April 2008

Between friends

Whoever decided, almost four decades ago, to celebrate Earth Day in April made a brilliant choice. It's impossible to experience spring and not feel a profound appreciation for the natural world and the delicate balances that sustain it.

15 THE NUMBER OF CITIES

This month on BHG.com... Win a $50,000 dream vacation!

Easy Being Green

Easy Being Green No-fuss, affordable ways to welcome spring's signature color into your home.

Anywhere Chests

STYLEMAKER

WHERE Space Design in Portland, Oregon. A DAY IN THE LIFE Martie Kilmer-Accuardi splits her time between creating chic floral arrangements, designing interiors, and curating the "botanical bar" (a selection of shells, stones, mosses, and succulents) for sale at her shop.

Lavender

Lavender might be a delicate, color, but it's no shrinking violet. Create striking good looks by combining it with other hues.

House Blend

A harmonious mix of traditional and modern styles gives this family home comfort, color, and a shot of fun.

Beyond the Pale

Mix-and-match furniture, a few hits of lively pattern, and touches of turquoise add life to this neutral living room and dining area.

Curtain Call

Make a splash in your bathroom with these easy-to-create shower curtains.

Take It Easy

Is it possible to change a family room from dark and awkward to bright and functional in one weekend? Yes! Contributing editor Stephen Saint-Onge shows how to painlessly redecorate in just a few days.

Coneflower Power

Well Rounded

This updated kitchen's curved cherrywood island serves as wine bar, cleanup center, and traffic control device in a tight 216-square-foot space.

In Love with Lavender

Zoning Rules

Parcel out your pantry according to how you cook and you'll have quicker meals, easier prep, and smoother shopping.

10 Next Steps to GREEN

The journey toward an energy-efficient lifestyle begins with small yet significant steps-- changing light bulbs and fixing leaks-- then makes great strides with larger home-improvement investments. When your kitchen appliances, bath fixtures, and other home components give out or exceed their typical life expectancy, it's a good chance for you to go green in a big way. Consider these high-impact changes.

Botanical Art

An artist turns her design skill toward easy-care plants and creates an award-winning garden.

BABY YOUR PLANTS

THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN

SMALL BUT MIGHTY

PERFECT PENTAS

Place hoop supports over peonies as soon as they sprout new growth...

Ever Green

Ever Green With year-round foliage in beds and containers, spring never quite leaves this garden.

Spring Planting NOTEBOOK

This year, enjoy your best garden ever. Read on to learn how to enrich soil for lush, vigorous plant growth; shop for the healthiest plants and get the most for your money; and design a flowerbed for colorful, dependable blooms all season. Plus, see our picks of easy perennials anyone can grow.

Delicious Toppings

Singin' in the Rain

Open Door Policy

THIS HOME BLURS THE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUT.

Color Wise

EARTHY WOODS, STONE, AND TILE INSPIRED THIS KITCHEN'S SURPRISING PALETTE.

Rosy Outlook

Sweet-scented blooms and bountiful beds create an exquisite small-scale patio garden.

SIGN OF SPRING

BEST-DRESSED

TIP OF THE MONTH

THE SPIN ZONE

White asparagus is my new favorite now that it is readily available in stores...

Find the best tree for you...

Try your state forestry department. Many state foresters offer free or inexpensive (as little as $25) trees to residents or will at least know where to get them in your area. Find foresters by state at stateforesters.org.

Growing Together

One Arbor Day planting sprouted a lifetime of memories.

I Did It!