HOME & GARDEN JAY LaPRETE | FOR THE DISPATCH The low-maintenance yard looks as good from inside the home as it does from outside. No fuss, no muss Plants do the real work in beautifully planned yard When gardening, Mike Thompson doesn't want a bother. And so he plans. He puts easy-care plants in the right places so that he can avoid having to pamper them. He creates flower beds that can fend for themselves.

Home stories

• What projects pay you back
• REAL ESTATE MATTERS: Unless purchase agreement is in writing, contract is not binding
• THE NATION'S HOUSING: Government Web site offers deals on seized properties
• BLUEPRINT: Many windows ensure home is flooded with natural light
• Remember to add cost of insurance to projects
  Existing policies probably won't cover renovations to home
• THE SENSIBLE HOME: Industry flush with toilet designs that do job while saving water
• Don't get taken to the cleaners when buying a new washer
  Front-loaders cost more but can save water and energy
• ANTIQUES AND COLLECTING: Presidential portraits lose their appeal
• 'Wickedly Perfect' winner puts ideas down in a book
• Salad bowl looks good enough to eat
• Custom-made bedspreads offer personalized variety
• BY DESIGN | CEILINGS: Color ends a traditional bland look
• House Watch
• REAL-ESTATE UPDATE | JAN. 15-21
• Mortgage Market

Garden stories

• Plant of the Week: Spear sansevieria
• HOME & GARDEN BRIEFS
• Coming Up