washington post articles

There's always something blooming in the Washington area -- even on the hottest days of summer.

Post Home Section staffers Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza explore flea markets, find out the difference between architects and contractors and take questions on your decorating dilemmas.

Q: DEAR TIM: I have never used a ceramic tile cutter. Is cutting tile possible with such a simple tool? How can it make straight cuts without shattering the tile? What tips can you offer for working with this tool? Is it faster to cut by hand, or should I rent a tile-cutting saw?

I planted an Alta southern magnolia about a month ago. The leaves are turning yellow and brown, and many have dropped. What should I do?

New Mexico architect Edward Mazria has a proposal to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. His target: buildings.

Q: DEAR TIM: I need to learn how to hang and finish drywall in a hurry, because a good friend wants me to show her how to do it. The trouble is, I have just seen it done on some home-improvement TV shows. Is it really that hard to install drywall?

Good footwear, gloves, tools, irrigation and plant-enhancing materials can make gardening safer and more enjoyable. Here are some new products that my associates and I have tested recently.

Q: I have a wood deck that I have stained twice in six years with semitransparent stain. The second time was a disaster. The stain is peeling and chipping. Both times, I cleaned and power-washed the deck before staining. I can't remember the brand of stain I used. What could cause this?

Most people have no clue how much it costs to hire an architect, and with good reason. The way most architects charge for their services is confusing.

Q: DEAR TIM: I think overhead garage storage is the answer to my clutter problem. There is a giant empty space over the hood of both cars in our wide garage. I need a do-it-yourself garage-storage system that will support furniture, boxes and other household items.

When it's time to rest from weeding and watering, consider some books on landscaping that will educate you about planting techniques, what to install and how to design.

Every gardener wants plants that perform well, that are hardy, pest-resistant and long-lived, as well as aesthetically pleasing. But how do you find such stars?

Q DEAR TIM: It is time for new laundry room cabinets at my home, but after looking at several designs, I have decided that my current laundry room layout is bad. I don't want to order new cabinets until I am sure the floor plan will work. What is involved in remodeling a laundry room? Do you have...

When working on your house in hot weather, take these precautions to protect your health and get better results.

Even though two-thirds of Americans now accept that global warming is a serious issue, the cause hasn't yet hit home for many.