Native plants, pest control key to healthier lawns and gardens
by Dan Holland Native plants – flowers, grasses, shrubs, trees and other plants that have developed naturally in a specific region – are an important consideration when developing a landscape or gardening plan. Sandra Barbic, education specialist for Summit Soil and Water Conservation District, said species native to Northeast Ohio date back to when the “glaciers left […]
Experts share tips for ‘going green’ in the garden
by Emily Canning-Dean With spring in full swing, gardeners are preparing to get their gardens in tip-top shape, but many want to do so without using a lot of fertilizer, pesticides and other chemicals. For those who want to minimize the use of chemicals, Ashley Kulhanek and Kim Hawkins of the Ohio State Extension’s College […]
State garden club to convene locally
The Garden Club of Ohio will have its 96th Annual Convention at the Holiday Inn, 6001 Rockside Rd. in Independence, from April 16-18. Speakers, workshops, vendors, raffles and an Ohio Judges Council Standard Flower Show will be part of the entertainment. Visit gardenclubofohio.org to register and attend. On Wednesday, April 17, from 1-6 p.m. […]
New varieties, products, know-how alleviate headache of hydrangeas
by Lori Gray If you’ve ever stared longingly at a line of big bushy hydrangeas full of colorful dramatic flowers thinking you could never duplicate that beauty, you may be wrong. “Hydrangea care no longer has to be as complicated,” according to Rob Cowie, director of operations at Suncrest Gardens in Peninsula. “There are newer […]
Mulch protects plants, improves yard’s appearance
by Michele Collins Ohioans love their mulch, purchasing yards of the organic material every spring to spread in flower beds, on yard islands and around the front of their homes. According to Zach Zuercher, an owner of Three-Z-Inc. in Valley View, the best time to spread mulch is after the pollen falls. “People sometimes want […]
Master meal prep with these new kitchen crazes
by Melissa Martin Let’s face it. When it comes to meal prep you’ve either got it or you could use a little help. The good news is no matter if you’re Martha Stewart or just out to impress your friends and family around the supper table, three of the most popular kitchen tools on the […]
Solar energy more accessible as costs come down; incentives remain
by Emily Canning-Dean For homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and also save money on energy costs, the installation of solar panels has become a more viable option in recent years. Joseph Ortiz, a member of Hudson’s Environmental Awareness Committee and a professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Kent State University, said […]
Retrofit, maintenance can curb charm of tankless water heaters
by Judy Stringer It’s not hard to see the appeal of tankless water heaters. Because water is heated as it passes through the system, you’re only warming water when you need it. That translates into lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Tankless units are also more compact than the conventional tank water heaters […]
Shower power: Larger, customizable showers gain popularity
Shower power: larger, customizable showers gain popularity by Laura Bednar Showers are evolving from being part of a bathtub combo with a curtain to a separate spacious area with a variety of features. Bobbi Harrod, custom designer with Kraftech Homes in Summit County, said people are forgoing the traditional bathtubs in favor of larger showers […]
Warmer neutrals grab the spotlight as bold accents return
by Judy Stringer If painting is on your to-do list, you’re not alone. According to an August 2023 study by All Star Home, nearly half of all American homeowners surveyed wish a room in their home was a different color. And, not surprisingly, a majority of them selected shades of white, grays and beiges as […]