Everything home and garden

John Gidding hates house-number stickers on mailboxes. "Rip them off," he said. "Then paint the box shiny black, and attach metal numbers with the same finish as an outdoor light or door hardware." Gidding, who hosts HGTV's "Curb Appeal," will share other "low-cost and high-impact" exterior improvements, show photos of design strategies and answer questions at the Home and Garden Show opening Wednesday.

Other celebrities, design and landscape experts appearing on the Lifestyle Stage will cover topics ranging from bathroom makeovers to straw-bale gardening. Find out what "rustic luxury" looks like at this year's "Idea Home," with features such as a stone fireplace and salvaged sliding barn doors inside a 1,700-square-foot structure furnished by HOM. The show also offers the latest home products, trends and presentations on cooking, interior design and landscaping, as well as hundreds of exhibits. Nine themed gardens celebrating Great American Landmarks should be a soothing sight for winter-weary eyes.

The Home and Garden show is in town from Wednesday to March 2 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Av. S. Hours: noon to 9 p.m. Wed., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thur.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. Admission: $13 for adults; $11 when purchased online; $4 for ages 6-12; free for ages 5 and under. Go to www.homeandgardenshow.com.

Russell+hazel has moved

Russell+hazel has closed its Minneapolis store at 44th and France. But fans of the Stillwater-based retailer's modern sensibility in home and office products, organizers, stationery and accessories only have to head down the road to the Galleria at 69th St. and France Av. S. in Edina. The new shop, which opened Feb. 22 next to the Good Earth restaurant, will offer russel+hazel's stylish line of products ranging from leather business-card holders to acrylic desktop docks. For information, go to www.russellandhazel.com or call 952-204-3138.

Planting parties

It's not too early to plant hanging moss baskets and patio pots. Pahl's Market will hold Moss Basket Days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and March 1, 4 and 8 at 6885 W. 160th St., Apple Valley. Choose a basket or pot, and fill it with sun and shade plants using Pahl's recipe cards and expert help. Leave planted pots in the greenhouse to mature, and pick them up by Mother's Day in May. Reservations required. Call 952-431-4345 or go to www.pahls.com.

Gertens will offer its Hanging Basket garden parties on March 8, 15 and 22 at 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights. Pick from two types of planting parties, which include refreshments, prizes and help with creating a hanging basket to be picked up in the spring. Register at www.gertens.com.

TV talk

Not sure which furniture pieces harmonize with your flat-screen TV? Gabberts experts will show some creative options at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Galleria, 69th St. and France Av. S., Edina. Call 952-928-3123.

LYNN UNDERWOOD