What NOT to do now in the garden

Last update: October 27, 2009 - 11:59 AM

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DO IT NOW

It's tempting to mulch now, but you'd be wise to wait a bit. Contrary to popular belief, winter mulch doesn't keep the cold out. When applied after the ground has started to freeze, mulch helps to prevent extreme fluctuations in the soil temperatures, which can damage plants. So rake up and bag those leaves, but hang onto them for a couple of weeks. In mid-November, spread at least 6 inches of leaves or 4 to 6 inches of straw or marsh hay around the base of perennials, trees and shrubs. If you mulch nothing else, be sure to mulch plants that went into the ground this summer.

NEXT WEEK

Togetherness has its place. But some couples prefer to preserve their marital harmony -- and their personal sanity -- by keeping separate "his" and "hers" spaces. We take a look at two couples who have created gender-specific sanctuaries.

WE SPOTTED IT

You can get tax credits for many energy-efficient products: appliances, double-glazed windows, roofs, etc. To capitalize, Hunter Douglas has constructed a special site to let consumers know they can get a credit for installing its Duette Architella insulating window shades. See details at www.hunterdouglas.com/taxcredit. Don't forget to save your receipts.

STARTRIBUNE.COM

Want to update your fall chore checklist, take a virtual tour of an autumnal garden or watch a video on how to make a stunning winter window box display? We have it all on one site. Just go to www.startribune.com/homegarden and scroll down to Garden in fall and winter.

WEB WATCH

www.priscillawoolworth.com

Operated by a fourth-generation descendant of the F.W. Woolworth five-and-dime stores, this site aims to provide "affordable, practical" and "environmentally safe items for everyday use." Among the offerings are items for home, garden, office, pets and personal care, as well as books and gifts, many of them fair-trade products. You'll find a large selection of items for $10 or less, but a few things that your great-grandfather might not have offered, too, such as a memo board made from recycled materials, $100.

HALLOWEEN HELP

Waited until the last minute to think about Junior's Halloween costume? Find an instructional video with no-sew ideas at www.hgtv.com/halloween, along with ideas for décor and templates for carving pumpkins (in your spare time).

STORE NEWS

Newly opened in Edina: Erskine Interiors, a 3,000-square-foot showroom for carpet, rugs, countertops, wood flooring and tile. The business, which also has a showroom in Hudson, Wis., carries prefinished wood (but will also sand, finish, refinish and stain floors). Manager Bobby Lea notes that the retailer carries several brands, including Karastan, Ralph Lauren and Mohawk carpets, Cambria quartz and Artisan granite countertops, and Dura faux ceramic and American Olean ceramic tile. The Hudson showroom has a cabinet designer who consults at the Edina location. A clue to where Erskine hopes to fit in the retail landscape is found in its circular (its grand opening sale runs through Nov. 1): "Remember Dayton's?," ask owners Tammy and Todd Erskine. "So do we. We strive to emulate the great experiences we all shared at the Dayton's stores of yesterday." 4405 France Av. S., 952-920-2010.

IN THE MAGS

Rachel and Josh Berger's home near Hugo is featured on five pages in the November issue of Better Homes and Gardens. The couple, the entrepreneurs behind Daub & Bauble home and body products, live in a new construction home designed with modern, multipurpose rooms. Traditional touches punctuate, such as paneled wainscoting with display ledges and a built-in, beadboard coat nook.

KIM YEAGER, CONNIE NELSON

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