Home & Garden

Labor Day unofficially marks the end of summer, but there’s still plenty of time to cross projects off your summer to-do list. According to HomeAdvisor data, homeowners commonly start these projects around the beginning of September: Roofing repairsHiring a pro to address roof-related problems like loose shingles, leaks, damaged flashing and bad ventilation will ensure […]

With the end of summer approaching, homeowners may start noticing some unwanted house guests. There are a number of pests that will be looking to invade homes during the cooler months, according to University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Andrew Holsinger. The most common are multicolored Asian lady beetles, boxelder bugs and brown marmorated stink bugs. The south and […]

When people think of fall, growing salad greens rarely comes to mind. However, fall is as terrific time for gardeners to begin planting lettuce, arugula, endive, or other leafy greens for salads. Not only are these plants quick and easy to grow, they also add a significant source of nutrients to your diet. “Most leafy […]

Get your gardens buzzing next spring by planting bee-friendly bulbs and spring bloomers in the garden this fall. “Bumble bee queens, honey bees, and solitary bees start emerging from their winter homes ready to feast on the landscape as early as March,” says University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Kelly Allsup. “Feed them from your garden by planting a mix of […]

Fall is coming, and that means it’s a great time to bring home a new tree. But before they do, homeowners should repeat the mantra “right plant, right place,” according to Kari Houle, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.    “If you have space for a tree that can only be 30 feet tall, don’t chose a […]

Retaining walls were first created to perform the simple and necessary task of holding back earth. And with good reason: Erosion is a natural process, but when it means soil being washed off your property – or worse, accumulating against the side of your home – serious problems can result. Of course, we also use […]

Much like changing your car’s oil, a water heater needs regular maintenance for top performance. A water heater flush clears out sediment and minerals such as calcium and lime, which could impede your heater’s performance. Whether you have a gas or electric heater, sediment buildup represents a serious problem. Experts recommend that you drain and […]

Home improvement, repair and renovation projects represent significant investments. And with that kind of money at stake and decisions often made under pressure, home repairs make an inviting target for scam artists who plan to take the money and run. Protect yourself from fraud by looking out for these common schemes: “Hey, I was doing a […]

When you think of midcentury modern, what comes to mind? Architecture? Furniture? Midcentury modern is often used to describe a period in design centered around the middle of the 20th century. Clean, hard lines, brass finishes and solid hardwoods dominated, as did classic furniture pieces that are making a comeback. The beauty of midcentury modern […]

Artwork doesn’t have to be expensive to look expensive. Designers use a number of tricks to create interesting and original artwork without breaking the bank. Here are seven tips for adding artwork to your decor on a budget. *  Mix and match. Whether using frames and prints of different shapes and sizes or placing two […]

There is a good amount of planning involved in creating a successful community garden. To help people and organizations build and maintain productive community gardens, the University of Illinois Extension has created the community garden webinar series. This series takes users through a variety of modules discussing the different steps that can be taken to […]

It’s one of the unwritten rules of remodeling that a project will always cost more and take longer than expected. But just because this is the norm, you don’t have to take it as a given. With the right combination of planning, discipline and smart shopping, your renovation can end on budget and ahead of […]