Lifestyle

  Starting Jan. 1, 2024, a new state law will prohibit the sale of specific mercury-containing fluorescent lightbulbs in Vermont. Restrictions include the sale of general purpose, indoor/outdoor, residential, and business mercury-containing four-foot linear, compact fluorescent, and twist-based fluorescent lightbulbs. Twist-based (GU-24) Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) are also restricted from sale, according to a Nov. 14 news…

  Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) launches 18-month program pairing energy services business owners with business coaches to address workforce challenges, strategic planning and project management. VSJF, in collaboration with Efficiency Vermont and its Energy Excellence Network, is launching an advanced business assistance program for Vermont energy professionals. Starting in January 2024, a cohort of…

Courtesy Nathan Mostroeni, Sotheby’s International Realty A  home on Trailside Drive in Killington was listed for $2.49 million on Nov. 20, just after a home on Trailsdie Drive broke a record in Killington, when it sold for $3.75 million.      By Katy Savage Housing prices continue to break records in Killington. In October, a…

By Nadie VanZandt When planning this year’s vegetable garden, consider companion planting with flowers and herbs. It’s a rewarding way to attract pollinators, manage pests and promote biodiversity in your garden. The practice will improve your soil’s health and the quality of your harvest. As an added benefit, you might enjoy gathering bouquets of fresh-cut…

By Bonnie Kirn Donahue Bonnie Kirn Donahue is a UVM extension master gardener and landscape architect from central Vermont.  One of the great joys and challenges of gardening is seeing creatures inhabit and eat from our gardens. However, in some cases, animals and insects are unwelcome visitors.  Woodchucks, deer and cabbage worms can be relentless…

By Vern Grubinger Blueberries are a popular backyard fruit. Once established, they will provide lots of delicious, healthy berries for many decades with proper care. To succeed with blueberries, plant winter-hardy varieties and maintain soil pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Mulch every few years with several inches of wood chips or sawdust. Apply a non-nitrate…

False hellebore is a poisonous lookalike If you are outdoors foraging for wild leeks, also known as ramps (Allium tricoccum), health officials want you to be sure you don’t mistake the ramps for a poisonous lookalike plant called false hellebore, pronounced faals heh-luh-bor. The young leaves of American false hellebore (Veratrum viride) can resemble the edible…

  Proceeds benefit the Springfield Humane Society  Saturday, April 29, at 3 p.m.—SPRINGFIELD— Head to the Great Hall in Springfield this Saturday from 3-7 p.m., to enjoy art, live music, entertainment, appetizers, beverages, and learn about the Springfield Humane Society’s mission, present state, and future.  “We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves,” the…

By Andrea Knepper Editor’s note: Andrea Knepper is a UVM Extension master gardener from Bolton.   Many gardeners find ways to invite beneficial insects into their spaces by planting native pollinator plants, mulching and avoiding pesticide use. Another way to support a healthy beneficial insect community is a bug hotel.  Bug hotels provide a variety of…

  There are simple steps you can take to minimize the spread of disease  As more people start raising their own backyard chickens — whether to enjoy the ultimate in local eggs, or just for fun — it’s important to know the health risks associated with poultry so you can take basic steps to protect…

By Jodi Larison Plant materials have been used to solve crimes on television shows, in books and in real life. The use of plant materials in solving crimes is called forensic botany. Plant materials that have been utilized in solving crimes have included flowers, fruits, leaves, pollen, seeds and wood. From his novel “Fruits of…

By Paula Townsend Editor’s note: Townsend is the manager of Kedron Valley Boarding in Woodstock. At Kedron Valley Boarding, grooming and Daycare in Woodstock, we’re here to help ensure your dog’s physical and mental health all winter long.  Just like people, animals need physical and mental activity, and good hygiene to look and feel their…

By Deborah J. Benoit Deborah J. Benoit is a UVM extension master gardener from North Adams, Massachusetts, who is part of the Bennington County Chapter. Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate a return to gardening than to share its magic with children? It’s not too early to start planning now.…

By Bonnie Kirn Donahue Bonnie Kirn Donahue is a UVM Extension master gardener and landscape designer from central Vermont. Winter in New England brings snow, ice and…salt. Salt can be a great asset in the winter for deicing roads and walkways. Salt prevents ice from forming by lowering the freezing point of water, creating safer…

By Deborah J. Benoit  Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) have been on our tables and in our gardens for so long, it's nearly impossible to think of them as growing in the wild. Once upon a time they did just that.  That's not to say that a typical supermarket tomato or a tasty, red Mortgage Lifter or…