Home & Garden

From love letters that combat loneliness to farmers markets, Operation Cheer, virtual vacations and Impact Awards, read what's Worth Noting! ...

Having the right tools for the job can turn a gardening chore into a gardening joy. A little investment up front will reward you with many happy, productive, rewarding days out in the garden. These essential gardening tools will get your gardening off to a good start and keep your gardens beautiful and growing. ...

American gardens capture the imagination, and the Birch Tree Allée at Stan Hywet is no exception. This 550-foot long "alleyway" of trees consists of more than 100 gray birches growing from the original rootstock. Over time, the birch trees have naturally formed a corridor in which a contrast between sunlight and shadows play in the overhead canopy of leaves. The resulting dappled effect of light and dark is echoed by the bark of the trees and by randomly spaced stepping-stones. ...

Now here's a bit of good news for garden lovers that will make life seem closer to normal. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens has postponed its opening (that's the sad part) but the gardens are open for walkers and gawkers (that's the happy part). And as a bonus,  it'll cost you nothing to see all the spring tulips, flowering trees and other glorious, seasonal blooms. ...

What's with all the early morning hours? Older adults and others at an increased risk from the coronavirus get special shopping times at many grocery stores and other essential places. The challenge? They're all early in the morning — really early. Go ahead and add Summit Metro Parks to the list of places offering special, early-morning times for at-risk folks. But even if you're more of a night owl than an early bird, starting your day in the woods or on a nature trail isn't a bad way to go. Give it a try and see what you've been missing. ...

Grab a nature guide and take a walk or a drive in one of Geauga County's 25 county parks. Then tell someone what you saw — all while practicing social distancing, of course. A website makes it easy; good eyes and attention to detail make it rewarding. ...

If you need something to celebrate, why not revive May Day? Provide a surprise and a little love to a friend or neighbor with a lovely May Basket (and also plant the seeds of thoughtfulness and caring for others in your children or grandchildren). Happy May Day! ...

April is Ohio Native Plant Month. You’ve probably heard the buzz about the benefits of native plants. Nathalie Petri of Emerald Necklace Garden Club fills us in on all the details so we can reap the beautiful benefits in our gardens, too. ...