May 1987

EDITOR'S LETTER

Sometimes we're a little compulsive in our desire to bring you the best and the brightest. Our editors often take on projects that seem to me to be biting off way more than they can chew.

SNAP SHOT

A SWEET-SMELLING SYMBOL

GET YOUR GARDEN OFF TO A GOOD START

OKRA MOVES NORTH

READER MAILBOX FOR GARDENERS

BEDDING PLANT TIME

GOOD SCENTS GARDENING

LOW-VOLTAGE LIGHTING

HARDY HAZEL HYBRID

GERBERAS FOR GARDEN COLOR

PERENNIAL PARTNERSHIPS

JOHNNY ELMSEED TAKES ROOT

SHAKE, SCATTER & GROW

PRIVACY YOU CAN GROW

DOUBLE UP YOUR FLOWERS

PUT SOME SPICE IN YOUR LANDSCAPE

HOME-EQUITY LOANS

Many home-equity-loan ads promise tax deductions, low rates, and convenience. But don't bet the house on it.

GROW YOUR OWN CUT FLOWERS FROM SEED

Plant now for a houseful of beautiful homegrown bouquets. There's an almost limitless selection of spectacular annual flowers you can grow from seed for both fresh and dried arrangements. All you need to get started is a sunny patch of soil.

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

Imagine your children getting career experience and money for college while they're still in school. With a nationwide program called cooperative education, 215,000 students do just that.

STORING FINE WINES

HOW TO INSTALL OUTDOOR LIGHTS

SECURITY-- Home security experts say that your lawn is your first line of defense. A well-lighted landscape discourages approach by would-be thieves.

ARE YOU COVERED IF SOMEONE GETS HURT AT YOUR HOUSE?

Homeownership involves risks and responsibilities in the eyes of the law. Here are some typical situations in which you might be held liable on your property.

CAR REPAIRS

Your car's on the blink, and you need an expert's help. But the minute the diagnosis gets beyond new spark plugs, you might just as well be discussing the symptoms of a rare tropical disease.

WHIRLIGIGS AND WHIMSIES

Created from bits and scraps and a dose of imagination, antique folk art has a delightful charm and wit. Today's versions can have just as much appeal.

ELEMENTS OF COUNTRY

TIPS, TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES

Stop nicking the paint when you open your door against other cars, concrete walls, or guard rails. Cut clear plastic aquarium tank tubing the length of the outer edge of your car doors. With a crafts knife, slit open a straight cut the length of the tubing, then slip the tubing onto the door edge.

TODDLER TOYS YOU CAN BUILD 'EM

WHOLE HOUSE REMODELING

TODAY, more than ever, location counts when buying a home. All over the country, home buyers are snapping up older houses in good areas and investing heavily in remodeling.

WORKING WITH THE PROS

An architect helps translate your ideas into brick and mortar-- resulting in a custom house that specially suits your lifestyle.

Kidstyle DECORATING

Give your kid a room to remember! These new furnishings and real-life rooms combine childhood whimsy with parent-pleasing practicality.

INTO THE OUTDOORS

It's easy to burn up energy hiking, swimming, or just relaxing around the campfire. Look at the calories you'll burn off after just an hour of these activities:

HOW TO ORDER

QUICK-CHANGE ARTISTRY

LESSONS THAT PETS CAN TEACH YOUR CHILDREN AND HOW PETS HELP KIDS GROW

The cat that wakes your son with a soft paw and the dog that bounds along with your daughter are teaching lessons that will last a lifetime.

DESTINATION U.S.A. AMERICA'S SURPRISING CITIES

Surprise! America's midsize cities have grown up. Each has a unique and wonderful flavor. We show you four that are just the right size for a weekend family adventure.

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

Elaine Cowan once again is enjoying her annual status symbol of being the first in the neighborhood to receive and spend her income tax refund. "I blew it all at once," she reported with a rueful smile, "on a dinner."