May 1985

EDITOR AT LARGE

Goodness knows, most of us suffer this terrific compulsion to grow things. If we have no dirt, we get some. We mulch, we water, we compost, we weed, we cultivate.

PRESERVATION ON MAIN STREET

HOORAY FOR GOOD STUDENTS!

PICKLE MANIA

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED

HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE TOURS

NEON--THE CAT'S MEOW!

INTEREST IN BIRD-WATCHING SOARS

NEW BRAKES MAKE PANIC STOPS SAFE

KIDS OF THE WORLD GET TOGETHER

AFTER-SCHOOL JOBS: GOOD OR BAD?

EQUAL TIME IN SCIENCE CLASS, PLEASE

COLLEGES: PICKING BY COMPUTER

BOOKS FOR TEENS WHO DON'T LIKE TO READ

COMPUTER HELPS FOR THE HANDICAPPED

ABILITY GROUPING CAN HURT

FOUR-DAY WEEK A SUCCESS IN COLORADO

WHAT'S YOUR LEARNING STYLE?

IS YOUR YOUNGSTER A "MATHLETE"?

Design in Review: Fabulous '50s Furniture

Mention the 1950s and many people think of poodle skirts or pink flamingos. Not '50s furniture aficionado Cara Greenberg. She equates the flamboyant era with the Tulip, Womb, Egg, and Ant, names of just a few of the classic '50s chair designs still flourishing.

POT UP SOME NO-FUSS FLOWERS FOR COLOR WHERE YOU WANT IT

Grow creative! Pack pots and planters with a crazy-quilt mixture of annual flowers and use them to brighten dull, hard-to-plant areas of your landscape. Almost any type of container will do. Window boxes, kegs, hanging baskets, and strawberry jars can be stuffed with blooms for spirit-lifting color.

WORTH-THE-WAIT REMODELING

"We decided not to remodel until we could afford to do it right. We saved our money for four years, and then we were ready."

INVESTING BASICS

No question about it. The stock market's been hot this year, with lots of individual investors getting in on the action. Eager as you may be to dive right in, take time to analyze your position and goals first.

GARDENER'S LOG

To own a bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds, and watch the renewal of life-- this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do.

BUILD-IT-YOURSELF BATH PROJECT

One-piece shower/tub units require minimum upkeep but offer little in the way of visual interest. To offset your tub's plain-vanilla styling, frame it with a handsomely paneled storage wall. Here, redwood 1 X 12s add warmth and texture, and dead space above the tub converts to bonus storage.

Silencing Stair Squeaks

Stair squeaks are at best an irritation, at worst a warning that the staircase poses a safety hazard. Most squeaks are easy to fix, providing you know something about stair construction. Here are some helpful tips.

AEROBIC EXERCISER

CRISP CRUST

COOKING SINGLES

PET PROTECTION

Communicating with Your TEENAGER

If you're the parent of an adolescent, you may feel as if a megaexplosion has ripped through your relationship with your child. It's no surprise when you consider the powerful forces tugging you and your youngster in opposite directions.

Prettiest-Ever One-Stitch Crafting

Who would have thought that one simple stitch could be so versatile? All of the projects in this country-fresh setting are worked in outline stitches-- an easy technique that gives spectacular results. Our four brand-new designs are reminiscent of traditional patterns. Make them from scratch or our head-start kits. Once you've mastered this easy-to-learn needlecraft, splash the designs on plain fabric to create quilts, pillows, and linens for home and gifts.

NEW CAR WARRANTIES

Until recently, most of us considered a warranty on a new automobile to be little more than an early warning device: The expiration date told us when we could expect some expensive car trouble. Warranties didn't used to last long and seldom seemed to cover what went wrong.

Great Shape-Ups FOR PROBLEM KITCHENS

The perfect kitchen "knows" your every move and works like an extension of yourself. It puts you in control and surrounds you with a wonderful sense of order. If you've inherited a problem kitchen, whip it into shape with a clever new design scheme. Here are three great kitchen shape-ups that banish vexing drawbacks like jumbled cupboards, poorly lighted work areas, and mealtime traffic jams.

PLANTING FOR NONSTOP COLOR

If you've ever dreamed of having a garden that blooms nonstop through the seasons, join us for a tour of the beautiful San Diego garden of Alice Menard (top). You'll find out how you can mix annuals, perennials, bulbs, and roses together for a summer's worth of color.

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!

Natural materials, warm tones, and pared-down simplicity-- that's the stuff of summer houses, getaway cabins, and fresh springtime looks for any home, anywhere, any time. Light woods, unassuming fabrics, and uncluttered airiness add up to rooms that are serene, livable, and-- best of all-- easy to create.

BUILD A GARDENER'S DREAM POTTING BENCH

Build this sturdy potting bench and stand up to those messy potting chores. Tilted trash cans keep soil components separate and handy-- you just sweep trimmings down a work-top hatch for easy cleanup.

MIX-AND-MATCH DINING Blend Formal With Casual

TIPS, TOOLS & TECHNIQUES

This feature is written by you. It's a collection of installation tips and shop shortcuts that you-- and millions like you-- have picked up as do-it-yourselfers. We pay $25 for each tip we publish. See the box below for submission details.

The Advantages of Multiple Listing

You've decided to sell your house through a real estate broker because you believe a pro can attract more potential buyers than you could. To get several good offers quickly, you may want to contact a broker who's a member of a multiple listing service. Such a service enables you to deal with just one broker and pay only one commission fee, but puts many brokers to work for you.

TLC for Leather Upholstery

Thanks to improved tanning and dying methods, leather furniture looks better and lasts longer than ever. But, keeping leather upholstery looking smart takes tender loving care.

INTO THE OUTDOOR

WHEN A VACATION JUST NATURALLY MEANS AN ADVENTURE

Grand European Vacations

To see a lot of Europe at an enjoyable pace, the best bet is to make your family temporarily at home in a pleasant location and fan out from there on day excursions. If you pick the right spot, you'll be surprised and delighted by how much territory-- even in several countries-- you can cover by bus, train, or rented car between breakfast and bedtime.

SHOPPING

Shopping editor's choice

Discover the ease and pleasure of shopping by mail. Order from the convenience of your own home with complete confidence. If not delighted, each company will happily refund your money.

THE MAN NEXT DOOR

I've recently learned what so many before me have learned after buying a personal computer: We're no match for a 13-year-old when it comes to playing the games computers will play.