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Ask Martha: Making a corn husk wreath

Humble corn husks take a decorative turn when dyed a rich burgundy shade and looped around a wreath frame. The resulting display makes a radiant Thanksgiving welcome.

11/20/2011 12:00 AM

Eco-friendly holiday decorating

Wonder why our dedication to eco-friendly products wanes during the holidays? You don't have to look far to see artificial wreaths, mass-produced plastic bows, inflatable lawn decorations and energy-sapping lights, all of which demonstrate eco-indifference.

11/20/2011 12:00 AM
What's It Worth: Japanese made vases, kerosene lamps

Q: My vase is marked "Made in Japan" (along with some Japanese characters). It belongs to my mother, who inherited it from my grandfather. It is decorated with several hand-painted landscapes, each in a separate panel. It is in good condition. What can you tell me about it, and does it have any value? — T.C.

11/13/2011 12:00 AM
Ikebana flower arranging demonstration

Reiko Kawamura of California, a grand master in the Ohara School of Ikebana, demonstrated the Japanese style of flower arranging Nov. 3 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

11/13/2011 12:00 AM
Home and Garden event calendar

America Recycles Day: Electronics recycling collection and document shredding event takes place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday at Retail Merchants Association headquarters ...

11/13/2011 12:00 AM
Buttoned Up: Business expense reports made easy

Most companies these days put the onus on employees to pay for business-related expenses upfront and then submit an expense report for reimbursement. The system ensures that companies are never stuck having to pay for inappropriate or unauthorized expenses.

11/13/2011 12:00 AM
Ask Martha: holiday tables, navigating fitted sheets

Q: I'm hosting my first Thanksgiving. How do I create a festive look for my table when all I have is basic white china?

11/13/2011 12:00 AM
Presidential orchid collection donated to U.S. Botanic Garden

Chadwick & Son Orchids Inc. of Powhatan County has donated 27 specimens of its renowned first lady orchids, now known as the Presidential Collection, for permanent display at the U.S. Botanic Garden.

11/08/2021 12:00 AM
What's It Worth for Nov. 6

Q: I have about 150 plastic model kits that belong to a World War II veteran. He asked me to sell them and give the money to veterans [organizations]. He bought the models hoping to build them with his kids and never got around to it. Most of the boxes are unopened and wrapped in plastic with price tags. What are they worth and where do I go to sell them? — K.Y.

11/06/2021 12:00 AM
Daylight saving time ends

Set your clocks back an hour; change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries

11/06/2021 12:00 AM
Buttoned Up: Business expense reports made easy

This time of year, many of us start to feel the crush of impending holiday chaos. Wouldn't it be nice to have a guide to keep you one step ahead of your holiday to-dos? We've created a week-by-week plan to get you through December without losing it.

11/06/2021 12:00 AM
Home and Garden event calendar

Garden Seminars: Chesterfield County Office of Cooperative Extension offers seminars on gardening topics, all beginning at 6:30 p.m. at county libraries ...

11/06/2021 12:00 AM
Orchids: Growing phalaenopsis vs. dendrobiums

Q: I sometimes see dendrobiums for sale and marvel at their beauty, but wonder if I can grow them in my house. So far, I've had good luck with phalaenopsis. — Ashby S.

11/06/2021 12:00 AM
Extreme weather makes portable generators a hit

Alex Iwashyna didn't realize how many of her neighbors in Richmond had backup generators until her own family bought one in the dark days after Hurricane Irene. As she endured the drone of a combustion engine in her backyard, she noticed the same steady noise from neighbors' homes.

11/06/2021 12:00 AM
What's It Worth: candleholder and English fish set

Q: I inherited my grandmother's set of knives and forks for serving fish. They are in a wood box lined with dark-blue velvet. The handles appear to be ivory with sterling blades and forks. They are engraved, the knife blades showing fish. I cannot find any dates; there is stamped gold printing on the velvet, but I can't read it. Can you help me with its history and value? — D.T.

10/30/2011 12:00 AM
Home and Garden event calendar

Bulletin Board

10/30/2011 12:00 AM
The best of the little bulbs

This is the time to plant bulbs, but don't overlook the little guys. Crocuses, snowdrops, dwarf irises and others are only a few inches tall, but arriving at the end of winter, they can make a big impact. Many of these appear before the tulips and daffodils think about showing their colors, and they are all the more treasured for it.

10/30/2011 12:00 AM
Lewis Ginter provides a feast for stomachs as well as eyes

Away from eye-catching displays of pansies and ornamental grasses, rows of broccoli and cauliflower are being grown at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in an initiative that provides fresh produce to charities that feed the hungry.

10/26/2011 12:00 AM
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden gets top honor

National award recognizes garden, water management initiatives

10/25/2011 12:38 PM
Winterizing containers can extend lives of plants

Perennials and containers make a great gardening combination, but they will quickly go to pot if overlooked in the winter.

10/23/2011 12:00 AM
Home and Garden event calendar

Bulletin Board: Calendar of events relating to homes and gardens.

10/23/2011 12:00 AM
Ask Martha: Preserving fall leaves, the safety of lead crystal

Q: Is there a way to preserve fall leaves for crafts projects?

10/23/2011 12:00 AM
Work now for spring color

Have you gotten your yard ready for next spring? Here are five things you need to do to ensure that when those first warm days return, your yard will be filled with color.

10/23/2011 12:00 AM
Fairy gardens spark creativity in kids, adults too

Fairy gardens — hidden beneath stout trees at botanical gardens or displayed on tabletops at garden centers and in homes — are captivating the imaginations of children and adults, providing an escape into a tiny world.

10/23/2011 12:00 AM
Planning a house tour?

If your group or organization is planning a holiday house tour, we'd like to know about it.

10/20/2011 12:00 AM