Online Features
Lawn & Garden
5P2R_15852456_web.jpg
Extend summer fun with expert outdoor lighting tips
From neighborhood picnics to kids' play time, summer means outside time. Much of that activity occurs during longer daylight hours, but darkness is also a great time to enjoy warm-weather days. How can you create an environment that extends the fun of summer past sunset?
full story
AL7S_15197831_web.jpg
Exploring what makes your garden grow this summer
When school lets out for summer, exchange those flip flops for gardening shoes. Add a pair of gloves, good sun-block and get out into the garden.
full story
CDPW_15076270_web.jpg
Tabletop gardens are edible centerpieces
Daydreams of fresh produce used in delicious sauces, salads and stir fries have many drawing garden plot plans and even starting seeds for future transplanting. Tabletop gardens are a fun and decorative way to expand into new planting opportunities.
full story
BYBE_15077659_web.jpg
Invest in family-healthy diets by growing half your plate
This summer, consider adapting your family's eating habits to mimic the MyPlate graphic developed by the United States Department of Agriculture. Although most on-the-go families don't eat that many fruits and vegetables, it's easy to do, especially if you plant a garden and buy from local farmers markets.
full story
3N9Q_15647607_web.jpg
Remodeling your home? Start from the outside in
The kitchen and bathroom are at the top of most home remodeling project lists. But homeowners intent on remodeling should also consider investing in the exterior of their homes - maybe even start there.
full story
BWQX_14791231_web.jpg
Ten secrets for grilling perfection
From the way the charcoal briquettes are arranged to finding that perfect set of tongs, every home grilling expert has his or her secrets. For many, grilling goes beyond just a practical warm-weather cooking method and it becomes more of an art form.
full story
9FHR_15621872_web.jpg
Upgrade your outdoor space and increase value of your home
Whether you are looking for a way to increase the marketability of your home, or simply looking for a way to make your outdoor space more enjoyable, a deck remodel adds living space to your home and value to your house. And if you start your project now, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy it during the warmer months.
full story
EGL9_15106762_web.jpg
Add tasty edible plants to your landscape
Window boxes overflowing with blooms, decorative pots lining the driveway with striking colors, and even a flowering vine climbing up the mailbox - the growing season have arrived, and it is time to decorate the landscape.
full story
Spring cleaning for your backyard pond
Spring has officially sprung. That means it is once again time to start your spring cleaning. While you may not be motivated to clean your house, now is the perfect time to start preparing your backyard pond or water garden for the warmer months ahead.
full story
IVHZ_15139359_web.jpg
Use gravity to grow with kids
Gardening creates fun and learning experiences through planting and cultivating seeds for small children who are inquisitive about everything. Feed their curiosity by growing with gravity.
full story
AA69_15321533_web.jpg
All-weather barbecuing: A guide to getting great smokehouse flavor
It's barbecue season, and no one's ever going to complain about a delicious cut of meat cooked over a hot flame, no matter how you slice it. But do you want to merely satisfy your guests' hunger, or have them talking for the rest of the season about that perfectly juicy and tender smoked pork they had at your house - and...
full story
1MB6_1509262_web.jpg
The buzz on battling flying, stinging summer bugs
Summer picnic season is upon us, and that means it is time to grab the sunglasses, cooler and sunscreen, and head outdoors. But people are not the only ones who want to enjoy the warm weather. Flying, stinging insects like bees and wasps are abuzz, and make their presence known when collecting pollen and nectar as the we...
full story