Home & Garden

Living Blogs

Around South Sound Blog

11 Things to Do this Weekend, May 17-19 05/17

more blogs

HOROSCOPES

Horoscopes

Horoscopes for Sunday, May 19, 2013 05/19

LIVING COLUMNS

Busy Mama

Tailor your Mother's Day gift to your mom 05/08

Get Fit

Amp up your own workout results with gym-rat habits 03/16

Marianne Binetti On Gardening

Area soil great for rhodies but also great for moss 04/30

Health Matters

Use slow-release fertilizers that feed your lawn, not your weeds 05/16

Contact

Living Editor

Dusti Demarest
253-274-7380
ddemarest@theolympian.com

Go classic with an all-white bathroom

No matter how simply or lavishly outfitted, the bathroom first must be a clean, safe place. When renovating, think about who uses the bathroom. Is it a busy family space or a guest bathroom; a bachelor's bath or a sybaritic, spa-like retreat? Issues of style and space differ accordingly.
Attack weeds now - or pay the price later

This is the time to weed, feed and heed the advice of experience. If you don't pull, hoe or smother weeds in April, you'll have showers of weeds all summer long.
Natural color, light help create a welcoming workplace

Dear Debbie: We live in the country, and I work from home part time. We have a den that doubles as a guest bedroom and would like to repurpose this room as an office space for me, but want it to also still look inviting as a bedroom when friends and family visit. I've followed you through the years, and you always have fun solutions. Thanks. - Marie
Research, prepare before adding attic insulation

Recently, we had a new standing-seam metal roof installed on our home. The installation included removal of three layers of asphalt shingles from the one-quarter-inch-thick sheathing.
Here's what to consider if it's time for a new roof

What type of roof is hanging over your head? Is it stained? Is it leaking? Or is it simply time to replace the old one?
Potted bulbs perfect for outdoor planting

Those foil-wrapped potted tulips, daffodils and hyacinths sold at supermarkets, garden or home centers, farmers markets and other retailers are perfect for outdoor planting, just like bedding plants. They are a great way to dress up your deck, patio or porch in planters that say spring is here.
Springtime: Moss Monster

During March, the wet and wild winter weather has only encouraged what is natural here in the Pacific Northwest - the invasion of the moss monster.
Pretty up your kitchen with color, pattern

I have a friend who has cheerfully worked through more than her fair share of kitchen renovations. Just when she gets it right, another move comes up and it's back to the drawing board once more. I've followed her progress over 20 years, from tiny apartment to country home, and there is always one overriding theme … her kitchens are pretty.
Moss takes advantage of cool, wet winter

I have been receiving numerous inquiries from local gardeners about how to control the moss that's invading their lawns and gardens.
Plant peas, kale, other cool-weather veggies

The third week of March is time for seeding, weeding and reading as new plants and new weeds announce the beginning of the growing season. It is now safe to plant peas, lettuce, radish, kale, Swiss Chard and other cool-season crops directly into the ground. Don't get hasty and plant warm-season crops just yet. There are still plenty of cold, wet days ahead.