— Nancy M., Colorado Springs, Colo.

Dear Heloise:

I just read your column in The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, and like so many of your readers, I like to garden and get my hands in the dirt, but hate paying the price with my hands. The best solution I’ve found is to buy a box of (100) medical exam gloves at a pharmacy. They’re sturdy, feel comfortable and are waterproof. They’re also cheap enough to throw away, even if you use several pairs a day. Happy gardening! Nancy, that’s a great idea!

— Heloise Dear Heloise:

Both of our daughters got married in December, and before they stored their gowns, I snipped a bit of tulle from under their dresses and two flowers from their bouquets. I also took a small flower from the groom’s boutonniere. I used material from the

Dear Heloise:

I just exposed myself to concentrated filth! How? By once more having to empty my vacuum cleaner. Why hasn’t someone come up with a “green vacuum” by now?

— Frances M., Fayetteville, Ark.

Frances, they have. There are bagless vacuums now. Just remove the dust-collecting cylinder, take it out to the trash can and empty it into the trash. There also are robotic cleaners. Both work well to make that chore easier and cleaner.

— Heloise Dear Heloise:

Here’s a way to repurpose old place mats: Line the refrigerator shelves with them and launder when needed.

— Darlene R. in Washington