Home and Garden

It always starts with the grill. Then, add a refrigerator (or at least an ice chest). How about a sink? Some counter and storage space add convenience.

I need your help with a pear tree we planted in our backyard about 10 to 15 years ago. It seems to be dying a little at a time.

Home and garden events in the Sacramento region.

Take a Sacramento home remodeling tour without leaving your house. There's also still time to plant a vegetable garden.

This is one part in a weekly series featuring the UC Davis Community Favorites, 75 can't-fail, easy-care plants well-adapted to our region and recommended by local gardeners.

Heloise shares your household hints. E-mail your tips to Heloise@Heloise.com.

On a steep Sierra hillside, Julia Moore planted her own magical oasis.

Make cut flowers last longer

Want to save water? Get a free Water Wise House Call.

Merlyn Lenear is a magician with succulents. He can fit a garden into almost any "container," great or small.

Paint, the product also known as hope in a can, continues to be one of the least expensive decorating options out there. Although easy to use, it's not always easy to choose. Consumers and designers struggle to get just the right shade of blue or beige.

They're industrious and hungry. And they're likely looking for a way into your kitchen.

Garden of hills tour features six spectacular El Dorado Hills homes.

If you need gardening advice, today is your chance to get answers with two free public events featuring certified experts.

The Sacramento Bee hosts a network of high-quality news providers and bloggers in the Sacramento region.

DEAR READERS: Wow! Who knew so many readers had hints about recycling insulated foam boxes?

DreamBuilders Home Remodeling workshop – Planning Your Kitchen Remodel. "Ask a Green Gardener Day," sponsored by the Regional Water Authority and local water providers

• Get your grill in shape for summer barbecues. Clean the exterior of the barbecue with warm, soapy water and a sponge.

• Save water and work in the garden by making mulch your garden buddy.

We live in Herald in south Sacramento county. About 18 years ago, we planted several eucalyptus trees for a fast-growing light shield from a neighboring light.

Jean Molesworth Kee's architectural color consulting business, the Painted Room, has been around for 10 years

Just in time for a star turn, the roses are back in bloom. Red and white buds cover stately wrought-iron arches. Long rows of fragrant yellow floribundas beckon visitors to stroll. Newly refurbished benches entice a little R&R among the rose beds.

River-friendly gardening continues to go mainstream. As part of May's Water Awareness Month, the RWA is hosting Ask a Green Gardener Day at several local nurseries.

For such sweet-looking things, hanging baskets can be demanding divas.

Home and garden events in the Sacramento region.

Home and garden events in the Sacramento region.

This is one part in a weekly series featuring the UC Davis Community Favorites, 75 can't-fail, easy-care plants well-adapted to our region and recommended by local gardeners.

The Sacramento Bee hosts a network of high-quality news providers and bloggers in the Sacramento region. Here is a sampling of the best of the current Home & Garden blogs. Check out the full postings: http://sacramentoconnect.sacbee.com/

I have an orange tree that has produced a good crop every year, and last season was the best. But this season, the tree had very few blossoms.

Installing tile? Planning a garden room? Remodeling a kitchen or bath? There are apps for these.