Blessed are those who save seeds produced by plants they have grown, for they shall inherit the earth's crops in all their biodiversity. Only slightly less blessed are those who save seed packets. Yes, you paid money for them, but you rarely use all of what's in those little envelopes, so into th...

Reusable bags were a hot topic during our recent Home Web chats (http://www.washingtonpost.com/liveonline). Here are tips from our bag-savvy readers on buying totes and making them part of your shopping routine.

"The walls are painted washed-over green, the window treatment looks like the '80s, the chairs are not great . . . the room just does not have the 'feel' that you want when

A.k.a. Spot. This Clarendon shop stocks chic beds, blankets, collars and more. It also has a do-it-yourself station for washing your dog. 2509 N. Franklin Rd., Arlington. 703-248-0093. http://www.akaspot.com .

Dear Dr Gridlock : The garage at the Franconia-Springfield Blue Line station is undergoing some sort of renovation that occasionally causes a rapid fill-up in the morning, but not every morning. The station manager didn't know much, but said to call Metro information , which I did.

These food establishments were closed because of health code violations. The list, compiled from health department reports, reflects actions taken by the departments.

Earthsac Reusable Insulated Tote. This pale-green shopping bag keeps frozen and refrigerated items cold until you get them home. It has a flat, reinforced bottom, is made of wipe-clean polyester fabric and has a food-safe insulated lining. Folds flat. $9.99 at http://www.containerstore.com .

If caulk around a tub or shower has deteriorated, the middle of this month is a perfect time to replace it. Why then? Most tub caulk needs to cure for 24 to 36 hours before you expose it to water. So if you devote, say, Feb. 13, to the yucky task of prying out the old stuff and the somewhat intim...

Q: I just purchased a vacation home on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Our waterfront cottage is darling, and it is landscaped nicely. I would like to put something in the window boxes and perhaps add urns and planters around the house. I would like to have loads of flowers with trailing vines, but since...

If there is a room in your home that needs some interior-design help but you don't know where to start, you may be interested in Spring Spruce Up , an annual promotion offered by the Washington chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). This program matches Washington area...

Q: I have a lot at the beach with wetlands that I cannot disturb. What plants could I choose for this sandy area?

Marni Barron, an innovative educator, shares my discomfort with many Washington area school districts that rate nearly 100 percent of their teachers as satisfactory. (I'm not kidding: Alexandria says 99 percent, Fairfax County, 99.1 percent, Montgomery County, 95, Loudoun County, 99, Prince George's...

Dear Dr. Fox: We adopted two young dogs that had been abused at a puppy mill. They have adjusted nicely.

Feb. 4 "HER STORY: MARGO HUMPHREY" This retrospective exhibition showcases lithographs and works on paper by Humphrey, who is on the faculty of the U-Md. art department. Reception 5-7 p.m., discussion with Humphrey at 6 p.m. Exhibit opens Thursday. Through March 12. University of Maryland, Cole...

Commemorate Black History Month by taking in a performance by the Durham, N.C.'s Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble. The troupe's daytime shows have an educational mission, with Davis (who majored in theater and dance at Howard) as a storyteller, plus dance and music from West Africa....

One of Washingtonians' worst fears these days is being caught shopping without their own bags. As people adjust to the new five-cent fee on disposable bags in the District, everyone seems to have something to say on the subject.

There are curators in this town who are responsible for some pretty important stuff: the Declaration of Independence, Leonardo da Vinci's picture of Ginevra de'Benci and copies of Shakespeare's First Folio, to name a few.

During mild spells, check fall-planted perennials, shrubs and trees. The freeze-thaw cycle can cause soil to heave, exposing plant roots. Reset dislodged root balls and apply a winter mulch to temper future freeze effects.

These sales data were provided by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. To find sale and assessment records for homes in other Washington areas, visit http://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate .

Getting your paws on sleek puppy beds, cool bird cages and haute cat collars has become easier than teaching a dog tricks, thanks to a new generation of chic pet companies. What began with a few high-end designers offering modern, handmade wares has evolved into a growing part of the pet-product...

It's like an all-night party, with food, friends meeting friends, and plenty of exercise.

The site of a British invasion as well as a recruitment camp for African American Civil War troops, the sleepy little hamlet of Benedict has seen its share of action.

Despite steep cuts in local aid in recent months and the threat of more reductions, all three counties in Southern Maryland would see a slight increase in state support under Gov. Martin O'Malley's fiscal 2011 budget plan.

Sunderland area 1. Firestone, Pushaw Station Road. Preliminary approval for six lots in a major subdivision.

These deaths were reported by funeral homes in Southern Maryland:

These were among reports received by the Calvert County Sheriff's Office and the Maryland State Police. Anyone with information about these crimes should call the Criminal Investigation Division, 410-535-2800 or 301-855-1194, or the Crime Solvers line, 410-535-2880. You can also call the Prince...

"GLOW," "light art" will illuminate the Arts Building, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Mondays, through Feb. 14. Annmarie Garden, 13480 Dowell Rd., Solomons. $3; age 55 and older and ages 5-12, $2; 4 and younger, free. 410-326-4640 or http://www.annmariegarden.org .

Are we done dieting? Many of us want to lose weight, and many more probably should. But in recent months I've seen a subtle shift in the diet-guidance market: Instead of prescribing eating regimens, many weight-loss experts are suggesting that we reevaluate our relationship with food, focus on ea...

Two months back, tiny Lincoln University attracted worldwide media attention when it threatened to withhold diplomas from overweight students unless they took a special fitness class.