When Walls Get in the Way. The homes of yesteryear may possess charm that new construction can't match, but the rooms can be a bit small for 42-inch plasma screens and entertain-a-crowd cooking. Often, master baths are tiny, living rooms aren't so great, and galley kitchens seem built for galley slaves.

Stray Light Has Sky-Gazers Yearning to Be in the Dark. For the environmentally concerned sky-watchers among us, it isn't enough that the world should go green. It should go dark green. As in, "Turn off all the unnecessary lights, please.".

Clothes Dryer's Vent Inspires Some Inside-Out Thinking. Q: DEAR TIM: My husband wants to vent our clothes dryer into our garage to keep our cars warmer in the winter. I think dryer vents should be directed outdoors. Can you settle this debate?.

Home Front: Pet Hair, Painting Furniture, and Lampshades. Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

Late Spring Answers on Tulips and Training, Butterflies and Begonias. Washington's growing season is in full swing. Q: My wife loves tulips. Is it true they only last one to two seasons? Are there any species that come back every year?.

Even After Heavy Rain, Trees May Need Help Surviving Drought. The drought is officially over, but its effects might continue for our area's trees.

Well-Built Walls Can Hold Back Forces of Nature. Q: DEAR TIM: Can you tell me how to build a retaining wall? Are retaining wall blocks a good choice? What critical things do I need to know so that I don't have a collapse or other failure in the years to come? I have access to lots of large stones. Can I just stack them to make a retaining wall..

After Spring Rains, It's Summer Chores That Keep Your Garden Lush. After plenty of spring rain, gardens are growing lushly again, a contrast with last summer's drought. So it's time to get back to normal garden management activities.

Home Front: Dorm Room Decor, Displaying Diplomas and "Man Rooms". Post Home Section staffers Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza take questions on your decorating dilemmas. This week, they start getting ready to go back to school, as they learn about eco-friendly college dorms and help parents get organized for their students' routines.

Little Fixes Can Often Free Sticky Locks. Q DEAR TIM: Several door locks at my home don't work properly. When I try to extend the deadbolt lock, it will not turn all the way.

Welcoming Wildlife to Your Garden. A young bunny munching on grass is barely aware of the audience he attracts while he eats lunch.

Do It Yourself. Q Our wooden deck has splinters in several areas, especially on the steps and railings. What suggestions do you have for repairing the deck? -- J. Bowman.

The Hurdles on the Way to a Better Insurance. In my last several columns, I have discussed a proposal for a new type of mortgage insurance that I think would help solve many of the problems with the current mortgage system.

When an Appraisal Just Doesn't Add Up. Q: I applied to refinance my mortgage and was told that I would have to have a current appraisal. The lender contacted an appraiser to schedule a time. I paid the lender $349 upfront, which was charged to my credit card.

Don't Overlook the Kitchen Exhaust. Q: DEAR TIM: The plans for my new kitchen call for a range hood exhaust fan. Is one fan more effective than another? Years ago, the downdraft exhaust fans were popular. What kind of fan is in your kitchen? How do I make sure the one I select will adequately ventilate my kitchen?.

Understanding Your Credit History Is the First Step Toward a Higher Score. I have heard from numerous readers who were confused by a recent column on how to clean up your credit history and credit score.

Room to Roam, and Float, in Anne Arundel. It did not take Dan Hurston long to get involved in his new neighborhood. Hurston moved about two years ago to Annapolis Landing in Riva and is already vice president of the homeowners association.

What It Takes to Create a Community. How do you turn 17,000 acres, 5,000 acres or even 300 acres into a single community that works?.

A Break From the Yard In Suburban Maple Lawn. When Prassad Karunakaran lived on a half-acre in Sykesville, northwest of Baltimore, tending to his spread came with the mortgage. Over time, the novelty of mowing turned into plain drudgery.

All Signs Point to Confusion. Do you ever think about how much we depend on highway signs? They tell us where we are; provide essential direction and destination options; and display critical rules about driving, stopping or parking.