Sign up for our eNewsletterCraft beer and Craftsman architecture come together at North Park Beer Company By Michael Good | House Calls There are do it yourselfers. And there are DO IT YOURSELFERS. Kelsey McNair is the all-caps kind of DIY guy. When I first met him four years ago, he was looking for advice about the woodwork in his Craftsman bungalow in North Park. Most of the wood trim was intact — bookcases, china cabinet, fireplace mantle — but a […]
Read MoreTime to turn back the clock to when early-20th-century homes were one with nature? By Michael Good | HouseCalls History seems to have overlooked the landscape architect. On the city of San Diego’s website you’ll find information about some 60 master architects, roughly 30 master builders, but only two master landscape architects. Yet garden design was an important part of early-20th-century residential architecture. The Craftsman house was specifically conceived as a blend of indoors and out. […]
Read MoreExciting new versions of old stalwarts By Gary Jones In just a few weeks, summer’s hot days will be upon us. But it is not too late to fill pots and borders with hot weather flowers that will pump out color all summer. The key to success will be to keep these plants well-watered while they root in. While they become established, they should never be allowed to become completely dry.
Read MoreBy Gary Jones Tomatoes are, by far, the most popular home-grown “vegetable.” (It’s really a fruit.) Their ubiquity is not surprising for obvious reasons. They are very easy to grow and the flavor of a backyard tomato is sensationally better than store-bought. Whether you are a tomato newbie or a hardcore tomato-maniac, there is always a new variety to try or a new tomato trick. (Remember the “upside-down” tomato craze a couple of years ago)?
Read MoreA dancer honors her mother — and the past — by restoring a piece of architectural history By Michael Good Today’s new homeowners tend to rush into things. And you can hardly blame them. First, they rush into making an offer on a house — because they’ve learned from experience that in this overheated market those who wait get outbid. Then they rush into closing, because the sellers and the real estate agents and the […]
Read MoreBy Michael Good | House Calls Steve at the Qwik Stop — always ready with a savvy recommendation for a new microbrew — is a changed man. He told me the other day as I was — uncharacteristically — buying water and trash-can liners that he’d quit drinking. He seemed as baffled as I was. “You know,” he said, “I never even drank that much! Just a couple beers a night!” I didn’t know what to […]
Read MoreBy Gary Jones Spring is the best time of year for a garden party. Outdoors, there are layers of fresh, bright green foliage, vibrant colors and mild temperatures. The holidays encourage us — Purim, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day are all ideal outdoor spring celebrations.
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