December 2011
December 22, 2011Sofa Shopping
Dear Expert: I’m in the market to buy a new sofa. Where do I begin? A: A great sofa should help set the tone of a room—but first it has to fit through the door. If your space has narrow doorways, tight stairs, or other architectural obstacles, try a sectional sofa. With smaller, individual pieces, a sectional can provide ample seating without the hassle of accommodating a large single-piece sofa. Next, think about how you’d like to use your sofa. Will you sit on it every day, or use it mainly for entertaining guests? And remember: a studio or sleeper sofa can transform any space into a bedroom for overnight guests. Last, choose the fabric. This can be the most fun—and sometimes the most daunting—part of... Read more » Posted on Thursday, December 22, 2011 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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December 14, 2011Rose Bush Protection
Dear Expert: What’s the best way to make sure my rose bushes make it through the winter and come back strong next year? Protect tender roses (such as hybrid teas, grandifloras and floribundas) by using a method called the Minnesota tip. Dig a trench next to the rose at least 4-6 inches deep and wide. Tie your rose canes together, and with a pitchfork, loosen the roots so the plant can be tipped over into your newly dug trench. Cover with the soil. When the ground is frozen, add a deep layer of straw or hay over your roses. This should protect your roses against early freezes in the fall, the bitter cold of winter, and the dangers of thaw-freeze cycles in the spring.
—Debbie Lonnee Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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