Pros offer tips on achieving proper lawn drainage
by Dan Holland With spring showers often leaving standing water in residential yards, a few tips from landscaping pros can help homeowners achieve and maintain proper drainage. “Drainage is a real simple thing. It’s plants, mulch, regrading, stone work and drain tile,” explained Mark Baytos of Ohio State Landscaping in Richfield. “That covers all five […]
To rent or to buy: wealth adviser discusses pros and cons
by Emily Canning-Dean Many homeowners considering downsizing after retirement and an empty nest grapple with the decision to rent or buy. Aaron Seil, partner and senior wealth adviser at True Wealth Design, emphasizes that the optimal choice depends on individual circumstances and goals. “First, you want to define your goals,” Seil said. “What is your […]
Modern window boxes provide old-fashioned charm
by Melissa Martin For an instant boost to your home’s curb appeal, nothing beats a classic window box. While mass plantings and carefully designed planters enhance landscapes, the simple charm of a well-planted window box delivers immediate visual impact. Rob Cowie, general manager for Suncrest Gardens, emphasizes that the planting design is what truly creates […]
Warm paint colors, natural elements up the cozy factor
by Emily Canning-Dean If you’re looking to create a cozy home, Zillow data suggests you’re not alone. The online home site listed “coziness” as a top priority for many prospective buyers. Local experts, like Kris Toth from Toth Painting Solutions, advise that using darker, warmer paint colors is a simple way to make your space […]
Composting basics: A simple and effective way to enrich your soil
by Judy Stringer Homeowners can unlock the secret to richer lawns and gardens by composting kitchen scraps. Erica Matheny, an environmental educator and executive director at Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners, explains how easy it is to create this valuable resource at home. What is compost? Compost is the result of a biological process where microorganisms […]
‘Can’t miss’ home and garden shows
‘Can’t miss’ home and garden shows Home and garden events are a great place to find inspiration, identify the ideal plant for your garden and/or admire to-die-for home décor. Members of the Emerald Necklace Garden Club compiled this list of “can’s miss” home and garden tours for those seeking beauty, knowledge, and community within the […]
Outsmart outages with power backup
NewsUSA – When electricity is out, homes are left without heating, refrigeration and lighting. Additionally, power outages can disrupt communication channels and information about weather developments and emergency instructions. Several options exist for backup power in emergency situations. Portable generators are a popular choice due to the relative affordability and versatility of the unit, which can […]
Softer colors take center stage on home exteriors
by Laura Bednar The exterior of your home is something everyone sees, and choosing a color appropriate for the style and size of the home is just as important as choosing a color that you, as a homeowner, like. Kris Toth, owner of Toth Painting Solutions, said there is more flexibility painting the interior of […]
Homeowners can help weak honeybee populations thrive
by Ellen Daniels Rapid storms, arctic blasts and heavy snow characterized winter this year. Fluctuations in temperatures were challenging enough for humans, but for our local pollinators, winter was deadly. Local beekeeper Robert Najjar, who is president of the Summit County Beekeepers Association, estimates he lost 53% of his hives over the winter and fears […]
Beadboard quietly transforms living spaces from drab to fab
by Noell Wolfgram Evans Homeowners looking to add a wow-factor to living spaces, without adding one to bank balances, should consider the addition of beadboard. “I believe beadboard can be a great way to add subtle texture and character to a space,” said Danielle Midlik, an interior designer at Architectural Justice. “But ultimately, it must […]