National Homegarden

Hot Property: Aniston buys Bel-Air house

Leading lady Jennifer Aniston has bought a midcentury house in Bel-Air that was listed at $24.9 million.

Planting a garden? What's your rush?

"Slow Gardening: A No-Stress Philosophy for All Senses and Seasons" By Felder Rushing (Chelsea Green)

Home economics: Saving power costs in the house

Winter has been relatively mild and virtually snow-free so far in many regions. That's helped take the chill off utility costs. In fact, the people who monitor such things say electric bills are down, especially in areas like the mid-Atlantic.

http://standby.lbl.gov/faq.html)

Home and garden news and notes

WHAT'S NEW: SMOKE DETECTOR CALLS 911

Your Place: More about dampness in home near shore

In a recent column, a newly minted Jersey Shore homeowner asked for help making his damp abode drier.

Merleau Blue salvia offers garden excitement

Round flowers seem to dominate in the world of gardening, but it is the spiky blooms of a plant like the Merleau Blue salvia that grab the attention of friends and family. In addition to giving us the spiky texture that creates excitement, they also offer us some of the best choices in the treasured blue color.

Try houseplants as gifts for Valentine's Day and beyond

Why give fresh flowers for Valentine's Day, only to know they will soon die. Instead, give an easy-care houseplant that keeps on living and giving.

Edible landscaping takes food plants beyond bounds of vegetable patch

Food plants have jumped the fence from the kitchen garden.

He'll use it one of these days

Chef Eric Greenspan and his fiancee, Jamie Molever, share the kitchen of the future.

The case of the pooping cat

On the afternoon of Nov. 2, the case of Duke the Cat, described by his alleged victim "as the smartest cat that I've ever seen," ended up in Seattle Municipal Court.

Storms may have killed off many stink bugs

The combined fury of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee may have drowned much of the region's stink bug population, but scientists are still hesitant to say that homeowners will see fewer of them when the weather warms.

Arraignment for suspect in Calif. serial slayings is continued

Monday's arraignment for Itzcoatl Ocampo, an ex-Marine suspected of stabbing half a dozen people to death, was continued to March 16.

Ask Angie: Heating two-story homes

Dear Angie:

http://www.angieslist.com/

Hot property: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie sell Malibu house to Ellen De Generes

LOS ANGELES - In one of the more talked-about transactions in town, actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have sold their Malibu beach house to daytime host and comedian Ellen De Generes for $12 million.

DNA key in homeless-killings case

SANTA ANA, Calif. - A "significant DNA link" convinced prosecutors Friday to drop charges against a man accused of murdering his mother and older brother last October and instead has connected suspected serial killer Itzcoatl Ocampo to the crimes.

U.N. investigator aids homeless cause in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In 2009, they caught Oprah Winfrey's attention.

Energy truths: Small changes can pay off big

So what does save energy in a home?

Energy mythbusting: The truth about those energy-saving tips

You've read the energy-saving tips. You've armed yourself with caulk. You're ready to do some serious damage to your gas and electric bills.

Home and garden news and notes

WHAT'S NEW: SPECIAL SINGER HARKS TO EARLY SEWING MACHINES

Your Place: Things to consider when replacing a furnace

The winter has been virtually snowless, but the temperatures haven't been high enough to give your furnace a three-month vacation.

http://www.marble-institute.com/consumers/stains.cfm,

Diggin In: Beak by beak, the Backyard Bird Count tallies feathered friends