The Staff of the Anoka County Shopper put together a special section on Home Improvement.

Take a look at some very helpful tips on a variety of topics.

Contributing writers are Jennifer Kivioja, Kelly Johnson and Tammy Sakry.

Go to these fun links:

Add architectural interest by adding wainscoting
Tired of the same drab, boring walls in your home? If you are then wainscoting could be your answer. Story

Bring your 1960s bathtub into the 2000s with a new look
Are you one of those people that are stuck with a vintage avocado green or harvest gold bathtub from the 1960s and hate it? Story

Create a butterfly garden
This summer add a butterfly garden to your yard. Butterfly gardens add nature and beauty, but they can also create a peaceful and tranquil setting. Story

Composting: good for homeowners and environment
Composting has had a bad rap and many homeowners shy away from starting a compost site on their property because they think it smells or they don’t know how to properly maintain the compost. Story

Add a cool breeze to your room with a ceiling fan
A ceiling fan is one of the easiest ways to circulate airflow in any room. It helps circulate cool air in warmer months and when temperatures drop, the direction can be reversed to push warm air back down. Story

Bringing new life to old decks
The elements can be hard on a deck. Exposure to wind and water can leave the wood decking and joists damaged and in need of repair. Story

Getting your deck in shape for summer entertaining
From family barbeques to outdoor parties, a deck is essential to summertime entertaining. Story

Simple tips to keep garage doors and openers working
Garage doors and their openers do a lot of hard work day in and day out. To keep these essential devices working, it is a good idea to do some simple maintenance at least once a year. Story

Step-by-step instructions to building a gazebo
A good way to add extra seating and shelter to your home is by building a gazebo. Story

Home safety tips while you’re away this summer
Each summer millions of families across the country take a family summer vacation. They pack up their families and head to a fun destination. Story

Housing market picks up in Anoka County
Home sales are on the rise in Anoka County. Story

A sharp mower blade can prevent future lawn problems
Many homeowners take great care to keep their lawn green well into the end of the summer growing season. Story

Simple maintenance helps prevent lawn mower problems
The snow is gone and the grass is starting to turn from brown to green. Story

Adding beauty, function with retaining walls
Retaining walls can be used for more than just keeping your backyard hill out of your front yard. Story

Think safety, when tending your garden this summer
As the days start to grow longer, more and more people spend time outside. And part of that outdoor recreation includes working in your yard and garden. Story

How to choose the right tree
Trees provide a yard with a lot of things, including visual appeal and shade. Before purchasing and planting any new trees, determine what is desired in a tree and what will survive in the yard’s soil. Story

Miniature water gardens
While many people may enjoy the idea of having a water garden, not everyone can have one. Container water gardens are a good substitute. Story

How to properly water trees
Many trees and shrubs in Anoka County were stressed or damaged because of the lack of rainfall and irrigation during the fall of 2003. Story

Local horticulturist offers ideas for spring yard cleaning
This time of year people start enjoying the sweet smells of summer and all the outdoor gardening. Story