Stepping into Paxton Gate on North Mississippi Avenue is almost like stepping into my favorite natural history museums of my youth—except much more elegant and not at all musty. The space is open and airy with natural oddities galore, and yes, most of said oddities were once alive, and are now dead, stuffed, pinned on display. A macabre scene? Nay. Paxton Gate Portland is the outpost of beloved Paxton Gate SF, which has been more...

Upcycling is nothing new here in Portland. There is a growing number of local artists and designers who offer crave-able crafts, art and other cultural artifacts upcycled from repurposed or recycled materials. Check out our list of current faves, and marvel at the creative reinvention of leftover wetsuit material, skateboards, old sweaters and other materials. Computers and books are accessories integral to our Portland more...

Vermiculture? You bet. Also known as vermicomposting, this process offers a fun, on-site and relatively easy method of transforming organic matter from the kitchen and garden into rich soil. Worms are useful in aerating soil—just dig a hole in your raised bed and you’re sure to come across a little guy doing his earthly work—and thrive by converting organic plant and food material into compost. The cycle of worm more...

With fall’s crisp weather already upon us, it’s certainly time to release those last few brave tomatoes from the vine, clip the dahlias for a snappy dinner table arrangement, and mow the lawn just one more time. It’s the season for prepping the yard and garden to handle the long, wet, winter months that are just around the corner. Yup. There’s plenty to do in the yard that will benefit the plants already more...

As much as you're trying to ignore this fact, fall is officially here—cooler days and nights, the autumnal equinox, a (nearly harvest) full moon last month, and vibrant color already bursting forth in our yards, parks and street canopies. Certainly enjoy this seasonal display, but realize that those pretty leaves will soon make their way onto our yards and sidewalks, into our streets and gutters. While you enjoy the color more...

What may at first glance seem like a dangerous endeavor is fast becoming a popular hobby for many urban farming enthusiasts, and a small-scale, part-time business for a willing few. With plenty of good reasons to host a hive, urban beekeeping has developed a strong buzz within Portland city limits. Even Mayor Sam Adams has a hive in his backyard. Bees are mellow by nature, believe it or not. They just want to be left alone to gather more...

Herbs are beautiful choices for both your yard and cooking adventures. Most can be planted from early spring until late fall and need virtually no maintenance once established. The favorites listed here are all drought tolerant, need minor trimming in the winter and are versatile in the kitchen. Use fresh herbs in your soups, salads, cocktails, meat and fish dishes, even desserts. All have medicinal properties, too, and many are used in more...

Okay, so we haven't been experiencing the steamiest "Wet Hot American Summer" so far this year. Lately, the morning grey skies and chilly night gusts have it feeling more like October in July. But with warm afternoons and bright, extended evenings—plus a few sweaty heat waves (fingers crossed for at least a few more spikes in the mercury)—it is still decidedly summer in Oregon. And how do we take advantage of more...

Transforming old or used materials into new and improved products is certainly not a new concept. No doubt you've seen Spoonman and his array of art and jewelry made from silverware at Saturday Market. But just stroll through any of Portland’s numerous art festivals, Northeast Alberta Street's Last Thursday event or Crafty Wonderland, and you’ll see reclaimed, reused, recycled materials resurrected as upcycled more...

Few as five or six years ago, North Williams was merely a commuter corridor through North Portland—a sad strip peppered with dilapidated buildings, vacant lots and very few thriving businesses. Today this zone is a favorite destination for eating, drinking, shopping and, of course, biking. The lightning quick transformation of this neighborhood has been impressive—there's still ample room for growth—but it's more...