Michigan Home and Garden

As living memorials, trees grow in symbolism

2012-05-27T16:42:58Z

The trees were planted in the 8-acre plaza, part of the 16-acre World Trade Center site.

Stan Harrison: On Memorial Day, decorate grave appropriately, respectfully

2012-05-27T11:00:00Z

Stan HarrisonFeatured FlashbacksWhat to do when your grill won't light.Fly the flag proudly on Memorial Day.Canning on the grill? Yes you can!See Stan's home-improvement videos.One of Stan's favorite columns:Our family has always been attracted to cemeteries. I remember riding bicycles...

Let's capture Michigan's creativity and share it through Instagram; how you can help

2012-05-25T15:26:22Z

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- It all started during our spring break stay-cation with a quick snapshot of dandelions wilting in jars in the kitchen. My daughters had picked these lovely weeds and I wanted to document their efforts, so...

Company hopes its 'Flip-N-Grow' tomato planter will find favor with urban gardeners

2012-05-22T12:00:09Z

The family-owned company is introducing the “Flip-N-Grow,” a hanging tomato planter in which the plant grows underneath the container, which is watered from above.

Mild winter, warm spring causes bounty of nuisance plants

2012-05-20T17:35:44Z

Even before mowers came out, stubborn perennial weeds got a head start, notably dandelions and mouse-ear chickweed.

Stan Harrison: Get your outdoor grill ready for summer cooking

2012-05-20T11:00:00Z

Stan HarrisonFeatured FlashbacksHow to repair a single-handle kitchen faucet.How to repair a stuck garbage disposer.How to replace a well pump pressure switch.Watch Stan's how-to home improvement videos!One of Stan's favorite columns:Perhaps you've smelled the aroma of a fine cut of...

Making beaded watchbands fulfills Grand Rapids woman's lifelong pursuit of original design

2012-05-19T14:25:20Z

After years of juggling creative pursuits on the side, Lora Conley said it's clear to her why she does what she does.

In praise of wild ramps: Onion relative is edible and tasty

2012-05-13T17:35:21Z

Traipsing through Michigan woodlands in search of ramps — also called wild leek and bear leek, is worth an encounter with bears — although that’s highly unlikely.

Stan Harrison: For Mother's Day, how about stuffed pork loin?

2012-05-13T11:00:00Z

Stan HarrisonFeatured flashbacksFalse alarm! What to do when the smoke detector goes off in the middle of the night.Cook hearty dutch-oven meals over an outdoor fire.See Stan's do-it-yourself videos.One of Stan's favorite columns:My sons and I got off relatively easy....

Kentwood artist, rebounding from cancer, gives flowers 3-D treatment

2012-05-11T15:49:11Z

Roland Lasher, who has figured out a way to create a lovely likeness of a variety of flowers that will never wilt or upset the neighbors.

Resist temptation to trim stalks of spent tulips

2012-05-06T17:47:37Z

Now is an ideal time to plant cooler-season vegetables, including broccoli, peas, radish and carrots.

Stan Harrison: Junk drawer run amok? Here's how to organize it

2012-05-06T11:00:00Z

Stan HarrisonFeatured FlashbacksReplacing a doorknob -- made complicated.Repair a broken window using The Grandpa Method.Replace your sliding glass door-- in January.For do-it-yourself help, see Stan's home improvement videos.One of Stan's favorite columns:Where were those Merit Badge cards?I was desperate.Before a...

How Kentwood elementary students turned T-shirts into a house in 10 days

2012-05-04T15:08:43Z

Thanks to all the kids, parents, teachers and volunteers who helped me build a patchwork house in Kentwood. I won’t forget this.

How to recognize symptoms early to limit blight, insect damage to conifers

2012-04-29T18:13:20Z

Are you pining for healthier trees?

Stan Harrison: Compost pile doesn't need to be complicated

2012-04-29T11:00:00Z

Stan HarrisonFeatured FlashbacksHow to troubleshoot your outdoor grill.Test of true friendship: Helping with a home repair.See these how-to videos.One of Stan's favorite columns: Last week, my wife got a phone call from a friend wanting to garden more organically."Do you...

Teaching an entire school to weave is exhausting, but worth it

2012-04-27T15:47:38Z

I’ve taught plenty of people to weave through the years, but never before had I attempted to bring 500-plus elementary students into the weaving fold in groups of 25-50 at a time.

Winds, cold did a number on tree blossoms

2012-04-22T18:05:15Z

March warmth forced buds into bloom that were later killed by April gusts, freezes.

Stan Harrison: When spring cleaning, chores and children do mix! Household tasks done regularly can lighten load

2012-04-22T11:00:00Z

Stan HarrisonFeatured FlashbacksHow to get the gas flowing in your outdoor grill.Try "twilight speed gardening" to avoid pesky insects.For do-it-yourself help, see Stan's home improvement videos.One of Stan's favorite columns:The young boy slumped glumly over a kitchen sink loaded with...

A new book by Jaye Beeler and Dianne Carroll Burdick explores Michigan's bounty

2012-04-20T13:14:59Z

The book is expected to be released in May with a book signing and launch celebration planed for Art on the Table.

Why we need to keep the (controlled) fires burning

2012-04-15T16:24:53Z

The Kent County Parks Department is planning a prescribed burn at Luton Park in Cannon Township, east of Rockford. Up to 65 acres are being eyed, although weather conditions dictate the scope of the burn.