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HIGHLIGHTS Author of Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener (Timber Press, 2013)Author of Rock Gardening: Reimagining a Classic Style (Timber Press, 2016)Author of The Comic Book Guide to Growing Food (Ten Speed Press, 2021)

Several years ago, I thought I surely couldn’t be the only one who longs not for more parties but for more togetherness. I sent a group text to friends: “Monday night. I have to wrap presents. Bring yours over, and we can wrap them together. I’ll feed you.” I scattered tubes of wrapping paper around the living room, put scissors and tape on the coffee table, and stacked bowls next to the stove....

In simple terms, green cleaning uses products and methods that might have less harsh toxins than traditional cleaners. Exposure to harsh chemicals can potentially cause damage to human health, as well as our entire ecosystem. While not all green or eco-friendly products are chemical-free or completely harmless, they can be a healthier alternative. Allen Rathey, director of the Indoor Health Council, says that when there is confusion about product labels, it is useful to know a few definitions....

Pattern Trends We Love Decorating with Buffalo Plaid Decorating with Geometric Patterns

Lemon Balm Care Must-Knows Native to southern Europe, lemon balm has become a garden staple in much of the United States. This herb grows best in well-drained soils with average moisture. Once established, the plants are drought-tolerant but appreciate supplemental watering during the heat of summer. Lemon balm tolerates poor soil conditions as long as the soil doesn’t remain soggy, which encourages root rot. In colder climates this plant needs winter mulch to survive....

¼ cup mascarpone cheese or cream cheese, softened 1 tablespoon butter, softened 1 tablespoon honey 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoon dried cranberries or cherries, finely snipped ½ teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel Few drops red food coloring 2 teaspoon lemon juice

3 ¾ cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon sugar ½ tablespoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 ¾ cup cold unsalted butter ⅔ cup ice-cold water 2 tablespoon sour cream 1 teaspoon vinegar ** Trim top rim of foil pie pan at about 2 inch intervals; fold upwards. *Blind Baking: When blind baking (prebaking the pastry shell) for the Lemon Velvet Cream Pie, Alan uses a disposable 8-3/4 inch foil pie pan to help the pastry keep its shape....

Beloved, hardy, and old-fashioned, these low-maintenance garden plants are among the easiest you can grow. Plant Name: Astilbe selections Growing Conditions: Shade and moist or wet soil Size: To 2 feet tall and wide Grow It With: Shade-loving hostas for a great contrast in texture and color. Zones: 3-9 Plant Name: Veronica selections Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: To 2 feet tall and wide Grow It With: Shrub roses....

1 cup whipping cream 2 tablespoon powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon dash ground nutmeg For filling: