Smooth vases from Leah Nobilettte. Photo courtesy of Leah Nobilette. Last month you planted the seeds and starts. Like Mother Nature, maybe you were a bit behind kicking off the sunny season, but all those extra showers will soon (if not already) yield plenty of the late summer flowers we suggested for your last-minute cutting garden. And what better way to show off those blooms than in a beautiful locally-made vase? more...

Elevations proposed for Homeland Security project. Image: GBD Architects   Design Advice: Department of Homeland Security Garage/Office Space Proposed in South Portland The unoccupied building on the 4300 block of Southwest Macadam may be occupied by the Department of Homeland Security. To make room for the Feds, the owners of the building seek to build a new three-story 74,000 square-foot parking garage, topped by more...

Six Great Things to Do This Weekend. LEARN 2010 Tour de Coops Where: various backyards across North, Northeast and Southeast Portland When: Saturday, July 24, 11a.m.-3p.m. Cost: guide booklets are $15 Tip: Bring your friends (the $15 cost covers groups as well as individuals) This strolling tour takes you to the backyards of 25 of your neighbors who display their very own chicken coops for those interested in more...

Thyme in full bloom Herbs are beautiful choices for both your yard and cooking adventures. Most can be planted from early spring until late fall and need virtually no maintenance once established. The favorites listed here are all drought tolerant, need minor trimming in the winter and are versatile in the kitchen. Use fresh herbs in your soups, salads, cocktails, meat and fish dishes, even desserts. All have medicinal more...

Okay, so we haven't been experiencing the steamiest "Wet Hot American Summer" so far this year. Lately, the morning grey skies and chilly night gusts have it feeling more like October in July. But with warm afternoons and bright, extended evenings—plus a few sweaty heat waves (fingers crossed for at least a few more spikes in the mercury)—it is still decidedly summer in Oregon. And how do we take advantage more...

Arthur A. Arend House, 1909 After years of meetings, consultations, research, more meetings, paperwork and sweat, the Irvington Community Association (ICA) has submitted its nomination for the Irvington neighborhood to be designated as a Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places. If approved, it would be a significant step for local residents and history buffs, while giving the neighborhood more influence more...

Event date: Sep 25, 2010

Event location: A tour of sites featuring green building applications around the city of Portland and free info fair at Ecohaus, 819 Southeast Taylor Street

Presented by the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, twenty-two inspiring and innovative green residential projects will be open around the Portland Metropolitan Area. Chat with homeowners and contractors about small space living, Passive House, ecoroofs, rainwater harvesting, natural landscaping, affordable housing, aging-in-place, water and energy conservation, healthy building materials, alternative more...