Amherst group aims to convert residents to growing their own food

There might be 100 new gardens in Amherst this spring. That is the goal of Grow Food Amherst, which has launched the 350 Amherst Garden Challenge for 2013. The goal is to create 100 new gardens this spring … 0

Tips on pruning: Why do it? When and how

Outside, a low ceiling of pale gray clouds hung over a hard brown earth patched with snow. This and the 30-something-degree bite in the air declared: this is winter. Inside, gumball-colored watering cans, boxes of bulbs with images … 0

Beware of the invaders: Seek out native replacements for burning bush, bittersweet and other stunning but destructive beauties

Norway maple, Japanese barberry and burning bush for decades were popular landscape plants throughout New England. Now, however, they are banned from sale in Massachusetts because of their invasive nature. The problem for homeowners and landscape professionals is … 0

• Massachusetts leads the way in banning invasives

A breath of fresh air: Orchid plants should head outdoors for the summer months

With the arrival of spring, many people are finalizing their garden plans and preparing to move their house plants outside. Among the types of plants that require a more delicate touch is the orchid, and with more than … 0

Reupholstery or custom slipcovers: Old pieces can be made new again

Whether you want to fix damaged fabric, usher in a new style for your home, or repair a family heirloom, reupholstering or having your furniture fitted for slipcovers brings new life to old or deteriorating pieces. “If you … 0

Families navigate as open adoptions become norm 

When Amherst residents Ruth Harms and Stephen Hickman set out to adopt their first baby girl in Kansas in the mid-80s as an “open adoption,” the notion of keeping in touch with the birth parents was considered groundbreaking … 0

Elizabeth Slade: Mine and yours - defining ‘family’

Home during a work day, I am lying on the couch with my cat staked out in the curve of my aching body. She is nursing me through my annual migraine, where I can’t move without pain radiating … 0