Home & Garden

Flower bulbs make ‘box lunch’ for garden pests

DEAN FOSDICK

Bulbs are perfect, self-contained packages for gardeners. They’re equipped with everything necessary to make flowers grow and bloom.Problem is, that makes them a prize for predators, too.“The perfect lunch box,” said Leonard Perry,... Full story

AROUND THE HOUSE: Worn-out toilet parts may lead to noise

KEN MOON

Dear Ken: When we flush one of our toilets, we get a loud humming noise. Do you think it could be our pressure regulator downstairs?TerryProbably not. When the fill valve in a toilet starts to wear out, it can make all sorts of unpleasant noises.... Full story

Skull-and-crossbones motif finds year round port in home decor

TERRI SAPIENZA

If taking down your Halloween decor the moment Nov. 1 rolls around leaves you feeling bummed, you’re in luck. A popular seasonal motif is being featured on a handful of design items meant to dress your house year-round. Once considered a scary... Full story

Planting a presidential tree isn't so hard

CHRISTINE SIMMONS

WASHINGTON • It’s easy to plant a tree when you’re president.As part of a long tradition for every new occupant of the White House, Obama’s schedule on Wednesday included a “commemorative tree planting” event on... Full story

National Mall needs a whole lot of turf love — repeatedly

ADRIAN HIGGINS

WASHINGTON • October brings the Mall to its annual low point. This is when many of the turf panels have been beaten back by so many feet over the previous six months that calling it turf is an act of generosity. Some of the rectangles of lawn... Full story

Pennsylvania woman aims to eat locally for a year

DIANE STONEBACK

ALLENTOWN, Pa. • When Dawn Brazuk had breakfast on a recent Saturday, she only ate foods that have been grown or produced within 125 miles of her home. She did the same at lunch and dinner time.And it won’t be just for a few days or even... Full story

AROUND THE HOUSE: Check washer, drains, roof for sewer odor origin

KEN MOON

Dear Ken: I have a sewer gas odor in the basement only in the evenings, in cooler weather and on windy days. Can you help?FrancisFirst, make sure all the drains are OK and are sealed. Run water into them once a week — or pour 1-1/2 pints of... Full story

Company has candle-making art and science down pat

MARY BETH BRECKENRIDGE

MEDINA, Ohio • Making fine candles is a delicate balance of science and art. The right wax has to be combined with the proper wick for the best burn. Colors have to match exactly from batch to batch. Even the fragrance and hue of a candle need... Full story

Fake, real crocuses put on fall show

LEE REICH

Autumn crocus is worth planting if only to startle your neighbors. When they ask why your crocuses are blooming this time of year, just smile and say that perhaps spring has come early in your garden.A bed of autumn crocus does more than just... Full story

White House expects thousands for fall garden tours

DARLENE SUPERVILLE

WASHINGTON — Tens of thousands of people are expected to stream through the White House gates this weekend for a rare opportunity to see the fragrant roses, blue salvias and towering, decades-old trees that beautify the president's back... Full story

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