Home and Garden
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A fabulous outdoor fall feteOct 05, 2013 12:00 am - One of my favorite ways to spend a bright, clear fall evening is under my courtyard canopy of amber, red and orange leaves, enjoying a lovely meal with friends. Here are...
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Advances in electronics make for 'smarter' housesOct 04, 2013 1:00 pm - Once the stuff of science fiction, high-tech gadgetry has moved into the mainstream as more and more people turn their houses into “smart homes.” How would you like to b...
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Kid-friendly finishes, functional floor plan offer inviting retreatOct 04, 2013 10:00 am - Tania and Vinnie spend most of their time in the basement with their two young kids. It was a big, multipurpose space that served as an office, a TV room, a playroom and...
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Gravel is great if you select the right stonesOct 04, 2013 6:00 am - Here in the Southwest, gravel has long been a part of our landscapes. Desert gardeners know the benefits and pitfalls of this natural material, which is available in man...
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A warm welcome for your front porchOct 04, 2013 6:00 am - The covered platform near a house’s front door has been called many names: porch, portico, veranda, stoop, lanai, piazza. But whatever you call it, this architectural ph...
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Art in the garden: The secret of forcing bulbs to bloom indoorsOct 04, 2013 6:00 am - Yes it’s time to plant spring flowering bulbs, but this year, why not purchase a few extra of your favorites to force into bloom indoors this winter? The rewards are gre...
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Steppingstones help make gardening a bit easierOct 03, 2013 4:00 am - Install steppingstones in garden beds where you frequently need to walk. There is a wide variety of materials to choose from. Pick a style that complements your house, y...
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Cover crops can add nutrients to soilOct 03, 2013 1:00 am - Q. Can you recommend a fall-sowing cover crop for Northern Illinois that I can turn over in the spring? A. Cover crops, also known as green manure crop, can be grown du...
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Public gets rare opportunity to see historic Schweikher HouseOct 01, 2013 7:00 am - A rare opportunity to tour Schaumburg's historic Schweikher House will be part of an international building-conservation committee's national tour day on Saturday. Hourl...
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Craftsmanship comes alive in tour of Oak Park homesOct 01, 2013 5:00 am - The home of a 19th-century carpenter who crafted the woodwork in Marshall Field's Walnut Room on State Street and display cases in the Field Museum will be open Saturday...