Watch toddlers around certain houseplants

January 26, 2023

When visiting friends or family who have both houseplants and young children, I’ve been compared to “Aunt Bonnie” from the Geico commercial “Aunt Infestation.” In it, a young couple who just moved into a new home complains of having pests — not ants but overbearing “aunts.” Like the one who declares the condiments in their refrigerator to be “Expired! Expired! Expired!,” I invariably invade room after room of my hosts’ homes exclaiming, “Toxic! Toxic! Toxic!” I’m pointing out houseplants that should be kept out of kids’ mouths. And I don’t mind dashing ...

Should moss, algae growths on tree be a worry? Lichens and their ilk are opportunistic, not parasitic

January 19, 2023

Now that deciduous trees are bare, trunks and branches have taken center stage, and you might be noticing nuances and irregularities that evaded your attention over the summer. For instance, what are those green masses growing on your trees? Those growths could be either lichens, moss or ...

Designers look in unique places: Nature, recycling just some of the inspiration

January 12, 2023

At first glance, Nina Edwards Anker’s sconces and chandeliers look like ancient scrolls of parchment, or sheets of buttery toffee, wrapped around LED bulbs. Come closer — or just ask the New York-based designer/architect — and you’ll find they’re actually made of algae. She came up with the idea while working on a doctoral research project on materials and lighting at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design, and has now created a collection of sconces, lamps and even a chandelier named “Chlorophyta.” Anker chose not to disguise the dried algae — her shades have ...

Bars, hotels want you to take those little keepsakes

December 29, 2022

Chances are if you’ve been to a great restaurant, bar or hotel, you’ve snagged a coaster, matchbook, napkin or card key. Mementoes like these are talismans that help us remember what a fun experience we had. You may hesitate before you pocket the swag, wondering if doing so is OK. Worry not: Hospitality industry folks say they’re delighted when people feel compelled to take one of these as a keepsake. You might consider a return visit, they think, if you’ve got that little reminder of your good time. “It’s nice to hold a physical object and feel transported to an ...

Mini but merry: Holiday villages a flexible tradition at Christmas

December 22, 2022

Whether in cardboard, wood or porcelain, little villages — with houses, shops, miniature figures and snowy fir trees — have long been part of many families’ holiday decorating tradition. They’re also popular now as part of an ongoing love of the cozy and the ...

Conifers produce pine cones we love

December 14, 2022

In much of the country, much of the landscape goes barren from fall through spring. Evergreens are typically the workhorse plants that carry us through. But not all evergreens are created equal. A subset called conifers provide not only year-round greenery but ornamental cones that command ...