Gardening

“home turf,” in a way I didn’t expect. There’s a sense of ownership and pride in the gardens, conservatory, and landscape — without doing any of the work! Here’s a sampling of locations in the region:

Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square) $85

Jenkins Arboretum (Devon) $50 Morris Arboretum

Chanticleer Gardens (Radnor) $40 for a season pass (May 28-November 4, 2018)

Tyler Arboretum (Media) $60

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (New Hope) $40 (Senior $30)

Helping Wildlife

Birdseed hangers: Birdseed is pressed into decorative shapes, from pears to eggs to cupcakes, with loops attached for does a superb job performing and choreographing the numbers, particularly “Almost Like Being In Love” and “Heather on the Hill.” Always underrated, this movie deserves to be rediscovered on Blu-ray. The Fall: Complete Collection (2017, Acorn, unrated, $70) Long before he made audiences swoon in “Fifty Shades of Grey,” Jamie Dornan was killer good as a violent predator named Paul Spector in this engrossing thriller that ranks with TV’s best police procedurals. Gillian Anderson (“The X-Files”) stars as icy DSI Stella Gibson who is called to Belfast to investigate a string of murders. It doesn’t take Gibson long to close in on Spector but pinning the slayings on him is quite a challenge. Cat and mouse thrillers don’t come any more fascinating than this smart and stylish series. Harry Potter and the easy hanging from outdoor trees. You can even get a five-foot string of “lights.” Each string has ten “bulbs” in blue, red, green, and yellow. Adorable! There’s also a sconce filled with fall-colored stalks of a variety of grains. Really pretty! Help feathered friends get through the winter. (gardeners.com)

Mason Bee House: Native mason bees are pollinators. Unlike honeybees, pollinating is all that mason bees do. Also unlike honeybees, which require a lot of knowledge and care Prisoner of Azkaban: (2017, Warner, PG-13, $35) All of the “Potters,” including this series stand-out, receive 4K upgrades this season. While it’s only been six years since the original franchise came to a close, it’s still fun to revisit the adventures of Master Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and his pals (Emma Watson, Rupert Grint). In the enthralling “Azkaban,” Harry must confront the soul-sucking Dementors, outsmart a werewolf and figure out the truth about Sirius Black (Gary Oldman). The Godfather Trilogy: Omerta Edition (19721990, Paramount, R, $36) For its 45th anniversary, Paramount is making you an offer you can’t refuse with this gorgeous limitededition set. Sure, the conclusion to the trilogy is enjoyable but it pales in comparison to the original film and its sequel, both on your part to maintain healthy hives, mason bees will be happy if you just hang up a bee “condo” for them. (gardeners.com) Or, go a step further and visit Crown Bees where you’ll find information, instructional videos, and how to harvest and share cocoons. You can also buy kits to raise leafcutter bees, which are also excellent pollinators. (crownbees.com)

Indoor Gardening

Mason Jar Indoor Gardens: Here’s yet another use for the multi-talented mason jar: self-watering of which are towering masterpieces as much about America as the mob. Themes of loyalty, honor and obedience are probed as Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) makes the devastating journey from affable college boy to stone cold killer. Essential – and then some. The Three Stooges: Big Box of Nyuks (2017, Mill Creek, unrated, $45 ) For the comedy lover on your holiday list comes over 40 “poifect” hours of entertainment thanks to this budget-priced ten disc set. On tap are six feature films starring Moe, Shemp and Larry, 156 episodes of the “Three Stooges” animated series, seven shorts starring the original trio, TV pilots, a nine-part documentary about the comics and the 2000 biopic starring Evan Handler, Michael Chiklis and Paul Ben-Victor. For $45, that’s a lot of nyuks for your window planters. Herb Garden: choose from organic Genovese Basil, Cilantro, Oregano, Flat Leaf Parsley, Sage, and nonGMO Common Mint. Edible Flower Garden: choose from non-GMO Pansy, Zinnia, or English Daisy. (uncommongoods.com)

Windowsill Art: You might want to team up a mason jar garden with a copy of “Windowsill Art.” In this charming little book, author Nancy Ross Hugo provides dozens of ideas and how-to information for creating “oneof-a-kind natural arrangements buck. Charlotte’s Web: Limited Edition Gift Set (2006, Paramount, PG, $20) For the first time the delightful 2006 movie starring Dakota Fanning is paired with E.B. White’s beloved book. In addition to enjoying the saga of a tiny spider who spins a great tale of friendship and adventure, your kids can also dive into the special features which include deleted scenes, gag reel, featurettes and a music video by Sarah McLachlan. George Romero: Between Night and Dawn (2017, Arrow, unrated, $99) Any fan of vintage horror will be tickled pink to receive this boxed set celebrating the Pittsburgh auteur. Included are three films – and a generous supply of extras – which showcase a different side of “the zombie guy.” There’s the supernatural thriller “Season of the Witch” (1972) and the to celebrate the seasons.” Pam Baxter is an avid organic vegetable gardener who lives in Kimberton. Direct e-mail to pamelacbaxter@ gmail.com, or send mail to P.O. Box 80, Kimberton, PA 19442. Share your gardening stories on Facebook at “Chester County Roots.” And check out Pam’s new book for children and families: Big Life Lessons from Nature’s Little Secrets. Available at amazon.com. bio-terror flick “The Crazies” both of which make great use of non-professional casts. Also included in the set is the oddball romantic comedy “There’s Always Vanilla” (1971), Romero’s change-of-pace followup to his first feature film “Night of the Living Dead.” Mysteries of China: (2017, Shout Factory, unrated, $30) If you have a travel junkie on your holiday list, consider picking up this stunning documentary, filmed for IMAX theaters, about the discovery of China’s Terracotta Warriors and the Tomb of the First Emperor. Considered one of the most important archaeological events of the modern age, these unearthed time capsules set the stage for a deep dive into the history of China. Expect a visual adventure that makes use of cutting-edge time-lapse photography to reveal the backstory of a superpower.