Run for Cover

As a money-saving alternative to thirsty high-maintenance lawns, many homeowners are turning to “groundcovers” ranging from grasses to full-sun perennials that blanket some or all of their residential landscape.  With a little forethought and planning, groundcovers can be chosen to not only save on water, fertilizer, and maintenance, they can also be used to control erosion, ease transitions from lawn to wooded areas, and even provide year-round greenery.  To fill the spaces between patio pavers and flagstones, choose low-growing plants that thrive in sandy soil.  “Ground-huggers” in the 1- to 3-inch range that can tolerate foot traffic work best.  Look

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The Space Odyssey

One small step for you, one giant leap toward an organized home.  Try this advice from Ace’s Design Experts to get organized. Closet Encounters Find space in bedroom closets. Install a closet organizer or double-hang clothing rods. If you haven’t worn it for two years, donate it. Stack shelves on the floor for shoes, purses and bags Hang scarves and belts from hooks. Arrange clothes by color or type.  They’ll be easier to find. Outer Space Organize your entryway closet or mudroom area. Install oversized hooks for bags and coats you use every day. Sort hats, gloves and accessories in

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Sparrows by “Bird Man” Mel Toellner

  In fall you’ll start to see more small brown visitors in your yard and pastures. I thought it would be a good time to discuss Native American Sparrows. The sparrow family is a large group of relatively small birds that includes: towhees, juncos, and longspurs. All of them have short, cone-shaped beaks specialized for cracking open seeds. They are often seen scratching at the ground in search of seeds. During summer they switch to more of an insect diet to provide a higher protein food for their nestlings. They tend to be secretive and prefer hanging out on or

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