Print edition: 
Do you have a favorite business, government or other beauty spot that is shining right now?
E-mail acalovich@wichitaeagle.com or answer at Kansas.com/garden. For more, subscribe to How the Garden Grows, The Eagle’s garden e-newsletter. Go to kansas.com/newsletters to sign up.
Do you have an outstanding Halloween display?
Do you have one of the best Halloween displays in the area? We are putting together a map of the area’s best along with photos. E-mail your address to online@wichitaeagle.com and upload a photo, if possible, to Kansas.com/upload. Please include your address and contact information in the caption field.
Housekeeping Q&A
Q. I've been washing everything in cold water to save on energy costs. Is there ever a reason to use hot water, or does cold water do just as good a job?
A. Using a cold water detergent in cold water will provide similar cleaning results as washing in warmer water. Hot water is beneficial at killing germs. In cold water, germs will slow down. Many newer machines that have sanitizing cycles boost the hot water to kill germs.
— Washington Post
Your favorite fall yard tasks
Here are some of your answers to a recent question of the week:
„øThe fall task I most look forward to is pushing my lawnmower over tree leaves on the grass, shredding them to bits with my mulching blade. _ Al Vopata
„øI'm ready to mow my lawn. I'm also ready to rake leaves! _ Elizabeth
„ I am digging up two new 4-by-8-foot plots and will be using garden timbers (newer, safer) to start the beds, filling them with my own soil mixture. My wife says I have to be careful not to over-tax myself. I tell her that if I couldn't garden, I would be dead anyhow! — GrandBob
Garden clean-up
Clean up garden beds by trimming perennial foliage that has faded or looks tatty. Follow with a light mulch to prevent winter weeds from germinating. The mulch layer should be no thicker than 1 to 2 inches.
— Washington Post
In bloom at Botanica
Mums, including this Gold Crusted chrysanthemum in the Downing Children's Garden and the entrance to the Jayne Milburn Aquatic Collection.
