FEATURE IMPACT Almost every gardener knows the frustration: One corner of the garden bursts with life while another struggles to hang on. Flowers are slow to open, vegetables disappoint and the soil s...

Calypso orchid, fairy slipper (Calypso bulbosa) Spring brings the return of color to the garden as bulbs bloom, perennials re-emerge, and new annuals settle in. But there’s a less common category of p...

Unrelenting heat, wind and lack of rain can create inhospitable conditions for plants, as well as humans. But a simple change in mulch can help gardeners mitigate damage from those conditions, and wil...

U.S. tap water is generally safe and high quality. But that doesn’t mean every glass tastes the same, or that every building’s plumbing delivers identical water to the faucet. That uncertainty has fue...

FEATURE IMPACT With summer heat just around the corner, homeowners may not be aware that spring can be a perfect time to prepare for rising temperatures. An outdated heating, ventilation and air condi...

IFAMILY FEATURES n an era when extreme weather events are increasingly common, resilient home upgrades are now more of a necessity than a luxury. Homeowners and builders alike are seeking materials th...

Feature Impact Making changes to a bedroom doesn’t have to break the bank. Simple swaps, a little DIY and some inexpensive purchases can go a long way toward freshening up the place you lay your head....

FEATURE IMPACT Most people don’t set out to ignore their health. It usually slips down the list somewhere between the morning alarm and the last email of the day. Breakfast gets rushed or skipped. Exe...

With record cold gripping much of North America this winter, many who find themselves with an abundance of fireplace ashes are wondering whether they can use them in the garden. Wood ashes from burned...

Feature Impact Lush greenery can add a sense of calm to many homes and bringing it indoors can help transform nearly any room into a relaxing oasis. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just begi...

FAMILY FEATURES Playing video games can be a fun, social experience. However, online gaming also poses real risks, especially for kids. As a parent, you don’t necessarily need to be a gamer yourself t...

FEATURE IMPACT Cold spots are a common challenge for homeowners, especially during the winter months. They not only reduce overall comfort but can also drive up energy costs. These problem areas often...

Family Features 6. Finalize design details and materials Planning a home remodel is as much about your vision as it is your preparation. With a thoughtful plan, you can refresh your living space, stay...

Family Features Growing your own produce is an all-around smart practice, from the money you’ll save at the grocery store to the contributions you can make toward a cleaner planet. Maintaining a garde...

Family Features Under the couch, near the entry of almost every door and randomly scattered throughout your home, shoes can be one of the most difficult wardrobe staples to keep organized. After asses...

Patio Doors HWindows often fade into a home’s design aesthetic, but that doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, dark window finishes are becoming one of the season’s biggest design statements, offering...

Metro Creative Services Long gone is the era when individuals could store their personal data almost exclusively on paper. Modern life mandates that much of society now does everything from banking to...

What to buy, what to serve, which events to attend — December is typically full of decisions. Here’s one more for you to contemplate: What are you going to do with your Christmas tree? According to th...