• More save grocery money by planting gardens
We start 2009 licking our collective wounds, and it has little to do with New Year's celebrations or the Detroit Lions.

• Flying rock salt sprays floundering plants
Budget cuts will reduce how much rock salt is used on Michigan roads this season, which, unfortunately, coincides with predictions of another severe winter.

• Care for mower now saves headaches later
Welcome to the first day of winter, which also signals only four shopping days left until Christmas.

• Think safety first with holiday decorating
For about five weeks a year, more than 3.5 million conifers are dispatched with a handsaw or chainsaw to bring Christmas cheer home.