DO IT NOW

If you haven't removed the winter greens from your window boxes and planters, do it now. Browned-out spruce tips and tattered holiday ribbons don't give spring a warm welcome. In just a few weeks, you'll be able to plant pansies.

• This weekend is all about homes. The 21st annual Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase features 80 remodeled homes in 33 metro-area cities and townships. Check it out at www.paradeofhomes.org.

• If you're dreaming of a second home, not just a remodeled one, check out the Lake Home and Cabin Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The show, now in its fifth year, will feature a 2,000-square-foot log cabin, a native plant garden and more than 250 exhibitors. For more information, go to www .lakehomeandcabinshow.com.

The 3 Kittens Needle Arts store -- until recently in St. Paul -- is feted in "Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting: Celebrating the Gift of Knitting With 24 Beautiful Patterns" (Watson-Guptill, $24.95). Author Lorna Miser offers two dozen patterns, each with a memory or story about the person who inspired it. Former owner Karen Weiberg's kindnesses to the author are detailed in the story, followed by a pattern for "Three Cozy Kittens," easy stuffed dolls with whimsical whiskers. Current co-owner Cis Mezin said the shop, which relocated recently, is busy with a cozy project of another sort: a goal to collect 2,000 hand-knitted or crocheted baby caps for preemies. 750 Main St., Mendota Heights, Suite 112; 651-457-4969.

• Stillwater antiques and gift shop Cockadoodledoo is set to open a second location next week in Minneapolis' Bryn Mawr neighborhood. Owner Gerry Seiler's shop moves into space vacated by Bloomsbury Market at 403 Cedar Lake Rd. Seiler said the space is almost three times that of his Stillwater shop; he now has room to carry larger antiques such as armoires and Hoosier cabinets, as well as linens, candles, artworks, a line of body-care and garden items, including several sets of vintage patio furniture. The store and its outdoor courtyard (with seating) will be open daily; hours are yet to be set. 612-377-8000.

• Luxury bed linens retailer Scandia Down is open at its new 1,900-square-foot Galleria location across from BCBG Max Azria. New lines include Anne de Solene bedding and accessories and items from Sferra's 1891 collection. The retailer has also expanded its children's offerings: cribs, sheet sets and other items by Bella Notte and Serena & Lily's Star Kids. The store said it has expanded its selection of bath towels and rugs, sleepwear and its signature comforters, pillows and linens.

Is your back yard a loser? The DIY Network is searching for America's Most Desperate Landscape; finalists will compete -- on TV, of course -- for a chance to win an outdoor makeover by Desperate Landscapes host and contractor Jason Cameron and his crew. You can upload photos of your disreputable landscaping at www.diynetwork.com through May 4.