Life

Energy Adviser: Save money by putting solar to work

Investing in solar energy may not be top of mind for many here in the Pacific Northwest, and a price tag that can top $40,000 would be enough to give many homeowners pause. But for some local folks, a mix of federal and state incentives and a desire to help the environment offset the initial investment.

Garden Life: Trimming can revitalize rhododendrons

Instead of tearing out that overgrown rhododendron, this may be the year to practice your pruning techniques. Established rhododendrons can be quite lovely plants, especially when trained as a small tree. Take the time to limb branches from the bottom up. Limbing simply refers to cutting the branches off with a pruning saw where they connect to the trunk or another main branch. Thin out higher branches for an open, airy look.

A green place to call home

Bellevue couple built sustainably for themselves and to teach others

SEATTLE — Before she got into the construction business 41 years ago, Donna Shirey was a teacher.

Garden calendar

A weekly listing of gardening events in Clark County.

Ask the gardening expert

I live in Central Oregon and roses are very expensive in our market place, so I have started some roses from seed and want to use them as a hedge when they are ready. How long will it be before I can plant my hedge? Also could you suggest how I might winter them over?

Pit bull who bit Hazel Dell girl set to be euthanized

The pit bull that bit a 3-year-old Hazel Dell girl will be euthanized at the end of the month. The dog's owner, a woman from Ridgefield, turned the dog over to Clark County Animal Control and Protection, which put the dog on a 10-day quarantine.

Monroe's photos for Prague exhibition stolen

PRAGUE — A publicist for an upcoming Marilyn Monroe exhibition in Prague says that photographs of the star have been stolen.

Money raised to keep Portland police on horses

PORTLAND — The Portland mayor's office says the police Mounted Patrol Unit would survive this year if a private fundraising effort comes up with $200,000 in support.

Everybody has a story: Rooster ruled the yard on family's farm

In 1932, when I was 3 years old, Mama's garden at our Nebraska farmhouse was important. Laid out in rows and plowed free of weeds and crabgrass, it was planted with a selection of vegetables. The yield meant my family rarely bought food. The bounty grew, poured into the kitchen and was canned, preserved and sometimes given away. Since my siblings, Hobart and Sara Ann, did lots of the work, they had an interest in the harvested crop. Hobart and Sara Ann kept a watchful eye, and anything amiss inside the garden's tight fence was attended to.