NEXT WEEK

Which mulch should you use in your garden? You may be surprised to find out that many of the mulches on the market have drawbacks as well as benefits. Our guide will help you choose the right mulch for you, your family and your garden.

DO IT NOW

The end of May is in sight. That means all of us cautious gardeners who've waited to plant tomatoes, peppers and other warm-weather loving plants can go ahead and plant to our garden's content.

HOT TICKET

This year's summer exhibition at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum celebrates one of our most precious resources: Water. From June 6 to Oct. 4, "Waterosity" will feature rain barrel, rain garden and green roof displays, water-efficient lawns, art installations and environmental activities for the whole family. www.arboretum. umn.edu.

STARTRIBUNE.COM

There's a new blog in town, and it's green. Footprint by Twin Cities blogger Kim Carlson contains how-to tips and advice for going green at startribune.com/greenliving.

WE SPOTTED IT

Minneapolis-based Vast Enterprises said it has introduced a composite deck paver made from 95 percent post-consumer waste including auto tires and plastic containers. Like its water permeable landscaping paver, the 3- by 6-inch decking brick snaps into a grid; it's designed to be laid right over old lumber decking. The pavers, in six earthtone colors, cost $6.99 per square foot uninstalled. The company said they can be cut with a wood saw, resist mold and mildew, require no sealant, and are backed by a 10-year limited warranty (and a lifetime warranty against cracking.) See details at vastpavers.com; available at Gerten's and Bachman's.

winners circle

Self-deprecating dwellers might be interested in this: Paint purveyor Dutch Boy has launched "My House Stinks: Rate the Rooms Contest," running through Sept. 30. Entrants can upload a photo and share 200 words or fewer on why their rooms stink, for a chance to win $2,500 and 25 gallons of odor-eliminating paint. To enter (or to vote for your "favorite" stinky room), visit www.myhousestinks.com.

ON TV

Five families compete for $250,000 to put toward a mortgage in HGTV's "$250,000 Challenge," premiering 9 p.m. Sunday. Each team will compete in the four-episode series to design the best living room, bedroom, kitchen and landscaping in their homes. Designers Kim Myles, David Bromstad, Genevieve Gorder and Carter Oosterhouse will assist.

KIM YEAGER, CONNIE NELSON