KIM COOK (AP) -- In home decor, there's something about the start of spring. When life's renewing itself outdoors, we feel the urge to revive our interiors too. This season, decor offerings are especially upbeat. Start with the palette. "Saturated" is a word being used a lot; it means ripe plum hues, intense tangerines, rich ... Read More

JAMESTOWN, NY – The Audubon Center and Sanctuary is again offering a wonderful event for gardeners. On Saturday, May 19, Audubon’s annual Plant Exchange and Sale provides an opportunity to meet other gardeners, to exchange extra and no-longer-needed plants from your home for others that suit you better, and to support Audubon. It is pretty ... Read More

JAMESTOWN, NY -- The Master Gardener program of Chautauqua County, offered through Cornell Cooperative Extension, is happy to announce that they will once again be offering the Master Gardener Core Training and are seeking their fourth class of participants. The Master Gardeners will be holding two informational meetings about the program and how ... Read More

A 'Growing' Business SHERIDAN, NY -- “We are a complete garden center, offering everything from shrubs to planted material, vegetables for your garden, herbs. And, we’re a full-fledge florist,” said Roger Strawser, who own M-and-R Greenhouses in Sheridan, NY with his wife Mary. “You forgot to mention hanging baskets!” Mary said, with a ... Read More

AP -- Ceilings are the Rodney Dangerfield of homes. They get no respect. But there are plenty of easy ways to make over this oft-overlooked area, from the quirky charm of Victorian-era, pressed-tin tiles and beadboard to a simple splash of color. "Historically, ceilings were highly decorated, but it seems as houses have become more modern ... Read More

AP -- Small may be in when it comes to homes, but that doesn't mean it's easy to decorate. In this undated photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens, a small sunroom is shown. (AP Photo/Better Homes and Gardens) A few simple guidelines, however, can turn a small space from Dilemma to ... Read More

ITHACA, NY – Cornell’s newest and darkest strawberry variety – Purple Wonder – is making its debut at the Philadelphia International Flower Show on Monday through an exclusive licensing agreement with seed giant W. Atlee Burpee Co. “Purple Wonder is sweet and aromatic, with outstanding strawberry flavor,” said Courtney Weber, Cornell ... Read More

FORESTVILLE, NY -- Since 2003, Lana’s The Little House has provided memorable world class teas, tours and workshop learning experiences to local and international guests. This year, Lana’s The Little House 2012 Workshop Schedule offers Garden Workshops, Art in The Garden Workshops and Tea Tastings from February through October. Attendees from ... Read More

By KIM COOK (AP) -- Why was Parrish blue the "in" color of the 1910s? What was with those 1950s pink bathrooms? Remember the 1970s' "Harvest Gold" kitchen appliances? A new book, "Pantone: The 20th Century in Color" (Chronicle Books), looks at how color and cultural history affect each other, and find their way into our homes. Authors Leatrice ... Read More

Brochure offers how-to tips for homeowners, propane marketers, property managers as they prepare for season’s big snowstorms. WASHINGTON — A beautiful snowfall this time of year may be fun, but accumulated snow and ice can damage propane tanks, pipes, and other equipment and affect the supply of fuel to homes. A new brochure from the Propane ... Read More