LANDSCAPING IDEAS THATREQUIRE MINIMAL WATER BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT Living in a drought-ridden area doesn’t mean you can’t still have a beautiful landscape that provides privacy, shelter, curb appeal, and a beautiful place to unwind. Xeriscaping (creating gardens that thrives on minimal water) is the name of the game. It’s also wise to plant native plants that are well adapted to our growing conditions. Beyond that, consider these eight tips. LESS LAWN Lawns are water guzzle

HERBS AND LEAFY GREENS SHINE IN THESE VIBRANT RECIPES BY JENNIFER BAJSEL SHRIMP PASTA WITH SPINACH ARTICHOKE PESTO SERVINGS: 5 | PREP: 2 HRS. 20 MIN. | COOK: 45 MIN. | TOTAL: 3 HRS. 5 MIN. INGREDIENTS: 16 oz. Rotini Pasta | 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided | 1 lb. 16/20 jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined | 1 lemon, juiced | 14 oz. can artichoke hearts | Spinach Artichoke Pesto | Salt as needed Pesto: 10 oz. Spinach | ½ cup Walnuts | 1 cup extra virgin olive oil | 14 oz. ca

FUN & FUNCTION OF HEIRLOOM PLANTS BY MIMI GREENWOOD-KNIGHT Best-selling author Michael Pollan famously wrote, “Don’t eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.” If I may, I’d expand that thought to gardening: Why plant something your great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as a plant? Many plants sold today are developed so home gardeners can’t reliably save seeds from one season to grow the same plants the next or enjoy swapping seeds with fellow gardeners

GOOD FOR US. GOOD FOR OUR WORLD. GOOD FOR OUR STATE. BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT Love them or hate them, oysters are a staple of southern cooking. For some of us, the sight of a dozen raw oysters on a plate is nirvana. Others can enjoy them only if they’re baked, gilled, or smoked. For still others, just a glimpse of their slimy texture means game off. Whatever your preference, there’s no denying oysters are good for us and good for our world. FOR OUR WORLD Oysters are filter-fe

The key to their hearts -- homemade bread By Jennifer Bajsel TOMATO & PROSCIUTTO FOCACCIA (CAPRICCIOSA) SERVINGS: 12 | PREP: 1 HR. 20 MIN. | COOK: 20 MIN. TOTAL: 1 HR 20 MIN. INGREDIENTS: Bread: 1 cup water, 110° | 1 Tbsp. honey | 1 package (2 ¼ tsp.) dry activated yeast | 2 ½ cup 00 Flour | ¾ Tbsp. kosher salt | 2 Tbsp. rosemary | 1 Tbsp. thyme | 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided Topping: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved | 8 oz. prosciutto | ¼ cup fresh basil, torn | 1 cu

RING THE DINNER BELL WITH HEARTY BOWLS FOR CHILLY DAYS BY JENNIFER BAJSEL CAULIFLOWER BISQUE SERVINGS: 8 | PREP: 20 MIN. | COOK: 1 HR. | TOTAL: 1 HR. 20 MIN. INGREDIENTS: 2 heads cauliflower | 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided | 1 medium yellow onion, diced | 2 garlic cloves, minced | 4 cups chicken broth | 1 cup heavy cream | Pinch of nutmeg | 1 Tbsp. Kosher salt | ¼ tsp. white pepper DIRECTIONS: PREHEAT oven to 350° degrees. REMOVE green leaves from the head of the

2026 COLORS OF THE YEAR Design in 2026 is all about balance — tones that evoke calm, spaces that feel meaningful, and colors that offer both personality and ease. This year’s paint selections reflect a collective shift toward intentional living, with hues that connect to nature, heritage, and quiet sophistication. From moody browns to grounding greens and soft neutrals, the 2026 Colors of the Year invite homeowners to design with warmth, clarity, and confidence. SHERWIN-WILLI

COZY NIGHTS, CLASSIC FILMS, & SNACKS TO MATCH From snowy adventures to heartwarming holiday tales, these five films bring the perfect mix of fun and feel-good cheer. Add themed snacks, and you’ve got winter nights covered! The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) Enter a snowy world of talking animals, icy villains, and epic courage. As the Pevensie siblings’ step through the wardrobe, families are reminded of the power of bravery and hope, even i

LEAVE THE TRADITIONAL BAKES BEHIND FOR NEW FESTIVE TREATS BY JENNIFER BAJSEL CANDY CANE COOKIES SERVINGS: 2 DOZ. PREP: 20 MIN. | COOK: 10 MIN. TOTAL: 30 MIN. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened ¼ cup powdered sugar | 1 egg | 1 tsp. almond extract | 2 tsp. vanilla extract | ½ tsp. peppermint extract | 1 ½ cups flour | ½ tsp. salt | ½ Tbsp. red food coloring | ¼ cup crushed peppermint candy | ¼ cup crushed granulated sugar DIRECTIONS: PREHEAT oven to 375°. LINE a bak

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO PLANTING TREES From improved air quality and increased wildlife habitation to enhanced property values and aesthetics, planting trees offers numerous benefits that contribute to a healthier environment and more beautiful landscape. However, selecting the right tree is crucial for ensuring its long-term health and compatibility with your property. Consider factors such as soil type, climate and the tree’s size when fully mature as well as your purpose for