GALLATIN, TENN. — I just received my copy of this month's CONTRACTOR, and I was utterly shocked to read the story written by Robert Mader ("Builder tells subs to cut prices midcontract," March, pg.7).

What impressed me the most when I visited Gary Thompson’s garden in Meridian was his smart use of elevation. The shady space ...

Slopes change a gardener's perspective. No flat lawns and meandering paths, but inclines and declines on which it can be difficult to stand, dig or weed and where plant choices seem more precarious.

I am trying to control water run-off and erosion on a slope in my front yard next to the street. Is there a best plant and a best way to do this? W.W., Sand Springs The short answer is no. There are ...