Summer is on the horizon. And you know what that means. It’s time to start planning that vacation … from your kids. You love them to bits. But even the strongest of parents needs a break from time to time. And a smattering of area summer activities not only provides that but also offers ideas...

Kennie Harris Volunteers at: Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Favorite plant to grow: “I don’t have a favorite, but something I’ve learned a lot about are dahlias. They look so unglamorous when you dig them up. They’re this ugly brown, shriveled-up tuber. But they are a gorgeous flower, and they get really tall in the...

If there’s one trendy thing your parents (and sometimes grandparents) are way ahead of you on it’s recycling. Think about it. You’ve been in dad’s garage/basement/shed/workshop/weight room/cave of classic rock/World War II book depository, and you’ve seen all those glass jars filled with assorted screws/washers/bolts/nails/anchors/bits/bobs. If you’ve been in mom’s craft room, you’ve inevitably seen...

How does your garden grow? With weeds and nests and way too many pests? Or with perennials, juicy fruits and healthy, deep roots? Whether your green thumb is well-established or you’ve never picked up a spade, each spring and summer bring the opportunity to begin anew. Tyler Wagner, manager and maintenance director at Wagner Nursery...

It takes just minutes to fill an online cart, do a quick cost comparison and click to complete the order. But if the items aren’t necessary, why is it easy to make purchases without much thought? Erin Lowry knows. “I think money often gets discussed as a rational thing and it’s not,” she said. “We...