Home & Garden

PHOTO BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION People all over the world who have a surplus of space, an adventurous spirit and the desire for extra income have opened up their homes to guests via Airbnb. For those who haven’t experienced it yet, Airbnb (short for airbed and breakfast) is a website where travelers can find lodging […]

While many people can build their own patios with simple designs, complex designs such as this call for professional help. PHOTO BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION Whether your yard is the size of a football field or a putting green, a well-planned brick or stone patio can make your space into a sanctuary and add value […]

Curb appeal can set your home apart from others, and improving curb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive. PHOTO BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION Curb appeal can help a home get noticed in a bustling real estate market. Curb appeal also can contribute to the aesthetics of a neighborhood for residents who plan to stay put, […]

PHOTO BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION Many people decide to upgrade from their apartments or condominiums out of a need for more space. But even after moving into a new home, homeowners may soon begin to outgrow the room they have. Rather than looking for a new home, some homeowners consider expansion. Expanding a living space […]

PHOTO BY ERIK CAMPOS/TNS With the change of seasons, there are many different activities that take place in the garden during this time of year, according to University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. “In addition to planting spring-flowering bulbs, it’s also time to plant garlic,” said Ken Johnson. “Because garlic requires a cold period to […]

PHOTO BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION Taking a walk in cool, crisp weather, attending football games, picking apples and choosing the perfect pumpkin are some quintessential activities for the fall, said University of Illinois horticulture educator Ron Wolford. “Planting bulbs is probably the number one garden activity that takes place in the fall, but there are […]

Have you ever admired the vibrant colors of spring flowers and wondered how to create this beauty in your own landscape?  “The time to plant for spring bloomers is now,” said University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Jennifer Nelson.   “Every spring at least one person asks me where they can purchase spring flowers for […]

Do your eyes glaze over as you read home composting recipes? Do you wonder if an advanced degree in chemistry is necessary to make respectable home compost? “Home composting is no more complicated than baking a cake,” said University of Illinois Extension educator Sandy Mason. “Once a gardener understands the basic principles of home composting, […]

David and Gale Myers have some 400 varieties of Japanese Maples and other cultivars at Davidsan’s 22-acre nursery. PHOTO BY GINNY LEE For tree lovers and connoisseurs of Japanese maples in particular, Davidsan’s, at 919 S. Farmingdale Road near New Berlin, is a paradise. David and Gale Myers’ 22-acre tree farm is the largest Japanese […]

Get Your Roses Ready for the SeasonApril 16, 5:30pm. Barney Bruzetti on getting your roses off to a good start and keeping them beautiful all summer. 30 minute presentation followed by Q&A session. Free to public. Gardens in front of Building #30, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-1698. Grow Springfield Annual Spring EventApril 16, […]

Sustainable Springfield Incorporated has announced its newest sustainability program for area small businesses, The Greenest of Springfield Awards. The program aims to raise awareness for businesses that are already nurturing the environmentally friendly development of our city, and champion their successes to encourage other businesses to take up the cause as well. The pilot program […]

Time saved and a professional job are just two of the reasons homeowners hire lawn care companies. The flowers are blooming, and the grass has begun to grow anew, making spring a great time for homeowners to once again turn their attention to landscaping. Those who aren’t looking forward to dusting off their lawnmowers and […]