

Temperatures hit the 60s on Halloween and the 70s for the first four days of November, providing ideal conditions for finishing yard work ahead of snow.

It's not all about leaves. Other jobs await, such as pruning, dividing, cutting back perennials and protecting sensitive plants from biting cold.

Continue reading "Commando cutting gives boost to thriving plants" »

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Baby-boomers may remember a time when the home's formal dining room was off limits and used only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

A new generation of furniture -- buffets, tables, chairs and chifforobes -- is no longer just for show. The furniture doubles as a game table, homework table, cellphone docking station, work station and TV tray.

It is not a passing fad spurred by Sarah Susanka's "The Not So Big House" books. Even before the economy tanked, furniture makers were getting the message from consumers.

"The dining area has become a real multitasker in recent years," said Janice Simonsen, spokesperson for IKEA.

"There's a lot of ways to make the most of this hardworking space."

So, what brought about this change? In some respects, we have technology to thank.

Continue reading "Multitasking furniture does more, serves more" »

You've enjoyed the peaceful sounds of trickling water in your backyard pond all summer. But now it's time to put the pond to bed for several months. A few simple steps can save you some slimy and potentially costly work in the spring.

If you have a pond that is strictly decorative and you're not concerned with maintaining existing plant or animal life, you can just drain it, clean it and store the pump indoors. Check another task off the list. A more complicated pond, though, does require some work each fall.

Continue reading "If pond has pump, winterizing is a must" »

With utility costs on the rise and income on the decline, many homeowners are looking to help make ends meet by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes or using alternative heat sources.

Using wood pellet stoves, installing weatherstripping and dialing down the thermostat are among the many options.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:

"What are you doing to lower your utility bills this winter?"

Continue reading "Lowering your utility bills" »

This was a popular floor plan in the 1950s and 1960s. Although compact, it accommodated a family of four with a shared bathroom. The downsides (besides the obvious constriction of space) were a poor traffic pattern, a dining area that's virtually windowless and access to the backyard is through the garage.

Problem

This house is now owned by a retired, empty-nested, single parent. Her needs are vastly different from the way the house was built. She is an avid gardener and frequently entertains. A connection to the backyard is essential. She wondered if there was any chance to bring the laundry up from the basement since she had determined to live here alone as long as possible.

Continue reading "Compact floor plan improved with modest addition" »

Q: I have a framed copy of the front page of the Tuesday, April 16, 1912 issue of the New York American newspaper with the headline "J.J. Astor lost on Titanic / 1500 to 1800 dead." The frame measures 16 inches by 21 inches. The paper is light brown from age. I acquired this item when my father died in 1973 and stored it in a closet. I would appreciate an estimate of value. - LB, Austin, Texas

A: When dealing with any famous headline newspaper, first check to see if the paper has been reproduced. The April 16, 1912 New York American has been reproduced. The reproduction measures 17 inches by 23 inches and sells for $5.95 plus $8 shipping on numerous Internet sites.

Continue reading "Framed Titanic newspaper may be original or reproduction" »

What's happening in the financial markets is making news. However, financial experts are offering the same advice that they gave after the 1992 bump in the financial road and after the market dip of 2001 after the Sept. 11 tragedy. Most say to hold steady and stay the course for the long haul.

Historically, when things get rocky on Wall Street, sales of art, antiques and jewelry break sales records. While everyone else suffers, collectors do just fine.

History is repeating itself as major sales in the art, antiques, and jewelry sectors are making auction house representatives smile. Major auction houses are seeing some of their best sales in history.

Continue reading "Art and antiques always a win-win for investors" »