June 2009

A month of eating locally

FARMER'S MARKETS kick into high gear. Get to know the growers, ask questions, and bring cash. Find a list of markets at ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets.

BETWEEN FRIENDS

This summer, my husband, Scott, and I officially become empty nesters. In May, our younger daughter, Ellen, graduates from college. A month later, our older daughter, Sarah, marries a terrific guy.

2009 Prize Tested Recipe Contest

Get discounts and more Announcing Our Garden Club

Kick Back

Celebrate summer by enjoying life in the slow lane. Go offline for an afternoon and pen postcard to a friend. In an age of Facebook, Twitter, and oter online connections, receiving a handwritten not is a welcome surprise.

Qa: How should I clean a cooler?

INDISPENSABLE: A SUMMER CARRYALL

IN THE GLASS

Good read

Good deed

Blogged...

For dad...

Good fun

57% of BHG readers love to barbecue

$3 Shatterproof Glass

Big Shots

Although small in size, the newest compact digital cameras capture big summer fun. Here's what to look for before you buy.

The Big Bloom

Nothing says summer like lush, vibrant flowers. Tuck them into all this month's special occasions.

Natural Instinct

Big windows, pale colors, and an always-busy covered patio give a small house breathing room.

Radish Red

Radish Red hues range from deep pinkish reds to the bold fuchsias found on their namesake.

Just Your Type

Get your home in alphabetical order. Round up numbers and alphabet letters to spell out your personal style.

Screening Rooms

Enjoy the best of summer from the comfort of a screen porch. These three additions offer smart ideas.

Prime time

PLANNING TO SURPRISE DAD WITH A FLAT-PANEL TV? HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CREATING THE PERFECT PLACE FOR THE BIG (BUT THIN) BLACK BOX. IT'S TV TIME!

House Calls with Stephen Saint-Onge

A half-done family room gets a few budget-minded finishing touches, transforming it into a hangout spot.

Stow Away

This industrious mudroom proves that a small space can handle a flurry of activities.

Living green

CONSERVE ENERGY. LIVE HEALTHIER. SAVE MONEY.

Deer-Resistant Garden

Self-Watering Containers

The Quiet Room

In search of a calming outdoor sanctuary, a gardener turns down the volume.

Pot Sizzlers

Heat-and drought-tolerant flower combos show off in the summer sun.

Made in the Shade

With its French doors thrown open, a breezy Southern patio unites house and garden

Qa: Hydrangeas

Hydrangea queries are popular for the Garden Doctor at BHG.Com/gardenquestions. Here are answers tot he most common question.

Mountain View

Native plants and Southwestern decor bring local style to a Colorado garden.

Grow It Yourself

THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN

Sweet Feet

58% of households that grow

POT-ABLE WATER

12 hours

Qa: How do I get rid of insects in my lettuce without harsh pesticides?

Garden goods

Butterfly buddies

Fun house

A COUPLE renovate their 1796 house with a modern aesthetic. Along the way, they realize the most fitting way to honor the historic home is to enjoy it.

She says tomato

June's warm days and nights send backyard tomato plants into overdrive. And there seem to be a lot more tomato plants growing in a lot more backyards this summer than last.

Home remedy

Health... in the headlines

By the numbers: 80%

The proportion of teenagers who carry a cell phone. Minimize safety concerns by forbidding cell phone use in the following circumstances:

Read of the month

Freebie... A GIFT FOR GIVERS

Sun sports

Money to Learn

Kids who develop solid spending and saving habits early can avoid a lifetime of financial trouble.

Staycation Summer

In your home, your garden, your neighborhood-- inexpensive, creative summer fun is right in your own backyard.

Please Plant Pink

I Did It!