Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

West Simsbury, Conn. | $619,900A 1788 house with four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, on a 1.4-acre lot

In its early years, this house was a stagecoach stop for travelers passing through this part of Connecticut, about 15 miles from Hartford and 30 miles from Springfield, Mass. The house is well preserved, with its original mantels and moldings in several of the main living spaces. It is within walking distance of a small shopping center, a post office and the Tulmeadow Farm Store, a popular spot to buy seasonal produce, baked goods and freshly made ice cream. A number of schools are within a five-minute drive, including public elementary and high schools, a private school for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and an all-girls school for sixth through 12th grades.

Size: 4,419 square feet

Price per square foot: $140

Indoors: From the street, a driveway leads to the back of the house and the attached three-car garage.

The front door, set in the middle of the facade, opens into a foyer with wide-plank hardwood floors and one of two staircases leading to the second level.

To the right is a sitting area with a fireplace and paneling painted a shade of blue that might have been used in the late 18th century, when the house was built. A door on one side of the room leads to a study with a built-in window bench. To the right of the study is a large family room with a fireplace, exposed beams and glass doors that open to the backyard, part of a 1985 addition.

To the left of the front door is a dining room with a fireplace and a custom-made cabinet designed to hold the sellers collection of antique tin. Through the dining room is the kitchen, which also connects to the study. A fireplace on one side of the kitchen is original, as are the exposed ceiling beams; the room is large enough to hold a dining table and a sitting area. Off the kitchen is an enclosed sunroom with brick floors, as well as a powder room and several closets.

Stairs in the family room lead to the primary suite on the second level, part of the 1985 addition. The spacious bedroom has a fireplace and overlooks the grounds; across the landing is the primary bathroom.

Two corridors extend off the primary suite: One provides access to the second staircase and to a guest room; the other leads to another guest room and a bathroom.

The fourth bedroom and its en suite bathroom are at the end of the main hallway on the second level, a few paces down from the primary suite.

The finished basement is accessible from the kitchen, and could be used as a media room or a playroom.

Outdoor space: A brick patio off the family room faces the large backyard, landscaped with grass, neat hedges and mature trees.

Taxes: $13,164 (estimated)

Contact: Geena Becker, Geena & Company, William Raveis Luxury Properties, 860-983-4446; raveis.com

The seat of Loudoun County, Leesburg has a historic downtown district that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Much of the quaint downtown is within walking distance of this house, and Loudoun Street, a major thoroughfare with a brewery, several coffee shops and bakeries, well reviewed restaurants and the town hall, is a few blocks away.

Washington is about an hours drive, and housing prices in Leesburg are considerably lower than in closer suburbs like Arlington and Alexandria, making the town appealing to those who work in the nations capital.

Size: 1,962 square feet

Price per square foot: $313

Indoors: This house is one of several in a new development of brick rowhouses designed to evoke traditional Federal-style homes.

The front door opens to a staircase that leads to the main living area on the second level. The sitting area at the front of the house has a sleek fireplace and street-facing windows, as well as an exposed-brick wall and hardwood floors that run to the back of the living space on the other side of the house.

The open kitchen has new stainless-steel appliances, white wood cabinets and space for a dining table next to doors that open to a balcony. Between the sitting area and the kitchen is a half bathroom.

Two of the bedrooms are on the third floor. The primary bedroom, which faces the back of the property, has carpeted floors and a walk-in closet; the en suite bathroom has a double vanity and a walk-in shower with gray tile and black-metal hardware. At the other end of the hall is a guest room with an en suite bathroom that has a single vanity and a combination tub and shower.

On the fourth floor is an open loft-style space, with an exposed-brick wall, a wet bar with a mini-refrigerator and a double-sided fireplace that warms the terrace outside as well. The third bedroom is also on this level; next door is a full bathroom.

Outdoor space: The balcony off the kitchen is big enough to hold a cafe table and chairs. The roof deck with the fireplace on the level above is big enough for a table and additional outdoor furniture, and has easy access to the fourth floors wet bar and bathroom. The attached garage at the back of the entry level holds two cars.

Taxes: $6,111 (estimated), plus an $85 monthly homeowner association fee

Contact: Vicky Noufal, Platinum Group Real Estate at Pearson Smith Realty, 703-402-5416; goplatinumgroup.com

Vestavia Hills, named after the estate of a former Birmingham mayor, has about 40,000 residents, many of whom commute 15 minutes into downtown Birmingham. The suburbs public schools are a huge draw for many families: One of the elementary schools is a Blue Ribbon school, and the local high school, about five miles away, is known for its debate team.

Several shopping centers are within a five-minute drive, affording easy access to grocery stores, a movie theater and a large hardware store. The University of Alabama at Birmingham is less than 10 minutes away by car.

Size: 2,866 square feet

Price per square foot: $216

Indoors: A paved path leads from the sidewalk to the front stoop; a driveway runs alongside it, from the street to the garage.

The green front door swings open into a foyer with hardwood floors and a staircase that has a simple iron banister. To the right is a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the front yard.

The hardwood floors continue from the foyer, through the dining room and into an open kitchen with granite counters, stainless-steel appliances, a breakfast bar that seats three and a dining nook near backyard-facing windows.

The kitchen is open to a living room with a fireplace and more windows overlooking the backyard. Off to one side is a door to a screened porch with a stone fireplace.

Also on this level is a dedicated home office, just off the entry, as well as a powder room between the dining room and the kitchen.

Three of the four bedrooms are on the second floor. The primary suite, at one end of the hall, has carpeted floors and a large en suite bathroom with a shower and a deep soaking tub. The other two bedrooms, at the opposite end of the hall, are connected by a full bathroom.

The top floor functions as a guest suite, with a full bathroom and windows facing the front and rear yards. It could be converted into two bedrooms or a bedroom and playroom.

Outdoor space: A deck outside the screened porch has a barbecue hookup, a built-in sink and plenty of space for a dining table. The lawn in the backyard slopes down to a low rock wall and an area that could be a garden. The attached garage holds two cars and has an area that could be turned into a home gym.

Taxes: $3,108 (estimated)

Contact: Brian Boehm and Mimi Nolen, The Boehm Nolen Group, Realty South, 205-238-8154; greateralabamamls.com

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What $620,000 Buys You in Connecticut, Virginia and Alabama - The New York Times

This magnificent 9,000 square foot estate sits on 1.5 gorgeous acres. From the moment you enter from the foyer, you will be enthralled with the countless upgrades and exquisite finishes.This dream home is perfect for creating life long memories. The Hearth rm w/wet bar & gas fp leads to the Designer eat in kitchen including:custom cabinetry,Viking stove,Fisher& Paykal and Kitchen Aid dishwashers,3 Subzero Fridge/freeezer, Kitchen Aid double ovens &warming drawer &double islands w/full view of the Sunroom.The Sunrm includes WOLF INDOOR GRILL,Fisher&Paykal dishwasher,GE Monogram double fridge&wine coolers,wet bar,wd burning stone fp.w/pizza oven.Vaulted Primary Ensuite addition (new carpet) is a staycation dream:access to private patio,2 walk in closets(new carpet),luxury bath(tv on mirror)& INDOOR exercise pool.2nd floor has an additional ensuite,3 full baths & 4bedrms.LL Fam rm has an exercise area & full bath.Outdoor salt water pool & patio have irrigated landscaped gardens & 3car gar

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6 Bedroom Home in Town And Country - $1,899,000 | | stltoday.com - STLtoday.com

Come take a look, before you miss your opportunity! This China Grove home features lovely wood floors in all bedrooms and living spaces, a formal living room, dining room with kitchen access, and a split bedroom plan for added privacy. The spacious primary bedroom boasts an en suite bathroom with dual sinks, garden tub, and separate shower, and a generous walk-in closet for clothes and extra storage. This charming home has been freshly painted throughout for the new owner (December 2021). The covered rocking chair front porch is the perfect place to unwind after a long day and the backyard offers a great space for entertaining friends and family. You'll enjoy the best of both worlds; a quiet street AND a location that's minutes from shopping, schools, and major highways. The only thing needed to make this home complete is you.

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Newly listed homes for sale in the Cabarrus County area - Independent Tribune

Built in 1937 by the founder of Burlington Industries, this magnificent Georgian has remained an icon of the Old Irving Park neighborhood. Sited on over three acres. In the late 1990's the house underwent a total renovation by the present owner. The main house features Grand Foyer, Formal Living & Dining Rooms, Sunroom, Library, Kitchen, Butler Pantries, Morning Room, Six Bedrooms, inclusive of a magnificent primary suite with his & hers dressing rooms, baths. Lower level with Sauna, hot tub, bedroom, bath, exercise room & mechanical room. Pool House with two kitchens, two living areas & three bedrooms. The Cottage has open kitchen & living area, massive fireplace, two bedrooms and two baths. Carriage House with living area, kitchen, bedroom & bath. Gazebo, Tennis Court & open air breeze back grounds overlooking beautifully maintained gardens. Picturesque park like grounds face Greensboro Country Club golf course.

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Historical homes you can own in the Greensboro area - Greensboro News & Record

Refined, classic home in an exclusive private setting on a gated Frontenac lane. Custom built by Johnson Homes, the property features keynotes of a 3-level floating staircase, unique architectural details, marble and job finished wood floors, a 3-level elevator, newer roof, garage doors & openers, and a finished lower level. An expansive Higginbotham addition is an all-inclusive apartment above the 4-car garage, elevator ready, with separate entrance and security system. A Main level primary suite features see-thru fireplace, private sunroom, and deck access. The luxe bath has jet tub, walk-in shower, vault ceilings, double vanity, and room-size organized closet. Kitchen outfitted in 2 islands, breakfast room and hearth room detailed with a star in inlaid flooring. 3 suites on level 2, one of which can be another primary suite. Oversize lower level with full kitchen, bar, exercise/party room, media & billiard rooms, and sleeping area w/full bath. New price is below current appraisal.

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5 Bedroom Home in St Louis - $1,995,000 | | stltoday.com - STLtoday.com

Trees are an important part of any landscape, but its important to do your research before planting anything. Beasley recommends that homeowners particularly look out for any trees with leaves or flowers that might create a mess in the yard.

Some trees just tend to be messier than others, he said. Constant leaf rain is not something that will positively attract a potential homebuyer. When fall comes, they will just know it will give them a hard time.

Trees to stay away from include oak, female Ginkgo biloba, sweet gum, locust tree and Eastern white pine. These messy trees can decrease your curb appeal, and removal can set you back a hefty sum, depending on the trees size, Beasley said. Instead, choose an alternative tree, like an Eastern red cedar, crepe myrtle or Colorado blue spruce.

Save Money: 30 Ways To Upgrade Your Home Without Blowing Your Budget

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20 Home Renovations That Will Hurt Your Home's Value - GOBankingRates

Overseeing the gardens of a city museum is a somewhat atypical post in the gardening world, but a fantastic one (as head gardener at Londons Garden Museum, I should know). Horticulture is combined with history, education and storytelling, which inform plant choices, design and presentation. Errol Fernandes, head of horticulture at south Londons Horniman Museum and Gardens, which houses the collection of the 19th-century tea trader Frederick John Horniman says conversations with visitors regularly stray beyond gardening into the realms of art, collections and curation.

Fernandes, who took on the role last spring, oversees 16 acres of tropical, medicinal and rockery plantings, mature trees and large areas of parkland grass. He draws inspiration not only from his horticultural studies and experience, but a background in art and curation (he initially studied fine art, painting and photography). A painters eye, therefore, informs his approach to planting and garden maintenance.

We meet on a gloriously bright, late-autumn morning in the museums award-winning Grasslands Garden, designed by plantsman and Olympic Park landscape designer James Hitchmough to reflect North American and South African native prairies. Fernandes is busy editing the garden in preparation for winter. Traditionally, perennials are cut back entirely to ground level in autumn, or in early spring ahead of new shoots. However, Fernandes argues that, with considered editing, these gardens can be enjoyed throughout the winter.

Though we keep as much in place for wildlife as possible, were also cutting away bits that are letting down the picture, he says, indicating a section recently worked on: an array of shimmering ornamental grasses and perennials that have lignified (grown woody), glowing gold, silver and maroon-pink. In the past, these beds were left until February, but were recognising that there is a balance between naturalistic planting looking intended and looking unkempt. I think its really important to step back and observe.

Describing his approach to composition, Fernandes uses terms more common in photography and painting: apical points, triangular repetition, aspiring towards a sense of balance. Were all very used to pointing our camera at things and I encourage my team to do the same to imagine the viewfinder and assess whats spoiling that image. Has a plant collapsed? Is there something theres too much of? You want the plants to be able to jostle together but not outcompete each other, so close attention to what is happening on the ground is important, too.

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He sees the autumn into winter period as a time of adjustments, where he might chop back a plant if its flopping too much and let others die back gradually to prolong interest. I think the contemporary horticulturist looks at structure and form in a different way. We are looking at seed heads, sepia tones. We often talk about how a plant dies does it die gracefully? Thats really important here.

In the Grassland Garden, tall seeding plumes of goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) and wild quinine (Parthenium integrifolium) contrast with the darker tones of echinacea and false indigo (Baptisia australis); the sharp outline of the tall sea holly (Eryngium yuccifolium) sits against feathery bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium) all perennials with fantastic winter attributes. Its important to have species that provide contrast, says Fernandes, and a good range of textures, too, from soft to rigid and spiky.

Before turning to professional gardening, Fernandes worked in fashion editorial then in outreach roles at the Tate and the V&A, before doing an MA in art psychotherapy. Being introduced to horticultural therapy inspired him to retrain as a gardener, studying at Capel Manor College in Enfield, on the edge of north London.

The course offered Fernandes a sense of belonging: It felt like, finally, this was where I needed to be. This is what my passion is. After graduating, however, he was surprised at how hard it was to secure a horticultural traineeship. I attended interview after interview. Many national, leading horticultural institutions repeatedly fed back that it had been between me and an equally strong candidate; my college tutor was scratching his head saying: Why arent they giving it to you? It just felt odd that it was such a struggle.

He eventually landed a traineeship at the esteemed Chelsea Physic Garden and went on to work at Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath before joining the Horniman. However, his experiences have led him to question a lack of diversity in horticulture (he is a British-born Asian of British immigrant parents from Africa). Fernandes grew up with an interest in it his mother was a florist. But I couldnt imagine myself in that profession; I didnt see anybody like me a person of colour within it.

This is a complex issue, he says, and deeply rooted. My mum used to take us to various houses and gardens, and sometimes wed get quite a frosty reception. We knew what it was about, though my mum tried to shield us. I think the industry, and society as a whole, often find it difficult to imagine people from diverse backgrounds working in horticulture, particularly in higher-level positions. In a strange way Ive had to fight through my own bias to be here.

But there are encouraging signs, he says. He recently met three young students of African and Afro-Caribbean descent at a Horniman gardening study day: I asked each of them about their journey into horticulture. It felt like a profound shift. Fernandess enthusiasm for making horticulture more inclusive and diverse is well suited to the Horniman, which is endeavouring to engage new audiences within its south London community.

Right now, his creative energy is turning to fresh projects in the garden plans for 2022 include planting a micro-forest to provide a green buffer between the gardens and the busy, polluting South Circular road; and an educational border filled with drought-tolerant plants. Reducing mowing to increase biodiversity is a priority roughly an acre of lawn is given over to long grass and mown paths as is a more sustainable approach to planting, with plans to replace the traditional annual bedding in the historic Sunken Garden with longer-term schemes.

Bedding is so wasteful, he says. The constant intervention that it requires has a negative effect on the health of the soil. So weve been thinking more carefully about what we plant now, including more perennial bulbs tulips, narcissus and hyacinth that can stay in the ground for two to three years.

Fernandes is also keen to deepen the link with the museums internal displays. Its extensive musical instrument collection is reflected through plantings such as bottle gourd (from which percussion instruments are made) and Arundo donax (used for woodwind reeds). Fernandes is now looking to interpret the taxidermy bird collection, with illustrative, informative new planting.

Gardening must continue to address issues such as sustainability and waste, and the challenge of our changing climate. But artistic vision can inspire change, too: there seems to be an increasing crossover between art and gardening, championed in recent years by galleries such as the Hepworth in Wakefield and Hauser & Wirth in Somerset (and before that Derek Jarmans Prospect Cottage in Kent). For me, gardening is an artistic, creative process, says Fernandes. I entered into it for love, and then passion got ignited.

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Ways of seeding: the designer changing the way we look at gardening - The Guardian

This would be a fascinating final-four showdown for Barty against another Roland Garros champion, last years victor Barbora Krejcikova. Theres a little bit of a pattern here Krejcikova, fresh off her Paris heroics, was one of the players the world No.1 beat at Wimbledon a few weeks later as Barty went on to accomplish a childhood dream by triumphing on the London grass. The right-handed Krejcikova has been making strong inroads in the womens game in recent times, her season-ending world No.5 coming off a ranking of 65 one year earlier.

MADISON KEYSAGE: 26COUNTRY: United StatesRANKING: 51SEEDING: n/aHEAD TO HEAD: Barty 2, Keys 1

Madison Keys used her big-hitting game to put the heat on Paula Badosa in the fourth round.Credit:Getty Images

This, too, would be a semi-final clash with plenty of appeal as American Keys has a wealth of experience at the majors that belies her current ranking. An Australian Open semi-finalist seven years ago, Keys has also gone deep at Roland Garros (2018 semi-finals), Wimbledon (2015 quarter-final) and on home turf at the US Open (2017 finalist). In some ways, of the three different players who could attempt to stop Barty from reaching Saturday nights final, Keys could be the most dangerous.

One of the following players will have the world No.1 in their sights if she wins through to Saturday nights title showdown.

DANIELLE COLLINSAGE: 28COUNTRY: United StatesRANKING: 30SEED: 27HEAD TO HEAD: Barty 3, Collins 1Made the semi-final of the Australian Open in 2019 and is a ferocious competitor who claimed titles on Italian clay and American hard courts last year. Her trainer and partner is Tom Couch, the son of the late AFL Brownlow Medallist and Geelong champion Paul Couch. Beat Elise Mertens in three sets on Monday to make the quarters.

ALIZE CORNETAGE: 32COUNTRY: FranceRANKING: 61SEED: N/AHEAD TO HEAD: Barty 1, Cornet 1.The veteran showed her resilience with a come-from-behind win over 29th seed Tamara Zidansek in scorching heat to make the fourth round, and provided one of the upsets of the Open when she toppled dual grand slam winner Simona Halep on Monday.

IGA SWIATEKCOUNTRY: PolandAGE: 20RANKING: 9SEED: 7HEAD TO HEAD: Barty 2, Swiatek 0The 2020 French Open champion plays an aggressive style of tennis and hadnt dropped a set leading into the fourth round clash with Sorana Cirstea. Cirstea took the first set of their clash on Monday night but Swiatek fought back to take the victory and keep her title hopes alive.

KAIA KANEPICOUNTRY: EstoniaAGE: 36RANKING: 115SEED: N/AHEAD TO HEAD: Barty 1, Kanepi 0The Estonian veteran knocked out Australian wildcard Madison Inglis in the third round. She backed that up with a victory over Aryna Sabalenka on Monday night. Sabalenka, the world No.2, has been battling a dreadful case of the serving yips recently and is yet to make a grand slam final. But a fascinating rivalry had developed between Sabalenka and Barty and Kanepis upset win takes the Belarusian off the board.

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The players who could stop Ashleigh Barty from reaching the womens final - The Age

Gardening season has been put to bed for winter, but you may still have questions. For answers, turn to Ask an Expert, an online question-and-answer tool from Oregon State Universitys Extension Service. OSU Extension faculty and Master Gardeners reply to queries within two business days, usually less. To ask a question, simply go to the OSU Extension website, type it in, and include the county where you live. Here are some questions asked by other gardeners. Whats yours?

Q: We have a previously very healthy hybrid maple (Acer saccharinum x rubrum) that appears to have developed a black weep and crack on the trunk.

We planted it in 2009 as a balled-and-burlaped nursery stock tree, and it has thrived until a year ago. (The trunk went from 2-inch diameter to about 15-inch diameter in 12 years.)

The weep developed after we had a professional pruning a little over a year ago. From what I can find on the internet (photos), it appears to be phytophthora fungal infection.

Is it possible to restore the trees health, or will the rot result in a potentially structurally unsafe tree over time? What should we look for in an arborist? I know you probably cannot point us to specific companies, but if you can give us a tip, thatd be really helpful. Multnomah County

A: Argh, that doesnt look good. But it may not be the end of the tree. Phytophthora is probably a pretty good guess, but there are several other possibilities. Here is a link to the PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook re: maple and phytophthora diseases.

This includes both cultural and chemical solutions, although chemical methods are generally protectants, there are phosphonate fungicides that appear to slow the phyphthora down.

First you may want to look at the drainage situation around the tree. Does it appear compacted and perhaps there is standing water a lot of the time? This can facilitate phytophthora. Is there any way to improve the drainage issue if you think it may be a problem?

Regarding arborists, you may want to try a consulting arborist one that can do diagnosis and recommend treatments, but wont be the one to do the treatments, so they are not likely to recommend things that arent absolutely needed.

Here is the PNW ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) website with a find an arborist page, with a directory.

In the directory, the arborists will note whether they are consulting arborists or not. Dave Shaw, OSU Extension forestry specialist

Apple treeOSU Extension Service

Q: I just noticed this as I started pruning my Liberty apple tree. What is it and how should I deal with it? The entire branch is nonproductive perhaps I should cut it back to the trunk?

A: This is likely apple anthracnose canker. Infection generally occurs during fall rains and first appears as a small, circular red spot on the bark; new cankers are most visible when the bark is moist. The discoloration extends into the tissue as far as the sapwood, which contains the functioning vascular tissue.

Disease management relies heavily on pruning out the cankers to remove the inoculum source. Stems or trees that are heavily infected with cankers should be removed from the orchard and burned. The mainstay of apple canker control is pruning out the cankers. If the canker pathogen is a fungus, prune off the cankers in early summer. After that, spray the area with a Bordeaux mixture or approved fixed copper materials. Since fungal cankers only attack apple trees suffering from drought or other cultural stress, you may be able to prevent these cankers by taking excellent care of the trees. Chris Rusch, OSU Extension Master Gardener

How is this conifer doing?OSU Extension Service

Q: Im not sure what the correct name is of this conifer. It looks nice on the outside, but underneath there is a lot of dry leaves. Last year it was the same. Is that normal? Should I do anything? Multnomah County

A: Actually, the conifer is in excellent condition. And thats in spite of the direct heat from it receives from both the west and the south; the limited rooting area; and the heat reflected from paving on two sides! The dense growth is simply shading out some of the interior growth, a normal occurrence. Such shade is not a problem and that sort of dead growth may be removed whenever it is seen, The only thing you need to do is to remove each brown branch at its source, but dont cut the brown off in such a way that leafless stubs remain. With conifers, bare branches dont re-sprout. Jean Natter, OSU Extension Master Gardener diagnostician

There are many azalea hybrids. This one is fragrant.OSU Extension Service

Q: Can you please tell me what type of plant this extremely fragrant, yellow-flowering bush is called? Linn County

A: This is an azalea (Rhododendron species). There are many azalea hybrids, so what species it is exactly is unclear. However, Rhododendron luteum would be a good guess as it is both yellow and perfumed. James Mickley, OSU Extension Herbarium curator and instructor

Either seeds or seedlings can be planted in a straw bale garden. Oregonian file photo. Marv Bondarowicz/staff

Q: Can I set straw bales up in February for the rain to soak them then fertilize two weeks prior to planting in April? Lane County

A: That will usually work. Often in the first year the first planting is done in a trench in the bale with fertilizer. Adding fertilizer now will also help prepare the bed. The straw breakdown creates some heat from composting once temps reach into the mid-50-60s. Pat Patterson, OSU Extension horticulturist, retired

ClematisOSU Extension Service

Q: The photo Ive attached show a clematis vine on an L-shaped trellis (I dont recall the plant variety). I have another, too. They were planted about two years ago and never bloomed very well (probably due to my lack of care!)

They began blooming this year in early to mid-April. The best blooming plant faces south (but my house is about 25 feet away) and only has growth at the base and at the top (no growth in the middle). The other struggling plant faces west, but is shaded in the afternoon by another wing of my house, but it has absolutely no growth from the base to the top, and is only flowering at the top.

The plants get about six hours of sun. I dont know if I should prune it, and if so how much and when? What would cause the bare portions of the stems? I have not fertilized it. Washington County

A: Some clematis literally jump out of the ground the spring after they are planted whereas others slog along, takingseveral years to gear up. Those available with their rootball wrapped in plastic are often sluggish. Except for the bare stems, yours currently look fine.

I doubt theres anything to be concerned about as long as the bare portions didnt have leaf spots or other problems. Clematis growing in clay-based soil seldom need additional fertilizer, but may do well with a boost after they are pruned.

Clematis thrive with annual pruning, with the timing varying according to the group the clematis belongs to. In general, a useful guideline is after bloom. A practice that works well with large-flowered spring-bloomers such as yours is to cut back the stems to about 12 inches, then wait for the abundant new growth that will support next years flowers.

You can fertilize after pruning to help the clematis put on new growth. If it has a second bloom later in the year, dont prune again. A second bloom is likely to be less showy than the first. Youll find lots of clematis info, with the bulk of the basics on the first several pages, here: A Clematis for Every Garden

-- Jean Natter, OSU Extension Master Gardener diagnostician

Shiny geranium (Oregon State University)LC-

Q: My yard is mostly shady. It was invaded by shiny geranium (Geranium lucidum) about two years ago. We can keep it out of the raised flower beds pretty well but the lawn is awful. Weve tried heat killing it with black plastic (reused) tarps. It works, but they just re-invade. We dont want to use Roundup. We are not physically capable of hoeing them myself anymore and the yard guy is understandably reluctant to keep fighting such a tedious battle. What other options are there? Clackamas County

A: Shiny Geranium is an aggressive and tenacious invasive weed. It sets so many seeds that areas with the plants develop a heavy seed bank in the soil. There are details offered in some resources Ill share, yet the basics are control it twice a year, cover the seeds with deep mulch to inhibit germination and establish plants to cover or inhibit the geraniums growth.

In the lawn your strategy could include regular mowing to reduce seeding and keeping the turf very healthy. This means appropriate fertilization, mowing, watering and rejuvenation when the grass thins.

Healthy lawns require sunshine, though. Is there a way to get more sun to the area? Alternatively, other plantings might be a solution. Or regular organic mulch application?

Heres a prior answer about shiny geranium options.This Oregonian article has Extension Service information. And,thisposting from King County in Washington is fairly detailed. Learninghow and wherethe plant grows is useful when needing to disrupt it. Jacki Dougan, OS Extension Master Gardener

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Ask an expert: There may be help for this maple with possible root rot - OregonLive

Clapham Common will welcome a large butterfly meadow in the coming months as part of a new environmental initiative.

The project is being primarily funded by Wild Clapham, a charity organisation set up by The Clapham Society and Friends of Clapham Common, with the aim of increasing biodiversity on the Common as well as bringing the local community closer to its growing wildlife population.

Already, Wild Clapham has completed a number of projects throughout the Common, planting 72 trees in 2021 and introducing large areas of scrubland with indigenous shrubs that provide an ideal habitat for bees and butterflies.

The significance of their new conservation project lies in the reality that 76% of the UKs resident and regular migrant species of butterfly are currently in decline due to shifting patterns of climate and weather, as well as deterioration and destruction of habitat.

This is of great concern, not just for the butterfly species itself, but for the state of the environment as a whole, as butterflies are important indicators of more general biodiversity issues.

Adrian Darley, a member of the Wild Clapham committee who also runs a volunteer group for the wildlife area on the Common said: Ive lived locally for about 30 years and looking back on that period, Clapham Common was always great if you wanted to kick a football around, but really very low in biodiversity terms.

For the most part, the Common is made up of amenity grassland with either flat grass or tree trunks covering around 80% of its surface, meaning it offers little for the surrounding wildlife.

The conservation project will involve removing around six inches of topsoil, before seeding the ground which will result in the growth of wildflowers.

According to Darley, this new project will also positively impact the local community in terms of mental health:

Since the beginning of the pandemic more people have been working from home and, as a result of this, are keen to spend their free time in the fresh air.

This butterfly conservation project were working on will provide a dual benefit: not only will it improve biodiversity in Clapham Common, the increase in wildlife will also be more interesting and enjoyable for people to look at.

Gareth James, a member of Friends of Clapham Common, who also sits on the Wild Clapham committee said:

The butterfly meadow will take a year or two to establish, but once it is up and running it will be really educational for both children, as well as grown-ups, to experience, and it will really help our declining butterfly and moth species.

Lambeth Council have given their support for the project to go ahead and work will begin in March on the meadow which is to be located on the north edge of Windmill Drive.

Image credit: Wikimedia commons

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Butterfly conservation project planned for Clapham Common - South West Londoner