Lifestyle

Houseplant experts say to check a Christmas cactus’s leaves, stems, buds and compost before buying. Here are signs of condition to look for.

Paperwhites typically bloom four to six weeks after planting. A flower farmer recommends starting by mid-November for Christmas flowers.

Rain-soaked seed can spoil in feeders. Learn when to discard it, how to clean feeders and practical ways to keep seed dry this fall.

Plant paperwhite bulbs about four to six weeks before flowering is wanted. Learn soil and pebble methods, timing, and ways to support stems.

Gardening Know How reports Home Depot discounts on seven evergreen shrubs, including arborvitae, boxwood, holly, azalea and wintercreeper.

Neighbours can complain about intrusive security lights, but a complaint alone does not mean the light is unlawful or must be removed.

Planet Natural advises leaving loose powder and ice alone, gently lifting only loose wet snow from reachable shrubs, and avoiding unsafe work.

Gardening Know How spotlights Lilium ‘Nightrider,’ a purple-black lily suited to sunny or lightly shaded gardens and summer displays.

Gardening Know How recommends pressing a small amount of unsalted fat into tree bark to give smaller songbirds another way to feed in cold weather.

Salvia winter care depends on the variety and local climate. Learn when to prune, how to mulch, and what remains unknown in the source report.