Home and Garden
-
Consider olive for a holiday treeDec 22, 2017 5:00 am - How about an olive tree for a holiday tree? I'm not suggesting olive to replace spruces, firs and other conifers that are our traditional holiday trees. But an olive tre...
-
The Land Conservancy offers 'Wild Woodstock Walks,' winter tree ID classDec 19, 2017 10:00 pm - The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, a nonprofit land trust, is hosting two winter programs in January. On Sunday, Jan. 14, join restoration ecologist Melissa Grycan...
-
Find ways to utilize your unappreciated cornerDec 17, 2017 6:00 am - It's never pleasant to be stuck in a corner, is it? When the only available table in a cafe is that tiny one tucked into the corner, you have to pull your coat and umbre...
-
Hot chocolate pot spouts are short and stoutDec 17, 2017 5:01 am - Q. This set belonged to my mother. She acquired it at an estate sale during the Great Depression. It includes a porcelain pot, and six cups and saucers. The pieces are d...
-
Metallics for the holidays and all winterDec 17, 2017 5:00 am - Holiday decorating is all about adding a bit of cheer and sparkle, a task made easier by the recent popularity of all things metallic. With winter's shortage of daylight...
-
Beans, often overlooked, are ripe with historyDec 17, 2017 5:00 am - I planted an unnamed variety of yellow wax bean in late July - about two dozen seeds - and by late summer the vines were so vigorous and fruitful I couldn't keep up with...
-
Larger houses on smaller lots lead to scaled-down plantsDec 17, 2017 5:00 am - Urbanization is transforming landscape design in many places: Larger houses and smaller lots are driving the development of scaled-down plants. Plant breeders are introd...
-
Great books for a gardener to read in winterDec 17, 2017 5:00 am - Gardeners forced indoors by cold and snow rely on armchair gardening to get through winter. We study seed catalogs, draw garden plans and read books on our favorite subj...
-
This week, the short answer is 'Consult a CPA'Dec 16, 2017 5:00 am - I try to hold the "see a lawyer" responses down to once a week, but this week's questions all can be answered simply as "consult a CPA." Q. My mother-in-law sold her hou...
-
How to repaint a classic fiberglass midcentury chairDec 16, 2017 5:00 am - Q. I found a great midcentury table and pair of chairs at a rummage sale for $30. One chair has a stain. I would like to paint the table and chairs a glossy white. The l...