home & garden—news in Portland...

While most environmental advocates are fighting to keep our skies blue, our water clear, and our outdoor air clean, the Josiah Hill III Clinic wants to make our indoor environment a healthy place to live. Not many people realize that our indoor air is generally 5-20 times more polluted than the air we’re breathing in the great outdoors, and we spend up to 90% of our time inside, blissfully unaware of the increased risks. There more...

Mounted staghorn fern by Solabee Flowers and Botanicals It seems the '70s have returned. Only it’s not the kitschy disco balls that we’re seeing complement the swanky fabrics and minimalist designs…we’re seeing the return of the mounted staghorn fern. “I think a lot of the popularity of the fern comes from the fact that you can mount it on the wall,” says David Kesler, Creative more...

Photo: Heather Zinger 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. Natural Benefits of Local Beekeeping Bees are more...

Thyme in full bloom 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 more...

Common Yellowthroat It’s a good life, Portland. Not only do we have easy access to forests, meadows, mountains and rivers but we also occupy a point on the map that is smack dab in the path of the Pacific Flyway. This migratory route for millions of birds stretches from the tip of South America to the Bering Straight, and each year over 200 species live or pass through the Willamette Valley. Black-headed Grosbeaks, more...

Moh-buhl. Moh-beel. However you say it, the effect is the same. Mobiles add a dash of kinetic intrigue to any space they grace. And these days, those spaces aren’t limited to above the baby’s crib. Taking a cue from the form’s creator, Alexander Calder, three Portland artists are enlivening homes, offices, hospitals, schools, nurseries—even faraway palaces—with their creations. Your home or garden more...

Roses and peonies are in full effect in gardens all over Portland. The colors and shapes intrigue and delight, and add interest to any garden or tabletop. But there are some flowers you can still plant that will bloom late summer or fall, all perfect choices for cuttings—for dinner table vases, birthday bouquets, any occasion or no occasion at all. Why not try a few of our top seven picks? All varieties here thrive in lots more...

Seems like most of us collect all sorts of things in our basements during the cold and dreary months—worn-out clothes, boxes of papers and office supplies, old batteries, defunct electronics, art work never to be hung. It’s amazing just what we collect and never use. But many of these items can and will be used by others, if you just release them to the appropriate sources. Garage and yard sales, thrift and consignment more...

Need ideas for your interior and outdoor spaces? Find inspiration and ideas aplenty at home and garden tours in Portland neighborhoods. more...

Rainbow Swiss Chard My favorite Simpsons episode is about Lisa choosing to become a vegetarian. All sorts of antics ensue, culminating in Homer and Bart singing “You don’t make friends with salad.” But, we all know that you do—especially when you grow your own and invite your pals over for a fun out-of-doors dinner party featuring your fresh, home grown greens. It’s definitely time to get more...