Home and Garden

Celebrate spring with friendship through flowers

Stopping to smell the flowers


Trees, shrubs, vines and bulbs are broadcasting the arrival of spring with bodacious blossoms— Japanese cherry, peach, forsythia, quince, Carolina jessamine, cherry laurel, saucer and star magnolias, daffodils, tulips, and irises. Camellia japonica flowers skirt winter and spring. On March 22 and 23 Columbia Ikebana International Chapter 182 will celebrate its 50th anniversary with an exhibition of 40 floral arrangements […]

Star Chefs

Spring
Casseroles

Artichoke Spinach Lasagna Cooking spray 9 uncooked lasagna noodles 1 onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1 (14.5 ounce) can vegetable broth 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary 1 (14 ounce) can marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry 1 (28 ounce) jar tomato pasta sauce 3 cups shredded mozzarella […]

The important role played by bees in lawns and gardens


A colorful garden in full bloom is an aesthetically appealing sight each spring and summer. The pleasant aromas emanating from such spaces only add to their appeal. Many variables contribute to a thriving garden, and perhaps none is more important than bees. North America is home to thousands of species of bees, but many of those species are experiencing dwindling […]

Star Chefs

Eat Your Vegetables

Carrots with Dried Cherries 5 carrots, sliced 2 Tbsp. butter 1 ½ Tbsp. honey ¼ cup dried cherries Bring one inch of water in a medium saucepan to a boil. Add carrots and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside. In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey until dissolved. Add […]

Welcome birds to the garden

Stopping to smell the flowers


Each year from November 1 to April 30 individuals, families, nature centers, and classrooms participate in a winter census of birds at feeders in backyards, schoolyards, parks, and natural areas. The citizen science project collaboration between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada has been ongoing since 1997, and your data helps scientists track winter bird populations. FeederWatch encourages […]

Star Chefs

Cheesy Casseroles

Southern Grits Casserole 6 cups water 2 cups uncooked grits 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided ½ cup butter, cut into pieces, divided 1 pound ground pork sausage 12 large eggs ½ cup milk Salt and pepper to taste Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a large baking dish. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan; stir […]

The Contemporaries to host Neon Dreams: A Pop Art Affair

The Contemporaries of the Columbia Museum of Art (CMA) will host Neon Dreams: A Pop Art Affair March 2, 7–11 p.m., 1515 Main Street. The event, presented by Certified SC, promises to be a celebration of artistic expression, social engagement, and philanthropy, all in support of the CMA’s mission to enrich our community through the power of art. More details […]

Bringing Bourbon to Wildewood Downs

Stephanie Buerkert (l) and Sarah Bruner recently brought a selection of South Carolina distilled bourbon to Wildewood Downs for a bourbon tasting event.

Health with a Cherry on Top


The first image to come to many people’s minds when they think of cherries may be one of these tiny stone fruits sitting atop an ice cream sundae. That’s an undeniably appealing image, but cherries are more than just a must-have sundae topping. Cherries benefit the body in various ways. Nutritious and delicious, cherries may find their way into even […]

Star Chefs

Noodling Around

Creamy Pesto Shrimp 1 pound linguine pasta ½ cup butter 2 cups heavy cream ½ tsp. ground black pepper 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⅓ cup pesto 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in linguine and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring […]


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