Do it now

If you're ordering seeds to start indoors, place your orders now. Many seeds need to be started at least six to eight weeks before the plants can go outdoors. If you're planning to order plants, you have a little time to think about it.

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park in St. Paul is gearing up for the second half of its Winter Flower Show. The sunken garden is alive with vibrant pinks, yellows and purples in the form of azaleas, cyclamen and amaryllis. The free show runs daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until March 15. 651-487-8200. www.comozooconservatory.

Yet another monthly occasional sale has carved out floor space at 300 N. Broadway in Carver. Dealer Cindi Halvorson has opened The Nature of It, selling a carefully edited mix of architectural salvage, vintage garden items, painted primitives and plants. The circa-1800s brick building also houses sales by Mustard Moon and Seasons. The sale starts Feb. 19 and runs through the 21st; Thu.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 952-361-3000..

Venerable vacuum maker Electrolux has introduced its first bagless upright with a feature that releases the handle so it can be used as a telescoping wand. The Versatility wand, with a brush attachment, extends to 14 feet. Priced at about $300, the vacuum has a HEPA filter. Available with a green panel and handle at Lowe's and in magenta at www.qvc.com, the vacuum is slated to be issued in tangerine at as-yet unspecified mass retailers this summer. See details at www.electroluxusa.com.

Tired of giving costly roses for Valentine's Day? Our video will help you choose looky, less expensive flowers that say "I love you" and that last for a long time. Check it out at www.startribune.com/video.

www.greenremodeling.org

This site is run by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, so if you use its "find a contractor" list, you're finding its members only. But the site's resource articles on green remodeling provide a wealth of information on subjects from compact fluorescents, to energy, to ventilation, to cleaning and related subjects.

If chocolate is your ultimate fantasy, consider the Decadence Suite, designed by Jonathan Adler. Chocolatier Godiva is giving away a stay for two in a largely edible suite at the Bryant Park Hotel in New York City. Among the decor rendered in chocolate: a mosaic wall, furniture, accessories, a chess set and the bed's headboard. (No word on how low the room temperature is set.) The winning game card can be found inside special Valentine's Day boxes of Godiva chocolate or on a card you can request from the company before March 2. See details at www.godiva.com/promotions/valentines_day09.aspx.

A local musician has an ear for music and an eye for art. Violinist Michael Antonello considers his American art collection "an absolute adventure."

KIM YEAGER, CONNIE NELSON