I promised myself last winter that I wouldn't go through this ever again: running around in the dark; covering plants when it's cold and windy; moving dozens of pots indoors or, at least, into the lanai; and losing sleep over which of my pretties would make it through a frost or freeze. ...more

December 27, 2009

I've always had a tendency to lump poinsettias into a category with other popular Christmas gift plants, such as holiday cacti, amaryllis, paperwhites and orchids. Even if they never bloom again, I tell myself, they're worth the investment, because they're so beautiful and last much longer than cut flowers. ...more

December 6, 2009

Sometimes networking pays off. For some, it comes as a sales lead or prospective client; for me, it's a nifty column idea or recipe. ...more

November 25, 2009

VENICE - Daisy the cat could not join the Leonard family in the move back into their fire-damaged home Thursday, but she is still meowing thanks to a fire department rescue and the debut of a $70 piece of animal lifesaving equipment. ...more

March 27, 2009

A 79-year-old man drowned in a pool at his daughter's house after a pool door alarm was switched off by a house guest, Manatee County deputies say. ...more

March 14, 2009

If ever there was a day to cut out of work early and get home before the sun goes down, today's the day. When the sun drops, so will the temperature, and covering plants is a whole lot easier without mittens on your hands. ...more

February 4, 2009

The customer is right again. ...more

January 16, 2009

This married couple spread their love for orchids to whoever visits their Citrus Park greenhouses. ...more

January 9, 2009

Ella Faye Meadows was sitting in the living room of her Manatee County home, watching television, when a fire started Sunday. One or more people had poured accelerant along the outside of Meadows' lanai and lit it, according to a Manatee County Sheriff's Office news release. ...more

January 5, 2009

Nearly three months after code violations forced 13 men to leave Liberty Manor, the shelter for homeless veterans is ready to welcome them back. ...more

July 25, 2008