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Aprons can evoke memories and spark inspiration for the Thanksgiving cook

Deborah Reinhardt has fond memories of her mother and grandmother cooking in aprons dusted with flour or other signs of that day’s meal. And then there were the special occasions. “Grandma, especially, wore the fancier ones with ruffles and silky fabric for serving Thanksgiving dinner,” ...

How to help your tropical plants survive the winter blues

Dreaming of a beach vacation? My guess is you’re picturing a palm tree. Fantasizing about life on a remote island? You’re probably envisioning a walk among birds of paradise, cannas and bananas. Nothing conjures up the feeling of the tropics like giant, lush-leaved plants, and if you live ...

Planting bulbs? Tips to protect them from critters and the cold

I planted my garlic last week, and after tucking the 30 plump cloves into their bed, my thoughts turned to protecting them from freezing temperatures and stealth animals that dig them up every year and leave them on the soil surface to mock me. So, this year, I laid bird netting over the soil ...

For brilliant foliage, look no further than native trees

If you’re in the market for new trees, consider planting natives. They are generally lower maintenance than exotic species, require less water, fertilizers and pesticides, and often cost less, too. Native trees also support our native wildlife, which evolved alongside them, so recognize them ...

Outside lights are deadly to birds, especially this time of year

As gardeners, we spend a lot of time observing nature up close -- When will my tomatoes turn red? What’s eating my hosta? What’s that white stuff on my peonies? – and we react as needed to ensure our plants survive and thrive. But there are other, sometimes overlooked, garden residents ...