The sound of gurgling water surrounds you in this North Side garden. Each twist of the homemade stone paths was a pleasant surprise -- an unusual perennial, a small ornamental tree, a pleasing combination of annuals and perennials. (Today)

In her first 10 years of marriage, Elizabeth Palmer learned how to lay ceramic tile, cut wood for wainscoting and demolish walls. Now, she has her own tool belt with hammers, screwdrivers, pencils, paper and measuring tape. She also was the first to use the couple's new reciprocating saw for demolition, which she enjoys. (Today)

Each year, judges for the Great Gardens Contest argue over the entry deadline. Should we keep it in mid-July to give readers at least two months to photograph their gardens and get their entries in? (Today)

Q. I unwisely planted a small clump of bamboo in my yard. Needless to say, 10 years later it has become a monster. Is there any way to kill it? (Today)

Starting a flower garden, I've discovered, is hard work. There's the tilling and the composting and the planting and the mulching and the weeding and the pruning and the watering and the warding off of deer, woodchuck, moles, beetles and mildew. (Today)