Home and garden

When it comes to choosing organizing projects, the areas that scream chaos tend to get the most attention: Think junk drawers, closets and garages. But there are plenty of hidden pain points – such as your dresser – that also could use some love. Fishing through a tangle of clothes and random objects every time you need something can quickly turn into a major drag. With a little planning, though, you can restore order to these pits of despair.

Given the weather patterns of the past few weeks, we may get an early spring. And maybe not. Such is life in the Inland Northwest.

Anyone over the age of 45 will likely remember the “it” colors of the 1980s. But just in case you have forgotten, the color combination was black and mauve. Essentially black paired with a dusty rose shade of pink. Then the color combination became “dated.”

This year, a Tasmanian yard that hadn’t been watered in 10 years and featured a dead brushtail possum won the title of ugliest lawn in the world. The contest, organized by the island of Gotland in Sweden, rewards those who turn over their yards to nature to save water and change the world’s perception of the ideal lawn.

Several months ago I shared a story about my first experience with luxury vinyl plank flooring. I installed the flooring in a basement room that experienced water damage caused by a leaking water pipe. The product was affordable, it was easy to install, and after six months it looks as good as the day it was put down.

I started seeds of three kinds of onions and six of peppers last weekend.

Spring is not far away. Given the warm weather we’ve been having, it might be earlier than we think.It’s time to dig into the last of our learning and planning projects.

Gardening styles are changing. Gone are gardens full of little green bushes that look pretty but don’t provide any support for the pollinators, birds and animals who would like to call them home.

Roof leaks plague countless homeowners each year. Talk to experienced roofers, and they’ll tell you the vast majority of leaks happen at flashings. A roof flashing is a transitional material. It connects your roof to something that’s not your roof.

It's no surprise that succulents, including cactuses, are popular. These easy-care houseplants come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, making them perfect for any home. All you need is a lot of light and benign neglect to raise healthy and beautiful succulents. Place the plants near an unobstructed south-, west- or east-facing window. Don't let a lack of light stop you from enjoying ...

We made it through January, and the leftover snow from our winter blast is looking more and more pathetic as it melts. Even the diehard gardeners are stuck inside for the duration.

Doing laundry might be a tiresome chore for you, but washing and drying clothes and linens can be a nightmare for the planet.

You probably don’t give much thought to the ground under or around your home. What follows are a few true stories that may change your perspective. If you’re in the market to buy land to build your dream home, or if you’re looking to buy an existing home, what I’m about to share could prevent financial ruin.

As I write this, 7 inches of snow are coming down. The hubby has cleared the walk and stairs enough to refill the birdfeeder, but we’ll wait until the morning to clear our 400-foot driveway. At least this go-round the snow is light, fluffy and easy to move. So, it’s back to planning and preparing for spring. So here are a few more things you can do indoors.

When you’re renovating a kitchen, it’s easy to get swept up in choosing cabinets, counters and appliances. But there’s another element that matters just as much: lighting.

With space at a premium, many people are looking to maximize their home environment as much as possible. Whether it’s to accommodate a home office or in-home classroom space for children or just create extra space to relax and unwind, maximizing one’s home foot print is more important than ever.

Like me, you may live where it gets cold in the winter. Even if you’re blessed to live in the South or Southwest, occasional cold waves force you to put on a sweater. With inflation raging out of control, it’s so very important to spend as little as possible to be comfortable. I can help you do just that.

Winter is a perfect season to re-evaluate how you do your gardening. None of us wants to waste time or energy when spring arrives. Here are some simple hacks that can make gardening easier.

Microgreens, the first two leaves that emerge on germinating vegetables, herbs and flowers, are a nutrient-dense and easy way to increase your daily servings of plant-based foods. You can buy them at many farmers markets, but they’re also simple to grow at home, whether it’s in your outdoor garden or in a small container indoors. An added benefit is that they grow quickly – typically ready to harvest in less than a month – which makes them the perfect year-round crop for small-space dwellers, including novice gardeners.