It was developed in the Netherlands and commercialized in England, yet it’s as American as a plant can get. Ketchup ‘n’ Fries is a plant that’s been grafted to bear cherry tomatoes on top and white potatoes beneath the soil, and it’s making its way to home gardens in the United States.The plant debuted i

When Raili Clasen needed doors for several rooms in the house she shared with her husband, Ryan, and youngest son, Rees, she went for something unconventional: barn doors. She patterned them after the traditional, massive wooden doors that use wheels on a visible track to slide open or closed sideways, but updated them to suit the relaxed and co

What’s wonderful about design is it doesn’t always have to be expensive to look expensive. If you’re looking for affordable ways to spruce up your pad this winter or get a jump start on a spring redesign, here are some affordable Design Recipes ideas, all under $10. 1. A RECLAIMED WOOD DOOR AS A HEADBOARD Full sla

Q. After all the rains last season, I finally decided to check my foundation to see if there was any water. I was surprised to find several pools of water and even more surprised to see black mold and rot on the floor of my home. When I removed some of the insulation, it was soaking wet. I have a pump in the foundation, but I never noticed it

The wet December California enjoyed gave us a little breathing room in terms of the oppressive drought we’ve been facing over the past four years. Unfortunately, January has been unusually dry and we need to consider the real possibility that this drought will continue into 2015. Now is the time to reconsider what we expect our land

For the first time in six years, Energy Star certification, a standard seal of approval for energy efficiency, has been expanded to include another major household appliance. Clothes dryers, perhaps the last of the major household appliances to be included in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s program, became available in 4

Q. I remember seeing a really nice flowering tree called mescal bean when I visited the UC Riverside Botanic Garden. What can you tell me about it and where can I get one? A. Mescal bean, Sophora secundiflora, may be considered a large shrub or small tree. It grows slowly and may ultimately reach 25 feet in height. It tend

Q. How much can I expect to pay to have my wood fireplace converted to gas? Our house is about 30 years old. The bottom of the fireplace looks like it’s easily accessed through the basement. The conversion would involve running 30 to 50 feet of gas line. A. I imagine you’re warming to the idea of a fireplace that

In one wing of the Leatherby Libraries at Chapman University, there are two walls filled with botanical paintings and drawings devoted to a subject not commonly found in other types of art: legumes. Most of us know what the edible legumes – peas, lentils, peanuts and soybeans – look like, but “An Illuminating Look a

At the corner of Main and Third streets sits one of the best-kept design secrets in downtown Santa Ana: elegant jewelbox meets unstuffy gourmet dining. That changed on Feb. 25 when the national spotlight shone on Little Sparrow as it competed in “Best New Restaurant,” a new Bravo series hosted by Tom Colicchio of “Top Chef.&rdq

Don’t get up – here’s a candle you can put out from across the room. Luminara’s flameless, remote-controlled candles are either a brilliant invention – effortlessly switched on (so no rifling around for a lighter or matches); long-lasting; impervious to sudden gusts of wind or flame-extinguishing sneezes &nda

Q. I’ve been growing tomatoes for the past two years with disappointing results. The plants themselves grew well and made tomatoes, but the bottoms of the tomatoes were brown and dry. I’m discouraged but ready to try one more time. What should I do to prevent another disappointing crop? A. You just described blos

This spring, as you contemplate planting season and changes to your landscape, strive to make the garden one of participation. This is the ultimate in design and enjoyment. By participation you might think I am referring to the outdoor cooking area or perhaps the fort or treehouse where the children play. Both of these could certainly be

Our homes are sacred places where we restore and reinvigorate ourselves. I’ve found that for a home to fill you to the brim, it needs to be a place where you feel fully yourself. They key to creating a haven is to thoughtfully decorate so your spaces reflect your unique personality, passions and lifestyle. There are lots of design t

Q. I really like the farmhouse-style kitchen sinks, but I don’t want to spend extra money just for good looks. Are there any practical advantages as well with a farmhouse kitchen sink over a standard kitchen sink? A. Farmhouse-style (or apron-front) kitchen sinks date back to when plumbing was young. I bring this point