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I use green leaves from my Southern Magnolia tree for metal plant basket liners instead of buying the liners at the store.
I take a metal basket and weave wire around the basket to keep the leaves from falling through. Then I line the basket with green magnolia leaves. Then add several layers of newspapers. Add another layer of leaves to cover the newspapers. Put a small plastic dish in the bottom to hold water. Fill the basket with soil and plant your flowers. Hang the basket and add additional leaves to outside if necessary to cover the newspaper. The leaves will turn golden brown and last several seasons.
Jack Neumeyer, Albemarle
Snip, snip and we saved some money
My husband and I fixed our outside garage keyboard rather than paying for a new one or making a service call. The 9-volt battery had deteriorated into the connector so it would not open. We cut a connector out of an old radio and rewired it into the garage opener and secured it with tape. Then put in a new battery.
Patricia Kerley, Mint Hill
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