Gardener's stop: Worm's Way is the newest stop for green thumbs in Erlanger, at 1360 Donaldson Road, just west of I-75. Year-round gardening, including hydroponics — growing plants without dirt — is the emphasis of the employee-owned company based in Bloomington, Ind. Peruvian Seabird Guano is a good example of its high-powered but all natural fertilizers for indoor-outdoor plants. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. (859)-525-9676.

        Flowers will help: Cancer Family Care and H.J. Benken Florist and Greenhouse in Silverton have partnered to help families coping with severe illness. Shoppers can purchase a coupon for any amount from Cancer Family Care and spend it at Benken on anything from fresh flowers to plants, fertilizers, tools or garden decor. Twenty percent of each coupon goes to Cancer Family Care. Information: 731-3346.

By design

        Tree topper: Japanese maples are Amberly Hooks-Rice's favorite specialty. But she's no gardener. The Roselawn 22-year-old creates trees using real branches and silk lifelike leaves fastened to make a custom-sized and shaped tree. The artist also makes weeping willow, Ming aralias, wisteria, citrus leaf and fishtail trees from 1-foot high table toppers to 8-footers. $35-$200. They can be seen at Coomers Craft Mall in Springdale or call 702-4783.

        Waverly at Lowe's: Lowe's Home Improvement stores have added the Waverly Home Classics collection of wallcovering and complementary window treatments and drapery hardware.

Wise buys

        Diaper dump: The nursery has seen diaper pails go from baskets to plastic pails to the gizmo that seals in the diaper and its smells. Now Delta Enterprises Corp. takes it a step further with the Diaper Wizard. It has a sensor that pops the electronic lid open with a wave of a hand for snappy disposal. The lid closes itself, locking in odors. The best thing? It takes regular plastic garbage bags — no special refill bags to buy. $29.99 at Sears.

        Separate sleepers: The Better Sleep Council reports that one in four couples feel they would sleep better if they were not sharing the same bed — he likes a firm mattress, she likes a softer feel. The Select Comfort folks may have found a solution in the Sleep Number Bed with a mattress that offers adjustable firmness on each side with dual-adjustable air chambers. (A queen set is about $900). For the chilly-warm issue, they have a dual-weight comforter that offers a lightweight side for less warmth and a heavyweight side for more warmth. (About $200, queen). Both at Select Comfort stores, Florence, Tri-County and Kenwood Towne Centre.

        Laundry help: Woolite has two new products made for typical laundry problems: fading and colors running. Woolite Dye Magic cloths trap loose dye that would normally transfer to clothes during the wash cycle. $3.99 for 20. Woolite Dark Laundry is a gentle fabric cleaner formulated to minimize fading. 32 ounces (about 16 loads) $5.25.

        Contact Joy Kraft by phone: 768-8467; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: jkraft@enquirer.com

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