Vases aren’t just containers for water; they enhance a floral or dried-material arrangement. With that in mind, why not expand your idea of what constitutes a vase and use seasonal materials, such as squash, a pumpkin or gourd? Just cut a round hole in the top and scoop out the seeds. You now have a watertight container. If the bottom’s not flat enough for it to stand upright, just shave off the bottom a bit.

Beyond spider plants

Those indoor gardeners who want to go beyond ordinary species found in home centers or local nurseries will find dozens of rare houseplants in the Logee’s Greenhouses Ltd. catalog. For a copy, write Logee’s Greenhouses, 141 North St., Danielson, CT 06239; (860) 774-8038, or fax (860) 774-9932.

A nod to the birds

Even the birds want a clean food dish. Don’t assume that because it’s frozen, the bird feeder doesn’t need periodic cleanings. Diseases among wild birds can easily spread via bird feeders.

Take your feeder down monthly and wash with a solution of soap, water and household bleach. The pile of seed hulls on the ground underneath the feed is also a source of infection as birds scratch around in the pile for spilled seeds. It’s also a good idea to periodically rake up the hulls and dispose of them in a compost pile or garbage.

Light it up, enter this contest

Got those Christmas lights up and turned on? Then you can enter the “Brighten Up the Holidays” Photo Contest, sponsored by GE Lighting. (And given the sponsor, it’s a good bet that the more lights, the better, for this contest.) There will be 50 winners. You have to buy a set of GE lights, then send the entry form available at the store, the package UPC code and a photo of your decor. Entry deadline is Jan. 31.

This just in

You may think you have exquisite taste. But when you try selling your home, will prospective buyers think so? Expensive, one-of-a-kind wallpapers or paint finishes may set you apart from the hoi polloi, but the Wall Street Journal says they can be deal killers.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo