Happy Arbor Day! In 1854 a pioneer named Julius Sterling Morton traveled with his family from Detroit to the Nebraska Territory to settle there. Compared with the forested hills, tree-lined lakes and cedar swamps back in Michigan, Nebraska’s open landscape appeared barren. Morton was a nature lover and journalist. He and his family planted trees to brighten their new western surroundings, as well as to use for practical purposes around the homestead. He became editor of a Nebraska newspaper, and through his occupation was able to spread agricultural news to the new settlements there. Pioneers were encouraged to plant trees for shade from the hot prairie sun, for fuel and new construction, and for windbreaks.

Having a productive and healthy garden starts with good quality soil to anchor the roots and bring in the nutrients necessary for proper plant growth. First determine the type of soil that you have. The soil may have a lot of clay which impedes drainage and restricts oxygen flow. It might be a little too sandy and not able to retain a lot of nutrients. Limestone feels dry and crumbly; silt feels smooth; and peat feels spongy and has a high amount of decomposed organic matter.

One of the best ways to protect your plants is to get an old sheet or other lightweight fabric and drape it loosely over your frost-sensitive plants in the late evening. Going outside in your pajamas to cover them up before heading to bed might not be ideal, but your plants and flowers will be happy. This will keep damaging frost away from those tender leaves and stems. The heat radiating from the earth is trapped under the sheet and keeps the plant relatively warm overnight. Be sure to remove the covering in the morning before the weather warms up. Late frosts usually occur on clear nights, so it’s likely that a sunny day will follow. It takes a little bit of forethought to cover your plants but it’s worth the effort.

There’s no shortage of design advice out there – but who’s to say that your super-cool wicker peacock chair is ready for the garage sale? The design authorities say that living room furniture no longer has to be a matched collection. And that big whirlpool tub in the master bath – not so hot anymore. If you’re into home décor, you might take these recommendations seriously; but after all, it is your space …

With a little more sunshine pushing away the dreary clouds of a frigid Michigan winter, you might be itching to put on your favorite garden gloves and go work outside. Before you start clearing debris from the landscaping and preparing your garden soil for the prospects of new growth, consider these garden trends and tips from local experts. Whether you prefer to keep your yard or garden very simple with just a few shrubs and perennials or lush with a variety of plant species and blooms, gardening experts offer some ideas to get you started this spring.

Sometimes when a unique opportunity falls into your lap, it’s best to pick it up and run with it – even if you don’t know what’s coming next. After turning it down three times, Greg Gaines reluctantly agreed in 1990 to direct the Mr. Rogers Garden Program.

Pick a cloudy day to wash windows. If it’s sunny, the cleaning solution will dry too fast and it will streak. To make a good window-washing solution, combine one half-cup of sudsy ammonia with one pint of rubbing alcohol, one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and one gallon of water.